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10 Best day trips from Rome: Great ideas from a local
Discover the best day trips from Rome, from Tivoli and Ostia Antica to Orvieto and Castelli Romani. Easy day trips from Rome by train with local tips.
Once you’ve ticked off all of the essential Rome experiences: the Colosseum, Trastevere, and throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, consider taking your trip a step further.
This is where the best day trips from Rome come in. I spoke with Holafly’s local expert, Riccardo Olmert, to make this guide on must-do day trips. He was born and raised in the Eternal City. He suggested great and practical places like Tivoli, Ostia Antica, Castelli Romani, Bracciano, and more.
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1. Tivoli
Best for UNESCO sites and grand gardens
Tivoli is one of the best day trips from Rome, Italy, if you love history and gardens. In just about an hour from Roma Termini, you can explore Villa d’Este and its fountains and Renaissance gardens, and Villa Adriana, the imperial estate built by Emperor Hadrian.
Riccardo mentioned spring and early autumn are perfect here. The weather is pleasant, and you’ll have enough time to explore both sites on a day trip from Rome.
How to get there: Take a train from Roma Termini to Tivoli (about 1 hour), then walk or take a local bus to Villa d’Este or Villa Adriana.
Local tip: If you only choose one stop, this may be the best day trip from Rome.
2. Ostia Antica
Best for walking through ancient ruins without the crowds
If you’re enjoying the grandeur of Ancient Rome, Ostia Antica offers similar sites but without the tourist crowds. It’s just a short train ride away from central Rome and is filled with ancient ruins, mosaics, baths, and an amphitheater.
It’s less busy than Pompeii yet still offers a deep insight into daily life in Ancient Rome. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Rome and perfect if you want to learn more about its history without committing a lot of time.
How to get there: From Roma Porta San Paolo (Piramide metro stop), take the Roma-Lido train to Ostia Antica station (about 30 minutes), then walk 10 minutes to the ruins.
3. Bracciano
Best for lakeside views and exploring a medieval castle
Bracciano is on the shores of Lago di Bracciano, a peaceful recluse from Rome’s busy streets. The highlight here is the medieval castle overlooking the lake. You can stroll through the narrow alleys in the historic centre and enjoy local cuisine by the water.
Riccardo recommends visiting in April, May, September, or October. Summer works too, and it’s slightly cooler than Rome.
How to get there: Catch a train from Roma Termini or Roma San Pietro to Bracciano (about 1 hour). Walk uphill to the historic center and castle.
4. Castelli Romani
Best for wine tasting and hilltop towns
Castelli Romani is not just one town, but a collection of villages southeast of Rome. In this beautiful cluster, you’ll find lakes formed by volcanic ash, vineyards, and hilltop towns with rich culture and medieval architecture.
You’ll also find Papal Palace and Castle Gondolfo, where Pope Leo XIV summered in 2025, overlooking Lago Albano.
Riccardo says locals often book wine tasting or food tours here. If you want to discover the Lazio region’s delicious food and wine, this is one of the best day trips from Rome by train.
How to get there: Take a train from Roma Termini to Frascati (about 30 minutes) or Castel Gandolfo (about 45 minutes).
5. Sermoneta
Best for stepping into a perfectly preserved medieval world
About an hour and a half south of Rome lies Sermoneta. It’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a film set, except it’s completely real. Riccardo calls it one of the places that feels “frozen in time”, and once you’re here, you understand why.
The town sits above the Pontine Plain, and from here, you’ll be able to see the Castello Caetani, a 13th-century fortress that once housed noble families.
Unlike busier Rome day trips, Sermoneta feels peaceful even in peak season.
How to get there: Take a train from Roma Termini to Latina Scalo (about 40 minutes), then a local bus or a taxi to Sermoneta (about 20 minutes).
