Looking for the best day trips from Rome? Don’t miss this guide to the top places in Italy you can see in a day.
Legend has it that if you click your heels three times and say “there’s no place like Rome,” you’ll magically appear there.
Ok, I made that up. But seriously, who hasn’t dreamt of an incredible vacation in the heart of Italy?
You’ve probably stumbled across my awesome three-day itinerary for Rome, but you might wonder what to do after that. Here’s what: head to one (or five) of these incredible day trips from Rome to make the most of your Italian holiday. You can thank me later!
Let’s dive in…
The Best Day Trips From Rome
Venice
Venice is a city of gondolas, famous bridges, and lovers. There’s nothing quite like strolling through the narrow streets of Venice and hearing a passing gondolier singing Italian opera to their patrons while you sip a hot espresso.
Piazza San Marco is one of the pinnacle places to visit and admire the architecture and live classical bands. A stroll over the iconic Rialto Bridge is ideal, and who could pass up an opportunity to see the Bridge of Sighs?
A Venice from Rome day trip is one of the longer transits on this list, but if you can handle an early morning, it’s worth the effort.
How to Get There: Take the train from Roma Tiburtina to Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia with a few stops or drive via the E35. The train is faster, though.
Average journey duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes to 5 hours and 20 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Day Trip to Venice Tour
Pisa
Getting an iconic selfie with the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa on a Rome to Pisa day trip is non-negotiable. But there’s so much more to this gorgeous city than a building that looks like it had one too many glasses of vino.
Take a trip to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta for a jaw-dropping sight, or the Palazzo dei Cavalieri for a central attraction that’s visually unusual. Stroll along the River Arno with a hot slice of pizza in hand for a charmingly picturesque afternoon experience.
How to Get There: You can drive the A1 and E35 or grab a train from Roma Tiburtina to Pisa Centrale via Florence. The train is faster, though.
Average journey duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Florence and Pisa Full-Day Tour
Pompeii
In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and shattered life as Pompeii knew it. The volcano overran the city with pyroclastic flows that buried it for almost 1,700 years beneath six metres of ash and pumice. What remains is a fascinating insight into a well-preserved piece of ancient Roman life.
Homes, shops, stadiums, temples, and public squares with their original mosaics and graffiti intact are on display in this blast from the past. One of the most exciting (and calf-cramping) things to do on a Pompeii day trip from Rome is to climb the mighty volcano itself.
How to Get There: A direct high-speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale and a local train to Torre Annunziata Centrale will get you to Pompeii. Driving via the E45 will take longer.
Average journey duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours.
Hassle-free option: Book This Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Full-Day Tour
Florence
The glorious Cathedral of Santa Maria Del Fiore rises above a sea of terracotta roofs. Florence’s ornate palaces and museums are drool-worthy for even the most novice architectural appreciators and history buffs.
The galleries inside are often astounding (you won’t want to miss the Uffizi Gallery). Stroll around the old city centre to bask in the works of Michaelangelo, Donatello, and Ghiberti while indulging in a generous helping of gelato. This is a fantastic day trip from Rome by train or car.
How to Get There: Drive along the A1 and E35, although it takes twice as long as the train from Roma Tiburtina to Firenze Santa Maria Novella.
Average journey duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 3 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Day Trip to Florence Tour
Amalfi Coast
Oh, Amalfi Coast, you are so stunning.
With steep cliffs hugging the Tyrrhenian Sea, this collection of colourful towns teetering along the ravines and terraced layers is one of the best day trips from Rome. Possibly the most famous for its vistas along the Amalfi Drive, too.
Enjoy your afternoon at a café overlooking the sea or visit the majolica-domed church and the Chiostro del Paradiso. Or simply bask in the ambience of the steep towns with flowers overflowing from one white-washed house to the next.
You can even pop down to the beach and catch some rays, but the walk back up will take a toll on your thighs!
How to Get There: Drive along the E45 or take the train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale and catch a bus the rest of the way.
Average journey duration: 3 hours to 3 hours and 45 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Day Trip Tour
Capri
On this day trip from Rome, one of the world’s most beautiful islands awaits you: Capri. It might be small, but the Villa San Michele in Anacapri has picturesque views of the Amalfi coast across the sapphire waters.
There are ruins to explore and the famous Blue Grotto to adore, or you can take a swim at the Marina Piccola. It takes a bit of effort to get to the island, and you might not fit everything into one day, especially in summer when the queues are long.
