An Ostia Antica tour takes you to ancient Rome’s harbor town, a short train ride from the city, where streets, houses, baths and floor mosaics survive across a large site that is usually far quieter than the Forum. Two options lead Viator. The semi-private trip by train, with train and entrance tickets included, is rated 4.8 across 647 reviews, from about $57. The longer small-group tour is rated 4.9 across 273 reviews, from about $92.
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The verdict
The trip by train is our pick for value: for about $57 you get the guide, the train ticket to and from Rome and the entrance ticket, with a group of up to 12. It meets by the Piramide metro stop, so it is easy to reach from anywhere in the city.
The small-group tour is rated slightly higher and runs half an hour longer, also with 12 people or fewer and entrance tickets included. It costs more, though, and the train tickets are not included, so you buy them yourself before you set off.
Neither option is wheelchair accessible; the site has uneven ancient paving.
Ostia gives you a whole Roman town without the crowds or the long transfer to Pompeii. Wear good shoes and bring water. For the city itself, see our list of the best tours in Rome for a first visit.
Which one is for you?
Take the trip by train if
- You want the lower price, from about $57.
- You want train and entrance tickets included.
- You want the most-reviewed option: 647 ratings.
- You prefer a four-hour visit.
Take the small-group tour if
- You want the highest rating: 4.9 from 273 travelers.
- You want a longer visit, about four and a half hours.
- You don’t mind buying your own train ticket.
- You like a group of 12 or fewer.
What each price covers
The trip by train, from about $57
Included: an English-speaking guide, the train ticket to and from Rome, a semi-private group of up to 12, and the Ostia Antica entrance ticket.
Not included: gratuities and hotel pickup.
The small-group tour, from about $92
Included: an experienced guide, a small group of 12 or fewer, and Ostia Antica entrance tickets.
Not included: train tickets, private transport, and food and drinks.
Where each one starts
- Trip by train: Cafe Piramide, Piazzale Ostiense 11, by the Piramide metro stop on line B.
- Small-group tour: Piazzale Ostiense 9, by the Piramide metro stop.
Side by side
| Trip by train | Small-group tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.8 from 647 | 4.9 from 273 |
| Five-star reviews | 558 (86%) | 253 (93%) |
| Price | from about $57 | from about $92 |
| Length | 4 hours | 4 h 30 min |
| Group | Up to 12 | 12 or fewer |
| Train ticket | Included | Not included |
| Entrance ticket | Included | Included |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before | Free up to 24 hours before |
What travelers say
On the trip by train
I highly recommend this tour!
Joseph_N, September 2026, via Viator
A wonderful chance to experience a large immersive ancient city without going all the way to Pompeii from Rome.
Arden_P, September 2026, via Viator
On the small-group tour
Very well preserved mosaics and structures.
Desiree_D, September 2026, via Viator
Ostia Antica provides a great illustration of ancient Roman life.
Robert_S, September 2026, via Viator
Both are reviewed mostly with five stars: 86% of the trip by train ratings and 93% of the small-group tour ratings. Three stars or lower make up about 4% of the reviews on the first and about 3% on the second.
More ancient Rome, in and out of the city
In the city, compare the catacombs and Appian Way tour and the gladiator school. For another half-day outside Rome, see the Tivoli day trip.
For planning, read our list of the best day trips from Rome and our comparison of Pompeii from Rome or Naples.
Questions travelers ask
Which Ostia Antica tour should I book?
For value, the trip by train, rated 4.8 from 647 reviews on Viator, from about $57 with train and entrance tickets included (checked September 2026). For the top rating and a longer visit, the small-group tour, from about $92.
How do I get from Rome to Ostia Antica?
By local train from the Porta San Paolo station, next to the Piramide metro stop. Both tours meet there; only the trip by train includes the ticket.
Is the entrance ticket included in an Ostia Antica tour?
Yes, on both of these.
How long is an Ostia Antica tour?
About four hours for the trip by train, and about four and a half hours for the small-group tour.
Can I cancel an Ostia Antica tour?
Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Book the trip by train for value with everything included; book the small-group tour for the top rating and more time on site.
Editorial assessment by Italy2Love, September 2026. Inclusions and exclusions, meeting points, prices, ratings, review counts and cancellation terms read on both Viator product pages (product codes 3731OSTIA and 62570P8), September 2026. Reviews quoted with attribution to their authors and to Viator. Next review March 2027, or sooner on any change to either option.