Assisi from Rome: train, basilicas and a day trip

Assisi in a day from Rome: is it reasonable?

Yes, but with a light programme. Count about two hours each way: that leaves five to six hours on site, enough for the Basilica of St Francis, the medieval town and lunch. If you want to add Orvieto, plan two days instead. Assisi is also a heavily visited pilgrimage site: for a broader journey, see our guide to the pilgrimage of the four major basilicas.

The train from Rome to Assisi

Trains leave Roma Termini for Assisi station, also called Santa Maria degli Angeli, at the foot of the hill. The journey takes about two hours. There are around seven services a day, fewer at weekends and on public holidays; some are direct, others require a change at Foligno. Prices start at about ten euros on a regional train with a change and rise to about thirty euros for the fastest trains. Buy your ticket on the rail companies' websites or apps, or at the machines at Termini. To get to the station from your hotel, see our guide to transport in Rome.

From the station to the centre of Assisi

Local buses stop in front of the station and climb to the old town in about ten minutes; so do taxis. The upper town is largely pedestrian, with sloping streets and cobbles.

What to see in Assisi

• The Basilica of St Francis: the town's great sanctuary, with the upper and lower basilicas, decorated with frescoes that rank among the masterpieces of Italian painting. The tomb of St Francis lies in the crypt. Entry is free, dress must be appropriate (shoulders and knees covered), and photos are not allowed inside.
• The Basilica of Santa Chiara, in the centre: it holds the tomb of St Clare, St Francis's companion.
• The Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli, on the plain near the station: it covers the little Porziuncola chapel, where Francis founded his order.
• The Rocca Maggiore, the fortress above the town, for the view over Umbria.
• San Damiano, below the town, where Francis heard the call, according to tradition.

Check each site's hours on its official website, as they vary with the season and services.

A day plan

1. 7am-8am: train from Termini to Assisi.
2. 10am: arrival at the station; if you like, a quick visit to Santa Maria degli Angeli, then the bus to the upper town.
3. 11am: Basilica of St Francis, the upper basilica, then the lower one and the crypt.
4. 1pm: lunch in the centre: Umbrian dishes, cured meats and fresh pasta.
5. 2:30pm: Santa Chiara, then a walk up to the Rocca Maggiore.
6. 5pm: bus and train back to Rome.

Practical tips

• Shoes: everything is on foot, uphill. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Feast days: on 4 October, the feast of St Francis, the town is very busy; avoid it or book well in advance.
• Return: leave yourself a margin before the last train, as there are fewer services in the evening.
• Accommodation: if you want to stay overnight to enjoy the town after the groups leave, the evening calm is one of its best moments.

Summary

Going further

For another day trip by train, see Florence from Rome or Pompeii from Rome. For the basilicas of Rome, see St Peter's, St Paul Outside the Walls, St John Lateran and Santa Maria Maggiore.