If you’re visiting Rome for the first time, explore how to get around Rome by metro, bus, tram, taxi, suburban trains and buses. The “Eternal City” can be a bit overwhelming at first. Between the chaotic traffic, the ruins that force the metro to take detours, and the buses that seem to have their own sense of time, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. But don’t worry, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you don’t need to be an expert to take a busm thanks to this guide you´ll be able to choose the best option for your day in Rome.
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How to use metro and trains in Rome
To avoid unnecessary fines, which can reach as high as €500, you must always ensure your fare is valid. If you prefer traditional paper tickets like the BIT (€1.50 for 100 minutes), remember that you must validate your ticket immediately upon boarding. Look for the yellow or green machines on buses and trams, or insert your ticket into the metro turnstiles before entering the platform.
For a hassle-free experience, Rome has implemented the ‘Tap & Go’ system. You can skip the ticket machines entirely by using your contactless credit card, smartphone, or smartwatch directly at the readers. It’s incredibly convenient, automatically calculating the best fare for a single journey and saving you the stress of finding a place to charge.
Choosing between the metro and urban trains
When planning your route, understanding the difference between the Rome Metro and the urban train network is key. The metro is arguably the most reliable way to get around as it bypasses the city’s notorious surface traffic. It consists of three main lines:
- Line A (Orange): The most useful for tourists. It connects to the Vatican, Piazza di Spagna and the Trevi Fountain (Barberini station).
- Line B (Blue): Essential for getting to the Colosseum (Colosseo stop) and Termini station.
- Line C (Green): This is the most modern and fully automated line, although it is a little further from the main tourist areas.
Keep in mind that while the metro is the most efficient way to move around Rome, it doesn’t runs 24/7. It usually closes at 11:30 PM from Sunday to Thursday, with extended service until 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, but we reccomend you to check online the times.
Exploring beyond the city center: commuter and regional trains
If your itinerary includes a trip to the coast or the airport, you will likely use the urban and regional trains (FL). For those heading to the beach or the stunning ruins of Ostia Antica, the Roma-Lido train departs from Piramide station and accepts the standard €1.50 ATAC ticket.
For broader travel, the FL (Regional) lines operated by Trenitalia connect the city center with the suburbs and major transit hubs. A crucial route for many travelers is the FL1 line, which provides a direct link between Fiumicino Airport and popular neighborhoods like Trastevere and Ostiense.
Where to get off depending on what you want to see if you are in the metro?
To make sure you don’t miss your stop, here are the key stations on the two main lines:
| Line | Key Station | What you’ll see when you exit |
| A (Red) | Ottaviano | Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Square. |
| A (Red) | Spagna | Piazza di Spagna and shopping area (Via del Corso). |
| A (Red) | Barberini | Trevi Fountain (5 mins away) and Piazza Barberini. |
| A (Red) | Flaminio | Piazza del Popolo and entrance to Villa Borghese. |
| B (Blue) | Colosseo | The Colosseum and the Roman Forum (you are right in front). |
| B (Blue) | Circo Massimo | The Circus Maximus and Palatine Hill. |
| B (Blue) | Piramide | The Pyramid of Cestius and connection to the beach train. |
Buses and Trams: To enjoy the scenery
Rome has over 350 bus routes. They’re great for getting to places the metro doesn’t reach, but they have one small drawback: the timetables are only a guide.
- Route 64: It’s famous because it runs from Termini to the Vatican via the city centre. It’s very convenient, but it’s also a favourite spot for pickpockets. Keep an eye on your bag!
- Route 40 (Express): This is the best alternative to the famous 64. It runs from Termini to the Vatican, but makes fewer stops, so it’s quicker. It stops at Piazza Venezia and Largo Argentina.
- Route H: Ideal if you’re staying in Trastevere. It connects Termini station with the heart of the Trastevere neighbourhood in about 20–25 minutes.
Night buses: These are identified by an ‘N’ before the number and run from 00:00 to 05:00.
- Tram 8: This is the best option for getting to the Trastevere neighbourhood from the city centre (Largo Argentina).
- Line 3: It’s almost like a tourist bus. It passes by the Colosseum, San Giovanni, the San Lorenzo neighbourhood and ends at Villa Borghese. If you have time, it’s a lovely ride.
- Line 19: This is the longest route. It crosses half the city and drops you off near Piazza Risorgimento (right next to the Vatican).
Guide to Tickets and Travel Cards
To help you decide which option is most cost-effective for your trip, here is a breakdown of the current prices:
| Ticket Type | Duration / Use | Price | Ideal for… |
| BIT (Single) | 100 minutes | 1.50 € | One-off trips. Only 1 metro journey included. |
| Roma 24H | 24 hours | 7.00 € | An intense day of sightseeing far from your hotel. |
| Roma 48H / 72H | 2 or 3 days | 12.50 € / 18 € | Weekend getaways or short breaks. |
| CIS (Weekly) | 7 days | 24.00 € | If you are staying a week and plan to take over 16 trips. |
Important note: Children under 10 years old travel for free as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
¿Taxi or Uber?
- Taxi (White): This is the best value for money.
- Uber: Only the luxury version (Uber Black) is available, so it is always much more expensive than a standard taxi.
Essential apps and local tips for visitng Rome
To make your Roman holiday as smooth as possible, having the right technology at your fingertips is a game-changer. For real-time updates on bus arrivals and the most efficient transit routes, we highly recommend downloading Moovit. This app is often more accurate for public transport than Google Maps, which remains the gold standard for walking directions and locating nearby bus stops.
If you prefer a private car, FreeNow is the go-to app for booking official white taxis. It’s generally more reliable and cost-effective than Uber in Rome, ensuring you get a fair price and a professional driver.
Beyond the transport apps, a few local insights can save you from total exhaustion. First and foremost, choose your footwear wisely. Rome’s streets are famous for sampietrini—irregular cobblestones that can be unforgiving on your feet. Avoid flat soles or flip-flops; your ankles and arches will thank you after a long day of sightseeing.
We also suggest pacing yourself. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you shouldn’t try to see it all in one, either. To save your energy, alternate between walking through the historic quarters and using the metro or tram system for longer distances. While the city is safe, always stay mindful of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas or on busy buses like the 64.
A simple precaution, such as wearing your rucksack on your front or keeping your phone in a secure pocket, is all you need to stay worry-free.
For those looking for a different perspective, bicycles and electric scooters are a fantastic way to explore the cycle path along the River Tiber or the ancient Via Appia.
However, we recommend sticking to these scenic routes and being extra cautious if you decide to brave the traffic on the city’s main avenues.
Enjoy the Eternal City without any hassle
Getting around Rome may seem a bit of a challenge at first, but once you’ve got the hang of the different ticket types and the basic apps, the city becomes much more accessible. The most important thing is to relax: public transport is there to help you get between the major sights and to give you a breather between walks.
Don’t worry if you find it a bit hard to find your way around on the first day; in Rome, getting lost in the streets often leads you to discover incredible spots that aren’t in the guidebooks. With your bags safely stored in a left-luggage facility and your ticket always validated, all that’s left is to let yourself be swept away by the history and atmosphere of this unique city. Have a great trip!
