Car Rental in Pescara

Why rent a car in Pescara?

Pescara is a great city to visit. Famous for its beautiful beaches and fun nightlife, the city also boasts large green spaces dotted with historical villas. With a rental car, you can see Pescara first, then explore the rest of the Abruzzo region, an underappreciated tourist destination with impressive nature, historical cities, and unique cuisine. 

Top ways to enter Pescara

• Pescara Airport: Also known simply as Abruzzo Airport, it served 667 thousand visitors in 2018. Small and cozy, the airport is a hub for the low-cost carrier Ryanair which provides flights to and from ten different European countries. It is also served by Alitalia and Volotea. Located just 6km (3.7 miles) southwest of Pescara city center, the airport can be reached in about ten minutes.
• Marche Airport: Located near the city of Ancona and also known as Marche-Raffaello Sanzio, this small airport is the main aviation hub of the neighboring region of Marche. As of October 2019, the airport is served by five different airlines which offer flights to and from Albania, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium as well as a number of domestic flights. Located 168km (104 miles) north of Pescara, Marche Airport can be reached in about 1 hour and 45 minutes with most of the road going right along the Adriatic coast.
• Perugia Airport: Also known as San Francesco d'Assisi Airport and Sant’Egidio Airport, it serves Perugia, the capital city of the Umbria region. As of October 2019, the airport is served by four airlines and has regular flights to and from Milan, London, Rotterdam, Tirana, Catania, and Malta. Located 240km (149 miles) northwest of Pescara, Perugia Airport can be reached in about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Naples Airport: Serving Italy’s third-largest city, Naples-Capodichino Airport handled 9.9 million travelers in 2018. The airport is a large hub for low-cost airlines easyJet, Ryanair, and Volotea and is also served by some 20 other airlines. Located 240km (149 miles) southwest of Pescara, Naples Airport can be reached in about three hours.
• Rome Fiumicino Airport: The main airport serving the Italian capital is also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport. In 2018, it handled 43 million travelers, making it the busiest airport in Italy and the ninth-busiest in the European Union. In addition to countless flights to destinations in Europe, the airport also provides air connections with Africa, the Middle East, East Asia, and the Americas. Located 240km (149 miles) west of Pescara, Leonardo da Vinci Airport can be reached in just 2 hours and 20 minutes.

City facts

• Pescara has a Mediterranean climate with subtropical influences. The city enjoys hot summers that are more humid than in many other cities in the Mediterranean basin and mild, but breezy winters. The average high temperature is 29°C  (84°F) in July and August, the warmest months, and 11°C  (52°F) in January, the coldest. Precipitation is the highest from October to December.
• Although located on the Adriatic coast, Pescara is very close to a number of mountain ranges. With a rental car, you can get very close to peaks like the Corno Grande (which at nearly 3,000 m (9,850 ft) is the highest peak in the Apennines) and ski resorts like Passolanciano-Maielletta in 90 minutes or less. 
• Inhabited since the Neolithic era, Pescara was already an important port and trading center before Roman times. For a long time, the city was known as Aternum. Later destroyed a number of times, the city was always rebuilt and was ruled by many powers including the Byzantine Empire, the Kingdom of Naples, the Moors and the Normans. Later part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, the city joined unified Italy in 1860. The diverse influences of the city’s earlier rulers can still be observed in its eclectic architecture, cuisine, and traditions. 

