6 Easy Day Trips From Rome: How-To DIY & Cost (2024)
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Rome is such an all-encompassing experience, it’s almost a whole mood on its own. There is so much to do and see, every building has some sort of massive historic importance, and there is no shortage of noise, hustle and bustle, gelato, tourists, authentic pizza and pasta corner stalls, and Italians drinking their espresso way too fast for my anxiety levels. 🙂
Now don’t get me wrong, I love Rome as much as any other girl out there, but there are times when you just need to get the heck out and refresh your eye sockets with different views, different vibes, and a different Italy.
After spending a couple of months in and out of Rome and middle/south Italy in general, here are my top personal recommendations, optimized for logistical ease, time, and general “wow” factor. I’ll be upfront in saying the list is not all-inclusive but rather curated on purpose because I find that a few good spots are all you need to make great decisions.
QUICK GUIDE: Day Trip from Rome
| Day Trip from Rome | Do It Yourself One Way Cost | Transit Time One Way | The Easy Way Guided Tour |
| Naples | Direct $20 | 1 hr | Naples Walking Food Tour $50 |
| Florence | Direct $20 | 1.5 hrs | Small-Group Walking Tour $45 |
| Pompeii | 1 Train Transfer $25 | 2 hrs | Pompeii + Wine $210 |
| Pompeii & Herculaneum | 2 Train Transfers $30 | 2 hrs | Pompeii + Herculaneum $290 |
| Island of Capri (my favorite!) | 1 Train Transfer 1 Ferry $50 | 3 hrs | Rome to Capri + Boat Tour $300 |
| Amalfi Coast | 1 Train Transfer Taxi $60 | 3 hrs | Amalfi & Positano Full Day $400 |
Top 5 Day Trips from Rome
Day Trip from Rome to Naples
Why
I’m just going to come out and say it, Naples is a very crowded and very dirty city. BUT it is also the most authentic Italian everything I have ever experienced, and if you can get past your own privilege and take the perspective of an observer having a south Italian immersion, THIS is where you need to be.
Naples is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world and was founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. It has been a major cultural center for centuries and is known for its food (Ragu and Neapolitan pizza), music in the streets, art museums and graffiti alike, and of course, the architecture that is evident in all of the historic buildings and churches.
We ended up staying a couple of days enjoying the food before heading south to Pompeii and Amalfi!
How [Train Rome > Napoli]
- Hop on the high-speed train from Rome Termini Station to Naples Centrale Station. This will take 70 minutes and cost about $20 each way if you book a spot ahead of time. (Book Here)
Guided Tour: Naples City Walking Tour + Food Markets
Note: Highly recommend the above food tour (sprinkled with a bit of history, top city highlights, and local flare). For the rest of the time, just get lost and wander around.
One last note on Naples and my love for it. Despite what you read, Naples is not dangerous. That said, there are A LOT of people in small winding streets, so just be a mindful visitor and watch your stuff.
Day trip from Rome to Florence
Why
As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to some of the most important art and architecture in the world. The ride from Rome to Florence is scenic, about 1.5 hours through the Italian countryside.
Upon arrival in Florence, you can explore the city’s many art museums and historic sites. The Duomo cathedral is one of the most popular attractions. Other popular sights include the Renaissance-era Palazzo Vecchio and the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge. Then there are also the many museums dedicated to Michelangelo and the numerous Davids he sculpted during his lifetime.
Florence is a beautiful city with a rich history. This day trip is for the art enthusiast at heart, but also for the foodie. Let’s not forget that Florence is also known for its delicious food. From humble street food to Michelin-starred restaurants, there is something to suit every taste and budget.
How [Train Rome > Florence]
- Hop on the high-speed train from Rome Termini Station to Firenze SMN. This will take 1.5 hours and cost about $20 each way if you book a spot ahead of time. (Book Here)
Guided Tour: Small-Group Walking Tour
Note: There are several great free walking tours (where $10 is the recommended tip per person) but they tend to have huge ~30 people groups and I find it hard to hear. I prefer the above one because it’s a small group and I can ask questions along the way. In general, I try to do small group tours wherever I can.