So plan your itinerary carefully to see everything you want and still get time to shop at the Piazzetta.
How to Get There: Take a high-speed train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale early in the morning, and then grab a taxi to the high-speed ferry terminal.
Average journey duration: The high-speed options take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Capri.
Hassle-free option: Book This Capri Island Day Trip Tour
Tuscany
Rome day trips are aplenty, but oh, the rolling green hills and vineyards of Tuscany: what more could you ask for?
Medieval stone villages dot the hilltops, with their artistic culture fully developed, as seen in the public squares, churches, and palaces like Castello di Montefioralle.
Montepulciano is one of the most charming towns here, and Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to boot. Cortona is also a favourite, especially in the delicate light of dawn. Tuscany is also well-known for its truffles, so go on a tasting tour of these delicacies while in town.
How to Get There: You can drive along the A1 and E35, although a train trip from Roma Tiburtina to Firenze Santa Maria Novella is much shorter, almost by half.
Average journey duration: 1 hour and 40 minutes to 3 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Tuscany Day Trip Tour
Assisi
The UNESCO World Heritage city of Assisi is north of Rome and feels like a step into the medieval Italian past. It’s a pilgrimage site due to St. Francis’ hermitage, so it holds a special place in the hearts of the faithful and art lovers.
The Basilica of St. Francis houses precious artworks by masters like Giotto and Cimabue. You can also walk along the Via San Francesco towards the historic centre to find other churches filled with art and hand-crafted leather souvenirs.
Climb the Rocca Maggiore castle for gorgeous views of the city and Umbrian countryside.
How to Get There: You can take the train from Roma Tiburtina to Assisi station. Or you can drive the SS3, which is slightly faster.
Average journey duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Assisi and Orvieto Day Tour
Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica was once the main port and naval base for the Roman Empire. Founded in the 4th century, this is one of the most well-preserved peeks into ancient Roman life.
Put aside time to visit the Baths of Neptune, the Capitolium, the amphitheatre, and the Thermopolium, amongst several temples and houses with gardens and marble floors. There are also some pretty impressive tombs on display, and a trip to the Archeological Museum is a must.
As it’s closer to the city than some other places on this list, it’s also one of the best cheap day trips from Rome.
How to Get There: The SP8 route by car is quite direct, while you can also take a train from Roma Termini to Ostia Antica.
Average journey duration: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Hassle-free option: Book This Half-Day Tour
Tivoli
The Sabine Hills are home to the villas of Tivoli, where Emperor Augustus retreated for his summer holidays. This is one of those places to visit near Rome that’ll take your breath away.
No words can do the splendour and majesty of Hadrian’s Villa and the Villa d’Este gardens justice: they’re that incredible.
There are ruins and reconstructions of some of the best Greek and Egyptian architecture you’ll find in Italy. Fountains and pools, grottos and terraces: all these and more are available to feast your eyes on.
The views from the gardens of the Campagna countryside are also breathtaking, as is the spiral staircase of Villa d’Este (albeit for a more physical reason).
How to Get There: Driving via the A24 is the fastest way to get there, while the train from Roma Termini to Tivoli also services the route.
Average journey duration: 50 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Day Tour
Orvieto
Just 100 km north of Rome, atop a limestone outcrop, is Orvieto. It was a well-placed fortress that even popes fled to for refuge, and the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral is a testament to Italian Gothic architecture.
With alternating layers of black and yellow limestone, it’s a unique church apart from its mosaics, stained glass, and sculptures. Don’t forget to check out the Orvieto Underground, a subterranean city carved from soft tufa stone, or the Well of St. Patrick.
Step back in time and visit the medieval Pozzo della Cava, although perhaps don’t throw a penny in and make a wish — it isn’t that kind of well.
How to Get There: You can drive along the A1 and E35 or take a train, but both take about the same time.
Average journey duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 50 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Assisi and Orvieto Day Trip Tour
Viterbo
Viter-what? It’s relatively unknown and looks like something out of Game of Thrones. The medieval city centre and its walls are Viterbo’s main attraction, although the Papal Palace, where the Pope sat for 24 years in the 13th century, is a must-see.
The Church of Santa Maria Nuova should also make your list. If you happen to be in Viterbo on September 3rd, you’ll witness their unique Macchina di Santa Rosa festival in honour of their protector saint.
How to Get There: Driving along the A1 and E35 will get you there fast enough, while a train ride from Roma Aurelia to Viterbo Porta Romana takes longer.
