Are you planning to travel to or around Abruzzo this July? There are several strikes scheduled across Italy, and some may impact your journey.
Transport workers have been protesting for months over low pay and insufficient staffing. They say their wages do not keep pace with the rising cost of living, and that having too few workers can make conditions less safe. As a result, strikes are expected throughout the month on trains, at airports, and on local buses.
The main advice is straightforward: check your travel times before you go, and allow extra time just in case. Most strikes last 24 hours, but the law requires certain “guaranteed” hours during which services must still run. Here are the key dates to know for Abruzzo.
Reaching Abruzzo by High-Speed Train
Not everyone arrives directly in Pescara or Rome. Many travellers land in Milan, Bologna, or Venice and then take a high-speed train south. There are two main high-speed routes to Abruzzo:
- Down the Adriatic coast: fast trains run from Milan and Bologna, through Ancona, to Pescara. Most of these are Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa services, with some Italo services as well.
- Through Rome or Florence: take the high-speed line to Rome, then change to a regional train across to Avezzano, Sulmona, or Pescara.
It’s useful to know which company runs each train. Italo (also called Italo NTV) is a private high-speed train company, while Frecciarossa is operated by Trenitalia. Both use the same high-speed tracks, but they are different trains and may strike on different days. An Italo strike does not affect Frecciarossa trains, and vice versa. The dates below show which company is involved each time.
Sunday 5 July: Air Travel
This will be the busiest strike day of the month, and it falls on a summer Sunday. Several air travel strikes will happen at the same time:
- A national 24-hour strike will affect airport and ground-handling staff across Italy from 00:00 to 23:59. Check-in, boarding, and baggage may be slower.
- easyJet cabin crew will strike nationally for 24 hours. If you fly easyJet, watch closely for changes.
- At Rome Fiumicino and Ciampino, security staff (ADR Security) will strike from 10:00 to 18:00. Expect longer queues at the gates.
- By law, flights are guaranteed to run between 07:00 and 10:00, and between 18:00 and 21:00.
If you are flying into Pescara or passing through Rome that day, check your flight status on the airline app before heading to the airport. Choosing a flight in the early morning or evening, during the guaranteed hours, is the safest option.
Thursday 9 to Friday 10 July: Italo Trains
Italo train crews will strike across the country for 23 hours, starting at 03:00 on Thursday 9 July and ending at 02:00 on Friday 10 July. Only Italo trains are affected, including those passing through Rome and along the Adriatic coast. Frecciarossa and regional trains are not involved, so they should operate as usual. If you have an Italo ticket, check your booking before you travel and rebook if necessary.
Wednesday 15 July: Trenitalia Onboard Service
On 15 July, catering staff (Elior) on Trenitalia trains will be on strike for the day. Trains will still run, but the bar, trolley, and food service may be limited or unavailable on long-distance and high-speed routes. To be safe, bring your own water and snacks.
Thursday 23 to Friday
This is the main rail strike of the month and is most likely to affect Abruzzo. It is a national 24-hour strike, starting at 21:00 on Thursday 23 July and ending at 20:59 on Friday 24 July. Both passenger rail companies and freight services are included.covering rail firms and freight.
- It can affect Trenitalia, including the Frecciarossa trains that run down the Adriatic coast to Pescara. So if you are arriving from Milan or Bologna by fast train, this is the date to watch.
- It can also affect regional trains on the Rome-Avezzano, Sulmona, and Pescara line, and the Adriatic coast line (Ancona to Pescara to Termoli).
- On Friday, 24 July, some local bus and transport firms will also strike for the full day.
- Trenitalia guarantees certain trains during peak hours. Check the guaranteed list on the Trenitalia app or website before you set off.
Local Buses (TUA) in Abruzzo
TUA operates buses and some trains between L’Aquila, Pescara, Teramo, and Chieti. TUA usually announces strike dates about a week in advance, so a July strike could still be added. The national local transport strike on 24 July may also include TUA.
If you depend on TUA, check tuabruzzo.it shortly before your travel date. During a TUA strike, buses are still guaranteed to run from 05:30 to 08:30 and from 13:00 to 16:00.
Other Dates Further Afield
There are a few strikes in other areas you might travel through:
- Naples (EAV buses): 14 July, 09:00 to 13:00.
- Latina (CSC Mobilità): 20 July, 24 hours.
- Puglia (regional general strike): 10 July, all day, if you are heading further south.
There are also several freight-only rail strikes during the month, but these will not affect passenger trains.
Advice for Travellers
- Check your flight or train status on the official app before leaving home. Schedules and cancellations can change quickly.
- Whenever possible, travel during the guaranteed hours. These protected times are your safest option.
- If your flight is cancelled, you can usually rebook for free or request a refund. Be sure to check your airline’s policies.
- If your train is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund or a free change to the next available train.
- Between Rome and Abruzzo, taking a private coach is a good backup option. FlixBus and Prontobus both run this route, but seats fill up quickly in summer, so book early.
- One last tip: if your train is already running when a rail strike starts, it will only continue if it can reach your stop within an hour. Otherwise, it may stop at an earlier station.
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.