Day Trip from Rome to Pompeii
Why
A day trip from Rome to Pompeii is specifically first on my list because it checks so many boxes for an ideal adventure out of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was preserved by the ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and now provides an incredible glimpse into Roman history.
Since its rediscovery in 1748, Pompeii has been a popular tourist destination where people like you and me can explore the ruins of houses, temples, and public baths. You can also see the remains of people who were caught in the eruption, perfectly preserved by the ash. For many people, Pompeii is a window into a lost world and a reminder of the power of nature.
I highly recommend grabbing a guide for the ruins themselves AT A MINIMUM (which will cost $70-100 but they bring the story to life the cost includes the entry ticket). Otherwise, you’ll be wandering the old city with no context like a dodo bird.
How [Train: Rome > Naples > Pompeii]
- Hop on the high-speed train from Rome Termini Station to Naples Centrale Station. This will take 70 minutes and cost about $20 each way if you book a spot ahead of time. (Book Here)
- Switch trains in Napoli and follow the signs down the stairs to the Circum Vesuviana Station – take the stairs all the way to the bottom level. These local trains run from Naples to Pompeii Scavi – Villa Dei Misteri every 30 minutes. They cost $5 each way and take about 40 minutes. This is the train you want – don’t be daunted by the old-school vibe, stay cool, and go with it! 🙂
- When you arrive, walk a few minutes to the Pompeii Archeological site. Oh, and before you go, check out opening hours here!
Guided Tour: Rome to Pompeii with Wine Tasting
NOTE: There are a few options for a day trip from Rome to Pompeii if you’re not interested in doing the train transfers and logistics yourself, here is my guide to comparing guided tours: Pompeii: The Hard Way vs the Smart Way. And this comes from my lessons learned after trying to hack it myself multiple times… not ideal!
Day Trip from Rome to Pompeii + Herculaneum
Why
Honestly, Herculaneum is on the way to Pompeii, is much better preserved, and has a unique story of its own, so WHY NOT! There are only two reasons why I would also include Herculaneum in a day trip to Pompeii:
- If you’re a maximizer like me and love a good bang for your buck.
- If you’re a history buff and want to be immersed in the old Roman culture for a whole day.
If neither of those is true, stick with Pompeii and call it a win! 🙂
How [Train Rome > Napoli > Ercolano > Pompeii]
- Hop on the high-speed train from Rome Termini Station to Naples Garibaldi Station. This will take 70 minutes and cost about $20 each way if you book a spot ahead of time. (Book Here)
- Transfer to the local EAV Train from Naples Garibaldi Station to Ercolano Scavi. This train runs frequently and will cost you $5 for the 16-minute ride to Herculaneum.
- From the train station, walk 10 minutes down the hill to the ruin site.
- From Herculaneum to Pompeii, take that same train from Ercolano Scavi to Pompei Scavi Villa dei Misteri. It costs $5 and takes 20 minutes. When you arrive, walk a few minutes to the Pompeii Archeological site. Don’t forget to check out opening hours here! Spend the afternoon in Pompeii and then head back to Rome at night.
Guided Tour: Pompeii & Herculaneum Day Trip
Note: I like this guided tour because it includes all entry tickets and has excellent certified guides.
Day trip from Rome to Capri
Why
Capri is a small island off the coast of Italy that is a popular day trip from Rome for Italians and visitors alike. Heck, there’s a reason celebrities choose this island as their honeymoon spot!
The island is known for its dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear waters. The idea is to spend the day on a boat around the island, swim in the Mediterranean Sea, or hike to the top of Monte Solaro for the panoramic views.
Capri is also home to all things luxury – think hotels, shopping, boutiques, restaurants, etc. – making it the perfect destination for a day of relaxation. That said, I’m going to let the pictures speak for themselves.
How [Train Rome to Napoli > Ferry to Capri]
- The fast train goes from Roma Termini central station to Napoli Centrale Station frequently and takes about an hour (train schedule).