6. Orvieto
Best for dramatic views and a stunning Duomo
Orvieto sits on a volcanic tufa cliff offering a stunning view, especially if you’re travelling by train. It’s an hour or so away from Roma Termini, making it one of the easiest to organise and most scenic day trips from Rome.
The first thing you’ll notice is the Duomo, covered in golden mosaics and intricate carvings. You can also explore underground tunnels beneath the historic center.
Riccardo recommends arriving early so you have enough time to wander beyond the main square. Stop for a glass of Orvieto Classico wine; the area has been producing wine for centuries.
How to get there: Board a train from Roma Termini to Orvieto (just over an hour), then take the funicular from the train station to the historic center.
7. Cerveteri
Best for discovering pre-Roman Italy
If you want to explore history that predates Ancient Rome, Cerveteri is the perfect day trip choice.
The Banditaccia Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important burial sites in the world. Instead of simple graves, you’ll find house-like tombs with doorways and rooms.
It’s definitely an experience to remember, with fewer crowds and an open landscape. Riccardo suggests pairing your visit with lunch in the small historic center.
How to get there: Take a regional train from Roma Termini to Marina di Cerveteri (about 50 minutes), then a local bus to the Banditaccia Necropolis.
8. Tarquinia
Best for Etruscan art and coastal views
Tarquinia offers a balance of rich history and a relaxed coastal environment. It’s known for its painted Etruscan tombs, adorned with vibrant wall paintings.
After exploring Tarquinia’s archaeological sites, head into the historic center to see its medieval architecture, piazzas, and views of the countryside. If you’re visiting in summer, you can head to the nearby beach for waterside fun.
How to get there: Catch a train from Roma Termini to Tarquinia (about 1 hour), then a short bus or taxi ride to the historic center or archaeological sites.
9. Calcata
Best for a rustic escape
Calcata is small, sits on a cliff, and is known for its artistic community. This area saw an influx of artists and writers in the 1960s and 70s, and was quickly labelled a creative hub.
It’s very charming with its stone streets, art galleries, workshops, and studios. If you’ve already ticked off all the best things to do in Rome and want a unique day trip, Calcata offers something different.
How to get there: Take a train from Roma Flaminio to Civita Castellana-Magliano (about 1 hour), then a local bus or taxi to Calcata village.
10. Parco di Veio and Parco dei Castelli Romani
Best for nature, hiking, and fresh air
If you need space and silence (after the whirlwind of experiences in Rome), Riccardo recommends Parco di Veio and Parco dei Castelli.
Parco di Veio offers peaceful hiking trails through forests and countryside that were once home to ancient civilizations. On the other hand, Parco dei Castelli Romani includes Monte Tuscolo and scenic walking routes with panoramic views over lakes and hills.
This is the best day trip from Rome that isn’t necessarily about history but more about seeing another side of Italy.
How to get there: Take the train to La Storta (about 30 minutes) to get to Parco di Veio. Catch a train to Frascati or Albano Laziale (30–45 minutes) for Parco dei Castelli Romani. Connect to the trailheads by local bus or on foot.
Stay connected on your day trips from Rome with an unlimited data travel eSIM
When planning your day trips from Rome, it’s easy to focus on train tickets, departure times, and where to visit first. Staying connected is just as important, especially when you’re navigating a new area.
Many day trips from Rome take you to smaller towns where public WiFi is limited, or connections are patchy. This is where Holafly’s eSIM for Italy comes in.
Instead of swapping to a local Italy SIM card or settling for expensive roaming plans to make sure your phone works in Italy, Holafly’s travel eSIMs ensure you’re connected the moment you land. All you need is an eSIM-compatible phone.
You’ll get:
- Unlimited, high-speed data
- 24/7 customer support
- Daily hotspot allowance of up to 1 GB
- Connection to the best local networks
And most importantly, peace of mind on your trip. Whether you’re planning how many days to spend in Rome or scheduling day trips in Rome, Holafly’s eSIM for Italy will keep you connected throughout.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
