Chances
Avoid the crowd. The archeological site is packed with people during the weekends. In 2014 it ranked 16th in the chart of the most visited spots in Italy with 332190 visitors. So, if you wish to avoid large crowds, tour Ostia Antica during weekdays when there’s less people..
Tour the decorated houses. However, access to the decorated houses is allowed only on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. The decorated houses are some of the most evocative buildings in the area such as the Diana’s house, l’Insula of Zeus and Ganimede, l’Insula delle Muse, l’Insula delle Pareti Gialle and l’Insula delle Ierodule. Access to the decorated houses is free but must be booked in advance by e-mail at the address [email protected]. The dedicated website says that “you’re allowed to book a Sunday of the current month or the next month for a maximum of 5 people. The subject of the e-mail must be “OPEN HOUSES DECORATED THE MORNING (dd / mm / yy)”. You must receive a confirmation by e-mail. This is because only 30 people at the times are allowed in. You can find futher info at Ostia Antica official website.

Giulio II’s Castle
First Sunday of each month. Access to the area is free on the first Sunday of every month.
Giulio II’s castle. Once you get to Ostia Antica, it’s worth to tour Giulio II’s castle along with the medieval village and Sant’Aurea’s Church, all located in piazza della Rocca. Access is free. There are guided tours on Thursdays at 11 and on Sundays at 11 and 12. The castle is closed on Mondays, the First of May and December 25th. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a facilitated route for disabled visitors. For further information call 06.56358013 and 06.56358028.
Watch out!

Archeological area
Public Transportation. Theoretically getting to Ostia Antica is simple and fast. But public transportation to Ostia Antica unfortunately is not efficient at all. And in recent years it’s gotten worse. So take into account that getting to Ostia Antica by public transportation is quite time consuming..
A day out. Given the situation of public transportation you might as well turn the long trip into a nice day out and enjoy it. If you have some free time on your hands, you may always go to the beach for a walk o have an aperitivo on the lungomare.
Difficult route for disabled people. Unfortunately people with disabilities can’t freely enjoy the beauties of Ostia Antica. A warning on the website says that “Ostia Antica features an alternative route for disabled people. However this route stops mid-way at the food stand area”.
Food
Packed lunch or nearby restaurants. If you want to avoid the line at the archeological area cafeteria, you can bring a sandwich or something to munch on. Otherwise you can stop by one of the restaurant near the archeological area.Shows

Roman theatre
In your backpack
Hat and water. Don’t forget a hat to block the sun and a bottle of water to obey your thirst during the long walk. And of course a camera or your cell phone for some photos..
Packed lunch. If you want to avoid the crowd at the cafeteria or at the nearby restaurants just brung a sandwich or pack your lunch to eat on the go.
Opening Times
Opening and closing. Gates open at 8:30 am. Closing time varies between 4:30 pm and 7:15 pm depending on the time of the year.Fares
Tickets and discount. The ticket costs 8 euros. There’s a discounted ticket, 4 Euros, for youngsters between 18 and 25 and for teachers inside the European Union. Access is free of charge for people under 18, disabled people, journalists, school groups, students and teachers of archeology, history of art architecture, restoring of art pieces, academy of fine arts, science of formation, tourist guides, interpreters, Icom and Iccrom members.Tickets:
Adults | 18-25 years old | Under 18 | |
---|---|---|---|
Entrance | 8 € | 4 € | Free |
First Sunday of the month | Free | Free | Free |
How to get there
Car: If you’re coming from Rome you can take the Grande raccordo anulare (Gra) and get off at exit 28 and take Via del Mare or Via Ostiense up to Ostia Antica
Subway: At piramide subway station you can take the Rome-lido line train. Get off at Ostia Antica and walk for 5 minutes.