This was the most Beautiful experience, you walk through what we thought was just a pretty Villa and stumbled accross the most eye opening gardens and water features in all their glory as we walked through to the balcony.
It seemed that there was a surprise around every corner.
Roseann
Sep 2025
5/5
We took a taxi to and from Villa D'Este. Convenience won. The gardens and fountains are what we came to see and they did not disappoint. They are lovely and unique and completely worth the trip. Lots of shade on a hot day. Wonderful to be able to just stop for a drink of icy cold water at the fountains. A spectacular sight.
Beate
GermanyNov 2025
5/5
Everything worked well. The audio guide is not very convenient because the numbers do not match. This means a lot of searching and not everything is described as shown on the panels on site for the audio guide on site
Sylvain
CanadaSep 2025
5/5
It was an incredible experience on every level, and much less crowded than any other place in Rome. It's great to be able to visit a place like this without being caught in a flood of visitors.
Big downside... transportation to get there is not easy, and shuttle bus directions are completely lacking. There's an urgent need for action here.
Why go on a Rome to Tivoli day trip?
A quick escape: At only 30 kilometers from Rome, Tivoli is a mere stone's throw away, making it easy to reach in an hour and explore top sites within a day.
Relax in the lap of nature: Leave behind the bustling streets of Rome and unwind in the quaint town of Tivoli, surrounded by greenery and serene landscapes.
Timeless treasures: Tivoli is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Hadrian’s Villa, a private retreat filled with ancient ruins, and Villa d'Este, famed for its Renaissance gardens and fountains. Additionally, the stonework and remnants of sacred spaces at the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor add to the town’s historic charm.
Things to know before booking a Rome to Tivoli day trip
You can reach Tivoli from Rome in about 1 to 1.5 hours by train, bus, or car. While public transportation is budget-friendly, getting around the sites can be tricky. Opting for a guided tour with transfers allows you to enjoy the journey without the stress of navigation.
While self-exploration with audio guides is an option, a guided tour in a language of your preference helps you uncover key landmarks and gain insights into the rich history of Tivoli's villas, gardens, and ruins that you might miss on your own.
A day trip typically includes access to the major sites, but if you prefer to explore independently, you'll need to book tickets for each location separately. For Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa, it's best to reserve in advance and opt for skip-the-line access to save time.
You can kick off your day trip in the morning and spend 5 to 7 hours exploring the town with ample time to visit the town's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa.
Which Tivoli experience is right for you?
Day Trips
Duration: 5 to 7 hours Guide: Professional tour guide
Enjoy a hassle-free day trip from Rome with round-trip transfers in air-conditioned coaches.
Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa—while learning the stories behind their architecture, gardens, and ruins from an expert guide.
Perfect for those who want a stress-free experience without worrying about navigation or parking.
Recommended tours:
From Rome: Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Guided Tour with Transfers
Attraction access
Duration: Flexible Guide: Self-guided
Choose from individual tickets, cost-effective combo tickets for great value, or skip-the-line access to save time at Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa.
Some tickets offer 3-day validity, giving you more flexibility to enjoy Tivoli’s attractions over multiple days.
Best suited for visitors who want to build their own itinerary and spend more time at specific sites.
Recommended tickets:
From Rome: Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Guided Tour with Transfers
From Rome: Villa d’Este Skip-the-Line Tickets
Highlights of Tivoli
Villa d’Este
A 16th-century villa that features lush green gardens, Renaissance architecture, and sparkling fountains.
Things to do in Tivoli
Get your best shot: Take a stroll from Piazza Campitelli to the Gothic House and discover charming spots perfect for your Instagram feed!
Shopping: Take home a taste of Tivoli with Terre Tiburtine, a yellow-gold extra virgin olive oil with a fruity, slightly spicy flavor. Dating back to the Roman Empire, it's a perfect souvenir to savor.
Thermal baths: Indulge in a relaxing thermal bath enriched with water from the Albulae Aquae springs, known for their healing properties.
How to get from Rome to Tivoli?
Given the short distance between the capital city and Tivoli, public transportation is easily accessible with multiple services throughout the day. Alternatively, you can also choose to drive down for a more flexible experience.
Best for: Scenic countryside views
Duration: 1 hour
Closest station: Roma Termini
Frequency: Every 30-50 minutes
Timings: First train at 5:35am, with regular service throughout the day
Take the train from Roma Termini to Tivoli for a smooth and affordable journey. You can purchase tickets online or from the self-service ticket machines at the station. Prices range from €2.60 to €5.00 one way.
