🚇 Rome Transportation – Metro, Buses, Walking & Airport Transfers

The Rome metro is often the quickest way to cross the city, especially during rush-hour traffic. It’s limited compared to other European capitals, but it connects key train stations and tourist sights.

• Lines: A (orange/red) – crosses Termini, Spanish Steps, Vatican area (Ottaviano); B/B1 (blue) – Termini, Colosseum (Colosseo), EUR district; C (green) – newer line, still expanding.
• Key tourist stops: Termini (main station), Colosseo, Cavour, Spagna, Barberini, Ottaviano (for the Vatican).
• Operating hours: roughly 05:30–23:30 (later on weekends). Always check latest times.
• Tickets: standard integrated ticket (BIT) around €1.50, valid for 100 minutes across metro, buses and trams (one metro ride).
• Official info and service updates: 👉 ATAC Rome transport »

Buses and trams in Rome cover many areas where the metro does not reach, especially within the historic center and residential neighborhoods.

• Coverage: hundreds of lines operated by ATAC and partners – useful for reaching Trastevere, Gianicolo hill and other spots not on the metro.
• Tickets: same integrated system as the metro – BIT, 24H, 48H, 72H and longer passes.
• Validation: validate your paper ticket once on board (orange/yellow machines) and keep it until the end of the trip.
• Night buses: some routes operate after metro closing hours, marked with an “N”.
• Helpful apps: Moovit and ATAC’s official apps show real-time arrivals & route options.

The historic center of Rome is compact and incredibly walkable. Many of the most famous attractions are only 10–20 minutes apart on foot, and walking lets you discover hidden piazzas, gelato shops and viewpoints.

• Classic walking triangle: Trevi Fountain → Pantheon → Piazza Navona → Campo de’ Fiori.
• Stroll along Via del Corso for shopping and connect to Spanish Steps and Piazza Venezia.
• Cross the Tiber River to explore Trastevere’s narrow streets and local vibes.
• Wear comfortable shoes – cobblestones (sanpietrini) can be slippery and uneven.
• Combine walking with short metro/bus hops to save energy on longer days.

Rome uses an integrated ticketing system for metro, buses, trams and some local trains. Choose based on how many rides you expect per day.

• BIT ticket (~€1.50): valid for 100 minutes on buses/trams (multiple rides) + one metro journey. Great for occasional use.
• 24H ticket (~€7): unlimited travel for 24 hours from first validation.
• 48H (~€12.50) & 72H (~€18): ideal for short city breaks with heavy sightseeing.
• Weekly or longer passes: convenient if you’re staying in Rome for a week or more.
• Roma Pass: includes public transport + free or discounted entry to selected museums and archaeological sites – excellent value if you plan multiple paid attractions.

You can buy tickets at metro stations, some newsstands, tobacco shops (tabacchi) and ticket machines. Always check the latest prices and zones before traveling.

Rome is served by two main airports: Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA). Both offer several options to reach the city center.

• Fiumicino → Termini: Leonardo Express train (fast, no intermediate stops – more expensive), regional trains (cheaper, slightly slower) and shared or private shuttles.
• Ciampino → center: buses and shuttle services connect the airport to metro stations (e.g., Anagnina) and Termini.
• Taxis: official taxis have fixed fares to/from central Rome within defined zones – always use official taxi ranks.
• Private / shared transfers: convenient if you arrive late, with luggage or kids, and want door-to-door service.

• Validate tickets: always validate paper tickets on buses/trams and at metro gates to avoid fines.
• Watch for pickpockets: especially on crowded buses (like lines to the Vatican) and metro trains.
• Plan for delays: traffic and occasional strikes can affect schedules – leave extra time for airport trips and important tours.
• Combine modes: use metro for longer jumps, buses for specific neighborhoods and walking for the historic center.
• Stay hydrated: summers can be hot; bring a water bottle and refill at Rome’s nasoni public fountains.

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