Where They Are

The Castelli Romani / Roman Castles, the hill towns south of Rome, sit on the Alban Hills (Colli Albani), southeast of the city, generally between 20 and 30 km away depending on the town. Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, Ariccia, Nemi, and the others are fairly close to one another, but they're linked by winding hill roads, so how you handle transport makes all the difference to your day.

By Train

Frascati is easy to reach from Rome on a comfortable regional train (usually from Termini) to Frascati station, just steps from the center. Castel Gandolfo and Albano are also served by a rail line. The train is cheap and direct to individual towns, but it doesn't connect the Castelli Romani to each other.

By Cotral Bus

Cotral buses link Rome (usually from the Anagnina metro station, Line A) with the various hill towns. It's a common option, but you'll need to plan the timing and connections, especially if you want to see more than one town in a day.

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My Rome Driver takes you between Frascati, Castel Gandolfo, Ariccia, and Nemi, round trip, with stops for the wine. Flat rate, door to door.

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By Car and Private Driver (NCC)

The hill towns are about an hour from Rome by car, but to visit more than one you have to move between villages linked by winding hill roads, and on weekends traffic and parking can derail your day. With a private driver (NCC), the trip becomes simple and relaxed: he takes you from town to town, waits during your wine tastings, and handles parking and transfers. It's the ideal setup for a food-and-wine day trip, letting you sample the local wine without worrying about driving.

The Perfect Day Trip

For a full day across the hill towns:

  • Morning in Frascati, with its villas and historic center.
  • A stop at a fraschetta (traditional wine tavern) or winery for the wine.
  • Castel Gandolfo and Lake Albano / Lago Albano in the afternoon.
  • Ariccia for porchetta (roast pork) or Nemi for the village and the lake.

A private driver makes this itinerary flow effortlessly, otherwise it's a hassle by public transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far are the Castelli Romani from Rome? Generally between 20 and 30 km depending on the town: under an hour, perfect for a day trip.

How do I get to Frascati by train? Take a regional train from Rome (usually from Termini) to Frascati station, just steps from the center. Check the timetable.

Can I see more than one of the Castelli by public transport? You can, but it's awkward: trains and buses connect each town to Rome, not easily to each other. For several towns in one day, a driver is the smart choice.

Why is a driver worth it for the Castelli? Because it lets you move between towns, deal with parking, and above all sample the wine without worrying about driving: ideal for a food-and-wine day trip.

What should I pair on a day trip? Frascati (villas and wine), Castel Gandolfo (Lake Albano), Ariccia (porchetta), and Nemi (village and lake): all close together.

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Article #576 · Category: Transport · Updated: May 2026