Summary of Day Trips from Rome
Rome has so many incredible things to do that it is hard to imagine why on Earth you’d want to tear yourself away on a day trip. The Eternal City is revered for its historic center, and it feels as if Rome has a UNESCO World Heritage Site at every corner. However, Rome is well-equipped with a train station, high-speed trains, and numerous car rentals. You can hop on public transport or hire a rental car and head on some amazing day trips from Rome. If you have more days than a 3-day itinerary, you definitely have time.
Top Day Trips From Rome
These day trips from Rome are all worth adding to your itinerary. We’ve included a range of day trips that are less than an hour away to several hours by high-speed train or rental car. The city is bustling with options, so prepare to jot down these inspiring best day trips for your trip to Rome.
1. Hadrian’s Villa
Hadrian’s Villa is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites and day trips from Rome. The stunning remains include an expanse of water landscape surrounded by traditional Roman columns. This villa, dating back to AD 120, served as a retreat for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Although all the marble, statues, and fountains were stolen over the centuries, this adds to the wistful quality of the villa. The little country residence was a symbol of opulence for the Roman Empire, and nowadays, its ruins narrate the story of its former grandeur.
It is an hour and 20 minutes from Central Rome by train and bus. After leaving Roma Termini Station, take a train to Bagni Di Tivoli Station, catching a bus or taxi for the final leg of the journey. Alternatively, it is less than an hour by car. We recommend adding Hadrian’s Villa because it breaks the stereotype of the best archaeological sites in central Rome. It’s hugely popular for its captivating beauty and well-maintained structure.
2. Villa d’Este
Villa D’Este is another essential vignette for your ‘day trips from Rome’ list. This villa, from the 16th century, is famous for its beautiful gardens and ornate, manicured style with numerous water features. Its garden exemplifies Renaissance architecture.
Touring the exterior of this villa is a highlight, particularly its garden architecture, especially the fountains, which makes it highly favored. It also holds the designation as another UNESCO highlight.
You can easily reach Villa D’Este in under an hour without needing to purchase tickets online; just hop on a quick 50-minute bus and take a five-minute walk. It is ideal for anyone seeking a more relaxed day outside of ancient ruins. The short journey makes it a must-see when exploring options around Rome.
3. Santa Marinella Beach
Santa Marinella Beach is a popular choice for those wanting to escape to a beach for a day. Adding a beach trip amid your Roman adventure is a refreshing idea, especially during the heat. A day of swimming, sunbathing, and indulging in gelato provides one of the most enjoyable day trips you can experience.
The journey takes less than an hour using fast trains, with a direct line from Rome to Santa Marinella. Once you arrive, you’ll find warmly shallow waters for swimming and a lengthy sandy beach. Santa Marinella Beach is also just a short walk from the train station, making it convenient for families.
Be cautious about spending excessively on deckchairs—rumors claim they can cost up to 40 euros, which is steep. Instead, bring a comfortable beach towel, flip-flops to protect your feet from hot sand, and plan to visit a café for shade and refreshments for a more budget-friendly experience.
4. Basilica Di San Francesco of Assisi
The Basilica Di San Francesco of Assisi is a stunning 13th-century complex featuring two grand churches. Stepping inside, you can access the Gothic Basilica Superiore and Basilica Inferiore. As a UNESCO-listed site, the complex is one of the most breathtaking places to visit on a Rome day trip, particularly for enthusiasts of religious history and architecture.
If you’re looking for exceptional scenic photography, Basilica Di San Francesco of Assisi is equally impressive. The basilica houses 28 vivid frescoes depicting the life of St. Francis, and audio guides are available to enhance your visit.
This ambitious day trip from Rome involves a 5-hour round trip by public transport, which includes two trains and a 5-minute taxi ride or a mid-length walk at the end. The journey by train offers a fantastic opportunity to catch up on reading while enjoying views of the Umbrian countryside. If you prefer driving, you can enjoy a 5-hour round trip, with options to stop at Terni or Riserva Naturale Regionale Nazzano Tevere-Farfa.
5. Pisa
Pisa is another ambitious day trip that is entirely achievable with the help of high-speed trains. The most famous landmark of Pisa is undoubtedly the Leaning Tower of Pisa, a 56-meter white-marble tower that captures attention with its unique tilt.
This iconic scene is framed by rows of charming buildings, outdoor café seating, and street performers. There’s plenty to see in Pisa, and to maximize your day trip, it’s beneficial to know in advance precisely what you wish to do.
