Appian Way Rome: What to See, How to Get There & Bike Guide

Last Updated on November 10, 2026

The Appian Way in Rome, known in Italian as the Via Appia Antica, is one of the most important ancient roads in the world. Here, you can walk or cycle across original Roman paving stones, visit catacombs, mausoleums and ancient villas, and discover a much quieter side of Rome.

The Appian Way is not outside Rome, and visiting it does not necessarily require an entire day. Allow approximately four to six hours to combine the ancient road with the Catacombs of St. Callixtus or St. Sebastian.

APPIAN WAY ROME: QUICK INFORMATION

• Italian name: Via Appia Antica
• Construction began: 312 BC
• UNESCO: World Heritage Site since 2024
• Recommended visiting time: 4–6 hours
• Best way to explore: Bicycle or electric bicycle
• Best seasons: Spring and autumn
• Best days: Saturday or Sunday, when through traffic is restricted
• Access to the road and park: Free
• Archaeological sites: A separate or combined ticket is required

WHAT TO SEE ON THE APPIAN WAY

The main places to include in your Appian Way itinerary are:

1. Domine Quo Vadis Church
2. Catacombs of St. Callixtus
3. Catacombs and Basilica of St. Sebastian
4. Circus and Villa of Maxentius
5. Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
6. Original sections of the ancient Roman road
7. Capo di Bove archaeological complex
8. Villa of the Quintili
9. Park of the Aqueducts, if you choose a longer cycling route

IS THE APPIAN WAY WORTH VISITING?

Yes, particularly if you have already visited the Colosseum, Vatican and main attractions in Rome’s historic centre.

The Appian Way offers a completely different combination of archaeology and nature. Instead of moving between crowded streets and queues, you can walk among pine trees, fields, ancient tombs and Roman villas.

My verdict: I would not place it above the Colosseum or Pantheon for someone spending only two days in Rome. However, if you have at least four days, enjoy history or want to escape the crowds, it is well worth visiting.

A SHORT HISTORY OF THE APPIAN WAY

Construction of the Via Appia began in 312 BC under the Roman censor Appius Claudius Caecus, after whom the road was named.

It was initially created as a strategic military road connecting Rome with Capua. It was later extended to Brundisium—modern Brindisi—allowing Rome to move troops and goods towards southern Italy and the East.

The road became known as the Regina Viarum, or “Queen of Roads.” Extending for more than 800 kilometres, it became one of the most important pieces of infrastructure created by the Roman Empire.

In 2024, the Via Appia – Regina Viarum was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

HOW TO GET TO THE APPIAN WAY

The Appian Way covers an extensive area, so there is no single correct stop. The best route depends on whether you want to visit the catacombs, rent a bicycle or travel directly to the Villa of the Quintili.

Bus 118

Bus 118 is normally the most convenient option from central Rome. It operates as a circular route and serves locations including:

• Circo Massimo
• The Colosseum
• Piazza Venezia
• The catacombs and Via Appia Antica
• Villa of the Quintili

For the visitor centre and bicycle rental, get off near the Appia Antica/Domine Quo Vadis stop.

For the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, use the stop indicated as Catacombe di San Callisto. For St. Sebastian, there is a stop close to the basilica and catacombs.

Rome’s buses do not always operate according to the expected schedule, so check the live arrival time shortly before travelling.

Metro and bus 660

Another option is to take Metro Line A to Arco di Travertino and continue on bus 660.

This route is useful for reaching the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, St. Sebastian and the central sections of the ancient road.

Taxi

A taxi can be convenient for the outward journey, particularly if you are travelling with three or four people. Ask to be dropped at the visitor centre at Via Appia Antica 58/60, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus or the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella.

Finding a taxi on the road for your return can be more difficult. Book one through an app or ask the bicycle-rental centre or a nearby restaurant to call one.

Car

Driving is no longer the best option for exploring the central section. Since September 2026, a Limited Traffic Zone has operated at weekends between 07:00 and 19:00.

The ZTL primarily restricts through traffic. Visitors may enter and leave through the same access point, but the rules require attention. I would choose public transport, a taxi or an organised tour instead.

CYCLING THE APPIAN WAY

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore the Appian Way. Distances between the attractions are relatively long for walking, while a bicycle allows you to reach the Villa of the Quintili or Park of the Aqueducts more easily.

