The 5 Best Day Trips from Rome (Train or Bus)
Rome has so much to offer that you could spend an entire week without ever leaving the walls, but the surrounding areas hold treasures that deserve at least a day. From the ruins of ancient Ostia to the Renaissance gardens of Tivoli, from medieval villages perched on tuff to volcanic lakes, theday trips from Romeare easy, affordable, and accessible by public transport. This guide selects the 5 best destinations reachable by train or bus, with schedules, costs, and practical tips.
Why take a day trip from Rome
Leaving the city for a day offers three advantages:
A break from the chaos– Rome is magnificent but tiring. A day in a village or archaeological park is relaxing.
Discovery of unique sites– Ostia Antica is less famous than Pompeii but better preserved and without crowds. Tivoli has two UNESCO sites.
Savings– day trips are inexpensive (train or bus 5-15 € round trip) and many sites have low entrance fees.
How to organize a day trip
Departure:always early in the morning (8:00-9:00) to have at least 5-6 hours on site.
Transport:regional trains (ticket valid for 4 hours, validate it before boarding) and suburban buses (reservation recommended in high season).
What to bring:water, snacks, comfortable shoes, hat, power bank, offline map.
Best day:from Monday to Friday (the towns are less crowded). On Sundays, many museums close early.
1. Ostia Antica: the alternative to Pompeii
Distance from Rome:25 km
Travel time:30 minutes by train
Transport:regional train FL1 (Rome Termini, Ostiense, Trastevere, San Pietro – direction Fiumicino Airport, stop "Ostia Antica")
Round trip train cost:3 € (single ticket) or 7 € (daily pass)
Train schedule:every 15-20 minutes from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Entrance ticket:12 € full price, 6 € reduced (18-25 EU), free under 18 and the first Sunday of the month
Site hours:8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (winter), until 7:00 PM (summer). Closed on Mondays.
What to see in Ostia Antica
Ostia was the port of ancient Rome (founded in the 4th century BC). Today it is a vast archaeological park (over 50 hectares) with dozens of well-preserved buildings, much less crowded than Pompeii.
Decumano Massimo:the main paved street, with the tracks of carts.
Roman Theater:built by Augustus, capacity 3,000 spectators. Still used for summer performances.
Baths of Neptune:incredible mosaics with dolphins and marine deities.
Insula delle Muse:a Roman apartment building (insula) with mosaics and frescoes.
Forum and Capitolium:the religious and political center.
Taverna di Fortunato:an ancient inn with a masonry counter.
Tips for Ostia Antica
Bring water (few expensive internal refreshment points).
Comfortable shoes – you will walk on cobblestones and dirt paths.
Get the map at the entrance (free) or the audio guide (5 €).
Minimum time: 3 hours. Ideal: 4-5 hours.
There is no restaurant inside (only vending machines). Bring a picnic or eat at the exit (Ostia Antica Excavations area, several places).
Why choose it
Less touristy than Pompeii, lower cost (12 € compared to 18 € for Pompeii), no queues, ability to touch the mosaics (not fenced off like in Pompeii). Ideal for archaeology enthusiasts.
2. Tivoli: Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana (two UNESCO sites)
Distance from Rome:30 km
Travel time:50-60 minutes
Transport:regional train FL2 (Rome Termini – Tivoli), stop at "Tivoli" then local CAT bus (5 minutes) or 20 minutes walking uphill. Alternatively, COTRAL bus from Ponte Mammolo (metro B).
Round trip train cost:4.60 €
Local Tivoli bus (CAT):1.20 € per ride
Villa d'Este ticket:12 € full price, 6 € reduced
Villa Adriana ticket:10 € full price, 5 € reduced
Combined ticket (both):17 €
Hours:Villa d'Este 8:30 – 19:00 (summer), until 17:00 (winter). Villa Adriana 8:30 – 18:30 (summer), until 16:00 (winter). Closed on Mondays.
What to see in Tivoli
Villa d'Este (Renaissance, gardens, and water games)
The villa of Cardinal Ippolito d'Este (16th century) is famous for its hundreds of fountains.
Fountain of the Oval:a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering.
Via delle Cento Fontane:100 fountains that spout along a pathway.
Fountain of the Hydraulic Organ:plays music thanks to water.
Avenue of the Cypresses and caves:romantic atmosphere.
Interior of the villa:frescoes by Mannerist artists.
Villa Adriana (Roman Empire)
The residence of Emperor Hadrian (2nd century AD) is a vast archaeological park (40 hectares) with buildings that imitate those seen by the emperor during his travels.
Canopus and Serapeum:a water channel that mimics the Canopus Canal in Egypt, with statues and columns.
Pecile:a huge porticoed square (230 x 100 meters).
Maritime Theatre:a circular artificial island with a private villa.
Odeion:small covered theater.
Tips for Tivoli
Don't do both in the same day if you're not a walker.They are 7 km apart (local bus or taxi). Many tourists only visit Villa d'Este.
