Polignano a Mare to Lindau: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The road from Polignano a Mare (40°59'24"N 17°13'14"E) to Lindau (47°32'45"N 9°41'02"E) traverses over 1,100 kilometers and crosses three countries: Italy, Austria, and Germany. A peculiar fact along this route is the presence of Italy's longest tunnel, the 10.1 km Monte Bianco Tunnel variant? No, that's north. Here: the drive through the Brenner Pass (A22/E45) is the lowest Alpine pass at 1,370 m, yet it sees over 40 million vehicles annually.

• Total distance: approx. 1,150 km
• Driving time without stops: 11-13 hours
• Suggested duration: 3-5 days to fully appreciate stops

This guide answers: best stops Polignano a Mare to Lindau, how long to drive Polignano a Mare to Lindau, is it worth driving Polignano a Mare to Lindau? For more on discovering hidden gems, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The optimal route uses the A14/E55 from Polignano to Bologna, then A22/E45 via Brenner to Innsbruck, followed by the German A7 and A96 to Lindau. Tolls apply on Italian highways (approx. €55 total). Avoid Austrian vignette? You need one for Austria (€9.90 for 10 days).

• Fuel stops: every 50 km on highways; cheaper in Italy than Austria
• Road quality: excellent on A14 and A22; winding B31 near Lindau
• Rest areas well-equipped; Autogrill along A14, Raststätten in Germany

The route is safe with well-lit tunnels. Winter requires snow tires. For families, stop at Gardaland (near Lake Garda) or the Swarovski Kristallwelten (Wattens). Pets welcome at many Autogrill rest stops (designated areas).

• Child-friendly: Parco Natura Viva (Bussolengo), Legoland in Günzburg (detour)
• Pet-friendly: many hotels in Lindau accept dogs; rest stops have walking areas
• Fatigue: stop every 2 hours; major rest zones: Arezzo (A14), Bolzano (A22), Füssen (B31)

Hidden off-route spots: Civita di Bagnoregio (detour near Orvieto), Trauttmansdorff Castle (Merano), Weingut Eser (Austria).

From Polignano's limestone cliffs to the Apennine foothills, then the Po River plains, and into the Dolomites. The Brenner Pass offers meadows and mountain views. Approaching Lindau, the landscape softens into rolling hills and Lake Constance.

• Adriatic coast: turquoise waters, trulli in Alberobello (UNESCO)
• Apennines: scenic curves, medieval towns like Urbino (UNESCO)
• Alps: glacial valleys, vineyards in South Tyrol
• Lake Constance: serene lake, Lindau harbor

Local commerce: roadside stalls sell olive oil in Puglia, speck in South Tyrol, and cheese in Allgäu. Farmers' markets near Brixen (Bressanone).