How to get to Gaeta: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Gaeta

Gaeta, the pearl of the Gulf of the same name, is one of the most charming coastal destinations in southern Lazio. Perched on a promontory between Rome and Naples, it offers an irresistible mix of beaches, ancient history and seafood gastronomy. Getting there is straightforward thanks to its strategic position on the Tyrrhenian route.

Getting there by train

Gaeta does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is Formia-Gaeta, on the Rome-Naples via Formia line, about 5 km from the centre of Gaeta. Intercity and fast regional trains connect Rome Termini to Formia in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. From Naples Centrale, the journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

From Formia, Cotral urban buses and taxis reach Gaeta in about 15-20 minutes. Bus services are frequent during the day, less so in the evening.

From Milan, Frecciarossa trains reach Rome Termini in about 3 hours, then continue by Intercity to Formia. The total journey is about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Practical tips

• Formia station is well connected: check bus times for Gaeta at the stop opposite
• Rome-Formia regional tickets cost less than half the Intercity fare
• In summer, Friday evening trains heading south fill up: book ahead

Getting there by plane

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is the most convenient, about 150 km away. From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express reaches Rome Termini in 32 minutes, then continue by train to Formia.

Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) is about 100 km away. From Naples, the Alibus reaches Naples Centrale in about 20 minutes, then train to Formia.

For those who prefer driving, car hire at the airport is a good option: the SS213 Flacca from Terracina to Gaeta is one of Lazio's most beautiful scenic roads.

Getting there by car

From Rome, take the A1 Rome-Naples motorway, exit at Cassino, then the SS630 to Formia and Gaeta: about 140 km in 1 hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, the Latina-Frosinone dual carriageway then the Via Appia to Formia is slightly longer but scenic.

From Naples, the A1 to the Cassino exit, then SS630: about 100 km in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, the SS7 Appia (via Capua and Sessa Aurunca) is slower but passes through charming villages.

The coastal SS213 Flacca road, from Terracina to Gaeta via Sperlonga, is a spectacular scenic route along the Tyrrhenian coast.

Parking

• Serapo car park: very close to Gaeta's most famous beach
• Porto car park: convenient for the medieval historic centre
• Montagna Spaccata car park: for visiting the sanctuary and viewpoint
• In summer, parking in beach areas is paid and fills up early

Getting there by bus

Cotral buses connect Gaeta with Formia, Latina and Rome (via Latina or Frosinone). FlixBus stops at Formia with connections from Rome, Naples, Milan and other cities.

From Rome, the direct Cotral to Gaeta takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. From Formia, services to Gaeta are frequent and cover the route in 15-20 minutes.

Getting around the city

Gaeta extends along a promontory and has two souls: the medieval quarter of Gaeta Vecchia (around the Angevin Castle) and the modern seafront with Serapo beach. Distances are short but the terrain is hilly: a car or the urban bus helps.

Urban buses connect the port, Serapo, the Montagna Spaccata and the historic centre. To reach the Gulf's most beautiful beaches (the 300 Steps beach, Sant'Agostino, Fontania), a car is almost essential.

Sperlonga is just 15 km along the coast road and well worth a visit. Formia, with Cicero's Tomb, is 5 km away.

Discover Gaeta

Now that you know how to get there, plan your stay:

• Where to stay in Gaeta for finding the ideal accommodation between sea and historic centre
• What to see in Gaeta in 2 days for an itinerary between beaches and monuments
• Where to eat in Gaeta to taste tiella and fresh fish from the gulf