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A train holiday to Puglia in Italy by night train is a surprisingly efficient and comfortable way to reach the heel of the boot, allowing you to arrive well-rested and start exploring straight away. This way of travelling combines the relaxation of a long-distance journey with the freedom to explore the region once you are there. The trip requires attention to route planning, the combination of train and hire car, and the selection of the most beautiful destinations in the region.
The journey to Puglia: route and planning
The most common route from the Netherlands to Puglia by train goes via Switzerland and Northern Italy. The journey takes around 24 hours in total, including changes. A well-planned route ensures that you travel through the Alps during the day and sleep at night as you approach southern Italy.
An example itinerary for the outbound journey looks like this:
Step 1: You depart in the morning (usually between 07:00 and 08:00) on the ICE from Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht or Arnhem to Basel in Switzerland.
Step 2: In Basel you change to a Swiss Intercity to Milan, where you arrive towards the evening at Milano Centrale station.
Step 3: Here you have a bit of time for a meal, after which you board the Intercity Notte (the night train) heading for Puglia.
Step 4: The next morning, around 07:40, you arrive well-rested in Bari, the capital of Puglia. Other final destinations such as Brindisi or Lecce are also possible.
The return journey follows a similar pattern, with the night train often not departing until later in the evening. This gives you a full final day in the region. Although the night train to Puglia is an excellent option, Italy offers more of these kinds of connections. Another well-known night train is the connection from Milan to Palermo in Sicily, where the train carriages are driven onto a ferry for the crossing. A special experience for true train enthusiasts.
‘ It is best to book train tickets several months in advance for the most favourable prices. ’
Booking tickets and the comfort of the night train
Planning a train holiday requires timely preparation. It is advisable to book accommodation as early as January, especially for the summer season. It is best to book train tickets several months in advance for the most favourable prices. You can book separate tickets via platforms such as Omio or directly with the railway companies, but an Interrail Pass is often an economical and flexible option for a return trip.
For the night train from Milan to Puglia a reservation is compulsory. A private sleeping compartment is recommended for optimum comfort. These compartments are simple but functional, with beds, a washbasin and sometimes a small breakfast that is served. Although the level of comfort is not comparable to a hotel, it does offer a good night’s sleep so that you arrive at your destination feeling fit.
Freedom on location: hiring an electric car
Once you arrive in Bari or Brindisi, the freedom to explore the region opens up. Combining a train journey with a hire car is ideal for this. To make your trip as sustainable as possible, you can opt for an electric car. At the airports and larger train stations you will find various rental companies where you can hire compact electric models, such as a Citroën ë-C3.
Charging an electric car in Puglia is perfectly manageable, especially if you are staying in agriturismi, which often have their own charging points. Plan your routes carefully and charge the car overnight or during a long lunch. When returning the car, pay attention to the rental company’s conditions; often the battery must be charged to at least a certain percentage.
Discover the highlights of Puglia
With the train as your base and a hire car for day trips, the entire region is within reach. Puglia is known for its whitewashed towns, baroque architecture and extensive coastlines. A stay of 10 to 12 days gives you plenty of time to discover the different parts of the region. Consider staying in a masseria, a traditional converted farmhouse that often offers an authentic experience.
Visit the following highlights:
The Valle d’Itria: This is the heart of Puglia, known for the trulli in Alberobello (UNESCO World Heritage). Also visit the charming towns of Locorotondo and Martina Franca.
Ostuni: Also called La Città Bianca (the white city), because of the whitewashed houses built on a hill.
Salento: The southernmost tip of the heel, with long sandy beaches that are sometimes referred to as the “Maldives of Italy”. Otranto and Gallipoli are the best-known coastal towns here.
Baroque towns: Lecce is called the “Florence of the South” because of its exuberant baroque architecture. The city is an ideal base for exploring the Salento region.
Gargano: This peninsula in the north of Puglia offers a rugged coastline and the dense forest of the Foresta Umbra.
Frequently asked questions
You can plan a comfortable and efficient train holiday to Puglia with a night train connection by taking an ICE train from the Netherlands to Basel, changing there to a Swiss Intercity to Milano Centrale, and then taking the night train to Bari Centrale or Brindisi. Book in good time via Interrail or tour operators and consider a private sleeping compartment for extra comfort. Combine the train journey with an electric hire car from Bari for flexible exploration of the region and allow for a travel time of around 24 hours.
You can expect a night train experience with the option of a private sleeping compartment, recommended for comfort. Although sleep is not always perfect, it is certainly possible to rest. There are simple compartments with beds available, including breakfast in Milan. Specific Nightjet options run from Munich to Rome/Florence, with a through train to Puglia up to July 2025. Overall, the night train is a good way to unwind, provided there is no very demanding day planned afterwards.
To book tickets for the night train smartly and affordably, start planning early in January and compare options such as Interrail, Eurail, Omio or tour operators for package trips. Consider a private sleeping compartment for comfort, although it is not always ideal for sleeping. Pack light and check your passport/ID; charge electric hire cars daily and book outside the high season for peace and lower costs.
The best way to travel locally in Puglia by public transport is by regional stopping trains, especially for the coast and the interior. Sights such as the historic centre and beaches of Bari/Brindisi are easily accessible by train, as is the Gargano coast with regional trains. For the Salento region you can take a night train to Brindisi or Lecce. In addition, the local Ferrovie del Gargano offer options for travelling inland and by stopping trains.
The crucial preparations for a carefree and conscious train holiday to Puglia include booking train tickets and accommodation in good time, preferably in January. Booking a private sleeping compartment on the night train is strongly recommended for extra comfort, and arranging an electric hire car from Bari is essential for flexible exploration of the region. Finally, packing light and checking your travel documents is important for a smooth journey.