15 Best Day Trips From Rome

There are certainly many great things to do in Rome. However, Rome is a very chaotic and sometimes overwhelming city. I lived in Rome for a bit and developed a love/hate relationship with the disorganization, crowds, and chaos. So, one of my coping mechanisms was to splurge on day trips from Rome, in an effort to escape the city.

Rome is one of the most popular cities in Italy, and for good reason. It’s the Eternal City, the City of Seven Hills, and the former capital of the Roman Empire, one of history’s most influential and captivating civilizations.

For this reason, I think everyone needs to visit Rome (and here are my tips for first timers in the Eternal City) at least once. After all, one of my biggest Italy travel tips is not to skip the tourist stuff, i.e., Rome and the wealth of knowledge you’ll gain there.

Fortunately, there are so many amazing day trips from Rome. Some are quick excursions to nearby small Italian towns, while others are longer all-day excursions to the coast or other bustling cities. And almost all are very easily doable with public transportation.

For more insights into how to avoid the crowds in Rome, head over to my post The Best Time To Visit Rome.

If you’re like me and need a break from the city every now and then or simply want to pad your Rome itinerary with something different, here are the best day trips from the Italian capital, ranked by distance.

Many of the day trips I mention in this post are doable independently by train, and there are guided tours too. If you want to be even more independent, you can consider renting a car and driving yourself. My go to company for that is Discover Cars, which is actually a comparison site that pulls out all the best deals on car rental – any where in the world.

The Best Day Trips From Rome

Ostia Antica

Distance From Rome: 25 km (15.5 miles)

Ostia Antica is one of the best day trips from Rome by train because of its proximity and fascinating history. Only about 25 km (15.5 miles) from Rome, the train ride takes about 40 minutes.

Ostia Antica is located at the mouth of the Tiber River and was once Rome’s main port. Now, it’s a vast archeological site and one of the best-preserved ones.

Many different factors led to its abandonment and demise. The city was built up by Trajan, Claudius, and Tiberius. Eventually, Rome began to utilize other ports, diminishing its importance.

Additionally, the coastline silted up or receded, reducing its functionality as a port. Foreign invaders also came around the 4th century AD; other rumors said malaria spread through the city, so most people fled.

Regardless, the city was abandoned, and you can now explore over 100 hectares of land and Roman history. It’s one of Rome’s most underrated archeological sites and one of the easiest Rome day trips.

Ostia Antica is very close to Rome, and it’s easy to take a train or drive there. However, you can also join a guided tour. If you decide to do so, I recommend this Ancient Ostia Antica Guided Half-Day Tour by Train. The tour includes transportation, the entry fee, and a live guide. It’s a very informational experience and one of the best ways to learn more about Ostia Antica life.

Tivoli

Distance From Rome: 35 km (22 miles)

Tivoli is another easy day trip from the capital (and one of my favorite ones) for several reasons. First, it’s really close to Rome. The train takes less than an hour, and there are so many fascinating things to see in Tivoli.

Tivoli is famous because it’s home to not one but two different UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. Both are worth visiting from Rome.

Hadrian’s Villa was built in the 2nd century for Emperor Hadrian, and it was so large and impressive he turned it into his residential palace. However, the palace grounds are so vast that it really feels more like a small village than an official residence.

You can visit Hadrian’s Villa and explore the palace grounds, which include barracks, libraries, temples, multiple palaces, and, of course, the garden. All of which have been exceptionally preserved over the years.

Villa d’Este is the other villa worth visiting in Tivoli. It is a little bit smaller but still magnificent. It’s a 16th-century villa built for Lucrezia Borgia’s son. It has beautiful grounds with lots of extravagant fountains.

There are also many other cool things to do in Tivoli, including exploring the town itself, visiting Villa Gregoriana, and venturing out to some waterfalls.

The easiest way to explore both villas and get a taste of Tivoli is to join a day trip from Rome. I recommend this Villa d‘Este and Hadrian’s Villa Tivoli Day Tour. The popular tour includes roundtrip transportation, all entry tickets, and guided tours through both UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tivoli.

Castel Gandolfo

Distance From Rome: 38 km (23.5 miles)

Castel Gandolfo is one of the most popular day trips from Rome by train. It takes less than an hour to get there, and it is a fascinating placs. Castel Gandolfo is a small town on Lake Albano, most known for being the Pope’s summer residence.

