If you’re planning on making L’Aquila you’re new home this year or in the future, getting there is going to be one of the first challenges you face. The city is not located on any of Italy’s major railway networks, and is not home to an airport of its own. Fear not though! Because today, we are going to be diving into the numerous modes of transport you can use to make your journey smoother and stress-free.
Whether you’re here for the duration of your studies or as part of a study abroad program from a UK university, L’Aquila is a city that deserves your attention. You can read more about the history and culture of L’Aquila here.
How to Get to L’Aquila: The Quick Answer
In short, the best way to get to L’Aquila is to fly into Rome.
From the Italian capital you can travel by bus or train in around two to three hours depending on which mode of transport you choose. The buses are usually cheaper and more direct, while trains offer a calmer experience.
Why is L’Aquila Hard to Get to?
Geography is a major part of why the city is difficult to reach. L’Aquila sits in the famous Apennines mountain range, and is not part of any major transport corridors. This placement shapes everything surrounding your journey.
Thankfully, high-speed trains stop in coastal cities and major hubs like Rome. Choosing to live and study in L’Aquila can mean accepting a trade-off between convenience and the traditional Italian lifestyle many visitors crave.
Students often note that the city feels rural, but this should be part of the appeal. You’ll feel yourself travelling back in time as you roll through the Abruzzo countryside, yet all the while, you’re only a couple of hours from one of Europe’s largest cities.
Which Airports to Fly Into for L’Aquila
As we’ve already touched upon, L’Aquila does not have a dedicated airport. This means you will have to fly into a nearby city and journey onwards. Three airports around L’Aquila are most commonly used by locals and students travelling to the city.
Like anywhere, it helps to do your research so you can find the best flight times and prices. Use Skyscanner to make sure your journey is as simple as possible.
Flying into Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
The most common airport to fly into is Rome Fiumicino (FCO). This is Italy’s primary International airport, and handles the majority of flights from around the world. From here, you can reach L’Aquila via bus, train, or hire car.
Flying into Rome Ciampino (CIA)
A smaller airport found just outside of Rome, Ciampino is commonly used by budget-friendly airlines. If you are flying from elsewhere in Europe, this airport may be the most cost-effective place to land. From here, you will need to travel into Rome city centre to begin your onward journey to L’Aquila.
Flying into Abruzzo International Airport
In terms of distance, this is the closest airport to L’Aquila. Located in the coastal city of Pescara, Abruzzo International Airport serves a small number of airlines and is not frequented by many British operators.
If you do fly into Pescara, you can get to L’Aquila in around 90 minutes by bus or car.
From Southern Italy
You may also land in Naples or Bari, depending on flight times and routes from your home city. If this happens, there’s a good chance your journey will take your through Rome anyway.
Getting to L’Aquila by Car
When you first move into your L’Aquila student accommodation, you’re going to need a few essentials to keep you on track. For this reason, many students choose to make their first trip to the city by car. Often hiring one to take their luggage with them from the airport.
From Rome, the A24 motorway acts as the main connection between the capital and L’Aquila. The drive takes less than 2 hours and is a scenic way to experience the Abruzzo region for the first time.
If you are planning on parking in the city, make sure to research local regulations as L’Aquila has become known trying to become a primarily car-free city in recent years. This is particularly true in the historic centre.
Transport in L’Aquila
Once you’re there, you’ll soon rely upon the local public transport network to help you get to your classes on time. L’Aquila is not a metropolitan city, meaning its services are functional but not flashy. The main bus station is located on Viale Giacomo Caldoro, in the South-East of the city.
For the most part, the compact nature of L’Aquila’s city centre makes it largely walkable. This being said, the hilly terrain can sometimes make journeys feel longer, especially during the summer months when temperatures can reach into the high twenties.
Reddit Reveals: What Students Say About Getting to L’Aquila
The main takeaways from our research on what local students like to say about their travel experiences in and around L’Aquila are that the buses are superior to the train network. Not only are the buses quicker, they are also direct. This means no worrying about changes or getting lost in the mountains. Once you’ve found your bus, sit back and relax as you’re ferried through Abruzzo.
It is also noted that food services are limited on the journey from Rome, especially if travelling by train. Students recommend stocking up at the airport or in Rome itself before setting off on the final leg of your trip.
Finally, don’t stress about living more remotely. The chances are that you chose L’Aquila for this very reason. The city is traditional, but has modern amenities and connectivity so you’re never far from family and friends back home.
Planning Beyond Travel
Once you’re got there, L’Aquila becomes your base for not only academic pursuits, but for exploring the wider Abruzzo region. Whether you’re into mountain climbing, countryside hikes, or venturing into local villages to sample traditional Italian cuisine, L’Aquila is the place to truly say that you’re truly experiencing La Dolce Vita’
If you’re thinking of making the move here or another city, explore our range of student accommodation in Italy and around Europe.
Final Thoughts
Now you know that getting to L’Aquila isn’t too complicated, we hope you enjoy exploring this historic city as much as us. Rome becomes your gateway, and all the Italian capital has to offer remains accessible throughout your time in Italy.
It’s important to note that the journey is one of the most crucial parts of any story, so make yours one to remember. In L’Aquila, you can leave the noise behind and find yourself in the heart of one of Italy’s most storied regions.
Enjoy the ride!
