Victoria is the travel and lifestyle blogger behind Doorways and Dresses, based in Yorkshire and always looking for her next adventure. She shares travel inspiration, lifestyle content and tips for making the most of every journey. 

Here, she gives us the lowdown on the best day trips from Rome...

Rome is one of my absolute favourite cities, and I still remember my very first visit while working on cruise ships – I literally counted down the days until I could return. Since then, I’ve been back a couple of times, and each visit has been just as amazing as the first. With so much to see and do in the city itself, it’s also wonderful to explore the charming towns and beautiful landscapes just beyond Rome.  

While Rome is bursting with history, culture and the most delicious food, sometimes it’s nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re after a scenic train ride, a traditional Italian town or a relaxing coastal escape, there are plenty of day trips from Rome that are well worth the journey.  

In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best options for a day trip, whether you have just a few hours or a full day to explore.   

Day trips from Rome by train  

One of the easiest ways to explore beyond the city is by train. Departing from Rome’s main station, Roma Termini – located at Piazza dei Cinquecento and within walking distance of the city centre – Italy’s rail network is fast, reliable and affordable, making it easy to reach charming towns without renting a car.  

There is also Roma Tiburtina, a major secondary station often used for high-speed trains heading north and south, and typically less crowded than Termini. Depending on your destination, trains may depart from either station, so it’s always worth checking both when planning day trips from Rome.  

ORVIETO 

The train journey from Roma Termini to Orvieto takes just under two hours, making it an easy and rewarding day trip.  
 
Once you arrive at Orvieto train station, you’ll find that all the main attractions are in the historic hilltop centre. The easiest way to reach it is via the cable car, which departs directly from the station and takes you up to Piazza Cahen in under five minutes. Tickets are super affordable, around €1–€2, and the ride offers a fun and scenic introduction to the town. From Piazza Cahen, you’re immediately connected to Orvieto’s main streets and local buses, with sights such as the Duomo and Pozzo di San Patrizio close by.  
 
If cable cars aren’t your thing, there are other options. Taxis are the fastest alternative, taking around five to ten minutes, though they are more expensive at around €10–€13. Local buses also run from the station to the historic centre and offer another convenient way to reach the top.   
 
Once you arrive at Piazza Cahen, most of Orvieto’s highlights are easily walkable. Corso Cavour, the town’s main street, is just a short stroll from the cable car exit. From there, it’s an easy walk to the Duomo, one of Italy’s most breathtaking cathedrals, and to Pozzo di San Patrizio, which can be reached on foot or via a short bus ride.  
 
Orvieto is perfect for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts and foodies seeking an authentic Italian hilltop town experience. With its stunning churches, underground tunnels, local wines and panoramic views, it offers a peaceful escape from the larger city of Rome.

TIVOLI 

Lazio to Tivoli is an easy and rewarding day trip from Rome. Trains to Tivoli depart from both Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina, with journey times ranging from 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the service.  
 
Once you arrive at Tivoli Station, you’ll need a short bus or taxi ride to reach the town’s most famous attractions: Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana). While Tivoli’s historic centre and Villa Gregoriana are walkable, Hadrian’s Villa is located further out and is best reached by public transport or taxi.  
 
To fully experience Tivoli, it’s best to dedicate a full day (6-8 hours in total), including travel time. Plan to spend 2-3 hours at each villa, allowing plenty of time to explore and enjoy the surroundings at a relaxed pace.  
 
Villa d’Este is celebrated for its breathtaking Renaissance gardens, featuring elaborate fountains, and water features while Hadrian's Villa offers a fascinating contrast, with its vast and atmospheric Roman ruins. Once the imperial retreat of Emperor Hadrian, the site includes thermal baths, temples, courtyards and the iconic Canopus canal, providing remarkable insight into Roman life.  
 
If you love history, are a garden enthusiast, and enjoy experiencing true Italian culture, add this destination to your bucket list today.  