The train ride from Roma Termini Station to Pisa Centrale takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, slicing through picturesque hill towns and Tuscan landscapes. If time permits, consider extending your stay in this area for a multi-day trip that could include a stop in Florence. However, even just a day trip to Pisa is essential, as its rich architecture and iconic status make it a fascinating visit.
6. Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is one of the most historically significant volcanoes, renowned for its eruption in AD 79 that devastated the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii. The preserved towns can still be visited today, which is recommended as a complementary experience for this day trip. However, the opportunity to peer into the crater of Mount Vesuvius is a unique experience you won’t want to miss.
This excursion can be best accessed by rental car or through a guided tour. By using public transport, you’ll need to take a high-speed train to Naples and then catch an expensive taxi to reach the base of the volcano. By car, you’ll reach the volcano in less than a couple of hours, allowing for a hassle-free experience. The hike to the summit spans 2.5 miles and takes between 1 to 1.5 hours to complete.
7. An Amalfi Coast Road Trip
This day trip is ideal for an overnight visit but can also fit into a single day with planning. The breathtaking Amalfi Coast is famed for its glamorous bars, stunning coastal cliffs with serpentine roads, and charming lemonade stands.
The Amalfi Coast is a playground for the rich and famous, and to experience the best of this region, you need to plan a road trip as one of your day trips from Rome. The route from Positano to Amalfi is particularly beautiful, featuring attractions like Fiordo di Furore, Grotto dello Smeraldo, and Castello Lauritano, as well as numerous enchanting beaches and narrow streets.
Due to the limited train access in the area, renting a car will be necessary for this adventure. The drive from Rome to Positano takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes, offering a stunning coastal route through charming towns. The scenic drive from Positano to Amalfi lasts about 50 minutes, with a return trip of about 30 hours and 40 minutes back to Rome.
8. Capri
Capri is one of the most remarkable day trip options and a magnet for jet-setters. The island exudes glamour while offering adventurous opportunities. To reach Capri, you’ll need to take a train to Naples, lasting just over an hour, followed by a one-hour ferry ride to the island. This journey typically spans around two hours, factoring in potential wait times.
Upon arriving on Capri, you’ll have the entire day to explore. You could shop for handcrafted Capri leather sandals, visit the Blue Grotto, or tour Villa San Michele. Despite being relatively small, it’s essential to utilize transport options like buses or funiculars, especially if the attractions you’re interested in are spread out. Capri delivers that dreamy island experience, making it highly sought after for its designer brands and beautiful coastline.
9. Naples
Naples cannot be overlooked when discussing day trip options around Rome. Though often viewed as a gritty counterpart to Rome, Naples serves as an excellent day trip destination. It’s famously recognized as the birthplace of pizza, a compelling reason to make the journey. Furthermore, Naples houses significant archaeological sites, such as the Catacombe di San Gennaro and Parco Archeologico del Pausilypon.
Although there is often lingering skepticism about Naples as a tourist destination, the city boasts countless engaging activities, highlighting its vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for sightseeing and savoring delicious pizza, a direct train from Rome to Naples Central Station takes just over an hour, making it one of the most accessible day trips from Rome.
10. Pompeii
Pompeii is an awe-inspiring ancient Roman town that was buried under volcanic ash and preserved for centuries before its rediscovery in the 16th century. The site remains largely intact, with streets, cobblestones, and even human remains preserved. Alarmingly, about 13% of the population perished during the catastrophic eruption.
This tragic yet fascinating story captives archeologists and tourists alike, and Pompeii is also one of Italy’s prominent UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
A day trip to Pompeii from Rome is highly recommended. While traveling by rental car provides the most flexibility—allowing you to combine it with a climb up Mt. Vesuvius—you can also take a direct train to Pompei, which takes just 1 hour and 40 minutes (with a single change at Napoli Centrale), landing you within walking distance of the archaeological site.
11. Wine Tasting
The hill towns surrounding Rome, within the Lazio region, are abundant with wineries for delightful wine-tasting experiences. Reach many of these wineries by train or organize tours directly from the city center. Beyond Lazio, Tuscany and Chianti offer additional wine experiences worth exploring.
Regardless of which vineyard or region you choose, a wine-tasting outing proves to be one of the most romantic activities when day-tripping from bustling Rome. The tradition of winemaking traces back to the Romans in the 8th Century BC, providing a historical edge to your tasting experience.
Not surprisingly, wine tasting continues to be among the most sought-after activities for visitors to Italy. We encourage you to indulge in this classic Italian experience, celebrating the strong connection between Italian cuisine and wine.
12. Ostia
Ostia is an often-overlooked gem in discussions about day trips from Rome. It was once a major port in the Roman Empire and now features a stunning beach along with a wealth of historical significance.
