Getting Around Pescara. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Pescara holds no metro or tram system. The main public transportation form is the Bus network, operated by TUA (Trasporto Unico Abruzzese). The TUA buses present a practical and economical way to travel within the city. The TUA bus network covers the entire city of Pescara and extends to surrounding towns and suburbs. You can reach most attractions, neighborhoods, and the beachfront using the bus system.

Hubs: Pescara Centrale (the train station) acts as the main hub for both urban and suburban bus lines. Piazza Italia and Piazza Salotto also serve as significant transfer points within the city center. You can find route maps online on the TUA website (tua.it). Physical maps are available at major bus stops or the TUA ticket office located at Pescara Centrale.

Ticketing & Operation

Tickets (Biglietti): Purchase bus tickets Before boarding; no direct purchases from the driver on urban routes.
Where to Buy: Sold at Tabaccherie, newsstands (Edicole), some cafes/bars, and TUA ticket offices.
Validation: Validate your ticket using machines on the bus upon boarding. Failure to validate means a fine.
Hours & Frequency: Buses operate from early morning (5:30 AM) until late evening (midnight). Main routes are frequent (10-20 mins peak). Reduced service on Sundays/holidays.

Easy Walking

City center and beachfront are very walkable.

Bus Network

TUA buses cover the entire city and suburbs.

Accessibility

Newer TUA buses have ramps and wheelchair spaces.

Tips for Efficient Public Transport

Navigation Tools

Use Google Maps or a similar app for bus routes and real-time schedules.
Download the TUA app for schedules and tracking, if available.
Always buy your tickets in advance to avoid delays or fines.

Local Interaction

Do not hesitate to ask locals for directions if unsure about a bus stop or route.
A phrase like "Dov'è la fermata dell'autobus per..." (Where is the bus stop for...) comes in handy.
A single urban ticket costs approx. €1.20-€1.50, valid for 90 minutes.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

White vehicles, "TAXI" sign on roof, meter inside.

Hailing

Generally not from street; go to designated stands (train station, Piazza Salotto) or call Radio Taxi Pescara (+39 085 377 744).

Fares & Payment

Metered fares, base + distance/time. Surcharges for night/holidays/luggage. Cash common, some accept cards (confirm first).

Ride-Sharing

Uber available (Uber Black, higher cost). FreeNow (MyTaxi) connects with licensed taxis. Check app availability upon arrival.

Rental Options

Each option comes with specific requirements and benefits for navigating Pescara and the Abruzzo region.

Car Rental

Requirements: 21+ years old (25+ for some types, young driver surcharge for under 25).
Valid national driving license. Non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Credit card in driver's name for security deposit.
Companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise at Abruzzo Airport (PSR) and city center.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Available from specialized shops, especially near the beachfront.
Similar requirements to car rental: valid license, minimum age, credit card for deposit.
Helmets are legally required for all riders and passengers; rental companies supply them.
Bicycle Rentals: Several shops along the Lungomare offer hourly/daily rentals, notably in warmer months. Some hotels supply bikes.

Driving Laws & Road Conditions

Drive on the right side of the road.
Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90-110 km/h main roads, 130 km/h motorways.

Headlights always on motorways/outside urban areas.
Motorways are generally excellent. Regional/local roads vary.
Italian drivers can be assertive; drive defensively.

Parking Information

Blue Lines

Paid parking. Pay at parking meters (Parcometro) or via apps. Rates vary.

White Lines

Free parking. Rare in central areas, often quickly occupied.

ZTLs Limited Traffic Zones

Exist in many historic city centers, including parts of Pescara. Unauthorized entry results in hefty fines (cameras record). Use parking garages (Parcheggio) for city center parking.

Walking & Cycling

Pescara’s layout makes it a pleasant city for walking and cycling, specifically along its extensive beachfront and in its central areas.

Pedestrian Areas & Routes

Lungomare Giacomo Matteotti: Very pedestrian-friendly, ideal for long strolls with sea views.
City Center: Corso Umberto I, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza Salotto are largely pedestrianized or have wide sidewalks.
Pescara Vecchia: Old town area suitable for walking, with narrow streets and historic buildings.
Ponte del Mare: Iconic pedestrian and cycling bridge, a must-walk route for panoramic views.

Cycling Infrastructure & Safety

Bike Lanes: Extensive, well-maintained bike lanes along the coast (Ciclovia Adriatica), easy and scenic rides.
Dedicated bike lanes on some main city roads improve safety.
Safety: Always stay aware of traffic. Helmets are recommended for cyclists (legally mandatory for scooter riders).
No-Go Areas: Generally safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Use caution on busy roads without dedicated paths, or isolated, poorly lit areas late at night.

Guided & Self-Guided Tours

Self-Guided Tours

Many city center attractions are walkable. A city map or navigation app provides enough guidance for self-guided exploration.

Flexibility and personal pace.

Guided Walking Tours

Local tourism offices or private operators may offer tours focusing on Pescara's history, Gabriele D'Annunzio's legacy, or local food.

Insights from local experts.

Inquire Locally

Check with the Pescara tourist information office for currently available guided tour options and schedules.

Up-to-date tour information.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses & Water Transport

Pescara does not typically offer large hop-on-hop-off bus services.
Local tour operators may offer organized coach tours for day trips into Abruzzo’s interior (mountains, medieval villages).
No regular boat taxi services within the Pescara harbor. Private boat rentals or chartered tours are possible for coastal excursions.

Unique Local Transport & Accessibility

Pescara city has no cable cars or funiculars. These are in mountainous Abruzzo areas (e.g., Gran Sasso cable car to Campo Imperatore).
Accessibility varies: Lungomare and modern city center are flatter. Older areas (Pescara Vecchia) have cobblestones.
Newer TUA buses are more accessible with ramps and spaces. Verify routes and schedules for accessible buses.

Safety Tips for Getting Around

When using taxis, ensure the meter is running. Confirm card payment before starting your journey.
For ride-sharing, verify driver and vehicle details match the app before entering the car.
Be aware of ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) if driving; unauthorized entry incurs fines.
Exercise caution when walking or cycling on busy roads without dedicated paths.

Park only in designated blue (paid) or white (free) lines; avoid yellow lines.
If renting a scooter, always wear the provided helmet.
Avoid walking or cycling alone in very isolated or poorly lit areas late at night.
Always validate bus tickets upon boarding to avoid fines.

Final Tip: Explore with Ease

Pescara's compact size and clear layout make it a city that you can enjoy at your own pace.

Whether by foot, bike, or bus, moving around is straightforward, leaving you more time to soak in the local charm and Adriatic views.

Getting Around Pescara