Compare cheap 7 seater car hire at Brindisi Airport. The drive into Salento, ZTL cameras in Lecce, Italian child seat law and keeping bags safe in a parked car.
Lecce’s historic centre is a camera-enforced ZTL, and the hours change through the day. If your accommodation is inside it, ask the owner to register your number plate before you arrive.
Brindisi Airport handled 3,444,438 passengers in 2025, up 1.7% on the year before (Regione Puglia). It is the gateway to Salento, the heel of Italy, and Ryanair flies there from London Stansted and Manchester (Ryanair).
Puglia’s airports together passed 11.5 million passengers in 2025, three years ahead of forecast (TravelQuotidiano). For a family of seven spread across Salento’s beaches and towns, a hire car is close to essential.
Into Salento
Lecce is the nearest city of any size. The SS613 runs about 34 km from Brindisi to the edge of Lecce (ANAS), so the first drive from the airport is short and simple.
From Lecce, roads fan out to both coasts and down to the tip of the heel. Plan beach days for early starts in July and August, when the coast roads fill by mid-morning.
ZTL cameras in Lecce and the old towns
GOV.UK warns that many Italian historic centres need a pass to drive in, marked by signs reading ZTL in black on yellow, and that cameras record cars that pass without one (GOV.UK).
Lecce’s zone runs at set times through the day and all day on holidays, with cameras on the entrances (SicurAUTO). The hours have changed more than once, so check the council’s page before you drive in. Entering a ZTL without a permit costs about £71 to £282 (€83 to €332) (Brocardi).
Brindisi 7 Seaters in one search
Compare the 7 seaters at Brindisi Airport from several firms, with the excess and fuel terms for each.
Keeping bags safe
GOV.UK says thefts from parked cars are common in Italy, and advises not to leave luggage in the car, even in the boot (GOV.UK). With seven people’s cases aboard, drop them at your accommodation before any sightseeing stop.
Italian rules on the road
A UK photocard licence is accepted in Italy (GOV.UK). The drink-drive limit is 0.5 g per litre, and zero for new drivers. A reflective vest and a warning triangle are compulsory (Your Europe).
Children under 1.50 metres need a child restraint. In cars registered in Italy, children under four also need an alarm that warns if a child is left behind (Brocardi). Hire cars collected in Italy are normally Italian-registered, so ask for the alarm with any child seat.
Holding a phone at the wheel costs about £213 to £850 (€250 to €1,000), along with a licence suspension (Brocardi). Italy is in the Schengen area, so the EU Entry/Exit System applies when you land (GOV.UK).
Room for seven and the cases
A large suitcase takes 80 to 110 litres (Markenkoffer). With all seven seats up, the roomiest common 7 seaters have about 340 to 350 litres of boot (Auto Express).
For a big case each, look for the ACRISS FV class, meaning seven or more seats with more space. In the white towns, the lanes are narrow, so a shorter car is easier to park.
Collecting the car at Brindisi Airport
The airport’s own site lists the hire firms that operate there (Aeroporti di Puglia). Your voucher shows where to find your firm’s desk and car.
Planning more of southern Italy? Our Naples Airport guide covers the Amalfi Coast, and our Catania Airport guide covers Sicily. The Italy guide has the national rules.
Paying less for a Brindisi 7 Seater
- Stay out of the ZTL. One camera fine can wipe out what you saved on the hire.
- Bring your own child seat plan. Italy’s 1.50 m rule means older children may still need a booster.
- Compare the full price. Check the excess and deposit against the fuel terms and second driver fees.
- Book early for August. Salento is busiest in high summer, so lock in a cancellable rate well ahead.
Check Brindisi prices for your dates
Put in your flight times to compare cheap 7 seater rates for Salento.
Brindisi questions answered
How far is Lecce from Brindisi Airport?
The SS613 runs about 34 km from Brindisi to the edge of Lecce.
Can I drive into Lecce’s old town?
It is a camera-enforced ZTL with changing hours. Ask your accommodation about registering your plate, or park outside.
Which UK airports fly to Brindisi?
Ryanair flies from London Stansted and Manchester.
Do children need a car seat in Italy?
Yes, until they are 1.50 metres tall, and under-fours in Italian-registered cars also need an alarm.
How do I compare cheap 7 Seater deals at Brindisi Airport?
Use one search across several hire firms. Ours shows the 7 seaters at Brindisi Airport with the total price for each.
