How does Ostia Antica compare to Pompeii?<BR>I will be seeing Pompeii, and I am wodering if Ostia is that different / worthwhile.<BR><BR>How long is the train ride to get there?<BR>How frequent do trains depart?<BR>What is the round trip train ride cost, and what is the admission to Ostia?<BR>

I've been to both and I would say that Pompeii is the better one to see. It is larger and a bit better perserved overall than Ostia. The advantages of Ostia is that it's less crowded and more convenient to Rome if you're staying there and it's still very worthwhile to see. A good way to get to Ostia is through "Stop and Go" tours which offers round trip transport from Termini train station in Rome to the front gate of Ostia Antica for 20,000 lire (less than $10). It leaves termini at 9:30 AM and picks you up at Ostia at 12:30 PM. Their phone number in Rome is 06-3217054. Admission to Ostia is 8,000 lire. Good luck.

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I didnt' see Pompeii, so I can't compare, but just wanted to clarify a little bit of the differences.<BR>Overall, I expect that Pompeii will be more dramatic because it was a city that was frozen in time by the volcanic eruption that covered it. Ostia Antica, on the other hand, died a more "natural" death. It had been an active port town, but died out because of disease and competition; it was preserved as well as it has been because it was silted over. We were there in the middle of July, and found it remarkably empty; very few tourists were about, and we were often alone. It's very accessible from Rome; there are public trains that you can take to the city. The trip is no more than an hour away. You certainly can get the guided tour, but it's not necessary if you like to do it on your own. <BR>We found Ostia Antica to be a gem of a place to visit particularly because it isn't as well-known a site.

Bob and Paule have given you very good advise. Ostia is very nice, and never crowded. The train stop is literaly across the road from the scavi and you could combine the day to visit the EUR (do I have that right). Mossalini's city and assorted museums which is also worth seeing. Ostia is smaller than Pompii, but has some excellent things to see. I especially liked climbing to the third floor of a Roman apartment building. <BR><BR>However, my vote would be to see Hurculeanum before Ostia. Hurculaneum is smaller and less crowded than Pompii, but has excellent preservation, and beautiful mosaica, murals, carbonized beams, and house fronts.<BR><BR>What ever you decide, do some reading before you go, so that you can appreciate what you are seeing. To some people these cities are just piles of old stones, but to me they tell stories of the people who lived and died in 69AD.

Does anyone know if there are any pleasant hotels at 150 euros of less here? Near Fiumicino for a morning flight?