Get to know Italy with the best day trips from Rome

Known for its sumptuous cuisine, spectacular art and architecture, and fascinating history, Rome is already an unforgettable city to visit. But did you know that a trip to Rome has even more to offer once you start to explore? Beyond Rome’s city limits, you will find incredible historical towns, stunning cities, and beautiful rural spots that are easily accessed by car or via Italy’s excellent public transport network. So, whether you want to escape the city crowds or discover hidden landmarks off the beaten track, we’ve compiled a list of the best day trips from Rome for a short getaway.

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The best day trips from Rome for history buffs

Italy is a goldmine when it comes to ancient historical buildings and amazing cultural landmarks. It is one of the best countries in the world to visit if you love art, architecture, and heritage sites. While you will find practically no end to the historical attractions in Rome, history lovers will also find plenty of exquisite cultural spots outside the city. These historical day trips from Rome will help you make the most of your visit.

Day trips from Rome to Pompeii

Distance from Rome: 1h 45min by train or 2h 30min by car

What to bring: Walking shoes and a power bank to charge your phone wherever you are.

Expert tip: If you visit Pompeii during high summer, make sure you wear sun protection and take a hat because there are not a lot of shaded areas.

Pompeii is a must-see for any travelers who are fascinated by the ancient world. The Roman city of Pompeii was buried in volcanic ash around 79 AD, when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted. Visitors to the city can still see remains and artifacts from the ancient civilization, which was preserved beneath the ash for thousands of years. This makes Pompeii one of the most exciting cultural sites in Italy for history lovers and allows for a truly unique day out.

From Napoli Centrale, you can then find MET train services to Pompeii. Once you arrive in Pompeii, you can easily walk between historical sites, like the Pompeii Archaeological Park, the Teatro Grande, and the Villa Dei Misteri, among others. If trekking around historical sites makes you hungry, you can stop at renowned local restaurants, such as Kalma Restaurant or Giardini Dei Cesari, which are both just a short taxi ride from the historical district.

The perfect Rome to Florence day trip

Distance from Rome: 1h 45min by train or 3h 10min by car

What to bring: Your refillable water bottle, as buying bottled water or drinks in bars in Florence can be expensive.

Expert tip: If you’re tired in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely cruise down the River Arno and take Florence in from the water.

When it comes to beautiful destinations in Italy, Florence is one of the most stunning, with tons of gorgeous historical architecture and art museums. For the best day trip from Rome to Florence, take the Trenitalia train service from Rome Termini or Rome Tiburtina to Firenze Santa Maria Novella Station.

From the train station in Florence, you can walk to famous landmarks like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Leonardo Da Vinci Museum.

After a morning of sightseeing, you can grab a hearty Fiorentina steak for lunch at Regina Bistecca, which is located just a few minutes’ walk from the Cathedral of Santa Maria. If you prefer some lighter lunch options, the nearby Eataly Firenze offers a classic pasta and pizza menu.

Visit the seaside from Rome

One way to take advantage of the balmy Roman climate is to take a day trip to the coast. It’s a great way to unwind after the bustle of the city, and coastal areas can be slightly cooler when the temperature soars.

Day trips to Ostia

Distance from Rome: 30 minutes by train or car

What to bring: A bathing suit and towels for swimming.

Expert tip: Ostia is also home to numerous archaeological sites, including a historic Roman bathhouse, the Baths of Neptune, and a Roman forum.

If you fancy a splash in the sea during your stay, one of the best seaside day trips from Rome takes you to the coastal city of Ostia. Ostia is ideal if you want a fun, family day out. It’s easy to and has a coastline of sandy beaches that are perfect for paddling, swimming, or sunbathing.

Rome to Amalfi Coast day trip

Distance from Rome: 3h 30min by train or car

What to bring: A bathing suit, a change of clothes and some water and snacks for the journey.

Expert tip: During the summer, you will usually need to pay between €15-50 ($17-56) to rent a sunbed for an afternoon at the private coastal beaches, so be sure to work this into your travel budget.

The Amalfi Coast, located just south of Naples, is well-known for its dazzling scenery, stunning beaches, and rustic hillside towns. If you’re planning a coastal day trip, it’s a good idea to set out early.

Another great option if you’re heading to the Amalfi Coast is the scenic island of Capri. You can reach Capri from Rome in just over 3 hours by taking the train to Naples and then taking the ferry from Naples Port to Capri. For the perfect Rome to Capri day trip, pack your swimming gear and go for a dip around the beautiful Green Grotta sea caves, on the island’s south side. It’s a truly stunning experience that’s not to be missed.

City day trips from Rome by train

Rome may be the capital, but Italy has no shortage of amazing cities that will win any seasoned traveler’s heart. Thanks to a fast and regular train network, passengers can easily connect with these cities during their stay in Rome.

Plan your Rome to Pisa day trip by train

Distance from Rome: 3 hours by train

What to bring: Take a bit of cash, as some smaller restaurants and shop stalls in Pisa may not accept card payments.

Expert tip: Other hidden gems around Pisa include the National Museum of San Matteo, which has a huge collection of medieval Italian artwork, and Regionale Migliarino Park.

