Although I could happily spend weeks wandering Rome’s ancient streets, there’s something irresistible about hopping on a train to see what lies just beyond the city.
The beauty of basing yourself in Rome is how easy it is to explore further: one moment you’re sipping espresso by the Colosseum, and a short train ride later, you could be admiring Renaissance art in Florence, tasting wine in the hilltop town of Orvieto, or standing beside the fountains of Tivoli.
Italy’s rail network makes these day trips not only simple but wonderfully scenic, turning the journey itself into part of the adventure.
1. Florence – 1 hour 30 minutes (High-Speed)
Take a high-speed train from Roma Termini, and before you know it, you’ll be stepping off in the birthplace of the Renaissance.
Florence is all about art, architecture, and gelato. It’s like an open-air museum where even the door knockers are fancy. Start with the Duomo, climb to the top if your legs are feeling brave, then stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, where goldsmiths still craft their pieces much as they did centuries ago.
Top Things to Do:
- Gaze up at Michelangelo’s David — he’s taller than you expect.
- Lose yourself in the Uffizi Gallery’s masterpieces (and maybe your sense of direction).
- Climb Giotto’s Bell Tower for postcard-perfect views.
- Wander through the Oltrarno district, Florence’s artsy, less-touristy side.
Tip: High-speed trains run every half hour. Book early and go early; Florence deserves a full day of your attention (and appetite).
2. Orvieto – 1 hour 15 minutes (Regional)
Built on volcanic cliffs, Orvieto feels like it was made to be discovered by train. The ride north from Rome glides through green Umbrian hills before you switch to a funicular that carries you up to the old town.
At the top, narrow stone streets wind between wine bars and craft shops, and the Duomo appears suddenly, its striped marble and golden mosaics glowing in the sun.
One of the town’s most fascinating spots is the Pozzo di San Patrizio, a deep circular well with a double-spiral staircase that lets people and donkeys travel up and down without crossing paths, it’s an impressive bit of 16th-century engineering.
The Claudio Faina Museum nearby holds Etruscan artefacts and treasures found in the surrounding area. And beneath it all lies Orvieto Underground, a guided network of ancient tunnels carved into the tufa rock, some dating back more than two thousand years.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the Duomo di Orvieto and admire its striking façade
- Explore the tunnels on an Orvieto Underground tour
- Descend into the Pozzo di San Patrizio
- Browse the Claudio Faina Museum for Etruscan artefacts
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch in Piazza del Duomo with a glass of Orvieto Classico wine
Tip: Take an early train and allow time to explore. Orvieto is compact but full of hidden corners worth enjoying slowly.
3. Tivoli – 40 minutes (Regional)
East of Rome, Tivoli is a lovely escape packed with history, gardens and views. It’s home to three famous sites, Villa d’Este, Villa Gregoriana and Hadrian’s Villa, all within easy reach of each other, making it possible to visit two or even all three in one day if you plan ahead.
Villa d’Este steals the show with its elaborate fountains and terraced gardens; it’s the one to prioritise if you only have time for one stop. Villa Gregoriana offers a more natural setting, a leafy park with steep paths, waterfalls and caves formed by the Aniene River. It’s beautiful but be prepared for steps and very little shade on hot summer days.
A short bus or taxi ride away, Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) gives a glimpse of imperial luxury with vast pools, columns and marble ruins spread across the countryside.
Top Things to Do:
- Explore the fountain-filled gardens of Villa d’Este
- Walk the shaded paths and waterfalls of Villa Gregoriana
- Visit Hadrian’s Villa for Roman history and open-air ruins
- Enjoy gelato or coffee in Tivoli’s small piazzas between visits
Tip: Start early, wear comfortable shoes and plan your route before you go, Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana are both in town, while Hadrian’s Villa is a short ride away.
4. Naples – 1 hour 10 minutes (High-Speed)
Take a high-speed train south and in just over an hour you’ll arrive in Naples, a city full of energy, history and unbeatable food. It’s the birthplace of pizza, and the scent of freshly baked dough seems to follow you everywhere.
Naples hits you with energy the moment you step off the train. Start in the historic centre and wander along Spaccanapoli, where workshops, churches and cafés spill out onto narrow streets. Pop into Santa Chiara to see its colourful tiled cloister and wander up to Piazza del Plebiscito to take in the Royal Palace and the grand domed church of San Francesco di Paola.
