How to Get to the Abruzzo Region in Italy (Airports, Train Routes & Driving!)
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By train, car and plane, these are all the detailed ways on how to get to the region of Abruzzo!
Whether you’re just hearing about Abruzzo for the first time or ready to begin planning a visit, figuring out how to get to Abruzzo in Italy can feel a little out of reach.
For starters, Abruzzo isn’t a widely popular destination, and if you can’t name one major city in the region, you’re definitely not the only one. How are most people expected to know the best ways and options for getting there?
Although it’s still off the beaten track for many tourists visiting Italy, getting to Abruzzo is unexpectedly simple. It’s a versatile destination which can be accessed by not one but three different international airports, railway systems and a major motorway that runs along the length of Italy.
In this short guide, discover how to get to Abruzzo from any direction (including Rome) whether it be by plane, train or car.
What Are the Major Cities in Abruzzo, Italy?
While it’s not the capital city of the Abruzzo region, the city of Pescara is the largest by population in the entire region. In comparison, it is still modest in size and has a headcount of nearly 120,000. The remaining major cities in Abruzzo have a population of under 75,000.
L’Aquila is the official capital of the Abruzzo region and is the second most prominent city, followed by Teramo, Montesilvano and Chieti. On the coastline of Abruzzo, the major cities besides Pescara that are most populated are Francavilla al Mare and Vasto.
A major city in Abruzzo is often defined by its amenities beyond just the basics such as shopping complexes, specialized schools, and healthcare centers. Major cities in Abruzzo also have in common that they’re easy to travel to and among one another by public transportation.
The Provinces of Abruzzo
Abruzzo is located in central Italy and is carved into four different provinces. These provinces consist of L’Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, and Chieti.
Within these provinces, are municipalities (also known as communes) which helps allocate the many small villages to larger towns with more resources.
The Chieti and L’Aquila provinces both have just over 100 municipalities under their belt, while Pescara and Teramo have under 50. Chieti is the most populated province in Abruzzo, but L’Aquila is the largest in coverage area.
Flying to the Abruzzo Region
There are a few ways to approach booking a flight to the Abruzzo region. This is great news for travelers who appreciate having options in regards to flight paths and price.
1. Rome Airport
Since the Abruzzo region is split into various provinces, choosing where to fly to may depend on exactly where you’re headed in Abruzzo. If your destination is in the L’Aquila province, you’re likely better off by flying into Rome’s Airport.
Flights to Rome are unsurprisingly the most frequent, cost-effective, and diverse for visitors, whether you’re flying internationally or within Europe.
The capital of L’Aquila is only 120 km (74 miles) east of Rome and it’s conveniently connected by train and bus on top of an easy drive.
2. Abruzzo Airport
Pescara does have an international airport which serves as the official Abruzzo Airport (PSR). If you’re flying to Abruzzo from another country in Europe, take advantage of flying into this airport. It is very small and you’ll be able to disembark the plane and exit the airport within 15 minutes – not joking!
Since this international airport is located in Pescara, it’s the obvious choice for those looking to reach any town in the Pescara or Teramo province of Abruzzo. However, we’ve also just as easily utilized the Pescara Airport for getting to the Chieti province.
The only downside of the L’Aeroporto di Pescara (Abruzzo Airport) is that flight schedules are seasonal, which means it’s not fully operational to the public in the winter until April.
3. Naples Airport
For anyone that’s visiting the Chieti province of Abruzzo, flying to Naples makes the most sense in terms of proximity. Naples is a smaller airport than Rome but still very prominent in Italy which means flight options are abundant and cost effective.
Many people overlook flying into Naples instead because Rome seems like the obvious choice.
Getting from the Naples Airport to Abruzzo is also possible by public transportation. It is uncomplicated to take a train from Naples to Isernia, a city in the Molise region which borders Abruzzo.
Driving to Abruzzo
For visitors that plan on renting a car to visit Abruzzo, you can easily do so upon landing at any of the airports mentioned above. After renting a car, arriving from the west to get to Abruzzo takes the longest because of the mountainous landscapes.
The drive from Rome to Abruzzo can be quite short, depending on where you land in Abruzzo. By car, it takes around two hours to get from Rome to L’Aquila, as an example. Driving from Naples to the Abruzzo city of Castel di Sangro takes just under two hours.
Roads within the national parks of Abruzzo can be curvy so do not expect a straight shot when driving from the west side of Italy to Abruzzo. This is primarily what makes the drive feel longer than it is.
The least complicated route by car for reaching Abruzzo is along the east side and in parallel with the Adriatic Sea. This is largely thanks to Autostrada A14 (also known as Autostrada Adriatica) which is pretty much a straight shot up and down the eastern coastline of Italy.
While the city of Bologna is far north from Abruzzo, you can actually hop on the Adriatica motorway, drive through Abruzzo and arrive all the way down in Puglia without taking any exits. Arriving in Abruzzo via the Autostrada A14 is the most common route for people travelling from northern Italy and other western European countries.
Taking a Train to Abruzzo
Similar to driving, the most efficient way to reach Abruzzo by train is along the eastern coastline. A railway runs laterally along the motorway and the Adriatic Sea. It is not only an incredibly scenic journey, but straightforward.
In fact, you can reach the upper cities of Venice and even Milan by train from Abruzzo without making a transfer.