To do both:leave at 8:00 AM from Rome, first Villa Adriana (less crowded in the morning), then lunch in Tivoli, then Villa d'Este (afternoon).
Water and food:in Tivoli center there are cheap bars and restaurants (avoid those right in front of the villas).
Watch out for the hills:Villa d'Este is downhill (you enter from the top), Villa Adriana is flat.
Why choose Tivoli
Two UNESCO sites in one day, a unique contrast between Roman grandeur (Adriana) and Renaissance luxury (d'Este). The fountains of Villa d'Este are spectacular in summer.
3. Orvieto: the village on tuff (Umbria)
Distance from Rome:120 km
Travel time:1 hour and 10 minutes (fast regional train)
Means of transport:regional train or Intercity (Rome Termini – Orvieto). The station is at the foot of the cliff, then funicular (1.30 €) or shuttle bus (free for tourists?) – the funicular is the experience.
Round trip train cost:12-16 € (regional), 20-25 € (Intercity)
Funicular:1.30 € per ride (integrated ticket with city bus)
Cathedral ticket:5 € (cathedral only), 8 € (cathedral + museum + well).
Cathedral hours:9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (summer), 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (winter)
What to see in Orvieto
Orvieto is perched on a tuff cliff, with medieval streets, spectacular views, and a cathedral among the most beautiful in Italy.
Orvieto Cathedral (breathtaking facade):golden mosaics, rose windows, sculpted portals. Inside, the Chapel of San Brizio with the frescoes of the Last Judgment by Luca Signorelli (which inspired Michelangelo).
St. Patrick's Well:a double helix well 62 meters deep, built by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. You descend on foot (248 steps) – a unique experience.
Claudio Faina Museum:Etruscan collection.
Underground Orvieto:visit the tunnels and pigeon lofts carved into the tuff (guided tour 7 €).
Corso Cavour:shopping and aperitifs with a view of the valley.
Tips for Orvieto
Leave Rome no later than 8:30 to have the whole day.
Lunch: look for a typical Umbrian trattoria (tagliatelle with truffle, pigeon, Orvieto Classico wine).
Minimum time: 5 hours (ideal 6-7 hours).
The funicular from the station to the center is part of the experience (view of the landscape).
If you have time, also visit the "Etruscan Necropolis of the Crucifix of Tuff" (walking from the station, 6 €).
Why choose Orvieto
Perfectly preserved medieval village, excellent food, less touristy than Tuscan villages, and very easy to reach by train. Ideal for a romantic or cultural getaway.
4. Calcata: the village of artists (Lazio)
Distance from Rome:45 km
Travel time:1 hour and 20 minutes
Transport:COTRAL bus from Rome Saxa Rubra (metro A Flaminio, then train to Saxa Rubra, then bus). Line "Rome-Calcata". Note: few buses per day (check schedules).
Round trip bus cost:7 €
Entrance to the village:free
Hours:the village is always open, but shops and workshops open from Thursday to Sunday (many closed Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday).
What to see in Calcata
Calcata is a medieval village perched on a tuff cliff, inhabited by artists, hippies, and craftsmen in the 1970s. Today it is a magical place, full of art shops, galleries, vegetarian restaurants, and a timeless atmosphere.
Walk on the walls:view of the Treja valley.
Art workshops:ceramics, painting, sculpture, jewelry – you can see the artists at work.
Church of San Cornelio:medieval frescoes.
Mithras Cave:a cave with a Mithraic relief (2nd century AD).
Treja Trail:starting from the village, a hike in the gorge of the Treja River (2 hours round trip, easy).
Tips for Calcata
Check the COTRAL bus schedules(only 3-4 runs a day). Depart from Rome at 9:00 AM, return at 5:00 PM.
Bring cash(many shops do not have card readers).
Hiking shoesif you do the Treja trail.
Avoid Monday and Tuesday(almost everything is closed).
Lunch:vegetarian or organic restaurants (average prices 15-25 €).
Why choose Calcata
An excursion away from mass tourism, ideal for those seeking authenticity, art, and nature. It feels like stepping into a 1970s movie. Not suitable for those looking for "important" monuments – it is an atmospheric experience.
5. Lake Bracciano and Anguillara Sabazia
Distance from Rome:35 km
Travel time:45-60 minutes
Means:regional train FL3 (Rome Termini, Tiburtina, Ostiense – direction Bracciano or Viterbo). Stops: "Bracciano" or "Anguillara".
Round trip train cost:€7.40 (Bracciano), €6.20 (Anguillara)
Odescalchi Castle (Bracciano):€8.50 full price, €5 reduced
Pedalo/boat rental:€10-15 per hour
Castle hours:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (summer), until 5:00 PM (winter). Closed on Mondays.
What to see at Lake Bracciano
Bracciano (town and castle)
Odescalchi Castle is one of the best-preserved in Lazio, still inhabited. It hosted the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes (2006). You can visit the frescoed rooms, armories, and the terrace with a view of the lake.
