Lazio, Italy
Explore the preserved ruins of ancient Rome's seaport. We explain how to get there, what tickets cost, and which tours offer the best value.
4.9 from 32 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare top-rated options from guided walks to half-day trips.
Due to our years of experience we challenged ourselves to prepare a completely private tour based on this novel, and consequently we now provide this high quality tour...
From$501per person
Best for: those seeking a premium customized experience
Most bookedEscape to Ostia Antica and see why experts are calling it "The Better Pompeii". It is just a step away from Rome and you'll travel in a personalized small group with...
From$56per person
Best for: budget-conscious travelers preferring small groups
Top ratedDiscover the most important, ancient Roman city in Europe. Explore this once-busy port town with a small group led by an expert guide. Visit the awe-inspiring ancient...
Explore
Discover what makes this ancient harbor city unique.
4 spotsCivic CoreThe central civic and commercial core with major public buildings.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
4 spotsRoman Daily LifeExplore ancient apartments, taverns, and commercial bakeries.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsReligious SitesShrines, temples, and communal buildings.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
The ancient Roman theater originally held 4,000 spectators and still hosts summer concerts today.
Built in the 1st century BC.
Plan your visit
Plan for a half-day. Most guided tours last 4 to 5 hours, including transport from central Rome.
Spring and early autumn offer the best weather. The vast outdoor ruins provide very little shade.
Adult tickets range from €12 to €18. EU citizens aged 18 to 25 pay just €4.
Ostia Antica was originally established at the mouth of the Tiber River. The city protected the capital and managed vital maritime trade. During the 2nd century AD, the population reached an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 residents.
Today, it is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. Visitors can explore remarkably intact apartment blocks, ancient bakeries, and grand bathhouses. The ruins offer a detailed look at everyday Roman life.
Read our guide on Transit Guide or learn about the main civic center at Civic Core.
We only use confirmed data from actual tour listings.
We list current traveler ratings and highlight common complaints.
We show the baseline cost for each tour type.
From Viator
32 reviews of the adventure private day tour on Viator
Absolutely phenomenal. We have been in Italy for a week and this was the best tour we have taken. The ruins of the ancient port were in remarkable condition (much better than the Colosseum) and our guide Laura was so knowledgeable and spent time answering questions and giving deep insights. Please keep up the fantastic work!
Ostia Antica itself was well worth visiting, and our guide Laura brought it to life for us. Highly recommended.
This is a hidden gem. Fabio was well versed and eager to share his knowledge with everyone. Better than the Colosseum tour the day before where our tour started late and ended early for some reason .
Guided. Tour at Ostia Antica. So glad I booked this tour. I’d thought about looking around myself with an audio guide. This site is enormous and it would be hard to navigate yourself - you would miss the gems. Our guide Joan was brilliant with both knowledge and managing the group.
This was our favorite tour in Rome. Having a guide was priceless for the knowledge and ability to bring the experience to life.
The tour of Ostia Antiqua was excellent - Federico was very knowledgeable and passionate about the importance of this area to the Roman Empire. Federico communications and interpersonal skills were also excellent and overall our expectations were exceeded. Thank you!
I thoroughly enjoyed my tour of Ostia Antica. Paola is a superb guide - knowledgeable, warm, friendly and a consummate professional. Her English is perfect and she brings the site alive with interesting detail and observations. For anyone wanting to level up from regular tours this one provides great value and was the highlight of my trip to Rome!
A wonderful opportunity to see extensive Roman ruins without the crowds, with enlightening insights from Paola about the history, culture and architecture of the time. Wear good walking shoes, bring a shade umbrella or sunscreen and a water bottle, and enjoy!
Outside of the Rome perimeter but it is really the best way to get a feel on ancient Roman life. The amount of preservation is amazing.
Travel tips
Ostia vs PompeiiCompare travel times, size, and preservation of both ancient cities.Read 
Tickets and PricesCurrent ticket costs, discounts, and free entry days.Read 
Transit GuideA step-by-step guide to reaching the ancient port city from central Rome.Read 
Best Time to VisitLearn about seasonal hours, weather tips, and the best time to go.Read 
Packing GuideEssential packing list for your Ostia Antica visit.Read Tour Guide NeedWhy a guide helps navigate limited signage at Ostia Antica.Read Ostia Antica offers a remarkably preserved look at everyday Roman life much closer to Rome. Read Ostia vs Pompeii for a detailed comparison.
Plan for at least a half-day. Guided tours typically last 4 to 5 hours, which includes transit time from central Rome.
Take the Metro B line to Piramide station. Transfer to the Roma-Lido commuter train and ride to Ostia Antica station. The trip requires a standard €1.50 ticket. See Transit Guide.
Any day between Tuesday and Sunday is good, but mornings in spring and early autumn are most pleasant. The park is closed every Monday. See Best Time to Visit.
Yes, standard adult tickets ranging from €12 to €18 are available at the gate. If you want a guide, check out Tickets to book online.
Yes, the Caffetteria degli Scavi is available on site. Eating meals and picnicking inside the actual ruins are strictly prohibited.
Secure your tickets or tour well in advance.