In the afternoon, stop by Galleria Umberto I, it’s worth a quick look for the beautiful glass-roofed arcade, then walk down to Castel dell’Ovo by the water for sea views and a bit of calm. If there’s time, join a guided tour through the city’s underground tunnels or visit the Archaeological Museum for a closer look at artefacts from Pompeii.
Before heading back, grab a seat at Gran Caffè Gambrinus for a coffee and a sweet treat or queue up for pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele. The wait can be long, but it’s a Naples tradition for good reason.
Finish the day with a walk along the Lungomare Caracciolo and take in the view of the bay with Mount Vesuvius in the distance.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the Naples Archaeological Museum to see the treasures from Pompeii
- Walk down Spaccanapoli, the narrow street running through the heart of the old town
- Climb Castel Sant’Elmo for views over the city and Mount Vesuvius
- Eat authentic Neapolitan pizza at L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Tip: The Frecciarossa and Italo trains are the quickest and most comfortable. Go early and return after the evening rush.
5. Assisi – 2 hours 10 minutes (Regional)
Assisi has a calm, almost timeless feel. The train journey north takes you through olive groves and fields before reaching this hilltop town known for its connection to St Francis.
From the station, a short taxi or bus ride brings you into the old town, where honey-coloured stone buildings line narrow lanes and the views stretch across the Umbrian countryside. It’s peaceful, full of art, and one of those places that makes you slow down without even trying.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the Basilica di San Francesco and admire Giotto’s frescoes
- Climb to Rocca Maggiore for views across the valley
- Browse local craft shops and small trattorias
- Sample local olive oil and Umbrian wine
Tip: Some trains require a change at Foligno, so check timetables carefully. Wear comfortable shoes; Assisi’s charm lies in its hills and winding streets.
6. Frascati – 25 minutes (Regional)
When you want a break without venturing too far, Frascati is perfect. Only 25 minutes from Rome, this cheerful little town in the Alban Hills is known for its golden white wine and relaxed, local feel.
It’s where Romans go for long lunches, good views, and fresh air. You can easily fill an afternoon wandering through the old town, visiting a vineyard, and ending the day with a glass of wine as the sun sets.
Top Things to Do:
- Visit the gardens of Villa Aldobrandini for panoramic views
- Join a wine tasting at one of the nearby vineyards
- Eat porchetta sandwiches and local cheese at a traditional fraschetta
- Browse the weekend market for picnic supplies
Tip: Trains run hourly from Termini. Go in the afternoon and stay for dinner; it’s an easy trip back in the evening.
7. Ostia Antica – 30 minutes (Metro + Short Train)
If you love history but don’t fancy a long journey, Ostia Antica is the perfect choice. Once Rome’s ancient port, it’s now a peaceful archaeological site where you can wander through remarkably preserved streets, temples and bathhouses without the crowds of Pompeii.
It’s easy to reach too, take Line B on the metro to Piramide, then switch to the local Roma–Lido train. In less than an hour, you’re walking along ancient cobblestones lined with mosaics and crumbling archways.
Top Things to Do:
- Stroll through the ruins of houses, theatres and temples
- Climb to the top of the old amphitheatre for a view over the site
- Visit the small museum for frescoes and statues found nearby
- Bring water and a hat, it gets hot with little shade
Tip: Combine it with lunch by the coast in Ostia town if you fancy some sea air before heading back.
8. Reggia di Caserta (Caserta Palace) – 1 hour 20 minutes (High-Speed Train to Naples, Regional to Caserta)
Caserta Palace feels like Italy’s answer to Versailles, only bigger and quieter. Built for the Bourbon kings of Naples, it’s an enormous royal residence with sweeping staircases, frescoed halls and formal gardens that seem to stretch forever.
The palace is so cinematic it even appeared in Star Wars as Queen Amidala’s Naboo Palace.
The train from Rome to Caserta takes about 90 minutes with a change in Naples, and it’s well worth the journey if you enjoy architecture, history or simply wandering somewhere grand.
Top Things to Do:
- Explore the Royal Apartments and the grand marble staircase
- Walk or take the shuttle through the 3km-long palace gardens
- Visit the English Garden for fountains and hidden sculptures
- See the Carolino Aqueduct, an 18th-century engineering marvel
Tip: Go early in the day if you want to explore both the palace and gardens at a relaxed pace.