Upon arrival, you can walk or take a taxi to major attractions like Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa. Be sure to validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines.
Best for: Budget-friendly travel
Duration: 1 hour
Closest stop: Ponte Mammolo metro station
Frequency: 5 to 7 times a day
Timings: First bus around 6:30am, with services throughout the day
Catch the Cotral bus from Ponte Mammolo metro station, which takes you through the scenic Roman countryside. The bus stops close to the main sites, and tickets can be purchased online. Prices range from €2 - €3 one way.
Best for: Flexibility and quick access to multiple attractions
Duration: 30–40 minutes
Route options:
A24 Highway: The fastest route from central Rome to Tivoli, taking around 30 minutes.
Via Tiburtina: A scenic route that follows the ancient road connecting Rome to Tivoli, offering more countryside views.
Traveling by car gives you the freedom to explore Tivoli and its surrounding areas at your own pace, with easy access to parking near key attractions.
How to get around Tivoli
Once you reach Tivoli, navigating the town is easy with convenient transport options. Buses from Rome’s Ponte Mammolo station go directly to Hadrian’s Villa, and local buses connect the train station to major attractions. The central area is walkable, letting you stroll between Villa d'Este, Villa Gregoriana, and the town center.
Best time to visit Tivoli
Peak season vs. off-season
Tivoli attracts more tourists between March and August. For a quieter experience, visit from September to February, when crowds are thinner and accommodations are more affordable.
Climate considerations
For pleasant weather, visit Tivoli in May and October, when the temperature ranges between 20°C and 26°C (68°F and 78.8°F)t. Most tourists flock to the town during the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm and dry.
Festive February
February is vibrant with the Carnival of Tivoli, reflecting the town's rich culture and traditions. This 16th-century festival features parades of colorful floats, masked groups, and lively performances. With exhibitions and antique markets, the carnival is a must-see event.
Make the most of your time in Tivoli
Ristorante Sibilla:This 300-year-old restaurant offers delicious dishes along with views of surrounding hills and valleys. Don’t miss the fried zucchini flowers.
Pippo a Tivoli: Known for its delightful paninis, this casual spot is a local favorite for a quick, flavorful bite with fresh ingredients.
La Fornarina Pizzeria: gourmet pizzas, stuffed pumpkin flowers for appetizers
The Public House: Unwind by sipping on Anglo-Saxon-style beers and a selection of whiskeys from around the world.
Gelateria Kalacta: Don’t forget to try some artisanal gelato with multiple flavor options to choose from.
Tivoli offers a variety of accommodation options, with most visitors choosing to stay near the historic center. This area is perfect for easy access to top attractions like Villa d'Este and Villa Gregoriana, along with cafes, restaurants, and local shops nestled along scenic streets. If you prefer a quieter experience, staying near Hadrian’s Villa provides a more relaxed vibe, just a short drive from the other sites.
Whether you’re seeking comfort on a budget or indulgence, Tivoli has a place for every traveler:
Budget: Hotel Tivoli, B&B Villa Adriana
Mid-range: Grand Hotel Duca d'Este, Hotel Cristallo Relais
Luxury: Residenze Gregoriane - Residenza d'Epoca
While Villa d'Este and Hadrian’s Villa are the main highlights, make time for a peaceful walk through Villa Gregoriana's lush park, where you’ll get to see some scenic waterfalls and ancient ruins.
At Villa d’Este, make sure to catch the Fountain of the Organ, which activates every two hours from 10:30am daily.
To avoid crowds, start your day early at Villa d'Este or Hadrian’s Villa. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the most serene experience in these spots.
If you’re exploring on your own, plan for at least two hours at each site, plus some time to explore Tivoli’s charming town center. With its local cafes and scenic streets, it’s worth setting aside a whole day to enjoy everything at a relaxed pace.
You can enjoy a little picnic in the gardens of Villa d’Este. Pack some snacks, find a cozy spot, and take in the beautiful surroundings while you unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rome to Tivoli day trips
Tivoli is approximately 30 kilometers from Rome and can be reached by public transportation or car. The journey can take an hour by bus or train and 40 minutes by car.
During peak season (March to August), it's best to book your Rome to Tivoli day trip at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance. For spring and fall, booking 1 to 2 weeks in advance is usually sufficient, while during the winter months, you can often find availability with just a few days' notice.