Traveling by train is a relaxing way to see incredible Italian scenery and check out some of the top city destinations near Rome. Pisa is, of course, famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, which can be reached by bus from the train station in around 15 minutes.

Plan your Rome to Grosseto day trip by train

Distance from Rome: 2 hours by train

What to bring: Walking shoes, a hat, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a water bottle, and snacks.

Expert tip: Alternatively, active travelers can enjoy a hike or a bike ride through the scenic Maremma National Park.

If you want to visit a quieter city during your stay in Rome, Grosseto is a lovely option for a day trip. Visitors in Grosseto can head to central cultural attractions like the Piazza Dante or the Museum of Archaeology and Art of Maremma – or take the G10, 12, or 13 bus for 20 minutes to soak up the sun on the Bagno Moderno beach.

If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to bring special sun hats and UV-protective clothes, as some of the trails do not have a lot of shade. For difficulty levels on cycling and hiking trails, you can check the park website.

Best day trips from Rome for food lovers

No travel guide to Italy would be complete without mentioning the country’s exquisite wine and food culture. Exploring Rome is already a food lover’s dream, but traveling further afield can give you great opportunities to try different aspects of Italian cuisine.

Days trips to Tuscan vineyards

Distance from Rome: 3 hours by car

What to bring: A sun hat to protect you during your vineyard tour and a bag to carry your purchases from the vineyard shops.

Expert tip: The region is easiest to reach directly by road, rather than by train, as you have to stop in Florence and then hire a taxi. A taxi from Florence will take around 55 minutes and cost approximately €70 ($79).

If you hire a car in Rome, you can make the drive for a day trip to Tenuta Guardastelle, a vineyard in the heart of Tuscan wine country. Surrounded by San Gimignano vineyards, Tenuta Guardastelle offers visitors the chance to sample local vintages and tour the nearby fields.

Day trips from Rome to Sorrento

Distance from Rome: 3 hours by car

What to bring: Comfy shoes for a walk along the cliffs and a towel and swimsuit in case you want a dip at one of the beaches.

Expert tip: Make sure you visit O’Parrucchiano, which has a stunning garden and an on-site lemon grove growing fresh citrus fruits native to Sorrento. The restaurant is also the birthplace of Cannelloni and still includes this historic pasta dish on its modern menu.

A top spot for a foodie day trip is the scenic town of Sorrento. Its seaside location means that visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at restaurants like Ristorante Tasso and Ristorante Accento.

The perfect day trip from Rome, by Lily Greenall

The art and beauty of Florence have got to be the ultimate Italian draw. For me, a perfect day trip from Rome to Florence looks something like this:

Itinerary

■ Take the 8:20 train service from Rome Tiburtina to Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Florence.

If you’re going by car, you should set off around 8 to arrive in Florence by 10:30.

■ Arrive at Santa Maria Novella and take the Number 1 bus to the Galleria dell’Accademia. If you’re driving, you can park in the train station parking lot and walk for around 15 minutes to reach the gallery.

5-minute walk to Trattoria Za Za.

■ Enjoy lunch at Trattoria Za Za Restaurant

5-minute walk.

■ Visit the Botanical Gardens at the University of Firenze campus.

10-minute walk from the university.

■ Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

Walk 5 minutes to Lorenzo de ‘Medici Restaurant.

■ Enjoy drinks and a traditional Tuscan meal at Lorenzo de ‘Medici Restaurant.

Walk 5 minutes to Santa Maria Novella Train Station.

■ Take the 20:00 train to reach Rome by 21:30 (22:30 if traveling by car).

Final thoughts

You’ll never run out of amazing things to do in Rome. However, variety is the spice of life and planning a day trip during your holiday can make your stay even more exciting. For more guides on things to do in and around Rome, check out these travel blogs about the best time to visit Italy and Rome. See also the activities in Rome with family or as a solo traveler, and the amazing rooftop restaurants in Rome.

FAQ

Your most frequent questions about the day trips from Rome answered.

Can you take day trips from Rome?

Thanks to frequent train services and many main roads connecting with Rome, it is easy to travel to other parts of Italy for the day. Popular Rome day trips by train include direct links to cities like Florence, Pompeii, and Ostia.

Is there a day trip from Rome to Venice?

It takes around 5 hours to reach Venice from Rome by car and just over 7 hours to reach Venice by train. This makes day trips from Rome to Venice difficult. If you want to see Venice during your Rome trip, your best option is to stay overnight.

How far is a Rome to Pompeii day trip?

You can get to Pompeii from Rome in around 2 hours by train. By car, this journey will take closer to 2h 40min. The distance covered in this journey is approximately 150 miles.

Is there a direct train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?

The easiest way to reach the Amalfi Coast from Rome is to take a direct train to Naples or Salerno. Both of these cities are excellent to visit, but you can also easily reach other nearby towns on the Amalfi Coast.

What is the best city to combine with Rome?

Florence is an excellent city for art lovers and will complement a cultural trip to Rome. Visiting Florence from Rome will allow you to see a different style of historical art and architecture. You will also find slightly different cuisine in Florence, which is further north than Rome.

The best day trips from Rome for all types of travelers