Best Day Trips from Roma Termini

Roma Termini is one of the biggest and busiest train stations in all of Europe, and as the main transportation hub of the Eternal City, welcomes millions of visitors to Rome each year.

And there's no shortage of things to do in Rome, whether it's your first visit or your 50th.

In the vibrant Italian capital, there's always something new to discover.

However, Rome's central location in Italy and its excellent public transportation infrastructure make the city the ideal place to explore further. Drop off your bags at a Roma Termini luggage storage, and you'll be able to go just about anywhere in Italy that you want to see.

With a combination of regional and high-speed trains leaving every day from Termini, you can explore major Italian cities or quaint small towns and still be back at your hotel in Rome for a good night's sleep.

Vatican City

Okay, this one's a bit of a cheat. Although Vatican City is its county - the world's smallest, in fact - it is located within Rome itself. Still, visiting the Vatican is a must-do while you're in the Italian capital, and as tiny as this micronation may be, there's more than enough here to keep you busy for a full day.

Explore the sprawling Vatican Museums, and see other priceless works of art inside St. Peter's Basilica, the mother church of the Roman Catholic religion. If you're lucky, you might even catch an audience with the Pope while you're there. The Vatican is packed with fascinating history as well as stunning art, which you can learn more about at the Castel Sant'Angelo.

And you can reach all of this with a short bus ride from Roma Termini station.

Gaeta

In the height of summer, when Rome's tourist season is at its busiest, many locals have a good idea to avoid the heat and the crowds and escape the city by heading to the beach.

Rome's location means there are plenty of choices for anyone looking to escape and enjoy some beach time, and there are some stunning destinations that you can reach by train from Roma Termini if you want to enjoy some sun and surf.

One of the best options is Gaeta, a beautiful coastal town located a little over an hour's train ride south of Rome.

This popular destination is well-known for its clear waters and lovely sandy beaches. It's a great place to relax and soak up some sun, but there's plenty to do here if you're looking for a bit more excitement.

Take a stroll along the harbour, and climb up to the medieval castle for some stunning views of the town and coastline. Or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of Gaeta's many excellent seafood restaurants.

Civitavecchia

Just an hour away from Rome by train is Civitavecchia, a charming coastal town that serves as the main port for cruise ships visiting Italy. Even if you're not taking a cruise, though, Civitavecchia makes for an excellent day trip from Rome.

Start your day with a visit to the town's 16th-century fort, Forte Michelangelo. From here, you'll have sweeping views of both the town and the Mediterranean Sea. Then, stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, and explore the many churches and art galleries that Civitavecchia has to offer.

If you're looking for something a little more active, rent a bicycle and pedal your way along the seafront promenade. And be sure to try the fresh seafood at one of the town's excellent restaurants.

Ostia Antica

If you're interested in Roman history, then Ostia Antica is a must-see. This ancient port city is located just a short train ride from Rome and is home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in all of Italy.

Spend a few hours exploring the site, which includes an amphitheatre, baths, temples, and a forum. And be sure to stop by the Ostia Antica Museum, where you can see some of the artefacts that have been found at the site.

After a day of exploring, relax with some traditional Italian cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Ostia Antica.

Latina

Just over an hour south of Rome lies the city of Latina, the capital of the Lazio region. This vibrant city is a great place to enjoy some traditional Italian culture away from the crowds of tourists in Rome.

Start your day with a visit to Lago di Fogliano, which is a beautiful coastal lake with a botanical garden and birdwatching area. Then, stroll through Piazza del Popolo, the main square of Latina, and explore the many shops and restaurants that line its streets. And be sure to try the delicious ice cream at one of Latina's many gelaterias.

Naples

If you take a high-speed train, it doesn't take much more than an hour to reach Napoli Centrale from Roma Termini. And yet as close as they are geographic, these two Italian cities are miles apart culturally.

That's because for most of their history, Naples and Rome were in different countries, and it wasn't until the late 19th century and the unification of Italy that they became part of the same nation.

