tourist public transport rome

Rome Public Transport

Rome’s public transportation system consists of buses , trams , metro , and train lines conveniently connecting every corner of Rome.

Although Rome is a very walkable city, sometimes you need to rest your feet up or travel a little further afield. Public transport is a great, cost-effective way to get around the Eternal City – here’s what you need to know.

Types of Public Transport in Rome

For an ancient city, Rome has excellent modern public transportation. 

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The metro is an efficient and cost-effective way to get around Rome, even if it isn’t the most extensive system. Rome’s metro is the smallest in Europe, but almost a million people use it daily. 

There are three lines, A (orange/red), B (blue), and the smallest, C (green), but only the former two are likely to be used by visitors. You can get to the Vatican , Spanish Steps , and Colosseum easily via the metro, but it doesn’t connect to areas in the southwest of the center, making it slightly limited.

A train will arrive approximately every 5-10 minutes, from 5:30 am until 11.30 pm.

Buses are the most widespread means of public transportation in Rome, with 338 bus lines and over 8000 stops. They’re frequent, but I wouldn’t expect them to always come on time. You can reach practically every corner of the city via bus, so if you’re venturing out of the historic center, it’s likely you’ll become familiar with the system. 

Hop-on hop-off buses are not part of the public transport system, so don’t expect your ticket to be usable on them.

Trams aren’t as widespread in Rome, but there is a small network consisting of 6 lines and 192 stations. It’s a smooth and quick way to travel, perhaps the most comfortable of the four types.

Both buses and trams run from 5:30 am until midnight every day, but there is a scaled-back night bus service available after these hours.

There are urban trains in Rome, besides the inter-city lines stopping at Termini. The overground trains aren’t going to be used by people wanting to travel around the historic center, but are great for reaching outer boroughs or the cruise port of Rome, Civitavecchia.

How to Use Public Transport in Rome

How to buy tickets.

Buying tickets for buses and trams in Rome is a little different to most cities in Europe and, in many ways, a bit outdated. You don’t normally purchase tickets on the bus, for example – and there’s no contactless card system as of yet – but buy them beforehand from places such as:

• Newsagents (tabaccai or bar tabacchi) 
• Newspaper kiosks
• Ticket machines are located next to main bus stops and at metro stations
• Atac booths in metro stations

The Atac booths in the following metro stations sell the weekly CIS ticket and others:

• Line A: Anagnina, Battistini, Lepanto, Ottaviano/San Pietro, Piazza di Spagna , Termini.
• Line B: Laurentina, Eur Fermi, Ponte Mammolo,Porta San Paolo, Termini.

Buying tickets for the metro is very straightforward; the ticket machines are at each station, and you have to pass through a gate to enter, which immediately validates the ticket. There’s also a contactless system in place, meaning you can just tap your card when you enter and exit to pay.

For the buses and trams, however, it’s important to buy your ticket in advance from one of the places mentioned previously – you don’t want to be caught out rushing to catch a bus only to realize you forgot to buy a ticket. Many people will buy multiple single-use tickets at once for this reason (if they’re not buying a pass with a longer duration).

How to Plan Routes

It’s easier than ever to plan your route around the Eternal City. Gone are the days of staring at maps and asking for help in broken Italian – if you have a phone, you’re good to go.

Google Maps is a simple choice, as many of us already have it installed on our phones or can easily access it. You can get around Rome easily just by using Google Maps, as it will show you the quickest way to reach your destination through public transport, whether that involves a single journey on the metro or catching a bus, tram, and metro all in one trip.

It isn’t the best choice available, however, as it doesn’t give real-time updates on times and delays to the same degree of accuracy as some other apps.

Moovit is a great alternative to Google Maps, which helps you to plan your route while staying updated with any delays, while Probus Rome is another useful app for keeping an eye on time.

When on the metro, you may find it useful to have a downloaded version of the metro map. This will help you keep an eye on the number of stops left until you get off after you inevitably lose your connection to the internet.

How to Navigate the City

Using an app is the easiest way to navigate the city, but it’s important to remember just how walkable Rome is. 

It’s probably not worth jumping on the metro for one or two stops, and if you’re going from the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain or another central site, it is far quicker to walk. Public transport in the city is great whenever you need it, and it’s easy to find your way around – but don’t rely on it completely and utterly.

Rome’s Public Transport Passes and Fares

Public transport fares are very reasonable in Rome – it’s one of the cheapest ways to travel around the city.

Types of Tickets and Fares

Besides finding a place to purchase your ticket (and later validating it), you’ll find that the ticket system in Rome is actually quite straightforward. You can buy a ticket that allows you to use the bus, metro, trams, and some urban trains, rather than having to buy a separate ticket for each.

