Nearby Airports to Abruzzo: A Traveler’s Guide

Explore the best airports near Abruzzo for a seamless journey to this hidden gem of Italy.

Nestled in the heart of Italy’s boot-shaped peninsula, Abruzzo is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. While it offers rugged mountains, rolling hills, and pristine beaches, getting there is surprisingly easy, especially by plane. The region is well-connected to major hubs both within Italy and beyond, meaning that getting to Abruzzo by air is more accessible than you might think.

Abruzzo borders four regions—Marche to the north, Lazio to the west, Molise to the south, and Puglia to the southeast. Despite its hidden charm, it’s easy to reach thanks to a variety of nearby airports to Abruzzo. Whether you’re traveling from another part of Italy or flying internationally, there are several great options to consider when planning your trip.

Let’s take a look at the nearest airports to Abruzzo and how they can help you get to this beautiful, lesser-known region with ease.

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Quick List: Airports to Fly Into for Reaching Abruzzo

• Abruzzo Pescara International Airport (PSR)
• Ancona Falconara Airport (AOI)
• Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI)
• Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP)
• Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO)

Pescara Airport: Abruzzo’s Gateway to the World

The main entry point for international travelers is Aeroporto d’Abruzzo in Pescara, located along the Adriatic coast. As the only international airport in the region, it’s your first stop when heading to Abruzzo. While small, Pescara Airport (PSR) punches above its weight in terms of convenience and accessibility. It serves flights from various European destinations, making it an excellent option for travelers looking to explore the region.

Pros:

Its small size, in our opinion, is its biggest advantage. Traveling in and out of the airport is an absolute breeze. I once picked up my family from Pescara Airport, and from the time they texted me that they had landed to when they stepped outside the building, it took only 10 minutes for them to get off the plane and out the door.

What makes Pescara Airport special is its proximity to popular destinations in Abruzzo, such as the city of Pescara itself, as well as the mountains, national parks, and the stunning coastline. The airport is well-connected to the local transport system, including buses, trains, and car rentals, so getting to your final destination is a breeze.

While it’s a fantastic option for those heading directly to Abruzzo, it’s not the only airport in the region, and there are other nearby airports that can get you to this gem of Italy.

Cons:

However, it’s important to note that the availability of flights to Pescara can be slightly seasonal. During the winter months, the number of flights tends to be limited, and only select destinations are serviced. This makes traveling to Abruzzo a bit more challenging during the off-season.

From spring through fall, Pescara Airport becomes much more accessible, with a wider range of flights, especially to and from major European cities. If you’re planning a winter trip, be sure to double-check flight schedules ahead of time and keep in mind that alternative airports may be a better option.

4 Nearby Airports to Abruzzo

While Pescara might be the most convenient, there are several other nearby airports to Abruzzo that could also work, depending on where you’re coming from. These airports are located in neighboring regions but still offer easy access to Abruzzo and might be cheaper!

1. Ancona Airport (Raffaello Sanzio) – Marche Region

If you’re flying into the Marche region, Ancona Airport (AOI), officially known as Raffaello Sanzio Airport, is a great option. Located a few hours north of Abruzzo, it’s a straightforward choice for travelers heading to the northern part of the region, like the Gran Sasso mountains or the city of L’Aquila.

Getting from Ancona to Abruzzo is simple, with train and bus services connecting the two areas, making it an easy and comfortable trip. The journey offers scenic views as you travel through the rolling hills of central Italy. It’s one of the easiest alternatives to flying directly into Abruzzo, and it’s certainly more manageable than navigating the busy airports of Rome or Naples.

2. Naples International Airport (Capodichino)

Naples, one of Italy’s busiest airports, is another option. While it’s not located in Abruzzo itself, it’s relatively close (about a 1.5-hour drive to the southern part of the region). From Naples, you can rent a car or take a train to reach Abruzzo, though the journey can be a bit trickier due to the mountainous terrain. The advantage of flying into Naples is that it’s a major hub with more flight options, especially from international destinations. While it’s a large city, it’s still nowhere near as busy as Rome Airport.

Though it’s not as popular of an option, we recommend flying into Naples if you’re willing to deal with a longer, sometimes winding trip. If you’re up for the adventure, this airport could be a good option for accessing Abruzzo’s southern parts. Other nearby airports to Abruzzo, like Ancona and Bari, are also worth considering depending on your location and convenience.

3. Rome Fiumicino Airport (Leonardo da Vinci)

Rome is one of Italy’s largest international hubs, and it’s also not too far from Abruzzo. With several flight options available, it’s an easy choice for travelers coming from outside of Europe or looking for more flexibility in their flight schedules. However, it’s important to note that while Rome might seem like the most convenient option, it’s a bit more complicated to travel from the city to Abruzzo.

The drive from Rome to Abruzzo can take around 2.5 to 3 hours, and the journey is less scenic, with the need to cross through mountainous areas. If you’re not planning on driving, you can still take a train, but the travel time and complexity of the journey might not be ideal for everyone. For travelers heading to the central or southern parts of Abruzzo, it’s still doable, but it may require a little more planning (and patience).

4. Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (Puglia Region)

Located in the southeastern part of Italy, Bari Airport (BRI) offers another option for getting to Abruzzo, especially if you’re coming from southern Italy. The journey from Bari to Abruzzo is more straightforward than from Naples or Rome, and train connections are reliable and comfortable. With a direct train from Bari to Pescara, it’s an easy way to get to the region’s beautiful beaches, mountains, and everything in between.

This airport is a great option if you’re looking for an efficient, less complicated route into Abruzzo. In fact, among the nearby airports to Abruzzo, Bari stands out for its accessibility, especially if you’re flying from locations closer to southern Europe.

FAQ: Nearby Airports to Abruzzo

What is the closest airport to Abruzzo?

The closest airport to Abruzzo is Aeroporto d’Abruzzo in Pescara. It’s the only international airport in the region and is well-connected to major European cities.

Can I fly into Rome or Naples to visit Abruzzo?

Yes, both Rome and Naples are popular international airports that provide access to Abruzzo, though traveling from these cities requires crossing mountains and may take longer. The journey is easiest when flying into airports on the same side of the coast, like Ancona or Bari.

How do I get from Ancona to Abruzzo?

Ancona Airport offers easy access to the northern part of Abruzzo. You can take a bus from Ancona to Abruzzo, enjoying scenic routes through Italy’s countryside. However, the easier option is to hop on the train, which runs along the shoreline and stops at many destinations along Abruzzo’s coastline.

Is it easier to reach Abruzzo from Pescara or another airport?

While Pescara is the most convenient and direct option, nearby airports like Ancona, Bari, and even Rome and Naples also offer access to the region. However, the journey from these airports can be a bit more time-consuming and complex. The main reason to fly into another airport is the potential for cheaper tickets, which are often available at major transportation hubs compared to the smaller airport in Pescara.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to fly into Pescara, Ancona, or even venture through the more bustling airports in Rome or Naples, getting to Abruzzo is well worth the journey. While some airports might be easier to navigate than others, each offers a chance to explore this stunning region, rich in natural beauty, history, and culture. With a little planning, you can easily discover Abruzzo’s hidden gems and make the most of your Italian adventure.

So, get ready to pack your bags and experience a slice of Italy that still feels like a secret. The nearest airports to Abruzzo are just the beginning of your unforgettable journey!