You can visit the Pope’s summer residence – the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. Built in the 17th century for Pope Urban VIII, it has beautiful gardens and hedge mazes and is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture.

If you’re visiting in the warmer months, you can head down to the beach in Castel Gandolfo for a soak in the sun or for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

You should also visit the historic center of Castel Gandolfo. It’s a quintessential Italian small town with beautiful architecture and great coast views.

If you travel to Castel Gandolfo on your own and the weather is nice, I recommend this Castel Gandolfo Kayak Tour with Wine and Food Tasting. It’s a fantastic kayak tour across Lake Albano with a delicious wine tasting (the best way to end an afternoon of kayaking, in my opinion).

Castelli Romani

Distance From Rome: 47 km (29 miles)

The Castelli Romani is a collection of Italian villages nestled in the Alban Hills, which were formed by intense volcanic activity thousands of years ago. This picturesque region has rolling hills galore, classic Italian towns, and unforgettable viewpoints.

There are also two lakes in the region, Lake Albano and Lake Nemi, which are actually two volcanic craters filled with water.

Lake Albano, the closest of the two to Rome, is actually the deepest crater lake in Italy. The towns of the Castelli Romani are also perfect for wine tasting, with vineyards scattered all over the hills and delicious wine.

Because Castelli Romani is a region, it’s harder to travel there independently by train. It’s best to rent a car or take a guided tour.

If you’d like to explore the Castelli Romani region with some independence, I recommend this Rome: Castelli Romani Hop-on and Hop-off Tour. The bus goes by many villages around the Castelli Romani, allowing you to explore at your own pace and stop wherever you’d like.

Viterbo (and the Tuscia)

Distance From Rome: 81.5 km (50.6 miles)

My father and his family are from Viterbo, so maybe I’m biased, but I think it’s one of the most underrated gems near Rome. Viterbo is the capital of the Tuscia region, which was formally known as Etruria before the Roman conquest.

The Tuscia region is a historical region with no proper borders, unlike official provinces and mandated regions, but it is characterized by its history and culture. The region was once under Etruscan influence and is unrelated to the Tuscany region despite the similar names.

Viterbo is a great starting point for exploring the surrounding Tuscia region. The medieval historical center is incredibly well-preserved and a spot to visit some of the area’s famous thermal spas. Terme dei Papi is a popular thermal pool in Viterbo and is worth spending some relaxing moments there.

Palazzo dei Papi (Palace of the Popes) is also one of the most interesting monuments in Viterbo. You can visit several parts of the palace, including the Loggia dei Papi, which is a beautiful covered balcony or gallery overlooking Piazza San Lorenzo, and the Aula del Conclave, which is famous for hosting the longest conclave (over 33 months).

You should also take time to explore the Duomo di San Lorenzo, the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, and the area of San Pellegrino, which is the oldest part of the city and is defined by its narrow cobblestone streets. If you have a chance, visit for the Santa Rosa festival in September.

If you’re looking for a customizable day trip from Rome to Viterbo, I recommend this Viterbo and Tuscia: Full-Day Private Tour From Rome. The tour takes you to all the best places in Viterbo and the nearby village of Capodimonte. You’ll get about four hours to explore Viterbo, which is plenty of time to hit all the hot spots—afterward, you head to Capodimonte, on the southwest corner of Lake Bolsena.

My posts What To See And Do In Tuscia – Tips For A Memorable Trip and A Useful Guide To Viterbo share more insights into this lesser known region of Italy.

Tarquinia (and Cerveteri)

Distance From Rome: 89 km (55.3 miles)

The abundance of culture is one of the best reasons to visit Italy in the first place, and Etruscan culture is no exception. If you’re interested in learning more about Etruscan culture in the Viterbo province, you have to visit Tarquinia and Cerveteri.

Tarquinia is a splendid medieval town perched on a cliff. It was once the capital of the ancient Etruscan civilization. From the town, you get breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the valley of the River Marta, but it’s also a playground for history buffs.

Tarquinia is most famous for its archeological finds. There are over 6,000 Etruscan graves, preserved paintings and murals, and a fascinating archeological museum. Furthermore, the historical center of Tarquina is captivating and can’t be missed.

