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Before you rent:
Make an informed choice. We believe in providing you with options to choose the right car for your needs with complete price transparency. At U-Save, we prioritize your peace of mind, which means rental insurance with us is not overly complicated and you are assured you are properly insured.
When you collect your Vehicle:
Think ahead. It's a good idea to map out your trip in advance, especially if you're returning the rental car to an unfamiliar location or airport. Check your confirmation email to make sure you know where to meet your agent or where the rental desk, and save the contact details to your phone for quick access.
Bring the necessary documents. While we strive to make the check-in process as simple as possible, some information is required by law. Having your reservation information, driver's license, passport and credit card ready in advance can speed up your reservation process. If you choose to self-insure, make sure that you have verifiable proof of full coverage insurance at the time of rental pickup. If you are a local renter, make sure that you have all the information required by the location to confirm your ID and address.
Conduct a car inspection. Perform a detailed walk around inspection as soon as the vehicle is received to note any existing damage on the rental agreement. The five damage hotspots that we've discovered deserve special attention. You are shielded from responsibility when you return the vehicle by disclosing any existing damage prior to leaving the location.
While you rent:
Take care. Please be advised that depending on the rental coverage you chose, you could be responsible for any damage that occurs during the rental period. Take measures to reduce the possibility of collisions leading to dings and scratches, especially in congested parking areas.
When you return your vehicle:
Complete one more vehicle inspection. Conduct a second inspection during the return procedure, and no matter how little it may look, carefully record any damage. This approach enables us to handle your refund quickly while making sure you are completely insured. The five damage hotspots should receive special attention, just as they did during the initial assessment.
Drive on the right side of the road.
The Euro (EUR) is the local currency.
Average temperatures range from 45°F (7°C) in winter to 85°F (29°C) in summer.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) — often referred to as Bari Palese Airport — is the primary gateway to Apulia (Puglia), the heel of Italy’s boot. Located just 9 km (5.5 miles) northwest of Bari’s city center, the airport serves millions of travelers annually and connects southern Italy with dozens of domestic and European destinations. The surrounding region is famous for its whitewashed villages, olive groves, trulli houses, and coastal cliffs — all best discovered with the freedom of a rental car.
Peter Kristensen , Bari Palese International Airport
This is absolutely my place to rent a car. Even though it's a small place the service is very good and it's cheap and the cars are new. It's loaded a little bit from the airport, but the shuttle is free. The only thing you need to know is call the number in your voucher when you arrive, exit the airport turn left and walk to the pick up point. Once again thank you so much for your excellent service.
Marius Dan Ciobanu , Bari Palese International Airport
Excellent staff experience, no extras sold or implied (I already bought full insurance online). I will mention again the staff, as the ladies there made the whole experience very nice and explained everything, they did not try to sell you unwanted things, and I had a great experience there. Thank you and ci vediamo!
Anthony Vdw , Bari Palese International Airport
Anna helped us greatly when we arrived. Everything went smooth from getting the vehicle and extra sittings for our children. Really recommend U-Save when you need a car in Bari!
Dhrumil Parmar , Bari Palese International Airport
Easy pickup and drop off it can get! Staff is super friendly! There was no wait at all.
Public transport in Apulia is improving, but it still lacks the efficiency of northern Italy. Trains and buses connect major cities, but many of the region’s most magical destinations are in rural or coastal areas with limited or no public transport access. Renting a car from Bari Airport allows you to:
Drive to iconic spots like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, and Matera (Basilicata)
Explore lesser-known gems such as Cisternino, Locorotondo, and Castel del Monte
Discover beaches and coves along the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines
Follow scenic wine and olive oil routes through the countryside
Avoid long waits and restrictive timetables of regional bus lines
Driving in Apulia is generally a pleasant experience, with light traffic outside the cities and beautiful, open landscapes. However, it does require attention, especially when navigating narrow village streets or rural roads.
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side, and road signs are in Italian, but use standard international symbols. Most rental cars are manual transmission, so request an automatic in advance if needed.
Speed limits in Italy are:
50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas
90 km/h (56 mph) on secondary rural roads
110 km/h (68 mph) on divided highways
130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways (autostrade)
The SS16 coastal highway connects Bari to many southern towns, and the A14 autostrada offers quick north-south travel with tolls paid by card or cash. Secondary roads can be narrow and winding but are usually well paved.
Parking is regulated by color-coded lines:
Blue lines = paid parking (buy a ticket at a nearby meter or use an app)
White lines = free parking
Yellow lines = reserved for residents or loading zones
Be aware of ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato) in many town centers — especially in Bari, Lecce, and historic hill towns. Entering one without prior authorization leads to automatic fines, enforced by cameras.
Drink-driving laws are strict in Italy, with a legal limit of 0.05% BAC. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
Fuel stations are widely available, and most accept cards or cash. Some rural stations may close midday or on Sundays — always check fuel levels before long drives.
If you need help while driving in Italy, please don't hesitate to contact us! In an emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services.
Where do I pick up my car?
We are located right outside the airport. After arriving at the airport, exit the terminal through Exit No. 2, turn left, and walk straight for approximately 300 meters until you reach the end of the road. Look for a large red "RENT A CAR" sign in the rental parking area!
How far is Bari Airport from the city center?
About 9 km (5.5 miles) — around 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Is it difficult to drive in Apulia?
Not at all. Most roads are quiet and scenic, though some village streets can be narrow. Drive cautiously and avoid ZTL zones.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
If your license is from outside the EU and not in Latin characters, an IDP is recommended and sometimes required by rental companies.
Are there tolls near Bari?
Yes, particularly on the A14 autostrada. Use cash or card at toll booths. The SS16 coastal road is toll-free.
Can I drive to Matera or Lecce from Bari Airport?
Yes. Matera is about 65 km (40 miles) away (1 hour), and Lecce is about 155 km (96 miles) (under 2 hours via SS16).
What kind of vehicle is best for exploring Puglia?
A compact or mid-size car is ideal for navigating tight roads and village centers. An SUV may be more comfortable for rural routes but is harder to park in old towns.
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