Top sights and activities

• Beaches. Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Pescara is a great beach destination. There’s plenty to choose from, too, as there are many beaches right in the city and even nicer ones nearby, like in the village of Montesilvano just north of Pescara and in Francavilla to the south. If you’re still not satisfied, with a rental car, you can easily travel up or down the coast to find the perfect spot. 
• Pescara Cathedral. Also known as San Cetteo Cathedral after the patron saint of Pescara, it is the most famous church in Pescara. Pescara Cathedral was built in the 1920s and 1930s at the site of an older medieval cathedral that had fallen into disrepair and needed to be torn down. Nowadays, the romanesque church is the seat of the local archbishop and is also a popular tourist site. 
• The city center. Once home to the fortified town of Piazzaforte, the historic city center is home to most of the landmarks of Pescara. These include Bagno Borbonico (an old prison of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies), the house in which the famous Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio was born, and the Museum of the Abruzzi People dedicated to the millennia-long history of human settlement of Pescara and the surrounding region.
• Corso Umberto I. This is the main street in the city center, and it's a bustling pedestrian area filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's a great place to go for a stroll, people-watch, or grab a bite to eat.
• Piazza Salotto. This is a small, charming square in the heart of the city center. It's surrounded by historic buildings and has a fountain in the center. It's a lovely spot to take a break and enjoy the atmosphere of Pescara.
• Palazzo del Governo. This is a beautiful historic building that used to house the regional government. It was built in the early 20th century in a neoclassical style, and it's definitely worth a visit to admire the architecture and learn a bit about the history of the region.
• Teatro Massimo. This is the main theater in Pescara, and it's a great place to catch a performance if you're interested in the arts. It was built in the early 20th century and has a beautiful, ornate interior.

Traffic and parking

• The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. 
• Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h. During the rain, the limits are respectively lowered to 110 km/h, 100 km/h, and 80 km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50 km/h during heavy fog or other cases of bad visibility.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Being over the allowed limit can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment. 
• The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

There are numerous toll roads in Italy. The exact toll depends on your choice of route and type of vehicle. See the official Italian toll road website for more information. Use the website’s toll calculator to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay for using the toll roads on your planned route.

Ideas for day trips

• L'Aquila. Located in a picturesque valley and surrounded by high mountains, the small capital of the Abruzzo region has its fair share of attractions. Travelers like to visit the impressive Spanish Fort (or Forte Spagnolo), L’Aquila Cathedral, and the Santa Giusta gothic church. L’Aquila is also near a few nice ski resorts, the most famous of which is Gran Sasso d’Italia. Located 100km (62 miles) west of Pescara, the city can be reached in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Chieti. The smaller, coastal neighbor of Pescara, Chieti doesn’t see too many tourists – it is, first of all, a center of industry – but is definitely worth a visit for those searching an off-the-beaten-path adventure, especially as it is only a 20 minute drive away. Chieti has a historical side that manifests both in the presence of many and diverse churches, and even older landmarks dating back to Ancient Rome. The city can be easily visited on the same trip as some of the aforementioned beaches to its north.
• Gargano National Park. Taking up a large portion of the peninsula of the same name, Gargano is the main attraction of the nearby province of Foggia. Made up of splendid beaches and some of the oldest preserved forests in all of the country, the area also encompasses the beautiful Tremiti archipelago which can be reached by boat (but ask your rental car supplier in advance if they permit you to take a vehicle on one). The drive from Pescara will take about an hour and 40 minutes.
• Rome. With a blend of a mighty history and an exciting present, the eternal city is a destination like no other. There are more world-famous landmarks and attractions than it's possible to list, but visiting the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican City would be a highlight of any trip. The city can be explored for days, but if you want the first taste, at 210km (130 miles) west of Pescara it can be reached in only two hours and thus can easily be visited as a day trip.
• The National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise. Spanning three Italian regions and made up of impressive summits, rapid mountain rivers, and steep gorges, it is one of the most scenic national parks in Italy. Many visitors come here to canoe, hike, or boulder, while others simply enjoy being outdoors. The national park is home to diverse flora and fauna like the Marsican brown bear, the Italian wolf, the European wildcat, and the crested porcupine. The nearest corner of the park is some 115km (71 miles) west of Pescara and can be reached in 1 hour and 25 minutes.
• Sulmona. This small, charming town is located just 50km (31 miles) southwest of Pescara and is known for its production of sugared almonds, as well as its historic center filled with picturesque streets and buildings. Sulmona is also home to several museums and landmarks, such as the Gothic Cathedral of San Panfilo and the Piazza Garibaldi.
• Majella National Park. Located just 70km (43 miles) southwest of Pescara, the Majella National Park is known for its rugged mountain landscapes, ancient forests, and unique flora and fauna. Visitors can go hiking, skiing, or rock climbing in the park, or simply enjoy the scenic views and fresh mountain air.
• Alba Fucens. This ancient Roman city is located about 70km (43 miles) northwest of Pescara and is a popular destination for history buffs. The city was founded in the 4th century BC and was an important center of commerce and culture during the Roman Empire. Visitors can see ruins of ancient buildings such as the amphitheater, the forum, and the city walls.
• Ortona. This small coastal town is located just 25km (16 miles) south of Pescara and is known for its beautiful beaches and historic center. Visitors can explore the town's ancient churches and buildings, such as the Castle of Ortona and the Basilica of San Tommaso Apostolo. Ortona is also famous for its wine, so be sure to try some of the local vintages while you're there.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Pescara is the Fiat 500, closely followed by the Ford Fiesta and the Fiat Panda. The most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact.

