Welcome to Umbria

The Basilica of San Francesco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site can be seen from miles away. Its stunning frescoes by Giotto illustrate the life of St. Francis. Beyond its spiritual allure, Assisi gives a glimpse into the past through its well-preserved medieval streets and stone buildings; there are even vestiges of the early Roman settlement. The town prides itself on cultural preservation and its role in promoting peace and dialogue across different cultures.

Plan transportation in advance

While Italy offers robust train and bus connections between major cities like Rome to Florence, that's not the case for Assisi. Since public transportation almost always requires at least one change, taking a private car service makes the trip more flexible and more enriching, giving you complete control and the opportunity to explore lesser-known destinations along the route.

Prepare for the journey

Pack essentials like a water bottle, snacks, and a light jacket into a daypack to ensure they're always close by. Also ensure you've downloaded things like your train and bus tickets if you bought them online because the hills of Umbria don't always have the best cell reception.

Rome to Assisi by train

The train is the most popular and environmentally friendly way to get from Rome to Assisi. The average train journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on the service chosen, and costs about $20 to $40 (18 to 36 euros). However, train stations in Assisi are located outside the main town, so you'll need to arrange additional transportation to reach the historical center.

Rome to Assisi by bus

The bus is the most cost-effective way to get from Rome to Assisi, with prices ranging from $22 to $30 (20 to 28 euros). Bus travel is slower than the train taking up to 5 hours, and it leaves you at Santa Maria Degli Angeli Assisi, which will require you to find additional transportation to get to the center.

Rome to Assisi by private car with Daytrip

Aside from a single 5:35 AM bus, Daytrip’s private car service is the only direct way to get from Rome to Assisi. And we mean truly direct; your private driver will pick you up at the doorstep of your accommodation in Rome and load your luggage.

Once you're on the road, you can talk with your driver about local culture or get some travel tips and make enriching sightseeing stops at places like Marmore Waterfalls, the world's highest man-made waterfalls, which were created by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. At the end of your trip, your driver will drop you off at your accommodation in Assisi and offload your luggage, instead of you trying to find your way from some station on the outskirts of town.

Explore the Sanctuary of Assisi

The massive hilltop complex is the Sanctuary of Assisi. Within its sprawling halls, you'll find one of the oldest extant Gothic churches in Italy and the final resting place of St. Francis. With frescoes by Cimabue, Giotto, Simone Martini, and Pietro Lorenzetti the interior decor rivals many museums.

Step into nature

Unlike bustling tourist hubs like Florence, Assisi’s natural surroundings offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Hike Mount Subasio for some great photo opportunities and panoramic views of the Umbrian landscape.

To double your nature experience check out Bosco di San Francesco, a sprawling natural area managed by the Italian Environmental Fund. This wooded sanctuary spans over 130 acres and features walking paths that lead through old woodlands and past medieval ruins, culminating at a restored Benedictine monastery. The area is an excellent spot for bird-watching and meditative walks, reflecting the environmental consciousness that characterizes much of Italy.

Eat and cook like an Italian

Culinary tours provide insights into local gastronomy, including tastings of Umbrian wines and traditional dishes that are a staple of the region.

You can find a bunch of cooking workshops at Cesarine to see what is available in Assisi.

Party with the locals

Additionally, Assisi hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Calendimaggio, a spring festival that revives medieval and Renaissance traditions through costumes, music, and competitions. Participating in these festivities will help immerse you in the local culture and add a unique dimension to your trip.

The many events and festivals throughout the year, including the St. Francis Festival in October, mean the city fills up throughout the year but it also means you get a vibrant cultural experience. Just remember to book transportation and accommodation in advance due to high demand. For a quieter visit, look for dates in late spring and early autumn that don't include festivals.