Travel
Travel Note
Getting There
Brindisi is the closest airport to the venue. Bari is a bit further but is another option for those planning on driving through Puglia's coastline. It is highly recommended to fly directly into a major international airport (Rome or Naples) and enjoy a few days before the wedding. Brindisi and Bari are small airports with limited flights - this will be a long travel day, especially for those coming from the States! From Rome or Naples, you can take a short flight to Brindisi/Bari. You can also take a train, but this will be a longer journey. Train websites: trenitalia.com (official train line) italiarail.com (official train line) thetrainline.com (third party platform) Please note: The Jubilee 2025 is a special holy year in Rome and the Vatican City and across Italy, starting at Christmas 2024 and ending at Epiphany 2026. A Jubilee year is a time for celebration and sees millions of pilgrims visiting Rome seeking spiritual renewal and a stronger connection to their faith. That being said, travel in and around Rome will likely be busy so schedule accordingly!
Flight
Option One: Fly into Puglia
There are two main airports in Puglia that flights from the States frequent: Bari International Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS). Think of these as “minor international” airports. They service international flights but may have less ideal arrival and departure times available. Josh and Caitlin recommend flying from your largest international airport in the U.S. to Puglia if you are the sort of person who wants to get where you're going or if you’re short on travel days. Bari and Brindisi airports are about 1 hour 20 min apart, with Bari sitting just North of Brindisi along the Eastern Coast of Italy. Depending on your travel plans before or after the wedding, likely Brindisi is the most convenient airport to use as it is 40 min from Castello Monaci.
Flight
Option Two: Fly into Rome, Train to Brindisi
A very popular and affordable way to get to Puglia is to fly into Rome (FCO), take the airport rail to Termini train station and then train to Brindisi. If you have time and you’ve never seen the city of Rome, it’s worth spending some time there. You can take the airport rail into Rome proper or hire a taxi / private driver to get to Roma Termini (the main train station). The airport is about 60 minutes from the city center and the area is well known for traffic and detours. For the second leg to Brindisi, you can take the high-speed train from Termini Station in Rome Southbound to Brindisi in Puglia. The ride is typically direct and takes five hours. The cheapest ticket can be 35 Euro per person, the rates change based on availability and time. You can book your train ticket from Rome to Puglia months in advance. Make sure you book a direct or high-speed train, as the local train with stops can take up to 9 hours from Rome to Puglia. Caitlin and Josh love this option and have done this multiple times. Rome is a beautiful city with LOTS to see, you could spend a good amount of time exploring Rome itself. They like to fly into Rome, hire a private driver who is waiting at the airport and stay in an Airbnb in Trastevere for two nights before taking the train to Puglia. This option allows you to explore a bit, rest and shake off your jet lag before making your way south.
Flight
Option Three: Fly into Naples, Train to Brindisi
Another very popular and affordable way to get to Puglia is to fly into Naples (NAP), take the airport rail to Napoli Centrale (the main train station) and then train to Brindisi. Getting from the airport to the train station takes 15-20 min and can be reached by subway, an easy bus line just outside the airport or a taxi. Cash is king in Italy and especially in Naples. Carry Euros on you to negotiate a good taxi price. The quickest train option from Naples takes just under 5 hours and always has one change in Caserta. The lowest price is 30 Euro per person.
Rental Car
Brindisi Airport
You can rent a car from the airport. The process at the Brindisi airport is quite seamless and we have used it several times. Typically an international drivers license (IDL) is not required from this airport, however Caitlin and Josh would recommend obtaining one for the driver prior to leaving the States. The processes change frequently and other cities in Italy do require one. The easiest and most convenient way to obtain the IDL is through your local AAA office. If renting a car, make sure you choose a car large enough to fit your luggage - standard European cars tend to run on the smaller side. Also, make sure to book an automatic vehicle if you’re not 100% comfortable driving a manual stick shift car. You can rent a car from the Naples Airport and drive to Porto Cesareo. The quickest route takes 4 hours 30 minutes. (You can also drive from the Rome airport, however it is a 7 hour journey.) To Porto Cesareo: If you have chosen a travel option that takes you to Brindisi, you will still need to get to Porto Cesareo. This is the town the couple recommends all of their wedding guests to stay in or near. It is about 20 minutes from the wedding venue and the only location that they will be offering a shuttle service to and from the wedding. You can stay in many of the other beautiful towns in the region and trust them, there are many! You will just need to find your own transportation for the wedding.
Travel Note
Accomodations
Here is a link for special online, wedding rates! The most convenient place to stay is in Porto Cesareo Beach. It is 15 minutes from the wedding venue. See the schedule tab for information about the shuttle service for the day of the wedding.