If you’re visiting the lower portion of Abruzzo, mostly comprised of the Chieti province, you can browse the train route through the Molise region first. This area of Abruzzo is not well connected by regular train service to cities like Rome or Naples because of the challenging landscape.
Therefore, you must take a train to a city like Isernia (in the Molise region) before hopping on a regional bus to Abruzzo. It’s not a complicated journey, but just takes an extra step.
How to Get to Abruzzo From Rome by Train
To reach Abruzzo by train from Rome, you should plan on ending your journey in the L’Aquila or Pescara province because these provinces have the most accessibility by a railway system.
It’s possible to take a train into Abruzzo from Rome and cross the entire width of the country. This route lands in Pescara, while making stops in Avezzano, Sulmona, the city of Chieti. Reaching one of the most popular destinations in Abruzzo, the city of L’Aquila, takes about 3 hours by train when departing from Rome.
From the Roma Termini Station, you’ll take the train towards Terni. In Terni, you’ll make one transfer and board the train to L’Aquila.
Popular Places to Visit in Abruzzo, Italy
The Trabocchi Coast
Abruzzo’s portion of the Adriatic Sea is a collection of beautiful beaches and historic fishing huts known as a trabucco. Named after the numerous fishing structures positioned in the water, The Trabocchi Coast (Costa dei Trabocchi) stretches for 40 km throughout multiple coastal towns in Abruzzo.
While there is no shortage of exquisite beaches to choose from, many people also make it a point to visit the Trabocchi Coast for the dining scene. A majority of the historic wooden cabins have been transformed into seafood restaurants, creating one of the most unique gastronomical experiences in all of Italy.
🐟 Read More: Trabocchi Coast – Best Beaches & Restaurants
Rocca Calascio
Located in the heart of Abruzzo, Rocca Calascio is a defining symbol of the entire region and arguably its most recognizable landmark. The medieval fortress and castle sit perched in the Apennines Mountains at 1,400 meters above sea level, which also makes it one of the highest located castles in Italy.
In recent decades, it’s been restored and well-preserved for tourists to enjoy and is a frequented destination for hikers visiting the Gran Sasso National Park.
Rocca Calascio is only accessible on foot and floats above the Tirino Valley with a backdrop of the rolling hills and snow-capped peaks. Without a doubt, it’s the most picturesque place you’ll come across in Abruzzo.
🏰 Read More: Plan Your Own Visit to Rocca Calascio
Gran Sasso National Park
The most common nickname for Abruzzo is the “Green Lung of Europe” thanks to its environment being home to 75% of all living species found in Europe. Abruzzo is comprised of various national parks, but the Gran Sasso National Park is perhaps the most beloved.
Unassumingly, it’s the third largest national park in Italy and its tallest peak of Corno Grande measures 2,900 metres (9,514 feet) high.
Campo Imperatore, a rolling green plateau located 1,900 meters above sea level, is another frequented site within the Gran Sasso National Park. For hikers, bicyclists, and any outdoor lover, the Gran Sasso National Park is a true gem.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio
This ancient village is perched 1,200 metres high and nestled in the hills between two national parks in Abruzzo. Unsurprisingly, the town is a member of the “most beautiful villages in Italy” club and exudes a quintessential charm on every corner.
Following the destruction of a massive earthquake, Santo Stefano di Sessanio has been rebuilding its image, reusing ancient buildings and repurposing them into delightful boutique shops, guesthouses, and even luxury hotels.
It’s the ultimate destination for tourists seeking to experience “slow travel” within a picture-perfect small Italian town.
Maiella National Park
The Maiella (or Majella) National Park is most known for its mountain massif, belonging to the Central Apennines range. Among the highest peaks is Monte Amaro at a height of 2,795 metres (9,170 feet). Comparatively, the Maiella National Park is off the beaten path, kept in a wild state, and is one of the most peaceful sites for enjoying nature in Abruzzo.
While it is a popular destination for hikers, skiing in the winter, and even bouldering, there are so many nooks of the Maiella that are completely undisturbed.
Throughout the Maiella National Park, you’ll find wildlife sanctuaries, mountain villages and spring water that produces some of the world’s most well-known pasta brands.
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Vineyards
One of the most dependable red wines in Italy is produced in the Abruzzo region – the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. It is a deep red wine with hues of purple and violet, distinctly alcoholic in flavor and only grown in the region of Abruzzo.
Unlike many wineries across the world that produce popular wines like Cabernet, Abruzzo vineyards are renowned for sticking to only locally grown grapes for their end products.
The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is among the region’s most prized possessions – this humble yet adored red wine is definitely a reason alone to visit Abruzzo.
A majority of the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo vineyards are located near the sea, on the eastern half of the Abruzzo region.
Where to Stay in Abruzzo, Italy
G Hotel Pescara – Best Modern Hotel in Pescara
Cantina Loft – Best Suite With a Pool in Chieti
Ginevra Boutique Rooms – Best Rooms in a Palazzo in L’Aquila
Gran Sasso Letizia BB – Best Stay Near Gran Sasso National Park
Baia Delphis Resort – Best Resort Hotel on the Trabocchi Coast
Agriturismo Olimpo – Best Agritourism Stay With a Pool in Villa Santa Maria
More Abruzzo Travel Posts
Abruzzo, Italy Travel Resources
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage
✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com
🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio
🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago
☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator
