How to Get from Rome to Abruzzo: Every Option Explained
March, 28th 2026
The name of this blog exists because of one simple fact: Abruzzo is right next door to Rome. Here is exactly how to get there.
Abruzzo sits approximately 200 kilometres east of Rome across the spine of the Apennines. For a region of this extraordinary quality, that proximity is one of the most underappreciated facts in Italian travel. Most visitors to Rome never make the crossing. Those who do rarely understand why it took them so long.
Here is every option explained honestly — with times, prices and our recommendation.
First — Where in Abruzzo Are You Going?
Abruzzo is not a single destination — it is a region with four provinces, each with a different entry point from Rome. Before choosing how to travel, know where you are heading.
If your destination is the coast — Pescara, Francavilla al Mare, Ortona, the Costa dei Trabocchi, Vasto — buses from Rome serve all these towns directly with stops along the route. Journey time from Rome: approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on destination.
If your destination is the Teramo coast — Alba Adriatica, Giulianova, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Tortoreto — your gateway by car is the A24 towards Teramo. Journey time from Rome: approximately 2h15 to 2h30.
If your destination is the interior mountains — Campo Imperatore, Gran Sasso, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Rocca Calascio — your closest gateway is L’Aquila or Avezzano. Journey time from Rome: approximately 1h10 to 1h30 by car.
If your destination is the Maiella or Sulmona area — Scanno, Pacentro, the Maiella national park — Sulmona is your gateway. Journey time from Rome: approximately 1h30 to 2 hours by car.
By Bus — The Most Affordable Option
The bus is the cheapest and most practical way to reach Abruzzo from Rome without a car. Services depart from Roma Tiburtina — easily reached from Roma Termini by metro or train.
To the coast — Pescara, Francavilla, Ortona, Lanciano, Vasto and more: Operators including Di Fonzo, DiCarlo Bus and FlixBus run direct services from Roma Tiburtina with stops at the main coastal towns — Francavilla al Mare, Pescara, Chieti Scalo, Ortona, Lanciano, Vasto Marina and Vasto among others. Journey time approximately 2h10 to 3 hours depending on your stop. Tickets vary by operator and how far in advance you book — always check current prices before travelling as they change regularly.
Our personal experience: the bus from Chieti Scalo or Pescara Centrale to Rome is straightforward and reliable — approximately 2h30 and around €20 at the time of writing, though prices may vary. The service arrives at Tiburtina, Fiumicino and Ciampino — which makes it particularly convenient for airport connections.
To L’Aquila: TUA and FlixBus operate direct services from Roma Tiburtina. Journey time approximately 1h35. Tickets from €11 to €16.
To Sulmona: Direct bus from Roma Tiburtina. Journey time approximately 2 hours.
To the Teramo coast — Giulianova and Alba Adriatica: FlixBus operates direct services from Roma Tiburtina to Alba Adriatica three times a day. Journey time approximately 3h to 3h30.
From Rome Fiumicino Airport: DiCarlo Bus operates direct services from Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3 to Pescara and Chieti Scalo approximately five times per day. Journey time approximately 3h20.
Book at: difonzobus.it · dicarlobus.com · flixbus.com · tua.it
By Car — The Most Flexible Option
If you can drive, drive — not just for practicality, but because the journey through the Gran Sasso is extraordinary in itself.
From Rome take the A24 motorway — the Autostrada dei Parchi — heading east towards L’Aquila. The A25 branches south towards Pescara. The landscape changes dramatically within the first hour.
Approximate journey times:
- Rome to L’Aquila: 1h10
- Rome to Sulmona: 1h30
- Rome to Pescara: 1h45 to 2h
- Rome to Giulianova/Teramo coast: 2h15 to 2h30
One important note on car hire: picking up a car in Rome and dropping it off in Abruzzo usually involves a one-way drop-off fee which can be significant. The most economical option is to take the bus to Pescara and rent a car from Pescara Airport — where several major agencies operate — or from Pescara Centrale station.
Understanding the Toll — A24 and A25
The A24 and A25 motorways operate a toll system with booths at specific points along the route. The toll is calculated per kilometre between your entry and exit junction, with vehicle class and VAT included. A standard car falls into Class A.
Approximate toll costs for a standard car:
- Rome Est → L’Aquila Ovest: approximately €11.60
- Rome Est → L’Aquila Est: approximately €12.30
- Rome Est → Teramo: approximately €15.20
- Rome Est → Pescara Villanova: approximately €20.20
These figures are based on online research and may have changed — always verify current rates using the official toll calculator at autostrade.it before travelling.
By Train — The Scenic Option
The train is the slowest option but the most scenic — particularly the stretch through the Apennines between Avezzano and Sulmona.
The most common connection is Roma Termini to Pescara Centrale — approximately 3h30, with stops at Tagliacozzo, Avezzano, Sulmona and Chieti along the way. It is not a direct service. From Pescara Centrale you can connect to other destinations along the Adriatic coastal line — Montesilvano, Pineto-Atri, Scerne di Pineto, Giulianova, Roseto degli Abruzzi and further north towards Teramo.
Rome to Sulmona: approximately 2h30, from €24. A beautiful journey if Sulmona or the interior is your destination.
Rome to L’Aquila: no direct train — the bus is a much better option, 1h35 vs approximately 4 hours by train with a change.
Book at: trenitalia.com
A Practical Note About Getting Around Once You Arrive
This is the most important part of this post.
Getting to the coast by bus or train is straightforward. But once you are there, a car becomes essential for exploring the region properly. The medieval villages, national parks and most of what makes Abruzzo extraordinary are not accessible by public transport.
Our recommendation: Our recommendation is pick up a rental car at Rome or Pescara Airports and explore freely from there.
FAQ
How long does it take to get from Rome to Abruzzo?
It depends on your destination. By car: 1h10 to L’Aquila, 1h30 to Sulmona and approximately 2 hours to Pescara. The interior of Abruzzo is considerably closer to Rome than most people realise.
What is the cheapest way to get from Rome to Abruzzo?
The bus. Direct services from Roma Tiburtina to Pescara, Chieti, Ortona, Vasto, L’Aquila and Sulmona run daily with tickets from €11. Always check current prices before booking.
Is there a direct bus from Rome to Abruzzo?
Yes. Operators including Di Fonzo, DiCarlo Bus, TUA and FlixBus run direct services from Roma Tiburtina to all the main towns on the Abruzzo coast and to L’Aquila and Sulmona.
Is there a direct train from Rome to Abruzzo?
The most common connection is Roma Termini to Pescara Centrale — approximately 3h30 with stops along the way. For L’Aquila the bus is a much better option.
How much is the toll from Rome to Pescara?
Approximately €20.20 for a standard car from Rome Est to Pescara Villanova. Use the official toll calculator at autostrade.it for exact current figures.
Do you need a car in Abruzzo?
Yes. A car is essential for exploring beyond the coastal cities. The medieval villages, national parks and most of the best experiences in the region are only accessible by road. We recommend renting from Pescara Airport.
Can you visit Abruzzo from Rome as a day trip?
Technically yes — the journey is only 2 hours each way. But Abruzzo deserves more. A minimum of three to four days is recommended to experience the coast, the mountains and the villages properly.
Practical Information
By bus: Di Fonzo, DiCarlo Bus, FlixBus and TUA from Roma Tiburtina — difonzobus.it · dicarlobus.com · flixbus.com · tua.it By train: Trenitalia from Roma Termini — trenitalia.com By car: A24/A25 motorway — toll calculator at autostrade.it Car hire in Abruzzo: Pescara Airport is the most practical location.
Once you arrive: Abruzzo Essentials · Best Beaches in Abruzzo · Most Beautiful Villages · Dining in a Trabocco · Abruzzo vs Tuscany