Planning to travel in Abruzzo this August? Good news: after a busy July, this month is calm. Trains, planes, and local buses should run as normal.
Why August is Quiet
Italian law protects the summer from strikes. It’s called the “franchigia estiva,” or summer freeze. During this time, unions cannot call strikes that hit trains, flights, or local buses. It covers most of August.
That’s why, unlike July, there are no rail, air, or bus strikes planned this month. TUA buses, Trenitalia, Italo, and airport staff should all run as usual.
One type of strike is still going ahead: freight transport. This won’t affect your journey. But it’s worth knowing if you run a business or expect a delivery.
Wednesday 5 August: Freight Rail
Staff at Ermes Rail, a freight company, will strike for eight hours. It runs from 16:01 to 23:59. This affects goods trains only. Passenger trains are not involved.
10 to 14 August: Road Freight
This is the longest strike of the month. Lorry drivers and logistics staff will strike for 120 hours, from midnight on 10 August to midnight on 14 August. The union FAO COBAS called the strike.
It won’t affect trains, planes, or buses. But deliveries may run slower that week, especially to shops and restaurants. Worth bearing in mind if you’re waiting on a delivery.
13 to 14 August: Local Strike Near Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche
A small, local strike will hit warehouse staff just over the border in the Marche. It does not affect transport, and it has no impact on travel in Abruzzo. But it’s worth knowing if you do business that far north.
TUA: One Closure to Note
There’s no TUA strike this month. But the ticket office at Bivio Garrufo will close from 5 to 7 August. TUA says other ways to buy tickets will still be available. Check tuabruzzo.it before you travel if you usually buy there.
What This Means for You
- Trains, flights, and buses are protected by law for almost all of August.
- The freight strike from 10 to 14 August may slow deliveries, but it won’t affect your travel.
- Always check for last-minute news. TUA sometimes gives only a week’s notice.
- Strikes will start again in September. The first is set for 5 September, hitting public transport in Venice. More may follow from 10 September.
- Advice for Travellers
- Check your flight or train app before you leave, just in case.
- If you’re expecting a delivery, allow extra time between 10 and 14 August.
- Check tuabruzzo.it if you usually buy tickets at Bivio Garrufo. TUA buses always run from 05:30 to 08:30 and 13:00 to 16:00 during a strike, even in future months.
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region. Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