Yes, you can visit both sites in one day. Plan to spend at least two hours at each location, plus additional time for exploring the town itself. A full day will allow you to enjoy both attractions without feeling rushed.
Tours usually begin around 8:30am from Rome and conclude in the late afternoon.
Yes, guided tours are available for both Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este, offering valuable insights into the history and significance of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You can opt for a guided experience in your preferred language, with tours available in English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish.
Most tours include a lunch break, but meals are not provided. You'll have the chance to explore local dining options during your visit.
Absolutely! Tivoli welcomes visitors all year round, making it the perfect destination for a quick getaway. Make sure to check the specific opening hours for sites like Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa to make the most of your trip
Plan to arrive in the morning to make the most of your day in Tivoli. Begin your exploration at Hadrian's Villa, where you can wander the vast ruins of this luxurious retreat. Next, visit the Sanctuary of Hercules Victor, a remarkable ancient temple, before enjoying some free time in the town for lunch or shopping. In the afternoon, head to the stunning Villa d'Este, known for its stunning gardens and fountains, followed by a visit to Villa Gregoriana and its picturesque waterfalls.
Beat the crowds with priority entry at this famed 16th century Renaissance villa to enter at your chosen slot.
Everything you get: Skip the ticket queues at this UNESCO site, known for 500+ gravity-powered water features and gardens that shaped Renaissance landscape design across Europe. Stroll through the influential d’Este family’s rooms with a multilingual audio guide explaining the history behind all the top highlights, at your own relaxed pace.
Why choose this: You save time by skipping the long palace queues, while the audio guide adds historical context so you don’t just see the highlights but also understand them.
Upgrades: Unlock richer stories on a Villa d’Este English-guided tour, or expand your itinerary to include Hadrian’s Villa, explored at your own pace with a digital audio guide.
Inclusions
#
Skip-the-line entry to Villa d’Este
Digital audio guide in English, German, Spanish, French and Italian (as per option selected)
Skip-the-line entry to Hadrian’s Villa (as per option selected)
Round-trip transfers from Rome (as per option selected)
Digital guidebook in English (as per option selected)
Exclusions
#
Printed copy of the guidebook
What to bring
Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking for verification.
What’s not allowed
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the attractions for security reasons.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.
Accessibility
Both the villas are partially accessible to wheelchair users with ramps and pathways suitable for mobility aids.
Additional information
Please note that while you can skip the ticket line, all visitors are still required to go through standard security checks.
Your ticket includes a digital audio guide app to download on your smartphone. Please carry headphones to use it at the venue.
The digital guidebook (if availed) is offered only in English.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Trade Rome’s bustle for Tivoli’s charm for a day, enjoying priority access to two of its top landmarks.
Day out to Tivoli from Rome on a comfortable AC bus for a day trip.
You'll get round-trip transfers and skip-the-line tickets to Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa.
Villa d'Este: Bypass queues to visit the terraced gardens and Renaissance halls of the palace at your own pace.
Hadrian's Villa: Gain priority access to a sprawling 120-hectare "garden city" with Roman, Greek, and Egyptian architectural wonders.
Inclusions
#
Round-trip AC bus transfers to and from Rome
Skip-the-line entry to Hadrian’s Villa
Skip-the-line entry to Villa d’Este
Driver
Exclusions
#
Lunch
Guided tour of the Villa d'Este & Hadrian's Villa
What to bring
Carry a valid photo ID that matches the name on your booking for verification.
What’s not allowed
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed inside the attractions for security reasons.
Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
Flash photography, tripods, and filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.
Accessibility
This experience is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Additional information
Your day trip is inclusive of a €17 ticket fee.
Please note that all visitors must complete standard security checks, even if you have skip-the-line access.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Tickets
NaN
Villa d’Este Skip-the-Line Tickets
Beat the crowds with priority entry at this famed 16th century Renaissance villa to enter at your chosen slot.
Everything you get: Skip the ticket queues at this UNESCO site, known for 500+ gravity-powered water features and gardens that shaped Renaissance landscape design across Europe. Stroll through the influential d’Este family’s rooms with a multilingual audio guide explaining the history behind all the top highlights, at your own relaxed pace.
Why choose this: You save time by skipping the long palace queues, while the audio guide adds historical context so you don’t just see the highlights but also understand them.
Upgrades: Unlock richer stories on a Villa d’Este English-guided tour, or expand your itinerary to include Hadrian’s Villa, explored at your own pace with a digital audio guide.
