Is 24 hours in Rome enough time to explore all the amazing places in the Eternal City? No, but a lifetime wouldn’t be long enough! If you and your friends have a quick stopover or you’re arriving in Rome before moving onto Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, you can still make the most of your time in the heart of Italy. In just 24 hours we were able to get a taste of the delicious cuisine and rich history of the city. Seeing the iconic landmarks, from the Trevi Fountain to Vatican City, will make you all want to book a longer trip to the beautiful city of Rome next time. For now, follow this detailed itinerary to explore one full day in Rome.
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How To Get to Rome From the Airports
Rome has two major airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (also known as Fiumicino Airport) and Rome Ciampino Airport. If you’re flying from North America, you will most likely arrive in the former. Ciampino Airport mostly caters to European low-cost airlines. However, travelers spending 24 hours in Rome before flying to another European destination may travel through both airports. These travel tips will help you in either direction.
Transfer from Leonardo da Vinci–Rome Fiumicino Airport
Fiumicino Airport is approximately 29 km/18 miles west of Rome city center on the coast. You can travel by bus, train, or taxi/private shuttle.
Traveling by bus is not a great way to travel from Fiumicino Airport. It is cheap (a one-way bus ticket costs around €6-7) and services are frequent (every 20-30 minutes). Plus, there are several bus companies (Terravision Group, Schiaffini, and SIT Bus) so services seem quicker. However, this is by far the longest method with a journey time of around 50 minutes. And it’s definitely not the most comfortable after a red-eye flight! They usually drop everyone off at Roma Termini Station or another random stop in the city. From there you will still need to get a taxi to your hotel, which will cost around €9.
Another way to travel from Fiumicino Airport depends on your budget and whether you are arriving together. If you’re set on public transportation, the Leonardo Express is a better way. This is a direct train route from Fiumicino Aeroporto Station to Roma Termini Station, the city’s main train station. Services depart every 15 minutes and the journey time is only 30 minutes. It’s the quickest way to reach Rome and even driving takes slightly longer. One-way tickets cost around €14. Use the metro service or hop in a taxi to reach your hotel.
Taxis might be even more cost-effective than the Leonardo Express! If your taxi costs as much as €50-60 (the current flat rate), there only needs to be four of you to make it cheaper than taking the train.
Of course, booking a private transfer is the easiest way to reach your hotel. You won’t waste a second of your 24 hours in Rome nor have to struggle on public transport with a heavy suitcase. It’ll take you straight to your accommodation. We used RomeCabs and were impressed by their communication and service.
Rome does have Uber but doesn’t have the transport options you might be used to at home. All Uber services in Rome are Uber Black, Uber Lux, or Uber Van. Just something to keep in mind!
Transfer from Rome Ciampino Airport
Ciampino Airport is around 23 km/14 miles south of the city center of Rome.
Trains from Ciampino Station to Roma Termini Station only take 17 minutes. However, you’ll have to hop on the Airlink train to the airport’s train station first. It’s too far to walk with luggage. Although tickets can be as cheap as €2, they can be more expensive, and you’ll need to buy a ticket for the Airlink, too. Terravision Group and Schiaffini also run bus shuttles from Ciampino but again, it’s not the quickest or most comfortable option!
Booking a private transfer in advance is the less stressful option on an international trip. You will probably be tired from your flight. This gives you peace of mind that an air-conditioned vehicle will be waiting at the airport, large enough to transport you and your friends. Save your energy for exploring Rome!
How To Get Around Rome
There are more ways to get around Rome than you think. Buses, trams, metro, bicycle, car, tours, and even Vespa are all options! But the easy way to get around Rome via public transportation is the metro.
Rome has three metro lines: Line A (Red), Line B (Blue), and Line C (Green). All three converge at Roma Termini Station, but you will probably only ride the Red Line. You can use public transport tickets across buses, trams, and metros in this city. One ticket costs €1.50 for 100 minutes of travel, or you can buy a 24-hour ticket for €7. Perfect for the length of your trip!
Many landmarks in Rome’s city center are a short walk apart. You may only need to use the metro when visiting the Colosseum or Vatican City. Wear your most comfortable shoes to navigate the busy streets and cobblestones.
Another way to get around Rome is to book tours. Much of this 24-hour Rome itinerary will rely on tours. They will allow your group to pack in so much more with your limited time. Plus, you have the advantage of a knowledgeable, local guide so no one in your group has to be responsible for research!
24 Hours in Rome Itinerary
Morning: Arrive in Rome
Most flights from North America are overnight, so you will arrive in the early morning. Try and get as much sleep on the plane as possible! Head to your hotel to drop off your bags and prepare for the day.
Make La Casa del Caffè Tazza d’Oro, a classic Roman espresso bar, your first stop in Rome. There is always a long line but it moves fast. Their most popular menu item is their iced granita topped with espresso and whipped cream. Order a bombolone pastry to go with it. If this sugary breakfast doesn’t perk you up after a long flight, nothing will!
Head inside the Pantheon since you’re only a stone’s throw away. Built during 126–128 ACE, the Pantheon is famous for its open roof and is the final resting place of sculptor Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele II. He was the first king of Italy. The Pantheon used to be free, but now there is a €5 entrance fee. You can either purchase tickets in advance or at the door.
The Trevi Fountain, Rome’s famous 18th-century water sculpture designed by Nicola Salvi, is a short walk away in Piazza di Trevi. Yes, crowds of the general public will be overwhelming, and it’s going to look different for the time being, doing a massive cleaning and fix-up for the 2025 Jubilee!
Once everything is back to normal, the best time to visit the fountain is in the wee hours, around 4 AM. Keep that in mind if jet lag is keeping you wide awake anyway! Throw three coins in the fountain to guarantee your return to the city.