Anguillara Sabazia
Smaller and more characteristic village of Bracciano, with colorful houses descending to the lake. Stroll along the lakeside, seafood restaurants (perch, whitefish), and opportunities to swim (public and equipped beaches).
Activities on the lake
Swimming:public beach "La Marmotta" (Anguillara) or "Lake Bracciano" (Vigna di Valle area).
Pedalos and canoes:rental in Bracciano and Anguillara.
Trekking:trail around the lake (30 km, but you can do short sections).
Tips for Bracciano and Anguillara
It's better to choose one of the two villages, not both.Bracciano is larger and has the castle. Anguillara is smaller and more romantic.
For swimming:bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes.
Lunch:In Bracciano, typical trattorias (fettuccine with wild boar), in Anguillara, fish restaurants along the lakeside.
Attention to trains:the FL3 line is slow and sometimes crowded on summer weekends. Avoid Saturdays in July-August.
Why choose Lake Bracciano
An excursion for those who want nature, relaxation, swimming, and a historic castle. Just 45 minutes from Rome, it feels like being in another region. Perfect in summer to escape the city's heat.
Summary table of the 5 excursions
| Destination | Transport | Round trip time | Transport cost | Main entrance | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ostia Antica | Train FL1 | 30 min | 3 € | 12 € | Archaeology |
| Tivoli | Train FL2 + bus | 50 min | 6 € | 17 € (combined) | Art and gardens |
| Orvieto | Regional train | 1h10 | 12-16 € | 5-8 € | Medieval village |
| Calcata | COTRAL bus | 1h20 | 7 € | free | Art and alternative nature |
| Bracciano | Train FL3 | 45 min | 7.40 € | 8.50 € | Lake, swimming, castle |
Additional excursions (honorable mentions)
If you have more days or specific preferences:
Frascati and Castelli Romani(train 30 min): wine, porchetta, Tusculan villas.
Cerveteri(train 40 min): UNESCO Etruscan necropolis (ticket 10 €).
Sermoneta(bus from Latina, 2 hours): perfectly preserved medieval village, less touristy than Calcata.
Tarquinia(train 1h30): painted Etruscan tombs (UNESCO).
Frequently asked questions about excursions from Rome
What is the cheapest excursion?
Ostia Antica (3 € round trip train + 12 € entrance, total 15 €).
What is the best excursion with children?
Lake Bracciano (swimming, pedal boats, castle) and Ostia Antica (open spaces, they can run).
Can I go on an excursion without prior reservation?
Yes, for all. Just check the bus schedules for Calcata (few). For Orvieto in high season, should I book the regional train? Not necessary, but you might have to stand.
Which excursion is feasible even in winter?
Ostia Antica (indoor museum) and Orvieto (cathedral, museums, well). The gardens in Tivoli are less impressive in winter.
Do I need special shoes?
For Ostia and Villa Adriana, yes (uneven ground). For Calcata, if hiking, sturdy sneakers. For Orvieto, regular city shoes.
Can I visit two excursions in one day?
No, unless you do Tivoli (both villas) which is considered a single destination. Ostia + something else is not possible.
FAQ
Is there a single ticket for regional transport in Lazio?
Yes, the "BIRG" (Integrated Regional Ticket) – 24 hours for €16, covers regional trains and COTRAL buses throughout Lazio. Is it worth it if you do two excursions on different days? No, because each excursion costs less than €16 for transportation.
Which excursion has the best value for money?
Ostia Antica: €15 total for a huge, well-preserved archaeological site, with no lines.
Are the excursions accessible to people with disabilities?
Ostia Antica: yes (dirt paths, but some buildings have steps). Tivoli: Villa Adriana yes, Villa d'Este partially (stairs). Orvieto: difficulty with the climbs. Calcata: no (village on a cliff, stairways). Bracciano: castle yes, lake yes.
Can I bring my dog?
Ostia Antica yes (on a leash). Tivoli no (Villa d'Este prohibits dogs, Villa Adriana yes). Orvieto yes (open village, cathedral no). Calcata yes. Bracciano yes.
Which excursion should I avoid if it rains?
Tivoli (outdoor gardens), Calcata (wet path and village), Lake Bracciano (swimming and walks). In case of rain, better to choose Ostia Antica (partly covered) or Orvieto (museums and cathedral).
A range of experiences
The5 best day trips from Romethey offer a range of experiences: archaeology with Ostia Antica, Renaissance and Roman art with Tivoli, a medieval village with Orvieto, an alternative artistic atmosphere with Calcata, and lake nature with Bracciano. All are reachable by train or bus for less than €15 in transport, and each requires a full day (8-10 hours from departure to return). Choose based on your interests and the season: in summer prefer Bracciano or Ostia Antica (early morning), in spring and autumn Tivoli and Orvieto, in winter the museums of Orvieto or Ostia. With a little extra effort, Rome becomes the starting point to discover the most authentic Lazio.
For an overview that connects these excursions to all other practical information on accommodations, transport, and attractions in the Capital, don't miss theessential guide to experiencing Rome and its surroundings like an experienced traveler.
Revision date:March 15, 2026