Where it is

The Ostiense district stretches south of Rome's historic center, along Via Ostiense, between the Pyramid of Cestius and the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura, hugging the Tiber and the railway. It's a wide, well-connected area that's easy to reach by metro.

By metro

The easiest way in is Metro Line B, which runs through the district with several handy stops:

  • Piramide — the northern gateway to the district, next to Testaccio.
  • Garbatella — central Ostiense, close to the street art.
  • Basilica San Paolo — for the great basilica.

Line B connects directly to the Colosseum, Termini and EUR.

By train (Metromare)

Right beside the Piramide metro stop is Porta San Paolo station, the terminus of the Metromare line (formerly Roma-Lido): handy if you're coming in from Ostia or the coast.

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By tram and bus

The district is also served by tram 3 and by several bus lines along Via Ostiense and the surrounding streets, handy for moving between Ostiense's different pockets and on toward Testaccio and San Paolo.

By car and private driver (NCC)

Ostiense is wider and less congested than the center, with a fair amount of parking available, but for an evening out and for hopping between the various points of interest, a private driver (NCC) is the easiest option: it drops you wherever you like and picks you up even late at night, perfect for pairing the street art, the Centrale Montemartini, the Piramide and the bars without a second thought.

Ostiense pairs nicely with:

  • The Pyramid of Cestius and the Non-Catholic Cemetery.
  • The Testaccio district and Monte dei Cocci.
  • The Centrale Montemartini and the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura.
  • A night out among the district's bars.

Frequently asked questions

Which metro stop is best for Ostiense? It depends on the area: Piramide (north), Garbatella (center, near the street art) or Basilica San Paolo, all on Line B.

Can I get there from Ostia? Yes: beside Piramide is Porta San Paolo station, the terminus of the Metromare line (formerly Roma-Lido) serving Ostia and the coast.

Is it worth driving? The area has more parking than the center, but for an evening out and for getting between the sights, a private driver is more convenient, even late at night.

What pairs well with a visit? The Pyramid of Cestius, the Non-Catholic Cemetery, Testaccio, the Centrale Montemartini and the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura.

Is it far from the center? It sits south of the historic center, but it's incredibly convenient thanks to Metro Line B and its several stops in the district.

Read also

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Article #551 · Category: Transport · Updated: May 2026