7 Best Day Trips from Rome – Explore Ancient Ruins, Coastal Towns & Hilltop Villages

If you're in Rome and craving a break from the Eternal City, these 7-day trips are the perfect way to explore more of Italy’s rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic countryside. Whether you're hopping on a high-speed train, taking a commuter train, or booking guided tours, each day trip delivers a blend of ancient ruins, charming towns, and natural beauty.

Most of these destinations are just over an hour from Rome, making them ideal for a whole day or even a relaxing half-day adventure. Whether it’s Roman history, seaside views, or hilltop escapes, these Rome day trips offer something for every kind of traveler.

1. Tivoli – Hadrian’s Villa and the Fountains of Villa d’Este

Travel Time: ~1 hour by train or bus
Distance from Rome: ~30 km

Tivoli is an easy day trip where you can visit two UNESCO-listed sites: Villa Adriana (also known as Hadrian’s Villa) and the lush Renaissance gardens of Villa d’Este. These attractions showcase the opulence of Ancient Rome and Italian nobility.

Wander through sprawling ruins at Hadrian’s Villa, then stroll under the sun through Villa d’Este’s iconic fountains.

Why go: For Roman history, manicured gardens, and a peaceful afternoon away from the city.

Train Station: Tivoli (from Roma Tiburtina)

2. Ostia Antica – A Hidden Gem of Roman Life

Travel Time: ~45 minutes by commuter train
Distance from Rome: ~30 km

One of the best hidden gems near Rome, Ostia Antica offers a glimpse into Ancient Rome without the crowds of Pompeii. This well-preserved site includes ancient ruins of baths, markets, homes, and an amphitheater.

Ostia Antica is an easy day trip—ideal for those who want to discover daily life in Roman times without leaving Lazio.

Why go: It’s like time-traveling back 2,000 years in under an hour.

Train Station: Ostia Antica (from Roma Porta San Paolo)

3. Naples & Pompeii – Ruins, Volcano Views & Southern Flavors

Travel Time: ~1 hr 10 min via high-speed train
Distance from Rome: ~225 km

Start your Rome day early and spend the whole day exploring Naples, Pompeii, and the Vesuvius volcano. Pompeii’s ruins bring Ancient Rome vividly to life, while a short drive or tour adds a hike to Mount Vesuvius.

In Naples, enjoy a quick lunch of authentic pizza, or stroll the city’s vibrant streets and discover its art and culture.

Tip: Book advance tickets or a guided trip for the best experience.

Train Station: Napoli Centrale

4. Amalfi Coast – Coastal Beauty and Sun-Drenched Villages

Travel Time: ~1 hr 10 min train to Naples + 1.5–2 hrs by bus or car
Distance from Rome: ~275 km

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most wonderful and scenic Rome day trips, filled with postcard views, cliffside houses, and the sparkling Mediterranean.

Visit Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello** for a relaxing afternoon by the sea. Some tours include a boat trip along the coast—a dreamy way to explore this part of Italy.

Why go: Ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers looking to escape the city and unwind by the lake or sea.

5. Orvieto – A Picturesque Town Above the Hills

Travel Time: ~1 hour by train
Distance from Rome: ~120 km

Nestled in the hills of Umbria, Orvieto is a picturesque town that rises above volcanic rock. Its Gothic cathedral, historic underground tunnels, and delicious wine make it a perfect day trip.

Grab lunch in a quiet trattoria, walk along medieval walls, and enjoy views of the Tuscan and Umbrian countryside.

Train Station: Orvieto + funicular up to town

6. Castel Gandolfo – The Pope’s Summer Residence by the Lake

Travel Time: ~45 minutes by commuter train
Distance from Rome: ~25 km

Castel Gandolfo sits on the edge of Lake Albano and is famous for being the Pope’s summer residence. You can visit the palace and gardens, relax by the water, and enjoy a slow morning or afternoon in this quiet town.

Why go: For art, history, and fresh air just outside Rome.

Train Station: Castel Gandolfo

7. Civita di Bagnoregio – The Dying Town of Central Italy

Travel Time: ~1.5–2 hours by train + bus or car
Distance from Rome: ~120 km

Known as “La Città che Muore,” Civita di Bagnoregio is one of Italy’s most photogenic towns, accessible only by footbridge. Its dramatic setting on a plateau makes it feel like a fantasy movie set.

It’s a quiet, magical trip for travelers looking to rest, recharge, and take in some truly unique views.

Tip: Great for a weekend or slow travel day trip.

Bonus Mention

Florence – Art, History, and Piazza della Signoria

Travel Time: ~1.5 hours by high-speed train
Distance from Rome: ~275 km

While it deserves more than a day, you can visit Florence for a quick art-and-history-filled day trip. See the Sistine Chapel’s rival artworks, stroll through the Piazza della Signoria, and shop for leather goods.

Why go: It’s Italy’s art capital, just a quick train ride away.

FAQs

What is the best day trip to do from Rome?

Tivoli is often considered the best day trip from Rome for its stunning combination of ancient Roman ruins (Villa Adriana) and Renaissance gardens (Villa d’Este), all within an hour's reach.

Is Rome to Florence a day trip?

Yes, Florence makes an excellent day trip from Rome via high-speed train (about 1.5 hours each way), allowing enough time to see major highlights like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio.

Can you do a day trip to Lake Como from Rome?

Technically yes, but it’s not practical. A round trip takes about 7–8 hours by high-speed train, leaving very little time to explore. It’s better suited as an overnight trip.

Is Positano a day trip from Rome?

It’s possible but very rushed. A day trip to Positano involves a high-speed train to Naples, local trains or buses to the Amalfi Coast, and takes about 3.5–4 hours one way. Staying overnight is recommended.

What is within 2 hours of Rome?

Cities like Orvieto, Florence, Naples, Tivoli, Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, and Ostia Antica are all within 2 hours of Rome by train and offer great day-trip experiences.

Is it worth doing guided tours in Rome?

Yes. Guided tours provide in-depth history and help skip long lines at attractions like the Vatican Museums and Colosseum, making your experience smoother and more informative.

What is the best day trip from Rome?

Many consider Tivoli the best for its historical and visual appeal, but Florence is a top contender for art lovers, and Orvieto is perfect for charm and ease of access.

Is it worth going to Rome for a day?

Absolutely. Even in one day, you can see iconic sights like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Vatican—especially with good planning or a guided tour.

What city is close to Rome by train?

Frascati, Tivoli, Orvieto, and Castel Gandolfo are all charming cities easily reached from Rome in 30–60 minutes by train.

Is it worth it to do a day trip from Rome to Florence?

Yes. With high-speed trains and compact city layout, Florence is a rewarding and manageable day trip from Rome, especially for art, architecture, and food lovers.

Final Thoughts

These Rome day trips let you discover the very best of Italy—from ancient ruins to seaside relaxation and hidden gems tucked in the hills.

Whether you’re traveling for a weekend or longer, spending a whole day outside the city lets you experience even more culture, fun, and beauty during your time in the Eternal City.

Hop on a train, take a tour, or drive out to explore what lies just beyond the Roman skyline. The right time to start planning your day trips is now.