Situated in the heart of Rome’s historic center, Testaccio beckons visitors with its authenticity and heritage. This vibrant district, often overshadowed by more renowned attractions, is an oasis of genuine Roman life, waiting to be discovered. Testaccio’s strategic location, ably supported by excellent public transit connections, makes it an attractive starting point for your Roman sojourn. From here, landmarks like Piazza Venezia, the Circus Maximus, and the Jewish Ghetto are easily accessible.
How to get to Testaccio
From Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino)
There are a few different ways you can reach the Testaccio neighborhood in Rome from Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino). Here are some options that involve using public transport such as the train: How to get from Rome airport to Rome city centre.
Leonardo Express Train to Termini Station and then Bus
From the airport, you can take the Leonardo Express Train, which departs every 30 minutes and takes approximately 32 minutes to reach Termini Station, the main railway station in Rome. This is a non-stop service.
Once you arrive at Termini Station, look for bus line number 170. This bus service will take you directly to Testaccio. You may have to walk a little bit depending on your exact destination in Testaccio.
Regional Train to Ostiense Station and then walk or bus
You could take the Regional train (towards Fara Sabina) from Fiumicino Airport to Ostiense Station. This train does not go directly to Termini Station, instead it stops at several major stations along the way, including Ostiense. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
Ostiense Station is quite close to Testaccio. You could either walk (about 10-15 minutes) or take the bus 280, 83, or 719, depending on your exact destination in Testaccio.
Remember to validate your ticket before getting on the train, you can do this in the machines on the platforms. Also, be aware that transport schedules may change, so it’s always a good idea to check the current schedules before you travel.
From Ciampino Airport
To get to the Testaccio neighborhood in Rome from Ciampino Airport, you have several options: How to get from Rome airport to Rome city centre.
By Taxi
This is the easiest, though not the cheapest option. Simply get a taxi from the taxi rank outside the airport, or order an Uber if it’s available. It should take about 30 minutes to get to Testaccio, depending on traffic.
By Train and Bus
From Ciampino Airport, take a bus shuttle (for example, the Terravision shuttle bus) to Termini Station. Buses generally run every 30 minutes, but you should check the schedule in advance. This journey usually takes around 40 minutes.
From Termini Station, you can take Bus number 170 (direction Agricoltura) and get off at the stop named “Branca”, which is located in the Testaccio district. The journey from Termini to Testaccio usually takes about 20 minutes, but it can take longer during peak hours due to traffic.
By Train and Metro
Similar to the previous option, you can take a bus shuttle to Termini Station.
From Termini Station, take Metro Line B (the Blue line, direction LAURENTINA) and get off at the “Piramide” stop. The journey on the Metro takes about 5 minutes.
From “Piramide”, Testaccio is just a short walk away. It should take about 10-15 minutes to walk to the heart of the neighborhood.
From Central Train Station – Testaccio
By Bus
From Termini Station, you can take the Bus number 170. This bus goes directly to Testaccio.
Get off at the stop ‘Branca’, which is in the heart of Testaccio. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
By Metro
First, take the Metro Line B from Termini Station to Piramide Station. This should take about 10 minutes.
Please note that these are just general directions and travel times may vary based on factors such as traffic and public transportation schedules. Always check the latest schedules and routes. Rome’s public transport system has a helpful website and app that can provide real-time updates and route planning.
Metro stop closest to Testaccio
Located within walking distance of Testaccio in Rome, the Piramide metro station is a convenient transportation hub.
How to reach major tourist attractions from Testaccio, Rome
From Testaccio to the Colosseum
The easiest and quickest way to reach the Colosseum from Testaccio is by taking the metro. From Testaccio, walk to the nearest metro station, Piramide (about a 10-minute walk). Take Line B (direction Jonio or Rebibbia) and get off at the Colosseo station, which is only a 2-stop ride. From there, you will have a short walk to the Colosseum entrance.
For those who prefer to walk, it’s a 30-minute walk from Testaccio to the Colosseum. Simply walk along Via Marmorata, then continue through Porta San Paolo and Via di San Gregorio. This route will take you past the Circus Maximus and Arch of Constantine before arriving at the Colosseum.
From Testaccio to Trevi Fountain
To reach the Trevi Fountain from Testaccio, Rome, you can take the Metro:
– Walk to the Piramide Metro station (Line B) from Testaccio.
– Take the train in the direction of Jonio and get off at Termini station (4 stops).
– Change to Metro Line A (direction Battistini) and get off at Barberini station (2 stops).
– From Barberini station, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to the Trevi Fountain.
From Testaccio to Vatican
You can take bus number 23 from the Testaccio bus stop – Marmorata/Vanvitelli towards Clodio. Get off at the Traspontina/Conciliazione stop, which is near St. Peter’s Square and the entrance to the Vatican Museums.
The walk from Testaccio to the Vatican City is around 3.5 kilometers and should take about 40-50 minutes. Head north and cross the Tiber River at the Ponte Sublicio or Ponte Palatino, then proceed along the riverbank until you reach the Vatican area.
What is Testaccio known for
Testaccio, a quintessential Roman neighborhood, boasts a rich historical background, exceptional Roman culinary delights, and numerous fascinating sites to explore. This area is also a gastronomic haven, offering a blend of traditional and modern dining options.
What to see and do in Testaccio
Monte dei Cocci
This artificial hill, also known as Monte Testaccio, was created from the discarded, broken amphorae of Imperial Rome.
Mercato Testaccio
In 2012 the old market, Piazza Testaccio, was demolished and a modern, covered market was opened. Selling everything from produce and clothing to household items, it’s become the neighborhood’s number one shopping spot.
Non-Catholic Cemetery
Keats’ and Shelley’s graves can be found in this tranquil, garden-like burial ground, created for Protestant foreigners. Keat’s grave doesn’t bare his name and the epitaph engraved on the graves have sparked much controversy due to their bitter nature.
Testaccio Pyramid
Built in 12 BC as the burial place of Caius Cestius, this pyramid doesn’t fit in the Roman ruins. It’s since been restored and can be visited, however guided classical language tours are only available on the 3rd and 4th weekends of the month.
This charismatic district, with its rich history and undeniable charm, provides a unique snapshot of true Roman life.
