Renting a car is one of the easiest ways to explore Lecce and the rest of Salento, especially if you want to visit beaches, small towns and countryside areas that are difficult to reach by public transport. Travellers can either rent a car at Brindisi or Bari Airport or collect one directly in Lecce, depending on their itinerary and arrival point.
Renting a car at Brindisi or Bari Airport
If you are flying to Puglia, renting directly at Brindisi Airport or Bari Airport can often be the most economical solution, particularly when booking in advance. Airports usually have more competition between rental companies and a wider fleet, so basic daily rates can be lower.
However, the cheapest rate is not necessarily the final cost. Basic packages normally come with limited protection and an excess for damage or theft unless additional coverage is purchased. Rental companies can also place a significant pre-authorisation on the card used as a guarantee, reducing the amount of credit available during the trip. Additional costs may be charged according to the contract in case of damage, missing fuel, late return or other expenses.
For this reason, travelling with a physical credit card in the main driver’s name is strongly recommended and, with many standard rates or vehicle categories, required. There are some exceptions: certain companies now accept debit or prepaid cards, but usually under specific conditions or with additional protection packages.
Renting a car directly in Lecce
If you arrive in Lecce by train, private transfer or bus, renting in the city can be more convenient because there is no need to return to the airport just to collect a vehicle.
1. Locauto Lecce
One interesting option is Locauto Lecce, located in Viale del Risorgimento. Locauto has relatively flexible payment conditions: debit cards are accepted for most car categories, and for cars the company currently does not require a traditional security deposit, although a physical card in the main driver’s name is still necessary. Prepaid cards and digital wallets are not accepted.
2. Filorent Lecce
Another local option is Filorent Lecce, based in Via San Nicola near the bus terminal. It accepts both credit and eligible debit cards. Customers using a debit card must purchase a specific protection package, currently priced at €35 per day, which includes additional damage, glass, tyre and roadside-assistance coverage and reduces the deposit to €500. Filorent also offers optional packages that can eliminate the security deposit entirely.
3. Autonoleggio Lecce Rent
For travellers arriving by train, Autonoleggio Lecce Rent is particularly convenient because its Lecce office is located at Piazzale Stazione. Its conditions are more traditional: a credit card is normally required and the standard deposit is €500 for categories A/B/C, €800 for D/E and €1,000 for higher categories. Debit or prepaid cards may be accepted only for a limited number of vehicles and usually require prior approval and additional coverage.
There are also well-known international brands in the city, including Europcar, Avis and Hertz that can be useful for travellers who prefer an international rental network, although deposits, insurance excesses and payment requirements should always be checked for the specific rate and vehicle selected.
Which one should I choose?
There is no single best car rental company in Lecce for every traveller. Brindisi and Bari airports can offer lower base prices and a wider choice of vehicles, but it is important to check insurance coverage, excesses and the amount that may be blocked on your credit card. Renting directly in Lecce can be more convenient and, with companies such as Locauto or Filorent, payment conditions may also be more flexible.
The best approach is therefore to compare the total rental cost rather than just the advertised daily rate, checking the deposit, insurance coverage, accepted cards and any additional fees before confirming the booking.
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