How to Get to Gaeta from Rome (Easy & Budget-Friendly Guide)
One of the many perks of studying in Rome is the ability to travel around Italy while having a home base in the country. Public transport in Italy is extensive, and there is almost always a train or bus to take you where you need to go. As the travel enthusiast that I am, I decided to reward myself with a budget-friendly trip after finishing my last exam of the year. Gaeta had been on my radar for a while, and since it’s only about an hour and a half from Rome, it seemed like the perfect place to celebrate my well-earned freedom.
In this guide, I will show you exactly how to travel to Gaeta from Rome in the easiest and most budget-friendly way, including train and bus options, prices, and practical tips. This way, visiting this hidden gem along the Tyrrhenian Sea becomes simple and stress-free.
Why you should visit Gaeta
Hidden between Rome and Naples, Gaeta is a charming coastal town, perfect for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Gaeta often flies under the radar when visiting this region, yet it offers a beautiful combination of historical allure and natural beauty.
Gaeta’s history stretches back over two thousand years, which is reflected in the landmarks of the old town. The Castello Angioino-Aragonese is a perfect example of this, a stunning castle that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Tip: I have also written a guide on what to see and do in Gaeta, so if you are planning a visit, feel free to check it out.
How to travel from Rome to Gaeta
My favourite way to travel to Gaeta, or through Italy in general, is by train, as it is both budget- and planet-friendly, not to mention the stunning views along the way. Your journey starts at Roma Termini, where you can take a direct train to Formia-Gaeta. Gaeta itself does not have a train station, so you will travel to Formia, the town right next to it.
Tip: If you feel a little overwhelmed by travelling through Rome in general, I have written an extensive public transport guide for beginners, which I highly recommend reading.
Trains from Roma Termini to Formia-Gaeta run roughly every 30 minutes to an hour, and the journey takes about one and a half hours. Once you arrive in Formia, you can take a bus to Gaeta, operated by the company Cotral.
How to buy tickets
Buying tickets for the train to Formia-Gaeta is easy and budget-friendly. A one-way ticket costs around €8.40, and you can buy tickets at the many ticket machines at Roma Termini. However, my personal favourite option is using the Trenitalia app. Here, your tickets validate automatically and are also sent to you via email.
In the app, you can pay with a credit card, PayPal, Google Pay, Satispay, Amazon Pay, or an online bank transfer. Buying your ticket in advance is especially helpful if Termini is busy (and it often is), as it allows you to skip the lines.
Bus tickets from Formia to Gaeta can be purchased on the bus or in the Cotral app. I highly recommend buying them in the app, as it is significantly cheaper. A ticket costs around €1.10 one way. After purchasing your ticket, you need to activate it by scanning the QR code located at the front of the bus.
If you are unable to buy your ticket in the app, you can purchase one directly from the driver with cash. However, keep in mind that this will cost around €7 for a one-way ticket instead of €1.10. With that price difference, you could treat yourself to some very good gelato.
Conclusion
Gaeta is a hidden gem and one of my favourite solo trips I have taken from Rome. If you are not very familiar with the public transport system in Italy, the combination of train and bus might feel a little overwhelming, but I promise you, if I can do it, you can too.
If you have any questions or want to share photos from your trip, feel free to leave a comment. And if you are looking for inspiration on what to see and do in Gaeta, make sure to check out my other Gaeta article.
Till next time,
Much love,
Juliette