Cerveteri is another nearby town famous for the well-preserved remnants of Etruscan society. It was actually the nerve center for the Etruscan civilization and also has thousands of tombs in its necropolis, these ones cut into trenches or carved into rocks. The cemeteries of Tarquinia and Cerveteri are both classified as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to make the most of your trip (and learn the most), I recommend this Etruscan Highlights of Tarquinia and Cerveteri from Rome tour. It includes a guided tour through both cemeteries, where you’ll learn so much more about the significance and history of the civilization. It also includes roundtrip transportation, all entry fees, and bottled water.

Bomarzo

Distance From Rome: 95 km (59 miles)

If you’re looking for one of the most unique day trips from Rome, you must visit Bomarzo and Bosco dei Mostri (also known as Parco dei Mostri) or the Garden of Monsters.

This massive garden is filled with larger-than-life sculptures, some of which are carved into bedrock. Some famous statues include Hannibal’s war elephant and Ceres with a vase of “fruits of the earth” on her head.

Pier Francesco Orsini built the garden in the 16th century. And with its bizarre and gigantic elements, it doesn’t exactly fit into any single part of Italian architecture and style. It falls somewhere between art, literature, and magic.

The easiest way to visit Bomarzo Monster Park and the surrounding villages is with a guided day trip. I recommend this private Bomarzo Monster Park & Medieval Villages Tour, departing from Rome. You’ll spend a few hours in Bomarzo’s Monster Park and also visit the nearby villages of Celleno Borgo Fantasma (often referred to as the “ghost village”) and Vitorchiano, my absolute favorite small town in Tuscia.

Orvieto

Distance From Rome: 125 km (77.5 miles)

Orvieto is another of the best day trips from Rome by train, as the train ride takes only about 1.5 hours from Rome Tiburtina station, and the train departs regularly.

Orvieto is a small town in the Umbria region and is dramatically perched on a tufa plateau (a type of limestone) with a lot of history and personality. One of the main attractions is the Duomo di Orvieto, a Gothic masterpiece with dazzling frescoes and a striking exterior.

You can also explore the underground Orvieto, which has a series of tunnels and caves dating back to the Etruscan era (yes, this is another fascinating and historical town rich with Etruscan history, and part of the above-mentioned Tuscia region).

It’s estimated that there are over 1,200 tunnels, grottoes, galleries, shelters, cellars, and quarries, creating an intricate labyrinth below the city and the Duomo that highlights the society’s architectural knowledge.

You can also take the funicular to the walls of Albornoz Fortress and great views beyond, and explore San Patrizio’s Well.

Orvieto is really easy to get to from Rome, but you might want to consider a guided tour, especially if you want to explore other towns in the area. If you’re interested in doing so, I recommend this Assisi & Orvieto Day Trip From Rome. It’s a really long tour (lasting around 12 hours), but it is totally worth it, as you’ll get to see the unique side of the region. You’ll visit Orvieto and Assisi (another excellent day trip from Rome). The tour includes transportation, guided tours of both towns, and lunch.

My post The Best Things To Do In Orvieto shares plenty of tips to make the most of this small town.

Civita di Bagnoregio

Distance From Rome: 129 km (80 miles)

Civita di Bagnoregio is nicknamed “the dying village” because erosion, landslides, and earthquakes are slowly eating it away and causing portions of the old historic village to collapse into the Valle dei Calanchi.

Believe it or not, the village once was three times its current size. It’s estimated that roughly 7 centimeters of land falls into the ravine below.

The town also has a wildly low population, with only about a dozen people living there – now the vast majority of the residents have moved outside of the historic village, in the new Bagnoregio right beside it. Despite so few locals, it’s a bustling tourist destination and worth seeing (while you have the chance).

Many locals are optimistic that tourism can bring the small village back to life, as well. So, it’s a worthwhile day trip to a place like none other.

One of the easiest ways to visit Civita di Bagnoregio is by renting a car and exploring the area independently. However, you can also join a guided tour. I recommend this Orvieto & Civita di Bagnoregio Private Tour. You’ll first stop at Orvieto, where you can explore at your own pace. Next, the private driver brings you to Civita di Bagnoregio. Finally, you can visit an Umbrian winery for an afternoon tasting.

My post A Useful Guide To Civita Di Bagnoregio explains more of the history and charms of this small hilltop town

Assisi

Distance From Rome: 178 km (110.5 miles)

Assisi is another of the best Rome day trips in the Umbria region, close to Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio. Out of all the Umbrian villages, this is perhaps the most important for religious culture. Assisi is the birthplace of St. Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order.

