How to Get to Ostia Antica from Rome (2025 Guide & Tips)
Planning a day trip to Ostia Antica from Rome? You’re in for something special. Just half an hour away from the capital by train, Ostia Antica is one of those places that still feels like a secret. When I first visited, I couldn’t believe how quiet it was compared to Pompeii, even though it’s just as fascinating—and so much easier to reach. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to get to Ostia Antica from Rome, what to expect, and share a few tips from my own visit.
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TL;DR: Quick Summary
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Ostia Antica from Rome is by taking the Metromare (formerly Roma-Lido) train from Porta San Paolo station, which connects to Piramide Metro B. The train ride costs only €1.50, takes 30 minutes, and drops you a 10-minute walk from the ruins. It’s the perfect half-day trip if you’re looking to escape the crowds and dive into ancient Roman history.
Why Ostia Antica Is Totally Worth Your Time
If you love Roman history, Ostia Antica will blow you away. It was once the main seaport of ancient Rome, and today it’s a sprawling archaeological park with surprisingly well-preserved ruins. We’re talking bathhouses with mosaics, Roman streets, taverns, temples, a theater that still hosts shows—you name it.
And the best part? You can walk through most of it freely, without jostling tour groups.
For more about Rome’s archaeological highlights, check out the Official Rome Tourism Site. Check out my full guide on visiting Ostia Antica.
🚆 The Easiest Way to Get to Ostia Antica from Rome
Getting to Ostia Antica is ridiculously easy, and super budget-friendly. Here’s how I did it:
I started at Roma Termini, took Metro Line B toward Laurentina, and hopped off at Piramide. From there, it’s a short indoor walk to Porta San Paolo station—the starting point of the Metromare (formerly Roma-Lido) train line.
Don’t get confused by Google Maps saying “train from Piramide”—the actual train is at Porta San Paolo, right next to the metro.
The trains leave every 10–20 minutes, and the ride to Ostia Antica takes about 30 minutes. You don’t need a separate ticket—your regular €1.50 metro ticket covers the entire journey. Just validate it.
When you get off at Ostia Antica station, follow the brown signs. The archaeological park is a 10-minute walk away, across a pedestrian bridge with steps (unfortunately, there’s no elevator). If you’re carrying a stroller or have limited mobility, keep this in mind.
📍 Open Porta San Paolo Station in Google Maps
Quick Recap: Step-by-Step Directions
- 🚇 Metro B to Piramide
- 🚉 Walk to Porta San Paolo Station
- 🚆 Board the Metromare train toward Cristoforo Colombo
- ⏱️ Ride for about 30 minutes
- 🚶 Get off at Ostia Antica and walk to the entrance (10 minutes)
🎟️ Opening Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility Tips
The site opens daily at 8:30 AM and closes at 7 PM in summer (last entry at 6 PM). Tickets cost €18 for adults, and you can buy them either at the entrance or online via the official website.
➡️ Heads-up: The underpass and bridge near the station have stairs but no elevators. If you have mobility concerns, a taxi from Rome or Fiumicino might be a better option.
You can also check real-time train schedules on the Metrebus ATAC website.
🏛️ What to See at Ostia Antica
You don’t need a guide (though I’ve written a Things to see in Ostia Antica guide) to enjoy this place, but having a rough idea of what to look for helps. Here are a few of my favorite spots:
- The Theater – It’s still used for performances and has great acoustics.
- The Baths of Neptune – Look down to admire the intricate mosaics.
- Decumanus Maximus – The main street of ancient Ostia, lined with shops and taverns.
- Forum and Capitolium – The political and religious heart of the city.
- Porticus of Claudius – Where trade and commerce happened.
Bring water, wear good shoes (the roads are Roman stone), and give yourself 2–3 hours to explore at a relaxed pace.
For a downloadable PDF map, visit the Ostia Antica Park official page.
🚌 What If You Don’t Want to Take the Train?
Sure, you’ve got options:
- By Taxi: A good option if you’re near Fiumicino Airport—just 20 minutes away.
- By Car: There’s a parking lot right in front of the entrance.
- By Bus: Not ideal. You’ll need to switch lines and it’s slower than the train.
🚍 Prefer a stress-free tour instead? If you’d rather skip navigating public transport, consider booking a guided day tour that includes transport, skip-the-line entry, and expert commentary. It’s a great way to fully enjoy the ruins without the hassle.
👉 Book your Ostia Antica Guided Half-day Trip from Rome (By Train) HERE
Honestly, unless you’re avoiding stairs or have luggage, the train is still the fastest and most efficient route.
🏡 Make It a Full Day: What Else to See Nearby
Just across from the archaeological site is the charming village of Ostia Antica. It’s got cobbled streets, a couple of family-run trattorias, and the stunning Castle of Julius II. You’ll be able to grab a relaxed lunch here after your visit.
Still have energy? Take the same Metromare train a few more stops to Lido di Ostia, Rome’s beach escape. It’s a bit rough around the edges but nice for an hour or two of sea breeze and gelato before heading back.
⚖️ Ostia Antica vs Pompeii
| Feature | Ostia Antica | Pompeii |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time from Rome | ~30 minutes | 2–2.5 hours |
| Crowds | Minimal | Very busy |
| Shade | Yes 🌳 | Not much ☀️ |
| Freedom to Explore | High | More guided |
| Cost | €18 | €22 + extras |
🧠 FAQ: Everything You Wondered but Didn’t Ask
Yes! A regular €1.50 ATAC ticket works for the entire journey, including the Metromare train.
Absolutely—lots of space to roam. Just avoid the midday heat.
At least 2 hours inside the site, plus travel and food time. Half a day is perfect.
Yes! It’s totally doable since they’re both on the same train line.
✈️ Helpful Resources for Your Trip
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🏨 Hotels near Piramide & Trastevere
🧭 Top-rated Ostia Antica tours
🚀 Final Thoughts: Why You Shouldn’t Miss Ostia Antica
If you’ve been wondering how to get to Ostia Antica from Rome, the answer is simple: hop on the Metromare train from Porta San Paolo. It’s fast, cheap, and drops you just minutes from an unforgettable archaeological wonder.
This guide to how to get to Ostia Antica from Rome should help you plan a stress-free, budget-friendly, and memorable day trip from Rome. If you’re spending more than a few days in the Eternal City, make space for Ostia Antica. As I explained in my post on Ostia Antica vs Pompeii, it’s one of the best hidden gems near Rome and a perfect way to time-travel without leaving Lazio.
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