Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: January 31, 2019
There are so many options for easy day trips from Rome–including Florence and Naples! When you have had your fill of cacio e pepe and Baroque in Rome, you can hop on a train, and in less than two hours you can be somewhere completely different and still be back in time for an after dinner gelato. Start your trip planning with our picks for five best day trips from Rome.
At a Glance: The Best Day Trips from Rome
- πΊοΈ Easy Escapes from the Eternal City: All of the destinations in this guide can be visited in a single day. Most are 30 minutes to 2 hours from Rome, making them perfect if you want to experience ancient ruins, hill towns, vineyards, or the coast without changing hotels.
- π How to Get There: Most day trips are easiest by train, with frequent departures from Roma Termini. Regional destinations like Tivoli and Orvieto are inexpensive to reach (typically €5–15 each way), while high-speed routes to cities farther away cost more but save time. (Here’s how to use Rome’s public transit network.)
- β±οΈ How Much Time You’ll Need: Plan for at least 6–10 hours away from Rome, depending on the destination. Nearby towns are ideal for a relaxed day of sightseeing and lunch, while places like Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast require an early start and a full-day commitment.
- π What to Wear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket for cooler mornings or evenings. If you’re visiting churches, pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- ποΈ Booking Ahead: Reserve high-speed train tickets, guided tours, and admission to popular attractions before your trip—especially during spring, summer, and fall. This helps you save money and help secure your preferred departure times.
- β Local Tip: Don’t plan every minute of your day trip; leave time to wander and explore the city you’re visiting. You never know what fun adventures and beautiful sights you’ll find!
Naples
Make sure you come hungry for a day spent in Naples. This southern city has some of Italy’s best coffee, pastries, and of course, it is the spiritual home of pizza.
Explore Amazing Art
After a strong sweet cup of coffee from Caffe Mexico and a hot sfogliatelle near the train station, begin your day with some art.
- Giuseppe Sanmartino’s Veiled Christ at at the Museo Capello San Severo is astonishing. The entire chapel is pretty spectacular, and if you spend a long time, it will take about 20 minutes. (Don’t miss the creepy-cool skeletons downstairs!)
- There are three works by bad boy artist Caravaggio in Naples. If you can only see one, we recommend the Seven Works of Mercy in Pio Monte della Misericordi. For the history lover, go to the Archeology museum, and if contemporary is more your scene, hit the Madre.
- Insiders Tip: Many of the newer metro stations have contemporary art installations. At the Toledo stop, while everyone is getting their Instagram shot of the multitudes of blue tiles, head upstairs and admire the magnificent frieze detailing the history of Naples by South African artist Willian Kentridge.
Try Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
You can sample at least three different kinds of pizza in Naples!
- Start with a pizza a portafoglio, a soft slice folded over and eaten on the go.
- Next, try a pizza fritta, a calzone shaped pie that is deep fried, usually stuffed with ricotta and ciccioli, crispy pork.
- For your last pizza experience, sit down and order a classic Pizza Margherita, which uses tomatoes, olive oil, fresh mozzarella di bufala and basil.
Pick Up Some Souvenirs
It is Christmas every day in Naples along the Via San Gregorio Armeno. Shop for handcrafted nativity statues that range from traditional biblical figures to modern celebrities.
Florence
Florence is a Renaissance jewel that’s an orderly contrast to Rome’s chaos and curves. Don’t be fooled by Florence’s compact size; there is more history and art treasure here than is imaginable. The Arno river cuts the city into two distinct neighborhoods with eight bridges to connect them, making it is easy to cross back and forth.
Explore the Bell Tower & Museums
- Start your day by climbing Giotto’s bell tower and map out the rest of your stops from the birds eye view over the city and out into the Tuscan countryside.
- Want to explore Florence’s incredible museums? One combined ticket allows you access to six different sites, including the famous Brunelleschi Dome and the lovely Museo de Opera. This recently renovated museum displays more than 750 works of art spanning 700 years of Florentine history.
- Stop at the Museo Nazionale del Bargello if you have already tackled the Ufiizzi and the Academia.
Grab a Snack & Browse Artisan Workshops
Cross over to the Oltrarno and try a favorite Florentine snack, a lampredotto (beef tripe) sandwich at the stand in San Frediano. Trust us on this.
This side of the river is packed with artisans workshops. You can see craft that dates back centuries, like inlaid stone work, and more contemporary art by popular street artist Clet Abraham. If you have not had your fill of art, admire the exquisite collection at The Museo Bardini.
