Visit Ancient Roman Sites Without a Car: A Public Transit Guide

Many travelers are drawn to ruins, arches, and walls that have stood for two thousand years. These places are not only about history; they are also doorways into the foundations of cities, engineering, and culture. With today’s public transportation from high-speed rail in Europe to commuter lines in England, it’s now easier than ever to reach these remarkable Roman sites without relying on a private car. This guide helps you plan a more affordable and environmentally considerate trip to some of the world’s most impressive Roman landmarks.

Smart Planning Comes First

Before setting out, the first step is to decide which country or region you want to visit. Italy offers the Colosseum and Pompeii. England has Hadrian’s Wall and forts in Cumbria. Spain features Mérida, while North Africa holds vast amphitheaters in Tunisia. Once you’ve chosen your destinations, identify the nearest train station or bus terminal.

Use official national railway websites such as Trenitalia, Renfe, or DB, along with aggregators like Eurail and Rail Europe. For bus journeys, FlixBus and Rede Expressos provide broad networks. If you’re traveling across multiple countries over a few weeks, compare the value of a multi-country rail pass to point-to-point tickets. Some high-speed routes require seat reservations, so always check the booking policy.

Trains: The Main Route to Roman Sites

Trains in Europe are the fastest and most straightforward way to reach many Roman landmarks. Here are some examples:

Italy – From Roma Termini, a regional train gets you to Ostia Antica in under an hour. Heading south, take the Intercity train to Naples, then switch to the Circumvesuviana line to reach Pompeii Scavi.

England – From London, a direct service takes you to Carlisle in about three hours. Then hop on Northern Rail to reach Hexham, which brings you closer to Hadrian’s Wall.

France – The SNCF TER line from Lyon to Vienne stops just steps away from a breathtaking Roman theatre.

Germany – Deutsche Bahn’s regional trains connect Frankfurt to Trier, home of Porta Nigra and the Imperial Baths, in about two hours.

Download an offline map before departure to see station layouts and find nearby bus stops or taxi ranks quickly. Turn on alerts in your rail app to receive platform changes or delay notifications.

Buses and Coaches for Remote Areas

Not every Roman site sits close to a rail line. Rural forts like Vindolanda in England or farms in Provence require alternative access. Buses or coaches often bridge the gap. Routes are frequently timed to match train schedules. For instance:

In Cumbria, Stagecoach runs the AD122 coach line from Carlisle with stops near major parts of Hadrian’s Wall.

In Portugal, Rede Expressos offers rides to Conímbriga from Coimbra, known for its expansive Roman mosaics.

In Tunisia, local buses from the central station serve the El Djem amphitheater each morning and afternoon.

Use travel planner apps such as Rome2Rio to match rail and bus schedules. Take a screenshot of timetables in case you lose signal in remote areas.

Getting There by Ferry or Tram

For coastal or island sites, ferry travel is a helpful option. From Civitavecchia, ferries sail regularly to Sardinia. Once in Olbia, a regional bus leads to Nora, once a thriving Roman seaside town. In Greece, many ferries sail from Piraeus to Kos, where Casa Romana still stands.

In some cities, light-rail or tram systems go directly to historic spots. In Istanbul, for example, you can hop off at Sultanahmet tram stop to reach ancient cisterns and the hippodrome. Local transport websites often list routes that are cheaper and less crowded than tourist buses.

Sample Day Trip to Hadrian’s Wall

To show how manageable a trip can be, here’s a day plan tailored for an international traveler:

07:00 – Depart London Euston via Avanti West Coast for Carlisle.
10:15 – Arrive in Carlisle and transfer to Northern Rail toward Haltwhistle.
11:00 – Board the AD122 coach. Tickets can be purchased using the operator’s app even while on the train.
11:30 – Arrive at Housesteads Roman Fort. Spend two hours walking through the barracks and along the wall.
14:00 – Ride the coach to Vindolanda and enjoy lunch at the on-site café.
16:30 – Return to Haltwhistle and choose your next stop back to Carlisle for a museum visit or onward to Newcastle for a flight.

Throughout the day, there’s no need to rent a car. All rides are covered by a railcard and day pass. The route works well for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

Budget-Smart and Eco-Aware Tips

• Buy high-speed rail tickets in advance to get lower rates.
• Choose regional or slower trains when time allows. These are often half the price.
• Bring a refillable water bottle and skip single-use plastics.
• Use mobile tickets or passes instead of printed ones when available.

These habits reduce waste and support green travel practices.

Respecting Cultural Heritage

As you follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, remember that these sites are still part of local communities. Always buy an entrance ticket, stay on marked paths, and avoid climbing on fragile structures. In Italy, delicate mosaics can break with little pressure. In England, some sections of the wall sit on private land landowners’ rights must be honored.

Beyond physical care, understanding the context adds depth to your visit. Read the interpretive signs, try the audio guide, or join a walking tour. This helps sustain ongoing preservation work while making your visit more meaningful.

Bringing Stories Back Home

Once you return to your own city, you take with you more than just photos. You carry an experience of how roads, aqueducts, and towns helped shape what we now recognize as modern life. Public transport lets you travel with less impact on the planet, benefits local economies, and gives you the chance to observe the land more closely, much like a legionnaire walking the length of the Via Appia two thousand years ago. On your next trip, consider the same path: take the train, catch the bus, or ride the ferry to a past that continues to teach and inspire.