Ostia Antica: visiting the "Pompeii of Rome" in half a day

Updated on October 1, 2026

Ostia, the ancient port of Rome at the mouth of the Tiber, preserves an entire Roman town: paved streets, warehouses, baths, a theatre, shops and apartment blocks. The archaeological park opens Tuesday to Sunday at 8:30am; in October 2026, it closes at 6:30pm until 24 October, then at 4:30pm from 25 October, with last entry one hour before closing. It is closed on Mondays. The combined ticket costs €18 and is valid for 8 consecutive days at all the park's sites; it costs €2 for EU citizens aged 18 to 25. Entry is free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month. From the Pyramid of Cestius, the train takes only about half an hour.

Highlights

The Capitolium

The great brick temple of the forum, dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, dominates the town's main square. Its wide staircase is one of the landmarks of the visit.

The Square of the Corporations

Behind the theatre, the offices of shipowners and merchants surrounded a porticoed square. The black-and-white mosaics on their floors depict ships, lighthouses and animals.

The theatre

Restored and still used for performances in summer, it offers a good view over the Square of the Corporations from its upper tiers.

The Decumanus Maximus

The main street crosses the whole town from the Porta Romana; most of the monuments open off either side.

The Baths of Neptune

A platform lets you look down on the large mosaic of Neptune driving his chariot, on the floor of one of the bath halls.

The Thermopolium on Via di Diana

An ancient bar counter, with its display and shelves, that shows the daily life of the town.

The Ostia Museum

It displays sculptures and objects found on the site. In October 2026, it opens at 9:30am until 24 October (last entry 5:00pm), then at 10:30am from 25 October (last entry 3:00pm). It is closed on the first Sunday of the month and on the other free-entry days.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Prices checked in October 2026: €18 for the combined ticket, €2 for EU citizens aged 18 to 25, audio guide €7 (long route) or €5 (short route). Tickets are sold at the ticket office, by cash or card, and on the Musei Italiani app. Picnics are not allowed in the archaeological area, but there is a cafeteria on site. Dogs are allowed on a lead. The ground is uneven and shade is limited to the pine trees: bring comfortable shoes, water and a hat. For more ways to save, see our guide to [Rome on a budget](/fr/articles/budget-voyage-rome).

How to get there

Viale dei Romagnoli 717, Rome (Ostia Antica). Take the Metromare train (formerly the Roma-Lido line) from Porta San Paolo station, next to Piramide metro station (line B), to Ostia Antica station: about 26 minutes, with a train roughly every 20 minutes Monday to Saturday. The standard Metrebus ticket (BIT, €1.50, 100 minutes) is valid. From the station, the park entrance is a few minutes' walk. More details in our guide to [getting around Rome](/fr/articles/transports-rome).