There's so much to do in Naples that a single day doesn't do it justice, but with only one day to spare, you can cross off some of the highlights of this gorgeous city.

Start with a visit to the Duomo, the city's cathedral, which is home to some of the finest art and architecture in all of Italy.

Then, explore the maze-like streets of the Historic Centre, and enjoy some of the best pizza in the world at one of Naples' many pizzerias. And be sure to try the delicious gelato at one of the city's many ice cream shops. One of the best places to enjoy your gelato is in Piazza del Plebiscito, the city’s main square.

Florence

Just as the southern charm of Naples offers a completely different experience of an Italian city from Rome, Florence also offers a way to experience a whole different vibe with a relatively short train journey from the capital.

Just like Naples, Florence was once in a different country from Rome, and so its culture and history are very different from that of the capital.

And yet, of the very few cities in the world that can rival Rome in artistic and historical splendour, Florence is one.

Begin your day with a visit to the Duomo, Florence's magnificent cathedral with a terracotta tile dome. Then, explore the art-filled streets of the Old Town, and marvel at some of the world's most famous works of art in the Uffizi Gallery. And be sure to save some time for shopping, as Florence is one of the best places in Italy to pick up leather goods and other handmade items.

Italy's complicated history has left it with a legacy of incredible art and strong regional differences from one area to the next. That's part of what makes it such a fascinating and rewarding country to explore.

And Roma Termini is practically the ideal place to do that. Located almost in the centre of the country, it's easy to head either north or south to see more of what Italy has to offer.

How to get from London to Roma Termini

To travel from London to Roma Termini, the main railway station in Rome, you have several options, typically involving a combination of flight and train travel. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get there:

1. Flight from London to Rome

a. Choose an Airport in London:
   - Heathrow (LHR)
   - Gatwick (LGW)
   - Stansted (STN)
   - Luton (LTN)
   - City Airport (LCY)

b. Book a Flight:
   - Book a direct flight to Rome's Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Ciampino Airport (CIA).
   - Major airlines like British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair operate flights between London and Rome. The flight typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

c. Arrive in Rome:
   - At Fiumicino Airport (FCO), the most common choice, you will arrive about 30 km from Rome's city centre.
   - At Ciampino Airport (CIA), it is approximately 15 km from the city centre.

2. From Rome Airport to Roma Termini

a. From Fiumicino Airport (FCO):

   - Train: The Leonardo Express is a direct train service from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini. It takes around 32 minutes and operates every 15-30 minutes.
   - Bus: Several shuttle bus services run from Fiumicino Airport to Roma Termini, taking about 45-60 minutes.
   - Taxi: Taxis are available and will take around 40 minutes, depending on traffic. There is a fixed fare of approximately €50 to the city centre.

b. From Ciampino Airport (CIA):

   - Bus: There are direct buses from Ciampino Airport to Roma Termini, usually taking around 40-50 minutes.
   - Train: Take a bus from Ciampino Airport to the Ciampino railway station, then catch a train to Roma Termini. This journey typically takes about 30-40 minutes.
   - Taxi: A taxi ride from Ciampino Airport to Roma Termini takes around 30-40 minutes, and the fare is generally around €30-40.

3. Alternative: Direct Train from London to Rome

If you prefer not to fly, you can take the train, though it involves multiple legs:

a. Eurostar from London to Paris:
   - Take the Eurostar train from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord (around 2.5 hours).

b. TGV from Paris to Milan:
   - From Paris Gare du Lyon, take a TGV train to Milan (around 7-8 hours).

c. Train from Milan to Rome:
   - From Milan's Centrale station, take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) to Roma Termini (around 3 hours).

This entire journey by train can be time-consuming and complex compared to flying, but it's an option if you prefer overland travel.

The quickest and most convenient method is to fly into Rome and then take a direct train or bus to Roma Termini. For the least hassle, booking a direct flight to Fiumicino Airport and then taking the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini is recommended.

So leave your bags behind and enjoy some of these fascinating day trips from Rome.

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