Hire a Car in Taranto, Italy and Explore Puglia at Your Own Pace

Compare competitive prices, choose the right pickup point, and use our practical UK-focused guide to avoid extra fees, sort insurance with confidence, and drive Taranto’s coastline and countryside with ease.

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UK Traveller Advice

Taranto Car Hire Guide for UK Travellers

Renting a car in Taranto is one of the easiest ways to explore Puglia beyond the city—particularly if you want beaches on the Ionian coast, the Valle d’Itria towns, or flexible day trips where public transport can be limited. UK travellers should note that Italy drives on the right; most rentals are manual unless you book automatic well in advance. Expect narrow streets in the historic centre, limited parking zones (ZTL), and busy traffic at peak times. To keep costs predictable, look for a ‘full-to-full’ fuel policy, clarify the security deposit (often held on a credit card), and understand what your cover includes (CDW/theft protection typically have an excess unless reduced by SCDW or third‑party excess reimbursement).

Brindisi Airport (BDS) – Recommended for Taranto Pickups

Brindisi is usually the closest major airport for Taranto and often has the best balance of choice and price. Follow signs for ‘Autonoleggi/Car Rental’ in the arrivals area; most desks are in the terminal, with cars in the adjacent car parks. Pros: wider vehicle availability, longer opening hours, competitive rates, easier start to a road trip. Cons: you’ll drive around 50–60 minutes to Taranto, and airport surcharges can apply.

Taranto Centrale (Railway Station Area)

A practical downtown pickup if you arrive by train or prefer to avoid airport surcharges. Pros: walkable access from rail connections, convenient for city stays, easier to return without airport time pressure. Cons: more limited fleet (especially automatics), shorter opening hours, and local parking can be challenging—plan where you’ll keep the car overnight.

Via/Corso Italia & Modern Centre Offices (City Streets Near Main Roads)

Several providers operate on main city routes that connect quickly to the SS7/SS106 for coastal drives. Pros: straightforward access to arterial roads, often easier than the old town for collections/returns, good for local residents and longer rentals. Cons: traffic at commuting hours, limited on-street parking for paperwork/inspection, and you may need to navigate one-way systems.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Booking Volume

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Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Taranto is served by 8 main rental brands (Maggiore 7.3, Avis 7.3, Hertz, Sixt, Thrifty, Times, Dollar, Keddy), with 70% of regional arrivals via Bari Airport (7.98m pax, +9.7% YoY 2025)."

Booking Patterns

"Bari Airport traffic grew +9.7% to 7.98m passengers in 2025, with seasonal demand peaking in summer (Jun–Sep) and driving Taranto rentals."

Customer Pain Points

"Staff efficiency rated lowest at 6.2/10 by both Maggiore and Avis renters in Taranto, indicating counter-service pain."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Aeroporti di Puglia (Bari Airport)
Rentalcars.com Taranto supplier ratings
Assaeroporti Italian airport statistics
ANSA - Aeroporti di Puglia passenger record
Rentalcars.com Maggiore Taranto customer ratings
Rentalcars.com Avis Taranto customer ratings

Popular Driving Routes And Trips From Taranto

Best Scenic Routes By Car:

Taranto To Alberobello And The Trulli Valley Loop

Scenic countryside loop2 hr 30 min–3 hr driving (half-day with stops)

A classic Puglia drive through olive groves and limestone towns, centred on Alberobello’s UNESCO-listed trulli. Ideal if you want an easy route with memorable architecture and plenty of places to stop for coffee, viewpoints and local food shopping.

Taranto (Old Town), Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Alberobello, Noci

Taranto To Ostuni And The Adriatic White Towns

Coastal and hilltown route2 hr–2 hr 30 min driving (full day recommended)

Drive north-east from the Ionian side towards the Adriatic for whitewashed historic centres, sea views and breezy coastal walks. This route balances a headline town (Ostuni) with photogenic stops and an easy return via inland roads.

Taranto, Ceglie Messapica, Ostuni, Torre Guaceto (coastal area), Carovigno

Taranto To Matera Via Gravine And Canyon Landscapes

Cultural city break route2 hr–2 hr 20 min driving (day trip or overnight)

A rewarding cross-region drive into Basilicata to reach Matera’s famed Sassi cave districts. En route you can sample the ‘gravine’ (ravine) landscapes around Massafra and Laterza, making the journey as interesting as the destination.

Taranto, Massafra, Laterza, Gravina in Puglia, Matera

Popular Day Trips From Taranto:

Alberobello (UNESCO Trulli) Day Trip

Full day (about 1 hr 15 min–1 hr 30 min each way)

See Alberobello’s iconic trulli houses, browse small artisan shops and enjoy an easy-going lunch before returning to Taranto via a different hilltown for variety.

Matera Sassi And Viewpoints

Full day or 1 night (about 1 hr 20 min–1 hr 40 min each way)

Explore the Sassi districts, panoramic belvederes and rock churches. Driving lets you time your visit for late afternoon light and a quieter evening stroll.

Polignano A Mare And Monopoli Coast Hop

Full day (about 1 hr 20 min–1 hr 40 min each way, plus coastal stops)

A classic Adriatic day: cliffside viewpoints in Polignano a Mare and an atmospheric harbour town in Monopoli. Best in fair weather for seaside walks and gelato stops.

