Day Trips From Rome That You Don’t Want to Miss

The capital of Italy is a place where you’ll never be bored – there is always something fascinating to do or see. But if you have only 72 hours in Rome and want to explore other parts of Italy, here is a list of awe-inspiring day trips from Rome.

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The Colosseum, Roman Forum, endless list of monumental fountains, and delightful Pasta alla Carbonara. Wandering around Rome, visiting its main sights, and tasting traditional food always sounds like a great idea.

But we all know that Italy has countless stunning places to explore, and if you’re already planning to spend 72 hours in Rome, why don’t you expand your Italy itinerary?

Rome’s convenient location allows its visitors to enrich their weekend in Rome with day trips to Naples, Tuscany, Venice, and other terrific places.

So, if you’re wondering where to go, take a look at these day trips from Rome!

Tivoli

Would you like to see the oldest villas in Italy? Then head to Tivoli. Located just 30 km from Rome, this ancient town is a wonderful choice for a day trip.

Tivoli is mainly known for Villa Adriana (Hadrian’s villa) and Villa d’Este.

The first one was built by Roman Emperor Hadrian in the second century, who used the residence for hosting official meetings with foreign leaders and guests.

With the decline of the Roman Empire, the once luxurious and outstanding villa was abandoned. However, monuments that survived the time still remind visitors of the former glory that the villa once had. So, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is absolutely worth a visit.

Built in the 16th century, Villa d’Este is the masterpiece of Italian Rennaisance and another famous site of Tivoli. The villa has a remarkable concentration of waterfalls, monuments, fountains, gardens, and majestic views.

How to Get From Rome to Tivoli

Tivoli is an easy-to-reach destination, and here is how you can get there from Rome.

If you want to travel on your own, car, bus, and train are the available options. I would say that train is the most convenient way of traveling in Italy (even though it may get late sometimes).

Trenitalia trains from Rome to Tivoli operate every hour, and with the fastest train, you arrive at Tivoli in 34 minutes. The ticket price will be in the range of 3-8€.

The bus from Rome to Tivoli operates every 2 hours, and it’ll take you one hour and a half to arrive at the destination. The ticket won’t cost you more than 4€.

If you want to travel by car, it will take you one hour to make it to Tivoli.

Car rental prices in Rome vary depending on the weekday and amount of hours you would need. But if you’re lucky, you can book a car even for 10€ per day.

For those looking for a stress-free trip to Tivoli, I would recommend joining a day tour.

Naples

The birthplace of pizza, Naples is another destination for your one-day trip from Rome.

Naples inherited a long and exceptional history. Established by the Greeks and ruled by the Byzantines, French, and Normans, Naples has a fascinating cultural inheritance that you can witness in its architecture and art.

Get to know Naples by exploring its underground, visiting the Naples Cathedral, climbing mount Vesuvius, touring Bourbon Tunnel, and trying authentic Neapolitan Pizza.

As people from Naples are highly religious, they take the creation of Christian nativity scenes very seriously. So seriously that Napoli has a street called Via Dei Presepi dedicated to presepe where you can find unique decorations and figures.

Via Dei Presepi is also an excellent place for buying memorable souvenirs. Therefore, if you have time, I would highly recommend stopping by.

How to Get From Rome to Naples

You can get from Rome to Naples by train, bus, or car.

The most convenient and fastest way to travel to Naples is by train. Trenitalia trains operate every 30 minutes, and with the fastest train, you can get to Naples in slightly more than one hour. The ticket cost varies from 13€ to 48€.

If you’re not limited in time, you can also take the bus. It operates several times per hour, but it’ll take you almost three hours to arrive at your destination. The ticket price is 5-23€ one way.

For those who also want to explore Lazio or Campania regions, consider taking a car. You’ll arrive in Naples in two hours and 30 minutes. Car rental prices in Rome start from 10€ per day.

Amalfi Coast

Amalfi coast is undoubtedly one of the most magical places in Italy, and it surely deserves to be on the list of the best day trips from Rome.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Amalfi coast offers its visitors a chance to dissolve into its idyllic beauty.

So, just get lost in the charming streets of glamorous Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and Sorrento. Or less-known villages like Cetara, Praiano, and Vietri Sul Mare.

If you prefer a more active day trip, consider hiking the Path of the Gods. This spectacular hiking trail with epic views will be an eye-opening and inspiring experience.

Another way to explore the Amalfi coast is to join a boat and snorkeling tour. You’ll have a chance to discover the Natural Arch and Faraglioni Rocks, relax on secluded beaches, and marvel at the entire length of the coast.

How to Get From Rome to Amalfi Coast

There are several ways to visit the Amalfi coast, and which transport is the best mostly depends on your intent.

If you prefer to have more freedom and explore the Amalfi coast’s hidden gems at your own pace, then a car is the handiest option. But remember that Amalfi isn’t the closest destination, and you’ll have to drive 3 hours and 40 minutes one way only.

