All roads lead to Rome, and by now, you’ve probably visited the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and captured a photo while making a wish at the Trevi Fountain.
Rome is a city where you could easily spend three days without ever getting bored. However, exploring its surroundings is just as appealing. Just a few kilometers away lies the fascinating archaeological site of Ostia Antica.
For a change of pace, your group can take a half-day trip from Rome to Ostia Antica and immerse yourselves in the history of one of the most thriving Roman cities of the ancient Empire.
What is Ostia Antica?
Before diving into the day’s itinerary, let me give you a brief overview of what Ostia Antica was. Since it’s a historic site, it’s worth knowing a little about its past. You may not have heard of Ostia Antica before, but it is actually one of the best-preserved ancient cities, second only to Herculaneum and Pompeii.
In its prime, Ostia Antica was a thriving harbor city, playing a crucial role in the maritime trade of the Roman Empire.
Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction, as its ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s past. Visitors can stroll through its ancient streets, explore well-preserved ruins, and admire the architecture of buildings that are thousands of years old. Like any great Roman city, it also boasts an Amphitheater, where you can imagine the excitement and adrenaline of the spectacles and events that took place there centuries ago.
How to get to Ostia Antica from Rome?
The archaeological site of Ostia Antica is situated on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, at the mouth of the Tiber River, not far from Rome-Fiumicino Airport. It’s important not to confuse it with the modern city of Ostia, which is also located on the Tyrrhenian coast.
The distance between Rome and Ostia Antica is about 30 kilometers, roughly an hour’s journey depending on traffic conditions when departing from the capital. The good news is that there are several convenient ways to reach Ostia Antica from Rome. Here are your options:
Getting to Ostia Antica by train
Trains in Italy are one of the best ways to travel, offering a comfortable and quick option to reach Ostia Antica. To get there, take Metro Line B to the Piramide station, and from there, hop on the Roma-Lido suburban train to Ostia Antica station. The station is just a short 10-minute walk from the entrance to the archaeological site.
A single ticket costs around €1.50 and can be purchased from metro ticket machines or kiosks. Trains in Rome generally run from around 5:30 am to 10:30 pm, but the Roma-Lido line operates later, with trains running every 20-30 minutes.
To Ostia Antica by car or minibus
If you’ve rented a car, you can drive to Ostia Antica via Via Cristoforo Colombo and SP8, which takes about an hour.
From Rome to Ostia Antica by minibus with a driver
For groups, a convenient option is to hire a minibus with a driver in Rome. This eliminates the hassle of driving and finding parking at Ostia Antica, allowing you to fully enjoy the ride. If your group is too large for one or two cars, and a budget of around €700 to €1,000 for renting a bus isn’t an issue, this is undoubtedly a comfortable and relaxed way to travel—especially if you’re with close friends or family.
To Ostia Antica on a guided half-day excursion from Rome
Lastly, you can visit Ostia Antica on a guided half-day excursion from Rome. The advantage of this option is that it typically includes the entrance fee to the archaeological site, along with a guide who will provide insightful information about the location and its rich history. Once at the site, you also have the option to purchase an audio guide to further enhance your understanding of what you’re exploring.
Where to park your car or minibus at Ostia Antica?
Whether you arrive by car or minibus, there are convenient parking options at Ostia Antica:
· Parcheggio di Ostia Antica: This is the closest parking lot to the archaeological site, just a short walk from the main entrance. It’s free for visitors for up to 2 hours and accommodates tourist buses as well.
· Parcheggio della Stazione di Ostia Antica: Located near the Ostia Antica train station, this parking area is also free for up to 2 hours and is just a short distance from the site.
You can also park on nearby streets, but it’s recommended to arrive early, especially during peak tourist season, weekends, or holidays.
What are the visiting hours at Ostia Antica?
The archaeological site of Ostia Antica is open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday and is closed on Mondays, as well as December 25th and January 1st.
· From the last Sunday in October to February 15th: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
· From February 16th to March 15th: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
· From March 16th to the last Saturday in March: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
· From the last Sunday in March to August 31st: 8:30 am to 7:15 pm
· From September 1st to September 30th: 8:30 am to 6:45 pm
· From October 1st to the last Saturday in October: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Please note that in all cases, the ticket office closes one hour before the park’s closing time.
Ticket prices for Ostia Antica
· General Admission: €18 for adults. Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month.
· Audio Guides: Available in Italian, English, French, and Spanish. The price is €7 for the long route and €5 for the short route. A children’s audio guide in English or Italian costs €5.
Upon arrival at the ticket office, you can inquire about any special discounts for groups.
How to purchase tickets
Tickets for Ostia Antica can be purchased online or at the ticket office. It’s worth noting that it’s not strictly necessary to buy tickets in advance online, as this site typically receives fewer visitors compared to Herculaneum and Pompeii.
What is a visit to Ostia Antica like? Once you’ve purchased your entrance tickets to Ostia Antica, all that’s left to do is wander its streets, transporting you back 2,000 years in time. Some of the most captivating highlights of your visit include the Baths of Neptune, the Amphitheatre, the ruins of the Forum, the Piazzale delle Corporazioni, and the Thermopolium, which are the remains of an ancient Roman tavern. Here, you can see a well-preserved marble counter adorned with frescoes that display prices for food and drink from that era.
How long does a visit to Ostia Antica take?
If you’re wondering how long a visit takes, 2 to 3 hours is usually sufficient. Therefore, if you arrive at the site around 10 am, you’ll be finished by lunchtime. This leaves the rest of the day open for exploring other nearby attractions or enjoying an afternoon at Ostia Lido beach, which is very close to the archaeological site. Ostia Lido is the main seaside resort nearest to Rome.
Restaurants at Ostia Antica
Within the archaeological site of Ostia Antica, there are options for snacks, such as cafeterias and kiosks. However, if your group prefers a sit-down meal, there are restaurants outside the site where you can enjoy traditional dishes. You can also visit the neighboring town of Lido di Ostia, where culinary offerings are even more abundant.
One recommended spot is Osteria Toscanelli, located on the promenade of Ostia and just a few meters from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Customers rave about its good value for money and recommend dishes like black pasta with mussels and pistachio pesto, spaghetti cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper), and pistachio tiramisu for dessert.
Now that you’ve learned a bit more about the history of the Ancient Roman Empire, it’s time to return to Rome and continue your journey through this country full of surprises.
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