Further destinations

• Perugia. The capital of the Umbria region, Perugia has been somewhat flying under the radar when it comes to Italian tourist destinations. But that shouldn’t hold you back since this university city has plenty to offer from the stunning Palazzo dei Priori building to Rocca Paolina fortress and ancient Etruscan and Roman sites. The city also claims to produce the best chocolate in the country. Located 250km (155 miles) northwest of Pescara, Perugia takes three hours to reach by car.
• Naples. The birthplace of pizza, the location of the largest historic center in Europe, and the gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy like those on Capri or the Amalfi Coast, the capital of Campania region is not short of tempting attractions. The world-famous ancient sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, destroyed at the eruption of Pompeii nearly 2,000 years ago, are also right around the corner. Located 245km (152 miles) southwest of Pescara, Naples can be reached in about 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• Marche. The region of Marche is sometimes overlooked as a tourist destination, but that can work in its favor. Less crowded with visitors, and with nature that’s less dramatic and more serene than in the surrounding regions, it is a calm and idyllic holiday region to be enjoyed at a slower pace. The capital city, Ancona, is 160km (99 miles) north of Pescara and can be reached in about three hours with most of the road taking you right along the Adriatic coast.
• Bari. Located on the eastern shore, the other great city of Southern Italy is also worth your time. Offering a combination of culture and coastline, Bari is not just a fine city in its own right, but also offers access to other fascinating destinations like Lecce, Alberobello, and Taranto. The drive from Pescara will take about three hours.
• Rimini. This historic seaside resort town is located about 250km (155 miles) north of Pescara, and is known for its long sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and ancient Roman landmarks. Visitors can see the Tiberius Bridge, the Arch of Augustus, and the impressive Malatesta Temple, as well as explore the town's charming old town and port area.
• Cesenatico. This picturesque coastal town is located about 280km (174 miles) north of Pescara and is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing boats, and seafood restaurants. Visitors can explore the town's historic center, which features a charming canal harbor lined with colorful houses and shops, as well as landmarks like the Maritime Museum and the Leonardesco Canal Gate. Cesenatico is also a popular spot for water sports and sailing, with several marinas and yacht clubs in the area.
• Bologna. A foundational city in many ways – it is home to one of the oldest universities in the world and is also known as the capital of Italian cuisine – Bologna is both sophisticated and fun. In addition to its countless cultural landmarks, the city has a large student population and is a center of modern culture and entertainment. The capital of the Reggio–Emilia region, Bologna is just under a four hour drive north of Pescara.

Car rental prices in Pescara

• Small cars - from $26 per day
• Medium cars - from $29 per day
• Large cars - from $36 per day
• Station wagons - from $48 per day
• Vans - from $85 per day
• Premium cars - from $167 per day
• SUVs - from $30 per day
• Convertibles - from $72 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Getting a cheap rental car in Italy is easier if you follow these tips:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Pescara is the cheapest in May when renting a car is about 43% cheaper than the yearly average and a whole 59% cheaper than renting a car in September.