Kevin Menajang
Sample Exquisite Tuscan Food
Tuscan food is hearty fare, featuring beans and the famous T-bone Fiorentina steak. Have lunch at a traditional trattoria. Try one of our favorite authentic restaurants in Florence if you need ideas!
If you are looking for something quick, try the top floor of the Mercato Centrale, which has all kinds of options to choose from. Shop for leather goods, perfumes and creams that are created from 16th century recipes and bold statement jewelry.
Orvieto
This dramatic Umbrian hill town sits on top of an massive hulk of tuff stone. Long on history starting with its Etruscan roots, the height of Orvieto’s power was in the Middle Ages when Popes ruled until unification.
Explore Orvieto’s History & Art
- From the train station or main parking lot, take the funicular up to the historic part of town.
- The showy striped Duomo with its glittering facade is the star of the town. Don’t miss Luca Signorelli’s stunning fresco cycle inside.
- If you are looking for somewhere to cool off on a hot day, roam in the subterranean tunnels and grottos that lie beneath the town.
Try Local Cuisine & Shop for Handmade Gifts
The region is famous for its crisp white wine called Orvieto Classico. It’s perfect with a plate of truffle dusted umbricelli pasta or wild pigeon in salmi (a rich dark sauce with juniper, rosemary and vinegar).
Shop for painted ceramics and items like cutting boards and cheese knives that are carved from local olive wood.
Ostia
It is easy to combine ancient Roman history and lunch at the beach with only a metro ticket when you go to Ostia. Don’t forget to bring a towel and a bikini!
- Start at the Piramide/Porto San Paolo station, and your first stop will be seven stops away.
- Ostia Antica is an archeological site to rival Pompeii. It once served the Roman empire as the main port city. You can wander amongst the ancient ruins that were once shops, taverns, baths and amphitheaters.
- Hop back on the train for a few more stops, and pick one of the private beach clubs for a shy lunch and a snooze in the sand before you head back to the city.
Lake Bolsena
Bolsena is in Tuscia, a little-known region of Lazio that borders Tuscany and Umbria. Deep Etruscan roots, medieval history, and unspoiled landscapes are just the beginning of its charms.
This volcanic lake was created a few thousand years ago, probably by the eruption of the Vulsini volcano. After your visit, you can boast to your pals that you swam in the largest volcanic lake in Europe.
Sit Back & Relax: Let Us Take You on a Day Trip!
Experience Southern Italy with our Pompeii and Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome. With this one-of-a-kind day trip, you’ll dive deep into the heart of Pompeii, stepping back in time with an expert archaeologist by your side.
Then, trade ancient ruins for the unparalleled beauty of the Amalfi Coast, where you can bask in the sun, sip limoncello, and explore Positano at your own pace. If you only have one day to savor the essence of southern Italy, make it this one!
Featured Review: Pompeii & Amalfi Coast Day Trip from Rome
βββββ “Chiara took our family to Pompeii and to Positano. She gave lots of information and anecdotes about what we were seeing out our bus window to give us all context about what we were going to see. The minibus was great and our driver was amazing at navigating the tiny streets of Positano! Would definitely recommend!”
– Heidi
Best Day Trips from Rome FAQs
What is the easiest day trip to take from Rome without renting a car?
Several of the best day trips from Rome are easily reached by train. Tivoli, Orvieto, Ostia Antica, Naples, and Florence all have direct or simple rail connections from Roma Termini, making them excellent choices for travelers who prefer not to drive. Italy’s train network is fast, reliable, and convenient.
Should you take a guided tour for a day trip from Rome, or travel independently?
It depends on your destination. Historic cities and towns with direct train connections are easy to visit on your own, while destinations that require multiple transfers—such as parts of the Amalfi Coast or countryside wineries—are often easier and less stressful with a guided tour. Tours can also provide skip-the-line access and local insights that are difficult to get when traveling independently.
What’s the best time of year for day trips from Rome?
Spring (April through June) and fall (September and October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and are ideal for walking through historic towns, archaeological sites, and vineyards. Summer is great for coastal destinations but can be very hot inland, while winter offers fewer crowds and lower prices, though some attractions may have shorter opening hours.
Can you visit Pompeii as a day trip from Rome?
Yes, but it makes for a long day. High-speed trains can get you from Rome to Naples in about 1 hour 15 minutes, after which you’ll need to transfer to the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii. An organized tour can simplify the logistics, and often includes transportation and guided commentary.
What should you bring on a day trip from Rome?
In addition to comfortable walking shoes and a reusable water bottle, bring a portable phone charger or power bank, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a small daypack. It’s also helpful to carry a light sweater or rain jacket depending on the season, plus some cash for small cafés, market stalls, or public restrooms that may not accept cards.