Castel Del Monte And Andria

Full day (about 2 hr each way)

Drive to Frederick II’s striking octagonal castle (UNESCO-listed) and pair it with a food-focused stop in Andria. A great option if you want history away from the coast.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Driving Around Taranto

Bring The Right Documents: Carry your driving licence, a passport/ID, and the rental voucher. If your licence is non-EU, check whether an International Driving Permit is required by the rental company.

Choose A Smaller Car For Old Towns: Historic centres and hilltown streets can be narrow with tight parking. A compact car makes manoeuvring and parallel parking far less stressful.

Watch For ZTL Restricted Zones: Many towns in Puglia have ZTL areas (limited traffic zones) with camera enforcement. Park outside the centre and walk in unless your accommodation has authorised access.

Plan Parking Before You Arrive: For popular places like Alberobello, Ostuni and Polignano a Mare, look for signed paid car parks on the edge of town and keep a card or coins handy for meters.

Know Fuel Types And Station Hours: Diesel is common, and many stations have self-service pumps after hours. Confirm ‘benzina’ (petrol) vs ‘diesel’ before filling and keep the attendant receipt if required.

Understand Insurance And Deposits: Check excess amounts, what tyres/glass coverage includes, and whether a credit card deposit is required. Photograph the car at pickup and return to avoid disputes.

Allow Extra Time On Rural And Coastal Roads: Short distances can take longer due to local traffic, agricultural vehicles and summer congestion near beaches. Build in buffer time, especially for timed tickets or tours.

Drive Taranto: Italy's Stunning Southern Coastal Gem

Explore Taranto's ancient streets and Adriatic coastline by car. Essential guide to Apulia driving rules, rental prices, fuel costs, and speed limits

LANGUAGES

Italian

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+39

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$38 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h (30 km/h in school zones and historic centre)

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

130 km/h (autostrada); 90-110 km/h on rural and main extra-urban roads

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (0.00% for drivers with less than 3 years experience; Strictly Enforced)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.21/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.36/L - $2.19/L

Taranto Car Hire FAQs: What UK Drivers Must Know

Practical answers on licences, ZTL fines, tolls, parking and ferry crossings for Puglia road trips

Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Taranto with my UK licence?

Yes. Since Brexit, UK photocard holders must carry a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP (not the 1968 version) alongside their licence to drive legally in Italy. The paper booklet costs £5.50 from the Post Office and is mandatory at every car hire desk at Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport — the nearest hub, 85 km north of Taranto, where most Puglia rentals are collected. Without it, the booking can be refused on collection, the police can issue an on-the-spot fine, and any third-party claim may be voided by your insurer. The IDP is valid for 12 months.

What is the ZTL and will I be fined driving into Taranto's old town?

Taranto's Città Vecchia (the old town on its island) is a Zona Traffico Limitato enforced 24/7 by automatic number-plate cameras. Foreign-plated hire cars are flagged the moment they cross the line, and fines of €80–€100 arrive six to twelve months later, posted to the rental company — which then adds a €30–€50 admin charge. The cameras also cover the swing-bridge approach from the mainland. Park at Corso Italia or the Lungomare car park and walk over instead. Never trust sat-nav blindly; double-check the ZTL boundary on Google Maps before entering.

How do I pay motorway tolls on the A14 around Taranto?

The A14 Adriatica (Bari Nord to Taranto Sud) costs roughly €4–€6 in tolls for a standard saloon. Skip the optional Telepass device unless you are continuing north to Bologna or Milan — for a Puglia-only trip, cash or contactless at the blue lanes is faster. The SS7 Appia and the SS106 Jonica around Taranto are toll-free state roads. At the entrance booth press the green button to take a ticket, then at the exit insert it and pay. Keep the receipt until you leave Italy, in case of dispute.

I'm 23 — will I be charged a young driver fee in Taranto?

Most Italian car hire firms require the lead driver to be at least 21, but anyone under 25 pays a daily 'young driver' surcharge of €10–€20, usually capped at €60 per rental with Locauto and Sicily by Car. Ages 19–20 are only accepted by a handful of operators (some Maggiore and Enterprise branches) at €25–��35 a day. Drivers over 70 are not penalised by fee but may be asked for a medical declaration and a recent driving record. Always quote the lead driver's exact age at booking to avoid a desk refusal.

Where can I park cheaply and legally in central Taranto?

Blue-stripe bays (strisce blu) cost €0.80–€1.50 an hour, payable at the on-street meter or via the EasyPark app; white-stripe bays are free but scarce in the centre. Yellow zones are residents-only — fines are around €85. Never park in the bus or taxi lanes on Corso Umberto, where local wardens patrol daily. The guarded Parcheggio Lungomare Vittorio Emanuele charges about €12 for 24 hours and is the safest overnight option, with CCTV and 24/7 attendance. An expired meter risks a €41 fine plus retrieval paperwork.

Can I take a hire car on the Greece ferry from Taranto port?

Only if your contract explicitly permits cross-border travel — most restrict the vehicle to EU Schengen, and a few operators (Hertz, some Avis branches) ban ferries outright because of recovery costs if the ship breaks down. ANEK and Superfast sail from Taranto port to Corfu, Igoumenitsa and Patras for €60–€110 each way (8–10 hours), bookable online a week ahead in July and August. You must carry the green card insurance document, the V5C-equivalent (logbook copy) and have a €150–€300 excess hold available on your card at collection.

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