9. Herculaneum (Ercolano) – Around 2 hours (Train via Naples)
If you’re intrigued by Pompeii but want something more compact, Herculaneum is a brilliant alternative. Buried by the same eruption of Mount Vesuvius, this smaller site was preserved even better, with wooden beams, mosaics and frescoes still visible.
It’s less crowded and easier to explore, making it ideal for a half-day if you’re already visiting Naples.
Top Things to Do:
- Wander through ancient Roman houses with intact frescoes
- Visit the boathouses where victims sought shelter during the eruption
- Stop by the small museum at the entrance for context and artefacts
- Take in the eerie yet fascinating contrast between the ruins and modern Ercolano above
Tip: Combine this with a stop in Naples for lunch rather than trying to add Pompeii on the same day — it’s much more enjoyable that way.
10. Pisa – 2 hours 15 minutes (High-Speed Train via Florence)
Pisa is famous for one thing, but there’s more to it than the leaning tower. The train from Rome takes just over two hours with a change in Florence, passing through scenic Tuscan countryside along the way.
Once there, you can easily explore the main sights on foot. Start in Piazza dei Miracoli to see the tower, the cathedral and the baptistery, then wander along the Arno River and through the quiet backstreets that most tourists skip.
Top Things to Do:
- Climb the Leaning Tower of Pisa if you don’t mind heights
- Visit the cathedral and baptistery next door
- Stroll along the Arno and explore local cafés and shops
- Take photos of the tower, but don’t worry about posing, it’s even funnier to watch everyone else do it
Tip: It’s a long day trip, so take an early train and bring a snack for the journey back.
Tips for Travelling by Train in Italy
Italy’s train network is one of the best in Europe, fast, affordable and surprisingly easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Here are a few simple tips to make your day trips from Rome as smooth as possible.
1. Buying Tickets
You can buy tickets online before your trip or at the station on the day. For high-speed routes (like Florence, Naples or Caserta), it’s worth booking ahead for cheaper fares and a guaranteed seat. Regional trains (to places like Tivoli, Orvieto and Frascati) are open-seating and can be bought the same day without stress.
Where to buy:
- Trenitalia – Italy’s main national rail service (official site and app).
- Italo – a private high-speed operator with frequent services between major cities.
- Trainline – an easy English-language app that sells both Trenitalia and Italo tickets.
Most stations also have self-service ticket machines with English options and take cards or cash.
2. Validating Your Ticket
If you’re travelling on a regional train, you must validate your ticket before boarding. Look for the small green or yellow machines on the platform, insert your paper ticket until it stamps the date and time. Digital tickets bought through apps are automatically validated.
3. Platforms and Stations
Most trains from Rome leave from Roma Termini, but some services (especially to Tivoli or Naples) may depart from Roma Tiburtina. Double-check the departure station when you book. Platform numbers (binario) appear on the screens about 10–15 minutes before departure.
4. High-Speed vs Regional
Italy has two main train types:
- Frecciarossa and Italo: High-speed, comfortable, air-conditioned, seat reservations included.
- Regionale: Slower, cheaper, more basic. You can’t reserve seats, but they’re perfect for short trips.
5. Timing and Etiquette
Trains usually run on time, but it’s good practice to arrive 15–20 minutes early at big stations like Termini. Keep your ticket handy, store luggage above your seat or on the racks near the doors, and don’t be surprised if locals strike up a quick chat, Italians are generally friendly on trains.
6. Food, Drinks and Toilets
High-speed trains often have café cars or trolleys selling snacks and coffee. Regional trains don’t, so grab something before you board. Larger stations like Termini and Tiburtina have great bakeries and coffee bars for takeaway breakfast or lunch.
7. Avoiding Fines and Scams
Always travel with a valid ticket and make sure it’s stamped if required. Ignore anyone offering to “help” with ticket machines or luggage — they often expect a tip or may try to overcharge.
8. Handy Apps
Download the Trenitalia or Italo app to check platforms, delays and ticket QR codes. Google Maps also integrates well with Italian train timetables for quick planning.
9. Travelling Light
For day trips, pack light, just water, a phone charger and a bit of cash. Overhead racks are small on regional trains, so avoid bulky bags.
10. Enjoy the Ride
Italy’s rail journeys are some of the most scenic in Europe. Sit by the window, keep your camera ready, and enjoy watching vineyards, hills and seaside towns roll by.