Historically, Ostia is considered the Romans’ first colony, and you can explore the Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica grounds to discover remains of this early city, including a grand amphitheater and Roman temple. This site should definitely be on your list before relaxing on the beach and cooling off after sightseeing.
Ostia is among the easiest day trips from Rome, achievable via a 40-minute train ride from Roma Tiburtina to Fiumicino Parco Leonardo, followed by a short taxi ride to the city center. It’s easy to see why Ostia is favored by locals for a day trip from Rome, boasting beautiful beaches, easy access, and archaeological wonders.
13. Florence
Florence, renowned as the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture, is the capital of Tuscany. Picture a postcard featuring the terracotta-domed Duomo cathedral, triumphantly rising above a skyline of varying apartment buildings.
Florence is approximately an hour and 30 minutes by train from Rome. While not the closest day trip, high-speed trains save substantial travel time. Your journey into Tuscany will reveal some of the most stunning countryside, so be sure to secure a window seat.
Florence is teeming with art galleries and architectural wonders. Highlights to check off during your day trip include the Duomo, Palazzo Piti, Galleria Dell’Accademia, and Gli Uffizi. Don’t forget to sample the gelato, as Florence is celebrated for its sweet treats. We must include Florence on this list, as it is a pivotal part of Italy’s cultural mosaic.
14. Cerveteri
You may not have encountered the Etruscans frequently in conversations regarding ancient history, as they occupy a more niche position. The Etruscans were incredibly advanced for their time. Unfortunately, by the 3rd century BCE, they found their numbers dwindled after assimilation into Roman culture.
So, how do the Etruscans factor into this exploration? Cerveteri is home to one of the most prominent archaeological sites associated with Etruscan civilization—the remarkable Necropoli della Banditaccia, an incredibly well-preserved necropolis linked to an ancient Etruscan city.
Many of the tombs still feature painted frescoes, allowing you to take a self-guided tour at your own pace. If interested in a deeper historical experience, guided tours are also available. Afterward, consolidate your knowledge at the National Archaeological Museum of Cerveteri, located in the town center.
Aside from its archaeological significance, Cerveteri also offers beautiful waterfall hikes. You can spend your morning exploring the historical sites and enjoy an afternoon hiking through wooded areas. Cerveteri is just an hour and 20 minutes from Rome, making it easy to visit for a full day. You’ll likely catch two trains with a change at Ladispoli, but there are several route options available. Alternatively, it’s just over an hour by car.
15. Orvieto
Craving a taste of medieval Italy? Look no further than Orvieto, a charming hilltop city that has preserved its medieval character, largely untouched by Mussolini’s architectural restructuring of Italy. You can freely wander through narrow streets, adorned with Gothic cathedrals, cobbles, and authentic buildings.
This quaint town is well-known for its ceramics industry, so keep your eyes open for potential souvenirs while you explore. The ceramic-making tradition dates back to Etruscan times and thrived during the Medieval period with tin-glazed pottery.
Orvieto provides a scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome and allows visitors to embrace Italy’s rich history beyond the capital. The trip to Orvieto takes an hour and 30 minutes and involves catching a train, which lasts approximately an hour and 10 minutes. A funicular then ascends to the old town, delivering you to the main tourist area.
Best Day Trips from Rome FAQ
When it comes to day trips from Rome, be prepared to explore a realm of options. With so many choices available, some just a train ride away, here are essential FAQs to consider before embarking on your day trip adventures.
What day trips can you take from Rome, Italy?
You can visit numerous destinations including Villa d’Este, Santa Marinella, and Mount Vesuvius.
Can you take day trips from Rome?
Absolutely, day trips from Rome are easy to manage. Options like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pompeii, or attractions closer to Rome, such as Hadrian’s Villa, are all accessible. The Umbrian countryside is interconnected with high-speed trains and roads, all centered around Roma Termini Station in Rome.
What city is close to Rome by train?
One of the closest cities to Rome via train is Naples, approximately an hour and 15 minutes away by high-speed service. However, cities like Pisa, Florence, and Bologna can be reached in under three hours, with many sizable towns also close by.
Why Should You Take a Day Trip From Rome?
There are numerous off-the-beaten-path spots near Rome, like charming hill towns and archaeological sites that are often devoid of crowds. Rome was historically significant as a hill town in the Roman Empire, but expanding your exploration through day trips is highly rewarding.
By venturing beyond the ancient city, you’ll discover classic escapes, such as the Leaning Tower in Pisa or Mount Vesuvius near Naples. Day trips from Rome offer both variety and an exciting opportunity for discovery.
