Lecce is one of the best bases for exploring southern Puglia. From its beautiful Baroque historic centre, you can easily reach the Adriatic coast, the white villages of the Valle d’Itria and some of Southern Italy’s most famous destinations.
However, travelling around Puglia without a car is not always straightforward. Trains work well between the main cities, while smaller towns, countryside hotels and masserie may require buses, connections or a private transfer.
Here is how to travel from Lecce to Bari, Rome, Matera, Otranto, Ostuni and Alberobello.
Lecce to Bari
Travelling from Lecce to Bari is one of the easiest journeys on this list. Direct regional and high-speed trains connect the two cities, making Bari an easy day trip or the natural next stop on a Puglia itinerary.
Some regional services cover the journey in around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
A private transfer can also be convenient if you are travelling with luggage, heading directly to Bari Airport, or staying somewhere outside the city centre.
Lecce to Rome
For travellers continuing their Italian journey, Lecce to Rome is best covered by train. Frecciarossa services connect Lecce with Rome along the Adriatic route, allowing you to travel from city centre to city centre without flying.
Because this is a long-distance journey, booking your train in advance is usually the most practical option, particularly during summer and holiday periods.
Lecce to Matera
Although Matera is in the neighbouring region of Basilicata, it is one of the most popular places to visit from Puglia.
Getting from Lecce to Matera by public transport can require a bus or a combination of different services, often involving Bari, so it is important to check connections for your specific travel date. Bari and Matera are connected by Ferrovie Appulo Lucane services.
For a day trip, a private Lecce to Matera tour or transfer is much simpler. You can leave directly from your hotel or masseria, explore the famous Sassi di Matera and return to Lecce without organising several connections.
Lecce to Otranto
If you are staying in Lecce, Otranto is one of the easiest places to include in your Salento itinerary.
Public transport options include bus and seasonal integrated services from Lecce. Trenitalia’s Otranto Link, for example, connects Lecce with Otranto and several coastal locations during the summer season.
A private tour gives you more flexibility and can also include nearby places such as the Bauxite Lake, Torre Sant’Andrea or other stops along the Adriatic coast.
Lecce to Ostuni
Known as the White City, Ostuni is another must-see destination in Puglia.
Travelling from Lecce to Ostuni by train is relatively simple, but there is one important detail: Ostuni railway station is outside the historic centre. From the station, travellers can continue by local bus to the town centre.
If you want to visit Ostuni together with other towns in the Valle d’Itria, travelling with a private driver can save time and allows you to create a more flexible itinerary.
Lecce to Alberobello
Famous around the world for its trulli, Alberobello is one of Puglia’s most visited towns.
Getting from Lecce to Alberobello by public transport is possible, but it is less direct than travelling to Bari or Ostuni. One option is to travel to Bari and continue towards Alberobello using the integrated train-and-bus service.
For travellers with limited time, a private tour from Lecce is particularly convenient. Alberobello can also be combined with places such as Ostuni, Locorotondo or Martina Franca, creating a full-day itinerary through the Valle d’Itria.
Exploring Puglia with a Private Driver
Public transport is a good option for some journeys, but Puglia is a region where having your own transportation can make a significant difference.
This is particularly true if you are staying in a masseria, countryside resort or villa that is not connected to the main train and bus network, or if you want to visit several destinations in a single day.
We offer private transfers and customised tours from Lecce to destinations such as Matera, Alberobello, Ostuni, Otranto, Bari and many other places across Puglia and the surrounding regions.
Instead of adapting your holiday to train and bus schedules, you can choose your departure time, travel directly from your accommodation and create an itinerary based on the places you actually want to see.
Whether you are planning a Lecce to Matera day trip, a Lecce to Alberobello tour or a private journey through the Valle d’Itria, travelling with a local private driver is one of the easiest ways to discover more of Southern Italy while making the most of your time.
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