Rome could keep you busy for weeks, but some of Italy's greatest treasures are just a short trip away. Thanks to fast trains and good roads, you can see Renaissance Florence, the ruins of Pompeii, Renaissance gardens, or medieval hill towns and still be back in Rome for dinner. Here are the best day trips from Rome, with travel times and tips.
Day Trips From Rome at a Glance
- Tivoli: About 1 hour. Best for gardens and villas.
- Ostia Antica: About 40 minutes. Best for Roman ruins without the crowds.
- Castelli Romani: 40 minutes to 1 hour. Best for food, wine, and lakes.
- Orvieto: About 1 hour 15 minutes. Best for a hilltop town and cathedral.
- Tuscia: About 1 to 2 hours by car. Best for villages and Etruscan history.
- Naples: About 1 hour 10 minutes by high-speed train. Best for pizza and history.
- Pompeii: About 2 hours. Best for ancient ruins.
- Florence: About 1 hour 30 minutes by high-speed train. Best for Renaissance art.
1. Tivoli
How to get there: Regional trains from Roma Tiburtina take about an hour, or buses from Ponte Mammolo metro station.
This hill town has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Villa d'Este is famous for its Renaissance gardens and hundreds of fountains, while Hadrian's Villa, in the plain below, was the vast retreat of the Roman emperor. Seeing both in a day is possible, but you'll need a short taxi or bus ride between them.
2. Ostia Antica
How to get there: Take metro line B to Piramide, then the Roma–Lido train to Ostia Antica, about 40 minutes in total.
Rome's ancient port is one of the best-preserved Roman towns in Italy. Wander its streets, baths, mosaics, and theater, often with far fewer visitors than at the Forum. It's an easy half-day trip.
3. Castelli Romani
How to get there: Regional trains from Roma Termini reach Frascati in about 30 minutes, but a car or tour is best for visiting several towns.
The hilltop towns southeast of Rome have long been a summer escape for Romans and popes. Taste white wine in Frascati, eat porchetta in Ariccia, and visit Castel Gandolfo, overlooking Lake Albano, where the papal palace and gardens are open to visitors.
4. Orvieto
How to get there: Direct trains from Roma Termini take about 1 hour 15 minutes, then a funicular up to the town.
Perched on a cliff of volcanic rock in Umbria, Orvieto is famous for its spectacular striped cathedral with a glittering mosaic facade. Explore the underground caves dug into the rock and the deep St. Patrick's Well, and try the local Orvieto Classico wine.
5. Tuscia
How to get there: By car is best. Viterbo is about 1 hour 30 minutes by train or car.
The lesser-known region north of Rome is full of medieval villages and Etruscan history. Visit Civita di Bagnoregio, the "dying town" perched on an eroding hilltop and reached by a footbridge, the medieval quarter of Viterbo, the gardens of Villa Lante, and the Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia.
6. Naples
How to get there: High-speed trains from Roma Termini take about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Lively, chaotic, and delicious, Naples is the birthplace of pizza. Explore the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, see treasures from Pompeii at the National Archaeological Museum, and visit the Veiled Christ in the Sansevero Chapel.
7. Pompeii
How to get there: Take a high-speed train to Naples, then the Circumvesuviana train to Pompei Scavi, about 2 hours in total.
Walk the streets of a Roman town buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, with its homes, frescoes, and amphitheater. See our Rome to Pompeii day trip guide.
8. Florence
How to get there: High-speed trains from Roma Termini to Firenze Santa Maria Novella take about 1 hour 30 minutes.
It's a long day, but you can see the highlights of the Renaissance city: Michelangelo's David, the Uffizi, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio. Book museum tickets in advance. See the best things to do in Florence.
Tips for Day Trips From Rome
- Book high-speed trains early on Trenitalia or Italo for the best fares.
- Validate paper regional tickets before boarding.
- Check closing days. Many museums and archaeological sites close on Mondays.
- Start early and check the last train back.
- Stay connected. An egoViet Italy eSIM keeps your train tickets and maps working. See our Italy eSIM guide and the best train trips in Europe.
Planning your time in the city? See how many days you need in Rome and the best things to do in Rome.
FAQs: Day Trips From Rome
What is the best day trip from Rome?
Pompeii and Florence are the most popular, while Tivoli and Orvieto are easier and less crowded.
Can you visit Florence as a day trip from Rome?
Yes. High-speed trains take about 1 hour 30 minutes, so you can see the main sights in a long day.
What is the easiest day trip from Rome?
Ostia Antica, about 40 minutes away by metro and train.
Can you do Pompeii and Naples in one day from Rome?
Yes, with an early start. Visit Pompeii first, then spend the late afternoon in Naples before the train back.