In a nutshell
- There’s so much to discover beyond Rome’s city limits! We’ll show you 6 standout day trip destinations you can reach from Rome.
- Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and the Amalfi Coast are best done as guided day tours — if you only have one day and don’t know the area, this is by far your easiest option.
- Naples and the beach at Santa Marinella are easy to reach on your own by train — no planning stress required.
- Our personal favorite, Civita di Bagnoregio, is something truly special — but you’ll need a car to get there.
Lies auch:
Guided Day Tour to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
- Travel time: 2 hours
- Mode of transportation: Air-conditioned coach
- Duration: 12 hours
What you’ll see: The ruins of Pompeii, the city buried 2,000 years ago by Mount Vesuvius. Afterward, the bus takes you right up to the crater rim of Vesuvius, where a geologist guides you the rest of the way.
What you need to know: In Pompeii, a licensed guide leads you through the ruins, and a geologist accompanies you on Vesuvius. A restaurant lunch is also included in the price.
Is it worth it? Pompeii isn’t exactly around the corner from Rome, but if you’re already in this part of Italy, you should absolutely take advantage of it — especially since it’s a fully organized tour and you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Book the Pompeii & Vesuvius day tour
Guided Day Trip to the Amalfi Coast
- Travel time: 2.5 hours
- Mode of transportation: Bus & cruise ship
- Duration: 15 hours
What you’ll see: You’ll take a guided boat tour along the Amalfi Coast with stops in Positano and Amalfi, the two most famous towns on the coast.
What you need to know: In Positano and Amalfi you’ll have 2.5 and 1.5 hours of free time respectively. That’s nowhere near enough to really explore either town, but it’s better than nothing!
Is it worth it? The Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Europe — if not the most beautiful. That said, the towns get seriously packed in July and August, so we’d only recommend this tour in spring or fall.
Book the Amalfi Coast day trip
City Trip to Naples on Your Own
- Travel time: 1 hour
- Mode of transportation: High-speed train
- Duration: As long as you want
What you’ll see: The highlights of Naples — and there are plenty. Wander through the lively historic center and try what many consider the best pizza in the world.
What you need to know: The earlier you book your train tickets to Naples, the cheaper they’ll be. You can do that on the website of Italian rail operator Trenitalia or Italo. One important note: enter “Napoli” in the search bar — the websites won’t find anything under “Naples.”
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Naples is a fantastic day trip from Rome, and since so many of the must-sees are right in the old quarter, you can cover a lot of ground even in a single day.
Beach Day in Santa Marinella
- Travel time: 1 hour
- Mode of transportation: Regional train
- Duration: As long as you want
What you’ll see: A small seaside resort near Rome with a well-kept beach, umbrella rentals, beach bars, and excellent water quality.
What you need to know: A beach umbrella with two lounge chairs costs around 30 euros per day — pretty standard for beaches in Italy. Santa Marinella is about an hour from Rome’s main station, Termini, by regional train. And if you want more options, there are plenty of other great beaches near Rome you can reach by public transit.
Is it worth it? If you’re in Rome and craving a day at the sea, Santa Marinella is a super easy option — and the water here is really clean and clear.
The Classic Rome Day Trip: Castel Gandolfo
- Travel time: 40 minutes
- Mode of transportation: Regional train
- Duration: As long as you want
What you’ll see: Castel Gandolfo is a small village about 25 kilometers south of Rome that has served as the papal summer residence for centuries. You can visit the Apostolic Palace and its gardens, including the private chambers.
What you need to know: The Apostolic Palace was only opened to the public by Pope Francis. Whether the next pope continues this tradition remains to be seen — so don’t wait too long. Make sure to book your tickets in advance!
Is it worth it? Castel Gandolfo is a classic day trip from Rome and super easy to reach by regional train. Perfect for a relaxed, unhurried day out of the city.
Get tickets for the Apostolic Palace & Gardens
Our Hidden Gem on Your Own: Civita di Bagnoregio
- Travel time: 2 hours
- Mode of transportation: Own car
- Duration: As long as you want
What you’ll see: Civita di Bagnoregio is a truly extraordinary ancient village on the border of Tuscany. It’s full of narrow alleyways lined with flower pots, a medieval church, a village square with a fountain, and a handful of restaurants. You can even spend the night here — our pick is the Acqua di Civita. The village’s dramatic appearance comes from soil erosion in the area — but visiting is completely safe!
What you need to know: Civita di Bagnoregio is only reachable by car — it’s quite remote, and the drive from Rome takes about two hours. Once you’re there, you’ll find several restaurants for lunch and some seriously stunning viewpoints.
Is it worth it? 100%! Civita di Bagnoregio is still something of an under-the-radar gem in Italy and never gets overcrowded. We once made the drive from Florence and it left a lasting impression on us.