Considering its relevance, it should be no surprise that Assisi has one of the most gorgeous basilicas in Italy. The Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi is actually composed of two churches: the Lower and the Upper. The incredible architecture of the cathedral influenced the architecture of the rest of the city, creating a unique unity and harmony throughout.

The Basilica di Santa Chiara, the Cathedral of San Rufino, and the Rocca Maggiore and Rocca Minore forts are also worth exploring.

There are direct trains from Rome Tiburtina to Assisi, however the easiest way to explore Assisi is by taking a guided day trip from Rome. I already recommended this Assisi & Orvieto Day Trip, which is a good taste of both popular Rome day trips. Despite having a packed itinerary, you’ll actually be able to catch all the main highlights of Assisi, including the Church of St. Claire, Townhall Square, the People’s Palace, and Basilica di San Francesco d’Assisi.

My post The Best Things To Do In Assisi shares more information on the best attractions in town.

LOCAL TIP: Spoleto is a much less crowded place that’s also easy to visit on a day trip from Rome. There’s a direct train from Rome Tiburtina station that gets you there in just 1.5 hours.

Naples

Distance From Rome: 227 km (141 miles)

Naples is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy, and for good reasons. It’s best described as a charmingly chaotic city with a rich history, vibrant street life, and stunning bay views.

Furthermore, there’s much to see and do here. I recommend walking along the Spaccanapoli, a road that passes through the Old Town, where you can see many of the main sites.

You should also try to visit the Naples Museum of Archeology, one of the best museums in Italy, to learn more about the Roman Empire.

Finally, make sure to sample Napoli Pizza. If you’re a fan of pizza, this is the best place to be, considering it’s the true birthplace of pizza.

Most people traveling to Italy set aside a few days for Naples, which is preferable since it’s such a rich city. But if you simply don’t have time for it, you can also visit on a day trip from Rome by train, as it’s just over an hour from Rome on the fast train.

If you visit Naples independently, consider joining this Ultimate Naples Food Tour. It’s a great way to visit many of the main attractions in the city center while sampling some of the best regional cuisine.

You can also easily visit Naples on a guided tour of Rome. I recommend this Naples & Pompeii Day Tour. The tour includes two hours in Pompeii and three hours in the bustling streets of Naples. Since everything is pre-planned and arranged for you, it’s the best way to take advantage of just one day.

If you’re interested in learning more about Italy’s regional cuisine, make sure to read my guide, Must-Try Traditional Italian Food By Region. It’s the perfect guide to get your taste buds going and education on the various regional cuisines of Italy.

My post What To See And Do In Naples shares more insights into this wonderful city. I also have a post on How To Plan A Day Trip To Naples From Rome that will help you design your itinerary.

Pompeii

Distance From Rome: 241 km (150 miles)

Pompeii was once a bustling Roman city until 79 CE, when it was completely covered in ash after an intense volcanic eruption from nearby Mount Vesuvius. The tragic events that led to its downfall are one of the factors that make Pompeii such an exciting place to visit.

The city was actually coated with a layer of ash from the eruption, which went undiscovered for centuries and preserved much of the once-great city. You can now walk through streets that feel almost frozen in time, admiring the public buildings, shops, and villas.

Pompeii is genuinely a unique document of Roman life that is a must-see when visiting Italy.

Pompeii (and Mount Vesuvius) is a popular day trip from Naples, but it’s easily accessible from Rome if you don’t have the time to stay in Naples overnight. You can even visit Naples on the same day if you start early enough.

You can visit Pompeii and Naples from Rome with this Naples & Pompeii Day Tour I previously recommended. Alternatively, you can spend your day split between Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius.

I also recommend this Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius Day Trip with Lunch. The tour includes two hours to explore Pompeii with a guide and three hours at Mount Vesuvius, where you’ll also eat lunch. Finally, there’s the option of this Pompeii Day Trip from Rome with Amalfi Coast Drive which is perfect if you also want to take in the scenic views of the Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento

Distance From Rome: 266 km (165 miles)

Sorrento is another longer trip from Rome, but it’s worth visiting, considering it’s one of the best places to visit in Italy.

Sorrento is on the peninsula separating the Bay of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno and is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and picture-perfect orchards.

One of my favorite things to do in Sorrento is to sunbathe at one of the many beach clubs near Marina Piccola. Sorrento doesn’t have the best beaches in Italy (I can confirm this coming from Sardinia), but after spending a lot of time in Rome, the beach clubs in Sorrento are a welcome site.

