Ostia or Pompeii?
 

I would like to take a day trip from Rome to either Ostia or Pompeii. I'm concerned with the travel time to Pompeii from Rome. Would Ostia be just as good?

IMO Ostia is just as remarkable as Pompeii - Pompeii garners its fame because it was buried and thus may be in better condition

But Ostia is in its own way just as extraordinary and a whole lot easier to get to. Rome's anicent port - you can see the old fish market, etc.

Pompeii i would chose if it were in Rome... I also thought that Hadrian's Villa, just east of Rome, was also very awesome and remarkable. You can twin it with Tivoli and the fantastic Villa d'Este water gardens. Buses link Rome and the two.

Thank you PalenQ. Two years ago I did take the bus to Hadrian's Villa and Villa d'Este water gardens, which I found to be amazing.

I am open to any other suggestions. Thanks.
Best regards.

If you are in Rome Ostia would be an easy and fast day trip.

Take the metro Line (B) to the Piramide metro station and from there take the train lido to Ostia Antica.

The great part about Ostia is that it has so few tourists. Now, for a bit of a tour idea, should you go there. Instead of starting in the front and walking back, go straight to the back and come forward. The reason for this is that the site is so large that most people get caught up in the first section and miss out on many of the great places in the far back. Also, don't be afraid to wander off the track. Kind of across from the theater you'll see to your left a field and a small path. Take this. You'll soon be in an area of ancient columns with a small building with some amazing colored mosaic work. You can see this area from the top of any of the overlook areas, like the baths or the amphitheater. Bring a picnic lunch.

What I really love about Ostia over Pompeii is the sheer number of places you can go where you will not encounter another tourist.

dave

Pompeii would definitely entail a long day trip. In my opinion, if you see it first, Ostia will be a let down. I was enthralled with Pompeii and lukewarm about Ostia. Seeing some of Pompeii's treasures in Naples Archeological museum is a nice addition to seeing those ruins.

Would you be doing it yourself or taking a tour? You could rest on the bus!