Private driver to Abruzzo from Rome for day trip

I knew a driver but he has retired. You might consider a train from Rome to Sulmona and a taxi just up the hill to Pacentro. Ask the taxi driver to pick you up again in whatever number of hours you want. It's easy from Termini although it's a regional train. When booking, check the transit times and pick a faster RV (regionale veloce) one.

Definitely a good choice, Pacentro is lovely.

You could try reaching out to Bob’s. They are wonderful. We have used them multiple times. Not sue if they will travel that distance, but don’t know until you ask….

https://www.romelimousines.com/tours/private-tours/

It will be costly
https://daytrip.com/

Would you consider using public transport to Sulmona from Rome?

A bus can take you to Sulmona in just over two hours.

From there you can walk around and then take a taxi to Pacentro.

In Pacentro, I highly recommend having lunch at Taverna de li Caldora. Beautiful view from the dining room and terrace, of the valley below; excellent food at a reasonable price. (Restaurant prices in Aruzzo will come as a very pleasant surprise after coming from Rome!). Book in advance; by phone is best.

I'be not been to L'Aquila but would love to visit sometime soon. We had two weeks in Abruzzo but did not have time to make it there....what a wonderful region of the country, and so close to Rome!

Goodness, I see that Nelly from Abruzzo had already answered your query!! So train, better than bus, to Sulmona.

Bus works too! But the buses leave from Roma Tiburtina station, not Roma Termini, so just be sure you're in the right place.

Thanks everyone! Not sure why I didn't think of the train! We've also decided to spend one night, based on train schedules. Came across this website in my transportation search: https://experiencebellavita.com/abruzzo-heritage-services-tour-of-abruzzo/
Have reached out to them and am hoping they can pick us up at train station and drive us to Pacentro, where my grandmother was born in 1911.