Average journey duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes or 2 hours and 30 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Viterbo Old Town Tour
Naples
Naples is a little gritty as far as Italian cities go — a bit rustic, a bit hilly, and the locals are colourful, to say the least. But how can you pass up an opportunity to visit the birthplace of the Margherita and indulge in a hot slice from one of the many pizzerias in the city?
Apart from the food, it’s a golden city of warm yellows, browns, and reds that glow in contrast against the sapphire blue Bay of Naples.
Check out the Catacombs of Naples with their eerie blue and green lighting, or the National Archaeological Museum for its ancient treasures from Herculaneum and Pompeii.
Tourists flock to Castel Sant’Elmo for a famous view of the surrounding area. The 14th-century Monastery of Santa Chiara has many frescoes and a museum with ancient Roman treasures.
How to Get There: Take the train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale, or you can drive the A1 and E45, but it’ll take longer.
Average journey duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Full Day Pompeii and Naples Tour
Bologna
From the sky, it’s a sea of dusky red, but Bologna is for the foodies. The dishes are phenomenal, so this is the place to gorge on authentic Italian cuisine. From tagliatelle el ragu to Parmigiano-Reggiano, mortadella, and traditional balsamic vinegar, sample and feast until your stomach is about to burst.
When you want to walk off some of those calories, head to the Asinelli Tower or Library of Archiginnasio, then take a stroll along the city’s hidden canals. Wandering through the markets isn’t a bad idea, either.
How to Get There: The train from Roma Termini to Bologna Centrale is the fastest, although you can also drive along the E35.
Average journey duration: 2 hours to 4 hours
Hassle-free option: Book This Day Trip to Bologna Tour
Sorrento
You say Sorrento, I say limoncello! The town is famous for its lemons and has the same vibe as the Amalfi coast, but it’s a lot cheaper.
The fishing boats and coastal views from the Mariana Grande harbour are picturesque, but look a little further across the Bay of Naples to Mount Vesuvius.
Stroll through the Old Town and visit the Cloister of San Francesco if you’re looking for things to do in Sorrento. If souvenir shopping is what you’d rather be doing, detailed wood inlay is a speciality of the town, so make sure you visit the Wooden Marquetry Shop and Museum.
How to Get There: Take the train from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale and then a bus to Sorrento. Or you can drive the E45.
Average journey duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours and 20 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Sorrento and Ancient Pompeii Day-Trip Tour
Santa Marinella Beach
When in Rome, a beach day trip might be just what you need. Santa Marinella beach is only a 5-minute walk from the station, and there’s plenty of golden sand to share with fellow beach-goers. A breakwater protects it, so waves are at a minimum, and drop-off is gradual.
There are many lidos offering lounge chairs and umbrellas, and for easy access to drinks and comfort, the little extra you have to pay is worth it.
How to Get There: Take the train from Roma Aurelia to Santa Marinella.
Average journey duration: 45 minutes
Read Next: Best Beaches in Italy
Bomarzo
This is a unique one. It’s a town, technically, but mostly people refer to the Park of the Monsters, also called the Garden of Bomarzo. Pier Francesco Orsini commissioned it in the 16th century to express his grief when he lost his beloved wife.
Many large sculptures through the gardens, some more frightening or melancholy, show the many faces that grief can bear.
How to Get There: Driving the A1 and E35 is your fastest option, with the trains taking too long.
Average journey duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Bomarzo Park Tour
Civita di Bagnoregio
The only way to enter the hilltop town of Civita di Bagnoregio is by walking 25 minutes over an impressive bridge. It’s compact and gorgeous, sitting like the medieval cherry on top of this exciting lump of topography.
It has a laid-back vibe and cobblestone streets, but it’s more about enjoying the ambience than having a list of things to do. The stone entrance you pass under as you enter the town was built by Etruscans 2,500 years ago — how’s that for masonry worth your money?
How to Get There: Driving is the best way to reach this bizarre town. You can take the A1 and E35.
Average journey duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Hassle-free option: Book This Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio Day Trip Tour
Practical Tips for Easy Day Trips From Rome
- Wear the right shoes. You might be walking on unsteady cobblestones or dusty roads, so wear something appropriate. Read my guide to the best travel shoes to help you find your new favourite pair.
- Be aware of possible tolls when driving. I recommend taking trains as it’s generally a lot easier to travel around the country.
- Many churches don’t allow entry if you’re revealing too much skin, so bring a cover-up if you plan on church-hopping.
Map of Day Tours from Rome
Day Trips from Rome: Read Next
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