Rome, Italy’s ancient capital and cradle of Western civilization, sits in the heart of the Lazio region on the boot-shaped peninsula. While the Eternal City brims with iconic sights, Get My Trip Guide invites US and UK travelers to use Rome as a launchpad for unforgettable day trips by train. Explore the surrounding region’s hidden gems—charming cities, ancient ruins, and scenic coastlines—often overlooked by visitors. From medieval Orvieto to vibrant Naples, here are the best day trips from Rome to Italy’s finest destinations. Check out Get My Trip Guide’s earlier posts on the best day trips from Milan and top things to do in Rome for more inspiration!
Travel Tips for Day Trips from Rome
Why Train Travel?
Get My Trip Guide loves trains for convenience, affordability, and eco-friendly travel. Italy’s rail network, via Trenitalia and Italo, connects Rome to nearby gems quickly, with tickets often starting at €5-€15.
Plan Ahead
Book tickets in advance via Omio or Trenitalia for the best rates. Get My Trip Guide suggests checking schedules early, as high-speed trains fill fast, especially in summer 2025.
Pack Smart
For a day trip, bring comfy shoes, a light jacket, water, and a Type F plug adapter. Get My Trip Guide recommends a small bag for easy mobility on trains and in walkable towns.
1. Orvieto
Why Visit Orvieto?
Perched on a volcanic rock butte in Umbria, Orvieto beckons with Etruscan roots (pre-200 BC) and sweeping countryside views. Get My Trip Guide highlights this walled, walkable city for its ancient charm and serene beauty.
What to Do in Orvieto
Stroll through Orvieto’s medieval streets, admiring architecture and ceramic shops. Marvel at the Orvieto Duomo, a masterpiece with a gold and jewel-toned mosaic facade and Old Testament reliefs. Don’t miss Scalza’s emotive Pietà sculpture, the deep Well of St. Patrick, the Orvieto Underground’s Etruscan caves, and the Etruscan Museum. Get My Trip Guide promises a leisurely day of history and vistas!
Where to Eat in Orvieto
- Trattoria del Moro Aronne: Savor seasonal pasta like Nidi di Rondine in a warm setting.
- Febo: A modern brewpub in the city center, perfect for a tasty meal.
How to Get to Orvieto by Train
Trenitalia runs trains from Rome Termini to Orvieto every 4 hours, a 1-hour-16-minute ride, with tickets from €8-€16.
2. Naples
Why Visit Naples?
The lively capital of Campania, Naples dazzles with Neapolitan pizza, a crescent-shaped coast, and Mount Vesuvius as a backdrop. Get My Trip Guide loves its blend of history, food, and sea views, just a short hop from Rome.
What to Do in Naples
Sip a foamy cappuccino with a flaky, ricotta-filled Sfogliatella at a piazza cafe. Admire Naples Cathedral’s frescoed Royal Chapel domes in blues, whites, and golds. Take escalators to Vomero Hill for Castel Sant’Elmo’s city views. Explore Piazza del Plebiscito, home to the Pantheon-like San Francesco di Paola Basilica and the Royal Palace, now a museum. Wander the steel-and-glass Galleria Umberto I. Get My Trip Guide suggests the efficient metro for getting around.
Where to Eat in Naples
- Gran Caffe Gambrinus: Ideal for coffee and dessert.
- L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele: A must for classic Neapolitan pizza.
- Gino e Toto Sorbillo: Fabulous pizza spot.
How to Get to Naples by Train
High-speed trains cover the 140 miles from Rome to Naples in 1 hour 10 minutes, with tickets from €15.
3. Florence
Why Visit Florence?
Get My Trip Guide calls Florence, Tuscany’s gem, a walker’s paradise, rich in Renaissance art, history, and culture—perfect for a day trip.
What to Do in Florence
Start at Piazza del Duomo, admiring the pink-and-green Duomo facade and Brunelleschi’s iconic dome. Visit Giotto’s Gothic Campanile and Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (combined ticket: €15) for UNESCO-listed wonders. Explore Dante Alighieri’s house-museum, tracing the Divine Comedy author’s life across three floors. Add the Bargello sculpture museum and Uffizi near Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza Signoria. Get My Trip Guide loves Florence’s vibrant street food and aperitivo scene—buy a drink, enjoy free snacks!
