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The journey from Rome to Ostia Antica takes 25 minutes by train. Depending on the address of your hotel, the whole trip can take 1 to 1.5 hours. In this guide, I will show you step by step what the train ride looks like starting from the Porta San Paolo station to the ticket offices of the Ostia Antica museum complex.
Ostia Antica is on the Roma-Lido suburban train line. To travel, you need to have an activated standard ticket with a duration of 100 minutes and a cost of 1.5 euros.
There are 3 ways to get to the Porta San Paolo train station:
- First, take the metro to Pyramiden station, blue line. In this case, follow the signs inside the station.
- Get to Ostiense Square by tram or bus. On Piazzale Ostiense is the famous ancient Pyramid of Caius Cestius, next to which the entrance to the station is located.
- Come on foot if you are staying nearby in the Aventine Hill area.
The Entrance to the Train Station
The Porta San Paolo train station’s entrance is opposite the Pyramid. You will see the inscription on the facade: “FERROVIA ELETTRICA ROMA OSTIA LIDO.”
Inside the station is a ticket office, which has been closed recently. However, tickets can be bought at the kiosk on the left near the entrance.
A more convenient way to instantly buy a ticket for public transport in Rome is to use TicketAppy app. You can install the application for Android or iPhone.
Roma Lido Train Line
The Roma Lido line passes through 13 stations:
- Porta S.Paolo
- Basilica S.Paolo
- Eur Magliana
- Tor di Valle
- Vitinia
- Casal Bernocchi Centro Giano
- Acilia
- Ostia Antica
- Ostia Lido Nord
- Ostia Lido Centro
- Ostia Stella Polare
- Castel Fusano
- C.Colombo
Theoretically, trains have a schedule, according to which they depart approximately every 22 minutes. In practice, I advise you not to worry if the train is suddenly late for 15-30 minutes. This happens in Italy, and there is nothing extraordinary about it.
On the right wall, relative to the entrance, there is an electronic scoreboard that shows the next train departure.
- The Bin column denotes the Platform Number—for example, 3.
- The Destinazione column denotes Destination. In our case, it should be OSTIA-C. COLOMBO.
- The Orario column denotes Departure Time. For example, 09:45.
If you have an e-ticket with a QR code, you must proceed to the rightmost turnstile with the B+ emblem.
The board on the platform shows information about the departure of the train in Italian. The inscription “TRENO IN PARTENZA PER OSTIA – C. COLOMBO ALLE ORE 09:45” means “TRAIN DEPARTING FOR OSTIA – C. COLOMBO AT 09.45”.
Entrance to the train
Tip, go to the far end of the train – there will be more empty seats.
Since this is a suburban train line, there are no seat reservations inside.
It is worth knowing that trains can be crowded with passengers on weekends, during peak hours, and during the summer months, and the trip can be very uncomfortable.
If it is important for you to get to Ostia with the best possible comfort, I advise you to book a private transfer from the hotel with Rome Fiumicino Transfer Company.
There are information screens inside the train, but they are often turned off. To keep track of the train’s current position, you can look at the names of the stations when you drive up to them. Above each door is a diagram of the Roma-Lido line.
After 25 minutes, you will be at Ostia Antica station. Just follow the other passengers, as most will likely go to the Archaeological Complex.
Railway Station Ostia Antica
Go down to the underground passage, go through the tunnel, climb the stairs and overcome the turnstile.
After walking a few meters ahead, you will see a footbridge on the right and a local bar on the left.
Pedestrian section of the path to the archaeological complex
Optionally, you can stop at the bar (CAFFETTERIA) and drink a cup of espresso.
Climb up the bridge and follow the signs.
The bridge overlooks a beautiful landscape. On the left side, you will see a football field.
After walking 100 meters, you will see a drinking fountain. I advise you to take water in a bottle.
Across the road is a restaurant-pizzeria Allo Sbarco di Enea, where you can dine on the way back.
Walk a little further, turn left, and you will see a one-story building. But first, you will see the toilet, which I advise you to visit before entering the archaeological complex.
The ticket office is located to the left of the toilet.
The ticket price starts from 12 euros, and the price may increase during exhibitions. Payment for the ticket is accepted only by credit card.
Usually, the archaeological complex of Ostia Antica opens daily at 8:30 am. Closing time depends on the season. You can check the current schedule on the official website www.ostiaantica.beniculturali.it/en/opening-hours-tickets/
Return to Rome
If you are visiting Ostia in the morning, it is a great idea to stop by a restaurant Allo Sbarco di Enea for lunch on your way back to Rome.
It is worth knowing that the portions in this restaurant are large. We ordered one serving of pasta for two people, a serving of tiramisu, water, and 2 cups of coffee. The bill for lunch was 29,50 euros.
As I wrote above, many passengers may be on the return train.
On the way back to Rome, I advise you to get off at Basilica S.Paolo station to visit the famous Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. You will need at least an hour to see this unique architectural complex.
Perfect Daily Schedule
Based on my experience, the ideal schedule for the day visiting Ostia Antica would be as follows:
- 09:45 Departure from Porta San Paolo Station.
- 10:30 Visit Ostia Antica complex.
- 13:30 Lunch.
- 15:00 Departure to Rome by train.
- 15:45 Visit to the Basilica of San Paolo.
- 19:00 Dinner at a restaurant in the Trastevere district.
- 21:00 Walk to the hotel.
See also the Ultimate Guide of Trastevere Neighborhood.
Guided Visit to Ostia
For a deeper dive into Ostia’s history, consider a guided tour. Join an expert, embark on a small-group journey (max 12 people) from the Cafe Piramide in Rome, and uncover the archaeological wonders of Ostia. Train tickets and refreshment breaks are included for a seamless, insightful experience.
Things to Know about the Train to Ostia Antica
How often do train strikes happen in the direction of Ostia Antica from Rome?
When is the best time to travel by train from Rome to Ostia Antica?
Are there alternative ways to get to Ostia Antica other than by train?
If you have any questions about taking the train to Ostia Antica from Rome, feel free to write via the contact form. You can also always contact me to plan the logistics of moving around Rome to other cities in Italy.
