Ostia

[Ptur]

Hi again,
First I want to echo the sentiments regarding Dave Beers and his contribution to this site, but I would also like to thank Hank, HeinBloed and the many others who have and do share their experiences with us.
My latest question is: We have a few days in Rome before embarking on our Med cruise. We thought we may go to Ostia. Is it worth it? and what is the best way to get there? Is there a bus?
Thanks
Peter

[Terri R.]

I'll be watching for the answer.

Btw, Ptur, I finally replied to your email!

[MS Cruiser]

Do you want to go to Ostia-Lido (modern beach town) or Ostia-Antica (ruins of the ancient port town of Rome)?
The later is really worth to visit. You might compare it to Pompeji. It is a whole town with theatre, monuments, shops, villas, inns etc.
You can take public transportation: Metro B to Piramide (next to the railway station Roma Ostiense), Basilica San Paolo or Eur-Magliana, from there take the local train (Ferrovia Urbana Roma-Lido) to Ostia Antica. The names of the stations show you which other sights you might combine the excursion to Ostia with, most notable St. Paul's Cathedrale.
If anybody wants to go to the beach, the station to use would be Lido Centro or Stella Polare.

[Ptur]

Thanks MSCruiser,
Yes, it's the ancient port town we want to visit. I see now that there is also a river cruise which takes you there.
Peter

[Ptur]

Thanks for your reply MS Cruiser.
Regarding purchasing the tickets. Do you buy a return ticket to Ostia-Antica that covers both the Metro B and the local train. Or do you have to purchase a separate ticket for each rail company.
Thanks
Peter

[MS Cruiser]

Normal ATAC (buses, metro etc. in Rome) tickets are valid on the local trains. Thus if you for example have a three day ticket for public transportation in Rome, you do not need an additional one.
If you want tickets just for this one exursion it is probably best to use one in each direction. Always remember to validate your ticket before using.

[Ptur]

Thanks LHP and MS Cruiser for for help.
We will definitely got to Ostia for the day.
I also believe there is a restaurant there where the waiters are dressed in togas, is this correct?
Peter

[nco4242]

hanks MSCruiser,
Yes, it's the ancient port town we want to visit. I see now that there is also a river cruise which takes you there.
Peter

The river cruise is only on certain days and only stays there a short time, as I recall 2 hrs. Tiber is pretty dirty but we did was sail down 12e and take the train back when we were ready. That way we thought we got the best of both worlds

[Ptur]

Thanks nco4242,
Good point will give that some consideration.
Peter