Prices for renting a car in Rome start from 10€ per day.

The most budget-friendly and time-efficient transport is high-speed train. Trenitalia trains operate 2-3 times per hour, and with the fastest train, you can arrive at Solerno in one hour and a half. Prices vary from 16€ to 50€.

Another way is to take a bus. It operates almost every hour, but you’ll be on the road from three to four hours. The cost of a ticket will also depend on that, ranging from 14€ to 25€.

For those who want to have a stress-free trip to the Amalfi coast, consider joining a day tour.

Pompeii

Enrich your 72 hours in Rome with one day trip to the world-famous Pompeii.

It’s incredible that after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii was forgotten for centuries. But today, as a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most extensive archeological site in the world, it welcomes millions of tourists annually.

Pompeii is a truly unique place that lets you glimpse the past. The fact that the city was buried in ashes for thousands of years actually enabled its unbelievable preservation.

Pompei has an endless list of historical monuments to explore. The Brothel, Thermal Baths, Garden of the Fugitives, Amphitheater, and so much more. So, prepare yourself to walk the whole day!

Also, you can discover historical sights on your own, but if you want a deeper historical understanding of this ancient town, feel free to join a guided tour.

How to Get From Rome to Pompeii

You can reach Pompeii by train, bus, or car.

The train is the fastest way to get from Rome to Pompeii. Trenitalia trains operate up to five times per hour, which makes it relatively easy to plan your one-day trip.

You can arrive at your destination in 2 hours and 15 minutes with the fastest train. Ticket prices are in the range of 15-49€.

The bus is another relatively fast option. You will make it to Naples in three hours, paying 19€. The only obstacle is fewer time slots than on the train.

If you prefer to rent a car, you’ll spend 2 hours and 40 minutes driving from Rome to Pompeii. Car rental prices in Rome start from 10€ per day.

Capri

Capri is another stunning destination that should be under your radar.

This magnificent island is one of Italy’s most desired travel destinations and deserves to be on the list of the best day trips from Rome. Full of breathtaking sites, gorgeous nature spots, and a plethora of leisure opportunities, Capri surely won’t leave you indifferent.

I mean, where else would you have a chance to swim in the aquamarine water of Blue Grotto, have a boat tour of Faraglioni rocks, or enjoy a stunning view from Giardini di Augusto?

How to Get From Rome to Capri

Capri is not the closest destination for a Rome day trip, but as long as you’re ready to start your day early, you can make it.

The best way to get from Rome to Capri is to take a high-speed train to Naples and then take a ferry to Capri. If everything goes according to the plan, you’ll arrive at the island in two hours and 20 minutes.

Be ready to spend around 140€ for the transport (both ways) with a train ticket costing 48€ and a ferry ticket 20€.

For a trouble-free trip when everything has already been planned for you, a day tour is another available solution. The cost is almost the same as in the previous option (143€), except that you won’t have to worry about anything.

What I would not recommend is taking a bus or renting a car. Considering that you’ll have to take a ferry, you’ll be on the road for hours with little time left to explore the island.

Florence

If you’re planning a day trip from Rome, why don’t you visit Florence?

Romantic, with an abundance of cultural heritage, Florence is called the capital of the Renaissance for a fair reason. It has so many unique places that one month won’t be enough to explore them all.

But don’t worry! Even if you have one day at your disposal, you can still see the main jewels in Florence’s crown.

While in Florence, you should climb Santa Maria del Fiore, visit Piazza della Singoria, and take a peek at the world-famous Ponte Vecchio.

For some cultural enlightenment, head to Uffizi Gallery and Academia Gallery. The latter one is where you can also see Michelangelo’s David.

How to Get From Rome to Florence

There are several ways to get from Rome to Florence, but the train is definitely the best option.

With the fastest Trenitalia train that costs 45€, you can make it to Florence in one hour and a half.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly solution, there are trains for 22€. But with a lower price comes a longer time on the road.

If you prefer to travel by bus, you can do so. The ticket price starts from 9€, but it’ll take you at least 3 hours and 15 minutes to arrive at your destination.

As you’re short on time, I wouldn’t recommend taking a car as you would have to drive one way for almost four hours.

Siena

Another gorgeous town where you can spend your day is Siena.

A treasure trove of medieval architecture and art, Siena would be especially loved by history buffs. But even if you’re not one of them, this Tuscan town will surely conquer your heart.

I’ve already mentioned many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this article, so here is another one to add to the list.

The whole historic center of Siena, which has been preserved flawlessly, presents historical importance and proudly bears the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In fact, if you stroll through Siena, you’ll feel like walking in a grand museum. Wherever you go, there is either a stunning Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, the picturesque Palazzo Pubblico, or the elegant fountain Fonte Gaia.