The official Appian Way service centre is located at:

Via Appia Antica 58/60, Rome

You can normally rent:

• City bicycles
• Mountain bikes
• Electric bicycles
• Children’s bicycles and child seats

Indicative prices recorded in 2026 start from approximately:

• City bicycle: €4 per hour or €16 per day
• Mountain bike: €5 per hour or €20 per day
• Electric bicycle: €8 per hour or €32 per day

Prices and availability can change. Book in advance, particularly if you want an electric bicycle or plan to visit during the weekend.

When I visited the Appian Way, we rented two bicycles for approximately three hours and combined the ride with a visit to the catacombs. This was enough for an introduction, but not enough to reach the more distant attractions.

Standard or electric bicycle?

An electric bicycle makes the journey less tiring and allows you to cover a greater distance. However, the ancient paving is uneven, and some sections require good balance and control.

If you are not confident on a bicycle, choose walking or an organised tour with transport. Electric assistance reduces the effort, but it does not make the ancient stones smooth.

1. DOMINE QUO VADIS CHURCH

The small church of Santa Maria in Palmis is better known as Domine Quo Vadis.

According to Christian tradition, this is where the Apostle Peter, while fleeing Rome, experienced a vision of Christ. Peter asked him, “Domine, quo vadis?”, meaning “Lord, where are you going?”

Following the vision, Peter decided to return to Rome, where he was eventually martyred. Entry to the church is free, and the visit does not take long.

2. CATACOMBS OF ST. CALLIXTUS

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are one of the most important attractions along the Appian Way. They contain an extensive network of underground corridors, burial chambers and crypts connected with the history of Rome’s early Christians.

You can only enter as part of a guided tour, which lasts approximately 40 minutes. The catacombs have their own admission ticket and are not included in the Appian Way Archaeological Park ticket.

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus are closed every Wednesday and normally close for two hours around lunchtime.

Read my complete guide to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, tickets and opening hours.

3. CATACOMBS OF ST. SEBASTIAN

A little farther along the road, you will find the Basilica and Catacombs of St. Sebastian.

They are a useful alternative when St. Callixtus is closed or fully booked. The underground catacombs can also only be visited with a guide.

The Catacombs of St. Sebastian are normally open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed every Monday. Check the official schedule before travelling because additional seasonal closure periods apply.

4. CIRCUS AND VILLA OF MAXENTIUS

The Maxentius complex contains an imperial villa, the Mausoleum of Romulus and one of the best-preserved Roman circuses.

Despite its size and historical importance, it is often overlooked by visitors heading directly towards Cecilia Metella. It is worth including, particularly if you are exploring the area on foot.

5. MAUSOLEUM OF CECILIA METELLA

The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella is one of the Appian Way’s most recognisable monuments. It was constructed as an imposing tomb during the first century BC and was later incorporated into the medieval Castrum Caetani.

When I visited the area in 2015, I decided not to enter because I did not think the price at the time was worthwhile for such a short visit. The area is now better organised, and combined tickets are available.

The same-day ticket for the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and Capo di Bove currently costs:

• Standard admission: €8
• Eligible EU citizens aged 18–25: €2
• Roma Pass holders: €4

Some sections may close temporarily for restoration work. Check the current status before buying your ticket.

6. ORIGINAL ROMAN PAVING

The most important attraction is the road itself. Several sections preserve the enormous ancient stones, wheel marks and funerary monuments that were constructed beside the route.

The landscape becomes more impressive as you move away from the catacombs and the traffic of modern Rome. You will encounter pine trees, fields, ruins and sections that feel completely different from the historic centre.

Wear comfortable shoes with good soles. The ancient stones are uneven, can become slippery in wet weather and are not particularly suitable for thin shoes, heavy pushchairs or wheeled luggage.

7. VILLA OF THE QUINTILI

The Villa of the Quintili was one of the largest and most luxurious suburban residences in Ancient Rome. The complex contains halls, baths and extensive open spaces overlooking the Roman countryside.

It is located some distance from the first section of the Appian Way, making it easier to reach by bicycle, bus 118 or car through the Via Appia Nuova entrance.

The individual ticket for the Villa of the Quintili and Santa Maria Nova costs €8. It is also included in the combined Archaeological Park ticket.

APPIAN WAY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK TICKETS

Walking or cycling along the road and through most of the outdoor park is free. You only need to pay to enter the individual archaeological sites.