- Take a taxi from the Napoli train station to Molo Beverello in Piazza Municipio, where the fast ferries depart multiple times a day (ferry schedule) to Capri. The fast ferry takes about 50 minutes. To spend a full day in Capri, I recommend leaving Rome by 8 am.
- Spend a couple of hours visiting the island’s main attractions, including the famous Giardini di Augusto for the most stunning views of the sea and Via Krupp, Arco Naturale, Marina Piccola overlooking the famous Faraglioni rocks, and the streets of Capri.
- Grab the last ferry from Capri back to Napoli and train to Rome.
PRO TIP: While exploring Capri, take an Afternoon Boat Tour around Capri (about $70). This was one of my favorite adventures on the island and it is said the best way to see Capri is from the sea! The tour should take a couple of hours, so make sure you budget accordingly.
Guided Tour: Capri Island + Boat Tour
Note: This guided tour is great for those who don’t want to mess around with the logistics of transferring from boat to ferry. From a cost perspective, including the ‘do it yourself’ roundtrip train tickets, roundtrip ferry tickets, and afternoon boat tour recommended in my pro tip for $70, this fully guided Capri Island + Boat Tour is about $80 more expensive overall but takes care of all the logistics and transfers for you.
Day trip from Rome to Amalfi Coast
Why
The Amalfi Coast is objectively one of the prettiest places in Italy. Literally when you google “Italy”, this will come up as the first image. Seconded only by Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast is stunning.
With its dramatic cliffs, postcard-worthy villages, and turquoise waters, the Amalfi Coast has long been a favorite destination. It’s one of my personal favorite spots, more on why here: Which is Better: Amalfi or Sicily?
How [Train Rome to Salerno > Taxi Salerno to Amalfi]
- The fast train goes from Roma Termini Station to Salerno Station frequently and takes about 2 hours (train schedule).
- From Salerno, take a 25-minute taxi that will drop you off right at the Amalfi Coast. The cost will be around $40.
Pro Tip: The best way to see the Amalfi Coast is from the sea. I particularly love this Amalfi Boat Rental (No License) because we got to drive, which was not difficult with the basic instruction given (just like a car), take our time, pack snacks and wine, and generally be on our own schedule!
Guided Tour: Amalfi Coast & Positano Full Day from Rome
Note: This is an epic guided tour, but a bit pricey. That said, I personally recommend it because transportation and logistics can be a nightmare in Positano and Amalfi, especially on a weekend. There is tons of traffic, no parking, and you are at the mercy of expensive taxis and late busses to get from one town to another.
FAQ: Day Trips from Rome
Is Pisa a day trip from Rome?
Yes, for sure! Trenitalia has a couple of trips from Rome to Pisa a day for about $30. From Roma Termini to Pisa Centrale Station, the rides vary from 2 hours to 4 hours, but there are quite a few options.
I personally have not done this trip yet because Pisa is not high on my list, but if you’ve got a day to kill and you’re not keen on Florence, Pompeii, or Naples, this is your next easiest and wonderful day trip from Rome.
Is Naples worth a day trip from Rome?
Hell Yes! Not only is it a quick 1-hour train ride (links and how-to above) but it is literally the capital of Southern Italy and the nexus of authentic Italian life, the heart of southern Italy. Now, when I say this, I want you to be mindful that it is a very packed, busy, and dirty city – but i find that these facts add to the flavor of Napoli.
I loved the Centro Storico neighborhood, Capodimonte (for a brief break from the city), and the Spanish Quarter in Napoli – all totally do-able in a day trip from Rome. I also loved Tandem Ragu as a dinner spot before returning home to Rome!
Can you do a day trip from Rome to Cinque Terre?
It’s possible, but I would not recommend it for a day trip. I would definitely say YES for a weekend trip or longer from Rome. The reason I say that is because it’s quite far by train (the fastest way to get from Rome to Cinque Terre is about 4 hours one-way) and you would be spending all your time in transit for a day.
If you were to go for it because you’re a maximizer to the max, you would take Roma Termini Station to Corniglia (with a transfer at Spezia Centrale). This would cost about $50-100.