NAPLES 

In just over an hour, you can be in Naples, diving into what many say is the best pizza in the world. Naples has long been high on my bucket list, and I honestly didn’t realise how easy it was to reach from Rome. Depending on the route, you may need to change trains once, but they’ll take you through Lazio’s beautiful countryside, making the journey part of the experience.  
 
As the birthplace of pizza, Naples delivers everything from classic Margheritas to iconic street-food favourites – and yes, I’m already eyeing up plane tickets. Naples has a thriving café culture, with traditional coffee bars on almost every corner… which is dangerous, considering how much I love coffee.  
 
Naples’ main train station, Napoli Centrale, is located on Piazza Garibaldi and within walking distance of the historic centre. Iconic sights such as the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta and Spaccanapoli which is Naples’ vibrant, historic ‘splitter’ street, slicing through the Old Town and buzzing with churches, cafés, shops and everyday Neapolitan life. Both are easily reached on foot, making it a convenient city to explore without a car.  
 
If history, photography and pizza are your thing, Naples should be at the top of your list. And it’s usually easier on the wallet than many other Italian cities.  

FRASCATI 

Frascati is just a 30-minute train ride from Rome, making it a hassle-free escape. Once you arrive, the historic centre (Centro Storico) is within walking distance, so you can start exploring immediately. Visit the incredible villas and go wine tasting at local wineries such as Cantina da Santino, Minardi Frascati Winery, or Azienda Biologica De Sanctis, where you can join tours and tastings. You can also take a guided food tour to sample local specialties or even try your hand at making fresh pasta – definitely look at booking these tours in advance.  
 
Frascati is perfect for anyone who loves authentic Italian food, local wine, stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts, foodies, families, couples and solo travellers looking for a safe, charming and authentic Italian experience close to Rome.  

ALBANO LAZIALE 

Albano Laziale is just under an hour from Rome, making it an easy day trip. Once there, you can enjoy hiking and cycling around the lake as well as exploring the scenic Alban Hills. What really makes the trip worthwhile is Lake Albano itself – stunningly beautiful and perfect for a refreshing dip during the summer months.

FLORENCE 

Florence is one of my favourite cities in Italy, and I can’t recommend it enough if you haven’t visited yet. The journey takes around an hour and a half, arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella train station. And from there, it’s an easy walk into the city centre — just over 10 minutes to reach the Duomo. Be sure to book tickets well in advance, as Florence gets extremely busy. I was lucky enough to experience the city at night, and it was truly magical.  

Rome is just the beginning – with so many incredible destinations nearby, your day trips can be as relaxing, adventurous or scenic as you like. Whether by train, car or a guided tour, there’s a world of exploration waiting just outside the Eternal City.  

TOP TIPS FOR VISITING ROME 

It’s not essential to book your train tickets far in advance, but it’s definitely worth keeping an eye on train schedules. If you’re planning to visit villas, wineries or enter any of the Duomo's, book ahead through platforms like Tripadvisor and opt for a guided tour. This will help you avoid long queues and any disappointment.  

If you’re planning to visit more than one destination during your stay in Rome, I highly recommend being realistic with distances. Stick to one major destination per day, avoid overpacking your itinerary, and leave plenty of buffer time. If possible, aim to return to Rome before the evening rush hour.  

When it comes to eating out, follow the locals. Walk a few streets away from main attractions for better food and more reasonable prices. Keep in mind that lunch hours matter – many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so plan ahead. And don’t forget to ask for the house wine, especially in places like Frascati and Orvieto, where it’s usually excellent.  

And last but not least, a few extra top tips: Golden hour is truly magical – especially in Florence, Orvieto and Naples. If night trains are available, they’re often quieter and far less crowded, making the journey back more relaxed.   

Make sure to enjoy every single second of your next trip to Rome, and I hope you get the chance to take advantage of the incredible neighbouring cities as well.