You should also try some lemon gelato and limoncello liquor in Sorrento. Sorrento is famous for its lemon production, so both lemon gelato and limoncello (made with fresh lemons) are among the most refreshing flavors in the region.

If you’re looking for another relaxing place in Sorrento to unwind after spending time in Rome, you can visit Chiostro di San Francisco, a 14th-century monastery with a relaxing garden.

If you want to combine two of the best day trips from Rome into one, check out this Pompeii Tour from Rome with Amalfi Coast Drive. The private tour first stops at Pompeii, where you can learn more about the rise and fall of the fascinating ash-covered piece of history. The tour continues onto the Amalfi Coast, and you can choose between Sorrento and Positano for lunch. Since it’s a private tour, it’s also very flexible, so you can always request more time in Sorrento.

Amalfi Coast

Distance From Rome: 280 km (174 miles)

On the other side of the peninsula from Sorrento, you have the Amalfi coast. The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy and certainly lives up to its reputation. It’s one of the most scenic, enchanting, and exciting parts of Italy (especially for water babies).

You definitely want at least a few days to visit the Amalfi Coast, but if that can’t be worked out for any reason, it’s also a good day trip from Rome, especially if you leave early in the morning.

There are thirteen towns and villages along the Amalfi Coast, so you have endless day trip options. The most popular ones are Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano. You won’t be disappointed by any of them.

Remember to pack your bathing suit, especially if you’re planning day trips from Rome to Amalfi Coast during the summer.

The best way to make the most of one day on the Amalfi Coast is to rent a car and drive yourself. This way, you can leave early in the morning and explore several different towns and scenic stops. Discover Cars is my go-to rental car company for international trips (and even inside Italy). It’s easy to find the perfect car while comparing your options.

You can also consider visiting Amalfi from Rome with a guided tour. For example, there’s this From Rome: Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Full-Day Private Tour which is very flexible. It includes a few hours exploring Pompeii and then continues onto the Amalfi Coast.

Alternatively, I recommend this Boat-Hopping On The Amalfi Coast: Day Trip from Rome. It’s a guaranteed small group, making it feel more personal. You’ll get several hours to explore Amalfi and Positano, and hop on a boat for stunning views of the coast.

Florence

Distance From Rome: 300 km (186 miles)

If you’re looking for the easiest and most fulfilling day trips from Rome, Florence is not the way to go. It’s really far, and it’s very difficult to cram everything there it to see there into just one day.

That said, if you’re only coming to Italy once and don’t have time to set aside a few days for Florence, you can visit as a last resort – it’s actually one of the easiest day trips from Rome by train as there are many regular departures.

Florence is truly a magical city, one of the best in Italy. It has so much history, beauty, good food, and fun activities.

One of the main Italian landmarks to visit in Florence is the Florence Duomo, a majestic piece of architecture, religion, and art. You could also go up the Brunelleschi Dome or the Giotto Bell Tower for views of the city.

Uffizi Gallery and Galleria dell’Accademia, where Michelangelo’s David is located, are two must-see galleries. You also have Piazza della Signoria, a fascinating part of the historic center where you’ll find the famous Fountain of Neptune.

Florence and Rome are very well-connected by train. Once there, I recommend a guided tour because they can help you manage time more efficiently. You could check out this Florence In A Day With David, Duomo, Uffizi & Walking Tour which takes you to the most important sights in town – the Accademia Gallery, the Uffizi and the Duomo, and it includes a walking tour of the city.

My post What To See And Do In Florence shares more insights into the many attractions this city offers.

Conclusions On The Rome Day Trips

As someone who’s spent a lot of time in Rome’s chaos, I understand the need and desire to take a day trip or two. Rome is one of the most interesting cities in Italy, especially for history buffs, but it’s also a little overwhelming. You can find less crowded places in the city, like the Jewish Quarter.

Still can’t decide how long to stay in Rome? My post How Many Days In Rome Are Enough will help you!

And fortunately, there are so many fantastic day trips from Rome. There are some easy, nearby hidden gems, like Ostia Antica and Tivoli. But you can also venture further from the Rome life and explore the Amalfi Coast or even Florence.

No matter where you go, make sure to budget time appropriately. If you’re going to a destination far away, you’ll want to leave early in the morning to give yourself plenty of time to explore in just one day.

But as long as you plan in advance and know what the plan is, these great day trips from Rome are the best way to pack your Rome itinerary with something different.

PIN IT!