Flying to Brindisi: what to know before landing
Brindisi Airport (BDS) is located about 6 km from the city center, reachable via the STP bus that connects the airport to the train station every half hour, or by taxi. The terminal is single-level, compact, and straightforward: arrivals, baggage claim, and exit take just a few minutes. From Brindisi, Lecce is 35 km away — twenty minutes on the highway. For those who want to explore the Salento freely, renting a car is the most convenient choice: the coastal roads between Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto, and Torre dell'Orso are easy to drive but require flexible timing.
Direct Neos flight to Brindisi: duration and why it's worth it
One hour and 45 minutes. That's all it takes from Milan Malpensa to find yourself on the Adriatic. Those who board the Neos flight to Brindisi at 7 a.m. — coffee still in hand, carry-on already checked — are stepping out of the Salento airport terminal a little after 9, with the sun already high and a full day ahead. You leave from Malpensa, you land in Brindisi, and while others are still waiting for their second flight, you're already choosing where to go — toward Lecce, toward the coast, or toward nowhere in particular.
What not to miss in Brindisi and the Salento
Brindisi preserves tangible traces of its role as a gateway to the East: the Roman Column marking the end of the Appian Way, the historic port with the Sea Fort and the Alfonsino Castle, the Virgil Steps overlooking the water. But the city works mainly as a base: Lecce — with its baroque carved in local stone — is half an hour away; Otranto and its castle are reachable in an hour; the beaches of Torre dell'Orso and Punta Prosciutto are among the most photographed in all of Puglia. Those planning a longer trip through Southern Italy can consider pairing the Salento with a stop in Sicily or Calabria: Neos Air also connects Milan with Palermo, Catania, and Lamezia Terme, three destinations perfect for a more articulated southern itinerary.
Deals, included services, and practical details for flying to Brindisi
Those heading to the Salento for a weekend with just a carry-on — and who already know that space must be used wisely — can check the Neos Carry- On Baggage rules before packing: one minute of reading that avoids surprises at the gate. For travelers who want the flight to be part of the journey and not just the way to get there, Premium Class offers seats with more space, dedicated catering, and Fast Track at select airports: one hour and 45 minutes feel different when you start off relaxed. Seat selection is useful for those traveling with others who don't want to spend the flight talking across the aisle. Onboard Wi-Fi — on flights operated with Boeing 787s — is there for those who still have something to finish before landing, or simply can't disconnect. Then you switch off your phone, step down the stairs, and the Salento does the rest: the white light, the air that smells of salt, and Punta Prosciutto exactly as you imagined it.
FAQ
The airport is about 40 km away and is easily reachable by public transportation (train or bus).
Italian citizens must have a valid electronic ID card.
Brindisi's center is easily reachable by public transportation or by taxi in 15 minutes!
Yes, both can be visited in a day. Otranto is about 1 hour away and
Gallipoli about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Generally, the earlier you book, the easier it is to find promotional fares, which always include an 8 kg carry-on bag.