Where to Eat in Florence
Sample affordable street food or join the aperitivo scene at local bars. Get My Trip Guide’s cheap eats guide to Florence offers in-depth tips for budget bites.
How to Get to Florence by Train
The fast Italo train from Rome to Florence takes 1 hour 36 minutes, costing €13.90 if booked early via Omio, or up to €75 on the day. Slower local trains take 3 hours and are cheaper.
4. Pisa
Why Visit Pisa?
North in Tuscany, Pisa sits on the River Arno’s plain, a former port city with a glorious cathedral complex. Get My Trip Guide adores its architectural legacy.
What to Do in Pisa
Explore the Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli), home to the grey-and-white marble Cathedral, Baptistery, the iconic Leaning Tower, and cemetery. The contrast of manicured green lawns and ornate facades is stunning. Get My Trip Guide promises a vision of architectural artistry for your day trip.
Where to Eat in Pisa
L’Ostellino: A hole-in-the-wall bar near the tower, serving some of Italy’s best panini.
How to Get to Pisa by Train
Fast trains from Rome to Pisa take 2 hours 17 minutes, with tickets from €10.
5. Ostia
Why Visit Ostia?
Just 30 km from Rome, Ostia, an ancient port from 620 BC, is Rome’s best-kept secret. Get My Trip Guide loves its well-preserved ruins, rivaling Pompeii, and quiet seaside charm.
What to Do in Ostia
Wander the 10,000-acre archaeological site, uncovering the Necropolis, Baths of Neptune, Grand Theatre, Plaza of the Guilds, Grand Horrea, Capitolium, and Forum. Once vital for salt, Ostia reveals Roman life vividly. Get My Trip Guide suggests a peaceful escape from Rome’s bustle.
Where to Eat in Ostia
- Paninoteca Al Diciassette: Must-try sandwiches.
- Pane E Vino Trattoria Romana: Great value buffet and fresh fish.
How to Get to Ostia by Train
A commuter train from Rome takes 45 minutes and costs just €1.50.
6. Santa Marinella
Why Visit Santa Marinella?
Dubbed the “pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea,” Santa Marinella offers vintage charm and beach bliss, a short ride from Rome. Get My Trip Guide loves its relaxed vibe.
What to Do in Santa Marinella
Walk from the station to the crescent-shaped bay’s clear waters. Rent an umbrella and sunbed for a lazy afternoon, or try a second beach if crowded. Enjoy seafood and antipasti at local spots. Get My Trip Guide notes its past fame—Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini once summered here.
Where to Eat in Santa Marinella
- Pizzeria Tavola Calda La Stella: Decent pizzas.
- Al Porticciolo: A seafood lover’s delight.
How to Get to Santa Marinella by Train
Multiple trains from Rome Trastevere reach Santa Marinella in under 1 hour, costing as little as €5.
7. Civitavecchia
Why Visit Civitavecchia?
Just 61 km from Rome, this ancient port, built by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century BC, blends history and waterfront charm. Get My Trip Guide adores its walkable lanes.
What to Do in Civitavecchia
Roam twisting streets, discovering old churches in quiet piazzas. Admire Fort Michelangelo’s 6-meter-wide walls and central tower, built by the master himself. Visit the Taurine Baths’ elaborate rooms, then stroll the waterfront promenade. Shop or dine al fresco on Corso Centocelle, spotting Etruscan ruins under glass. Get My Trip Guide promises a memorable escape.
Where to Eat in Civitavecchia
- Il Sugherino: Great local seafood.
- Cruise Cafe: Comfort food spot.
- Ostaria La Babbiona: Homemade Italian at a good price.
How to Get to Civitavecchia by Train
Trains from Rome take about 1 hour, with tickets averaging €5.
Plan Your Rome Day Trip
With Rome as your base, Get My Trip Guide makes exploring Italy’s hidden treasures easy and affordable. Pick a destination, hop on a train, and create lasting memories in 2025!