The Via Appia Antica was built in 312 B.C. and was the connecting route from Rome to the eastern part of the empire. The entire road is lined with the ruins of family tombs. Today, tourists come to see the many historic Christian sites such as the Catacombs and the Church of Domine Quo Vaddis. This location may also serve as a nice shady walk to escape from Rome's heat.
To get from the Termini to Via Appia Antica, you can take Metro Line A toward Anagnina then get off at the Colli Albani stop. There, you would catch bus #660. You would not need to get a separate ticket for the bus, as the one for the metro can get you on the bus too. It may also be a good idea to purchase two tickets at this time so that you have one for the trip back. Bus #660 will drop you off at the end of Via Appia Antica. The stop is on Via Cecilia Metella. To get back you can take the #118 bus from Domine Quo Vadis Church. The Domine Quo Vadis stop is about two miles north from the Via Cecilia Matella stop on the opposite end of the Via Appia Antica. You would take this bus to the Circo Massimo metro stop. The Circo Massimo metro line is line B, which means you will have to take it towards Rebibbia to return to the Termini.
For sightseeing, as soon as you get off of the #660 stop at Casa Dell' Appia Antica you should cross the Via Appia Antica to rent a bike. Bike south to see the more scenic sites located along the Via Appia Antica. One of the first things you can see is Capo di Bove, which is a recently excavated Roman bath. Going down this will be on the left side of the road. Right across the road on the right side is the ruins of the Gothic church of San Nicola. It was part of a midieval fortress. If you are still biking, you can head down and see many ruined tombs and mausoleums. After you have seen enough, head back up north and walk the 2 miles up to the #118 stop. There, you can see historic Christian sites such as the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or the Catacombs of San Callisto.
This is a very beautiful and relaxing area on the outskirts of Rome. Because of the public transportation, you are able to see the Via Appia Antica in a day. Obviously you could spend weeks exploring, but it nice to plan as a day trip on a weekend.
*All of the information found here are from the Eyewitness Guide to Rome and the Rick Steve's Guide to Italy 2008.*
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