The combined Appian Way Archaeological Park ticket currently costs:

• Standard ticket: €12
• Eligible EU citizens aged 18–25: €2
• Visitors under 18: Free

The ticket remains valid for seven days from the first admission and includes, depending on opening arrangements:

• Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
• Capo di Bove
• Villa of the Quintili and Santa Maria Nova
• Antiquarium di Lucrezia Romana
• Villa di Sette Bassi
• Tombs of the Via Latina

Some sites require reservations or may be temporarily closed for restoration. Check the latest information on the official Appian Way Archaeological Park website.

APPIAN WAY OPENING HOURS

The ancient road and freely accessible park areas do not follow one museum schedule. The managed archaeological sites are normally open from Tuesday to Sunday:

• 1 November–end of February: 09:00–16:30
• 1–31 March: 09:00–18:30
• 1 April–30 September: 09:00–19:15
• 1–31 October: 09:00–18:30

Most sites are closed on Mondays. Last admission is normally 30 minutes before closing, although you must enter the Villa of the Quintili at least 75 minutes before closing.

WHAT IS THE BEST DAY TO VISIT?

Saturday and Sunday are now the best days for walking or cycling because the weekend ZTL restricts through traffic between 07:00 and 19:00.

This does not mean that the road becomes completely pedestrianised. Residents, authorised vehicles and cars entering and leaving through the same access point may still use parts of the road.

Visit early in the morning for fewer people. Spring and autumn provide the most comfortable temperatures. During summer, start very early because many sections offer little shade and become extremely hot.

SUGGESTED HALF-DAY ITINERARY

1. 09:00: Leave central Rome on bus 118.
2. 09:30: Visit Domine Quo Vadis Church.
3. 10:00: Guided visit to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus.
4. 11:00: Collect your bicycle from Via Appia Antica 58/60.
5. 11:30: Visit St. Sebastian and the Maxentius complex.
6. 12:15: Stop at the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella.
7. 13:00: Cycle along the ancient sections of the Appian Way.
8. 14:00–15:00: Return the bicycle and stop for lunch or travel back to the centre.

To include the Villa of the Quintili or Park of the Aqueducts, allow additional time and preferably use an electric bicycle.

WHAT TO BRING

• Comfortable shoes with good grip
• Water and a small snack
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A light jacket for the catacombs
• A charged phone and offline map
• Identification for reduced admission

Places to buy water, food or use a toilet become less frequent as you travel farther along the road. Do not assume that cafés and shops will be available throughout your route.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE APPIAN WAY

Is the Appian Way free?

Yes. Walking and cycling along the ancient road and through the freely accessible park areas does not require a ticket. You only pay to enter the catacombs and managed archaeological sites.

How much time do you need?

Allow at least four hours for the catacombs and the first section of the Appian Way. If you want to cycle to the Villa of the Quintili or Park of the Aqueducts, allow five to six hours.

Can you explore the Appian Way on foot?

Yes, but the distances are considerable. For a walking itinerary, concentrate on the section between Domine Quo Vadis and the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. A bicycle is more practical for anything farther away.

Is cycling the Appian Way difficult?

The route does not contain many difficult hills, but the ancient stones, dirt paths and uneven sections require care. It is not the best choice for someone who feels completely uncomfortable on a bicycle.

Is Sunday the best day to visit?

Yes, together with Saturday, because the weekend ZTL reduces through traffic. However, the road is not completely closed to vehicles.

Is the Appian Way suitable for children?

Yes, particularly with an organised cycling tour, child seat or suitable bicycle attachment. Consider the uneven surface, long distances and summer heat before deciding which route to follow.

Can you visit the Appian Way in the rain?

You can, but the ancient stones may become slippery and cycling is less enjoyable. On a wet day, prioritise the catacombs and indoor archaeological sites rather than attempting a long bicycle route.

FINAL TIPS

The Appian Way is one of the best places to discover a different side of Rome. It combines archaeology, nature and outdoor activity away from the busiest streets of the historic centre.

For a simple visit, take bus 118, explore the catacombs and walk towards Cecilia Metella. To experience more of the route, rent a bicycle or join an organised e-bike tour.

For more ideas beyond Rome’s classic tourist trail, continue with my guide to the best day trips and excursions from Rome.

Disclaimer: Ticket prices, opening hours, transport services and access arrangements can change. Check the latest official information before your visit. This article may contain affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may receive a small commission—without any additional cost to you—which helps support the maintenance of this website.