Late Morning: Gelato and Lunch
You’ll probably be ready for your first gelato about now, right? Elizabeth Gilbert raved about Il Gelato di San Crispino near the Trevi Fountain in her memoir Eat Pray Love, but there are plenty of other great gelaterias in Rome’s historic center. Some of the best places are Fiocco di Neve and Günther ice cream shop.
If gelato doesn’t satisfy you, head for an early lunch at Emma Restaurant. It’s the perfect place for a quick bite in the Pantheon neighborhood. They serve homemade pizza and pasta, which are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Book ahead if you’re traveling with a particularly large group of friends.
Afternoon: Tour of Vatican City
You might think it’s impossible to explore Vatican City with only 24 hours in Rome, but you’d be wrong! Booking a guided tour that combines St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museum means you can skip lines and enjoy early access to these incredible, historic buildings.
Hop on the metro from the Barbarini station or walk around 30 minutes to Vatican City. Liv Tours runs an incredible Highlights of the Vatican Tour in the early afternoon from 12:30 PM until around 3:30 PM.
Learn fascinating and little-known facts on your walking tour of the artworks in the Vatican Museum. See Michelangelo’s famed Sistine Chapel ceiling in person and priceless pieces spanning from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. Stroll through the Octagonal Courtyard and wander down the Gallery of Tapestries, Gallery of Maps, and more.
You’ll explore St. Peter’s Square and the incredible sculptures inside the largest church in the world. Unfortunately, your group won’t have enough time to check out the Dome of St. Peter, but you’ll get another chance to enjoy a great view later in the day! These small group tours have a maximum of six people. Private tours might be more intimate and cost-effective if you’re traveling with a big group of pals.
There really is no better way to explore the Vatican when you only have 24 hours in Rome. Don’t forget to dress modestly, as St. Peter’s Basilica has a strict dress code. You can usually buy simple paper coverings outside the church if you don’t remember.
Evening: Trastevere Food Tour
Head back to your hotel around late afternoon to check in and freshen up. This is a great time to make the most of a hotel rooftop bar and enjoy an aperitif before dinner. There is no sunset like a Roman sunset!
Your last stop of the day will be the Trastevere Food Tour with Secret Food Tours. The neighborhood of Trastevere lies south of the River Tiber and only recently started getting the wider attention it deserves. It’s home to part of the old Jewish Ghetto and is a much more bohemian, ‘authentic’ part of the city. It just so happens to be home to the most delicious Roman cuisine!
Secret Food Tours hosts an early evening tour at 6 PM for around three hours. You’ll wander the narrow streets and sit down at wine cellars to sip local Roman wine. Taste classic aperitivo dishes from the best hole-in-the-wall trattorias. Try Italian cheeses, succulent meats, breads, stews, and pastries. Finish the evening with Secret Food Tours’ signature secret dish and a digestif.
Book ahead, as only 12 people are permitted on each tour. Or, book a private tour and taste your way around Trastevere as a group. It’s a great way to avoid arguments about where to eat and navigate dining as a larger group.
Morning: City Highlights Golf Cart Tour
Pack your bags and store them at your hotel to pick up later. Spend the last morning of your 24 hours in Rome seeing the city for one last time before you jet off. This Golf Cart Tour by LivTours is the perfect way to say arrivederci to this enchanting city. It starts at 9:30 AM and lasts for three hours. Just enough time before a lunchtime train, cruise ship departure, or afternoon flight.
Taking a golf cart tour is perfect for friends exploring Rome. It’s eco-friendly and can squeeze through Rome’s narrow streets. The golf cart fits up to six guests, which means you can all stay together! Private car and Vespa tours mean you’ll have to split up and can’t chat about the cool things you’re seeing.
This guided tour will drive you past top sights like the Spanish Steps in Piazza del Spagna, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. Wizz past Castel Sant’Angelo, built by Roman Emperor Hadrian, and the ancient ruins of Largo di Torre Argentina, where Julius Caesar was assassinated. Head to Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum to learn about Ancient Rome and this Seventh Wonder of the World. You’ll visit over 20 hot spots and hidden gems in total and will learn more about Rome’s history than you ever expected.
It’s ideal if anyone in your group has mobility issues. No climbing up any of Rome’s seven hills for you! Larger groups can also arrange a private tour.
Where To Stay in Rome With Friends
There are many beautiful boutique hotels in Rome, but we think The Pantheon Iconic is perfect when spending 24 hours in Rome with friends. This five-star hotel is centrally located (a non-negotiable with limited time!) and decorated to a high standard. Also a must is the air-conditioning – not every hotel in Rome includes it but you’ll be relieved to know The Pantheon Iconic does!
As the name suggests, the Pantheon Iconic is only a two-minute walk from the former Roman temple. Its show-stopping feature is the incredible rooftop bar, which overlooks Piazza della Rotonda and this iconic (there’s no other word for it!) landmark. Sip on an aperitivo and enjoy everyone’s company with the view of the Eternal City.
Since The Pantheon Iconic is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, you may be able to use points or collect points on your booking. Win-win!
Don’t Waste Your 24 Hours in Rome
24 hours in Rome might not be enough time for you and your friends to embrace the essence of la dolce vita. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day. But you’ll have whetted your appetite for a future visit! You may not have much time to walk every corridor of the Vatican Museum. Lingering in the Sistine Chapel is a luxury you can’t afford (you’re not allowed to, anyway!). But if this is your friendship group’s first time in Rome, you’ll still visit ancient ruins, drink aperol spritzes overlooking the heart of Rome, and witness a Wonder of the World. Not bad for one day!