You can explore Siena on your own or join a guided tour to discover all the hidden gems with a local.

How to Get From Rome to Siena

You can reach Siena by bus, train, or car.

The fastest option is the bus. It will take you around two hours and 50 minutes to arrive at your destination, and it will cost you at least 11€ one way.

You should only keep in mind that buses don’t operate often. So, it’s better to plan in advance your departure from Siena.

If you want to see the beauty of Tuscany and also stop by charming villages like San Gimignano, you should opt for a car. It’ll take you the same amount of time to arrive in Siena as with the bus.

Car rental prices in Rome start from 10€ per day.

You can also use a train, but compared to other options, it’s less convenient time and money-wise. Trenitalia trains operate often, but you’ll spend at least three hours and 25 minutes on the road. The ticket price starts from 18€.

Pisa

Fulfill your 72 hours in Rome with a one-day trip to the world-famous Pisa.

A former maritime power, Pisa is an ancient city shrouded in mystery. To date, historians crack the head about the city’s origins and creation of the renowned Pisa Tower.

Whoever founded Pisa and built such a spectacular masterpiece could hardly predict how famous the city would become many centuries later.

However, here we are. Today, Pisa gathers five million visitors annually who are eager to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site with their own eyes.

At first sight, it may seem that the Tower of Pisa is the only tourist attraction, but it’s not true. The Square of Miracles, the Cathedral of Pisa, and the Baptistery of Pisa represent Romanesque architecture and are absolutely worth your time.

You can join a guided tour to discover all the secrets of those sites, also called Campo Dei Miracoli.

How to Get From Rome to Pisa

Pisa isn’t the closest destination to Rome, and high-speed train is the only viable way to get there.

Trenitalia trains operate several times per hour, and with the fastest train, you can arrive at Pisa in less than three hours. Prices for the tickets vary from 25€ to 54€, depending on the time and type of train.

Traveling to Pisa by car or bus is time-consuming compared to the train option.

Tuscany

Tuscany is one of the most spectacular regions of Italy, and it has so many charming little towns that aren’t inferior to bigger cities like Pisa, Siena, and Florence.

With an abundance of medieval towns called Borghi, Tuscany can offer you a chance to take a break from busy Rome and experience a true la dolce vita.

Every Tuscan village has a unique charm, so it may not be easy to decide where to go. Therefore, to make it easier for you, these are the towns that I admire the most and would highly recommend to you: Montepulciano, Pienza, Volterra, and San Gimignano.

And if you’re wondering how to spend your day trip in Tuscany, my honest advice is just to immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of this region.

Let yourself live the “under the Tuscan sun” moment. So, just get lost in medieval streets, admire the ancient architecture, get inspired by the stunning hills, and try delicious Tuscan cuisine.

How to Get From Rome to Tuscany

Car is definitely the best way to explore gorgeous Tuscany.

You can rent a car starting from 10€ per day and have an unforgettable trip through the Tuscan hills. But first, decide where exactly you would like to go.

Montepulciano is the closest to Rome, with only a two-hour distance, and can be your first destination. From Montepulciano, you can go to Pienza, which will take you only 20 minutes.

You can keep driving through Tuscany to the north, reaching San Gimignano (1 h 40 min). And from there, you can head to Volterra (40 min).

Of course, you can visit only some towns! Feel free to leave as many as you want out of your itinerary.

But if want to avoid driving or planning anything yourself, you can always join a guided tour!

Venice

The destination that completes the list of the best day trips from Rome is Venice.

What has always fascinated me about Venice is that it’s not a typical city but a one-of-a-kind land. The Floating City consists of hundreds of little islands connected by bridges, making it a wonderful destination for a leisurely stroll.

Unfortunately, you won’t have much time to dive deep, but you can still see the main sights of Venice: Canal Grande, Rialto Bridge, Bridge of Sighs, and Piazza San Marco.

For planning your one-day trip, you can also take inspiration from my article 48 hours in Venice.

How to Get From Rome to Venice

To be entirely fair, I would visit Venice if I had more than one day. But if seeing the Floating City has been your dream, and you don’t want to miss this chance, a high-speed train is your way to go.

Venice is located on the other side of Italy, but with the fastest Trenitalia train, you can reach your destination in four hours. The ticket price is 76€ one way.

One thing I should highlight is that trains in Italy may get late. In the case of other destinations, it’s not a problem as they are relatively close to Rome.

But as Venice is far and you’re already short on time, late trains can impact your whole trip. So, my advice is to be mentally ready that things may not go according to your initial plan.

Summing Up My Recommendations

What could be better than spending a weekend in Rome? I guess a chance to explore the rest of Italy!

I hope this extensive list of the best day trips from Rome will help you choose your destination.

But if you have questions about destinations or trip planning, feel free to leave a message in the comment section below, and I’ll be happy to help!

Have a beautiful trip, and let’s chase Italy together!

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