From the airport in Pescara:

•       Follow the green signs out of the airport to the Autostrada A 14 Adriatica going south towards Bari/Foggia. On most maps this is also marked as E 55.

•       The Autostrada is a toll road.  Watch the signs as you will need to pass through a gate based on whether you        are paying with cash or credit card.  The cost is variable depending on how far you remain on the Autostrada.

•       Take the exit for Poggio Imperiale onto the Superstrada.

•       Follow signs for the respective towns. These smaller roads are no longer toll-roads.

From the airport in Bari:

•       The airport is located 11 km west of the city of Bari just off the Autostrada (E 55).

•       Follow signs going north to Foggia and remain on the Autostrada to make the quickest journey north.  Your destination in the Gargano will determine the best route to take off the Autostrada as you had east toward the coast. The Autostrada is a toll-road, so be prepared with cash or credit card to pay as you exit.

•       For Peschici, Vico del Gargano, Rodi di Garganico, it is still easiest to continue north and take the Poggia Imperiale exit, following respective signs toward the coast cities. 

•       For southern locations like Manfredonia, Mattinata and Monte St’Angelo you might consider taking the N 89 east toward Manfredonia and away from the city of Foggia.

•       It should take about 2 hours from Bari to reach the Gargano.

Estimated Drive-Time from other regions of Italy and Europe:

•       From Rome (to Bari) – 4 hours at maximum speeds on major motorways.

•       From Naples (to Bari) – 3 hours at maximum speeds on major motorways.

•       From other European destinations it is probably a good idea to spread the drive over three days.  From Calais, France it can take anywhere from 20 – 22 hours by car.

More Driving Tips:

•       It is approximately 2 hours from Pescara to Peschici.  For most of the drive you enjoy wide, modern, and relatively straight-forward driving on the Autostrada and on the first leg of the Superstrada.

•       When you begin to make your way to the various towns (and you will see this on your maps) the roads quickly become extremely windy and narrow.  The distance itself wouldn’t take two full hours but your speed slows dramatically as you begin to ascend and descend toward the coast.

•       The natives, and their comparatively large trucks, take these roads at break-neck speed so be aware of that when negotiating sharp turns.  In smaller cars, they are just as menacing having grown up driving these roads.

•        As with any driving in Italy, exercise caution and make sure you have a confident driver and a capable navigator.  There is a reason why Italy requires comprehensive car insurance on rented vehicles!

•       In some respects, the signage is very clear and in other instances it is largely counter-intuitive.  Patience is critical and never hesitate to pull-over and ask questions.

•       If you rent a car that takes diesel make sure it states that clearly on the lid of the vehicles’ gas tank.  You will save money as it is more fuel efficient and less costly but you do not want to make the mistake of putting in unleaded fuel.

•       If you are renting a car, take photographs of the vehicle before you drive it out of the rental parking lot and make sure the condition of the vehicle is okay'd by the agency.   

•       Take advantage of the rest-stops along the Autostrada.  They are a great source for your first night’s provisions, restrooms, gas, regional products, and often-time full-service restaurants.