You are about to board your flight. You can't wait to get to Pescara, anticipating the awesome stores in the duty-free area. Or maybe you are thinking about getting those Italian made trekking shorts to start your adventure the second you get there, at the airport. Unfortunately, if these were to be your expectations, you will be disappointed.
The Abruzzo airport in Pescara is located in the outskirts of town, on the Tiburtina, the road that leads to Rome. Little is left of the original carriageway: no antique buildings, no cobblestones. Nowadays, to reach Pescara, you will have to go through some neighborhoods with mixed vibes: questionable, industrial, residential. Over the years, we have seen a bicycle lane popping up right in front of the airport, but, unfortunately, it ends abruptly, putting your life at risk (Italian traffic is usually unaware of cyclists).
But let's go one step at the time. You have just landed. You will probably enter the main airport building at the end of this hall:
In front of you, several car rental stores: some might be closed (a few companies only work until 11.00 am), some will be open until six pm. I personally would avoid any driving in the area unless you are familiar with Italian traffic and the quite interesting driving styles that define it.
On your left, you will have a glimpse of the whole airport. During our last visit, all the stores were closed (3 pm on a Sunday). There is a realtor selling homes and properties (please perform a wider search before getting too excited 😉). Another store sells typical products. Surprisingly, a radio station rented a spot at the airport (is that even allowed?). That's it. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the potential coziness of a Business Class/VIP waiting room. A one of a kind, in which the highly paying frequent flier sits in a comfortable armchair, while showcasing their de bon air vibe through a window. Just like a piece of jewelry at Tiffany's.
At the end of the hall, exactly on the other side of the arrivals area, there is a typical Italian bar, simple, but operated by very courteous people who will be ready to pamper you with their delicious cappuccino.
Somewhere in the center of the corridor, on the left, you will notice an elevator, which leads to the upper level where, fifteen years ago or so, there would be an awesome restaurant. We would visit it regularly, the family does like looking at airplanes. The food used to be outstanding, and the service was simple but correct and professional. Nowadays, the restaurant has become a self-service business, losing its charm. I will be judging the food in another post, but the place looks a tad desolated.
While you walk around, you might meet some foreigners living here who are either flying out to meet their families or who have just landed. It might be the last chance you have to get in touch with fluent English speakers. Your best bet to be able to interact in English while in Abruzzo, is getting in touch with the younger generations. Aim at younger teens, who, in my experience, have a better understanding and proficiency in English. If you get stranded, you can get in touch with us, writing at abruzzo.good.bad.ugly@gmail.com!
By now, after the pictures and the information I have shared, you might be wondering if coming here is worth it. What you see in that airport is the result of a slow approach. People savor life. They like to go to the beach, enjoy their meal at the local restaurant or at their relatives' place, eating slowly, enjoying their food and sipping their wine. Life is sweet, despite the awful economic situation of the country, hitting this region hard. No need to rush, unless you are driving (😉). Most people in Abruzzo have understood that happiness is in small things. I find this approach and awareness fascinating. Worth exploring, in my mind.
Let's get back to practicalities. By now you are standing in the hall of the airport ready to reach Pescara: maybe to get to the train station, or to reach a nice Hotel. The Bar seems a good spot to sit down for a few minutes to consider the next move. You will have two main options: a taxi cab, hopefully there when you arrive, or the bus. The first option is a must if you are travelling with luggage. The taxi cab stop is right in front of the exit that faces the arrivals. If no cabs were to be there, you can call 085 / 35155. I have just called them to check if the operators speak English, and Miriam kindly indicated that they do.
Please note: cabs are not cheap. I have heard several stories, but, calculating an average, I would say that the ride to the center might cost you up to 25/30 euros. The center of Pescara is not that far, therefore the ride is, indeed, expensive. I would ask for an indication of the costs before getting in the cab.
The other option is the bus. You can buy tickets at a booth in the airport hall, in the Coffee Bar area. A ticket costs 1,20 € . It is a timed ticket, giving you the opportunity to travel for 90 minutes. You can also buy a book of 11 tickets which costs 12,00 €. You could also buy a ticket that will cover all the rides of that specific day for 3,00 €. The bus stop to reach Pescara is on the other side of the road once you exit the gate of the airport. There should be a direct connection from the airport to the station (with no intermediate stops). The station is in the center of Pescara. This bus is not always available. Please ask for its availability at the booth in the airport. Bus number 8 and bus number 38 should pass every 20 minutes or so.
The booth (biglietteria/ticketing) where the bus tickets are sold: I am standing at the Bar, which is behind me.
The bus stop that you need to reach to get on the bus towards Pescara. Please note: you need to cross the street.
I would avoid walking to get to the center. Some neighborhoods in the area might not be the best to walk around as a tourist. Actually, you might have a problem walking, due to the absence of proper sidewalks in several spots.
The airport offers paid parking, we have met a very courteous British lady who was paying the extended parking for her car. Many, though, prefer to park in the nearby mall parking, which is not gated, and, therefore, more risky.
The airport parking automatic cashier. You will find it on the left at the Departures entrance.
By the way, let's talk about the mall! We have awesome memories about it. It hosted a huge Auchan supermarket which catered to my love for French cheese and wine. Unfortunately, at this point, Auchan is gone, and the mall is rather empty. Many nice stores have closed. You will find a pleasant pizza bar place that sells Roman style sliced pizzas, a coffee bar, a large toy store. There is also a middle-sized Interspar supermarket. To reach the mall, all you have to do is turn right after exiting the gate of the airport and walk towards it.
I hope this short guide will help you. I will be publishing more about Pescara and its station in the next post!
Milena
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