While Rome offers a lifetime’s worth of history, the beauty of Italy is that its greatest treasures are just a train ride away. Thanks to Italy’s sophisticated high-speed rail network, you can swap the Roman Forum for the Renaissance streets of Florence or the gritty charm of Naples and be back in time for an aperitivo in the Eternal City. Whether you choose the state-run Frecciarossa or the sleek private Italo trains, these five cities are perfectly positioned for an unforgettable daily trip from Rome.
Florence: the homeland of the Renaissance
Florence is perhaps the easiest and most rewarding day trip from Rome since it is juast 1 hour and half away travel time from the Eternal City. Arriving at Santa Maria Novella station, you are just a ten-minute walk from the iconic Duomo.
In the morning you can discover the Michelangelo’s masterpiece David at the Accademia Gallery or explore the Uffizi’s Botticellis. After a light lunch with a sandwich with truffle cream at the famous All’Antico Vinaio, you can cross the Ponte Vecchio in the afternnon and climb to Piazzale Michelangelo for the ultimate panoramic sunset view over the Arno River.
Naples: pizza, history, and vibrant energy
Naples is a sensory explosion. In just over an hour of high-speed rail, you’ll find yourself in a city that feels worlds apart from Rome. Naples is the birthplace of pizza: you can head to L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele or Sorbillo for a life-changing Margherita.
The city has many gems to discover, in a daily trip from Rome you can explore the Naples National Archaeological Museum (housing treasures from Pompeii) or take a walk through the atmospheric Spaccanapoli street. In addition from the Naples station, you can catch a 35-minute local train to the ruins of Pompeii, one of the most stunning archeological parks in the world.
Caserta: Italy’s answer to Versailles
Often overlooked by international tourists, Caserta is just 1 hour away travel time from Rome and it is the home to the Reggia di Caserta, one of the largest and most spectacular royal palaces in the world. The palace is conveniently located right across from the train station. Its magnificent interiors have also served as a filming location for major international productions, including the movie Conclave, adding a cinematic layer to the visit.
Spend your morning wandering through the opulent Royal Apartments and your afternoon exploring the 3-kilometer-long park, famous for its “telescope” effect of fountains and the lush English Garden.
Bologna: the Italian culinary capital
Known as La Grassa (The fat one), Bologna is the ultimate destination for food travelers. While it’s a slightly longer journey, 2 hours and 15 minutes from Rome, the high-speed rail makes it a very doable day trip.
You can climb the Asinelli Tower for a view of the city’s red-tiled roofs or walk under the endless UNESCO-listed porticos that keep the city dry even on rainy days. As a treat you must indulge in authentic Tagliatelle al Ragù, tortellini in brodo, and world-class Mortadella.
Milan: fashion, design, and the Duomo
While Milan is the furthest destination on this list, the “non-stop” Frecciarossa services can whisk you there in just under three hours with high-speed rail. For a day trip, focus on the city center.
The Duomo di Milano is a gothic masterpiece a must-see even if you have only a few hours; be sure to book tickets for the rooftop terraces. You can also walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world’s oldest active shopping mall, and explore the luxury boutiques of the Quadrilatero della Moda. In addition, if you book months in advance, you can see Da Vinci’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Tips for your high-speed trip from Rome
The key to enjoy one of these citie with a daily trip from Rome is to book tickets in advance: prices for high-speed trains work like flight prices; booking a few weeks early can save you up to 60%.
In addition, pick your station: most high-speed trains depart from Roma Termini, but many also stop at Roma Tiburtina, which might be closer to your accommodation. Furthermore, unlike regional tickets, high-speed tickets (with a specific seat and time) do not need to be validated in the green machines. Just show your QR code on your phone and enjoy your daily trip!