Ticket Options Available in Rome

• Single-use (BIT) ticket : usable on buses, trams, and metro lines for up to 100 minutes from the first time it is stamped.
• 24-hour ticket: unlimited use of buses, trams, and metro lines, as well as some urban train lines for ticket duration; valid from the first time it is stamped for the next 24 hours.
• 48-hour ticket: same as above, except for a validity of 48 hours.
• 72-hour ticket: useful if you want to make the most of public transport for a long weekend.

the three-day option has an alternative worth considering: the Roma Pass. Also valid for three days of unlimited travel in the city, it additionally offers entry to two sites and reduced prices on many sights, museums , theatres , and cinemas. There’s also a 42-hour Roma Pass available.

Week Pass (CIS)

Starting on any weekday, usable on buses and metro lines from the first day, it is stamped until 24:00 of the seventh day.

For a next-level tourist pass, look to the Omnia Card . It’s expensive but includes access to several popular tourist sites , as well as unlimited use of public transport for 72 hours.

Ticket Validation

Always remember to validate your ticket. There are hefty fines if you’re found to be without a validated ticket – just having an unvalidated ticket on your person often isn’t enough.

On the metro, this isn’t a concern, as you will validate your ticket by simply passing through the turnstiles. The only thing worth noting with the metro is that if you’ve bought a single-use ticket, you can swap lines, but once you have exited through a turnstile, you won’t be able to get back in on the same ticket.

For buses and trams, you will have to remember to stamp the ticket in the machine onboard to validate it. The validity will depend on your ticket type, but a standard single-use ticket lasts for 100 minutes (and you can swap buses within that timeframe). Transportation to the airport isn’t included in the travel passes.

Navigating Popular Tourist Sites Using Public Transport

Getting to major tourist sites like the Colosseum, the Vatican, and the Pantheon is simple using public transport. Remember that downloading an app like Moovit will help you plan.

You can catch a bus that will take you either right outside or very close to practically every popular tourist site in Rome, while the metro also leads to a handful of the most notable spots.

The Colosseum has a metro station, Colosseo, which is on Line B, as well as a tram stop (lines 3 or 8) and several buses that arrive just outside (including 38, 75, 175, and 271). This is also the best way to get to the Roman Forum and Monti neighborhood.

To get to the Vatican, you can catch metro Line A to Ottaviano or, again, several buses, including 62, 64, and 81. There is also an overground train that stops at the nearby train station, St Pietro, but this would be more useful for people traveling in from Civitavecchia.

Many of the other sites in Rome are very close to one another – the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and even the Spanish Steps are within easy walking distance of each other. You can catch metro Line A to Spagna station for the steps and walk down to the others from there. A few buses that stop near the Pantheon are 51, 60, and 62, but you should check an app for the best option.

Keep an eye out for the bus 40 Express, which is a special bus for tourists going through most of the famous sights:

• Vatican area and St.Peter’s Basilica – stop Borgo Sant’Angelo (beginning/end of the line)
• City center (Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona , Trevi Fountain) – stop Piazza Argentina
• Colosseum (Imperial and Roman Forum) – stop Piazza Venezia
• Termini Train Station (beginning/end of line)

Sometimes it’s better to walk if places are close to one another. Equally, if you’re hoping to avoid crowds – for example, if you’re going from the Colosseum to the Spanish Steps – public transport will allow you to skip the busy streets.

Best Times to Use Public Transport in Rome

Everyone knows that rush hour is a less-than-ideal time to travel, wherever you are. Rome is no different, so the mornings and evenings around the typical working day will see buses, trains, and all public transport rammed full of commuters.

An app like Moovit can give you updates on how crowded a train or bus is, making it a useful tool for avoiding the busiest periods. Generally, though, any time outside of these commuter hours is fine to use public transport – except perhaps in mid-afternoon in the height of summer, when these buses and trains tend to get very hot.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Public transport in Rome is relatively accessible, though some modes of transport are better than others. The buses are the best option for disabled passengers, with 98% of the fleet equipped with a boarding platform and wheelchair area. Newer buses are also equipped with next-stop announcements to aid the visually impaired.

Trams and the metro are a bit more mixed in terms of accessibility. Line B is accessible, but Line A is less so: stops Spagna, Barberini, Repubblica, Vittorio Emanuele, and San Giovanni all do not have lifts or stair lifts connecting with the platforms. 70% of trams have a platform-level floor to ease boarding, but many have steps instead.

The trains of the Termini-Centocelle line are also not accessible to passengers with reduced mobility, though there are some buses that run the same route.

Parents with strollers will also want to avoid the metro where possible or use a sling to carry small children as it can get quite crowded. Buses are a better alternative.

Benefits of Using Public Transport in Rome

While not always the most luxurious way to travel, there are some great benefits to using public transport in Rome:

• Cost-effectiveness – besides walking, this is by far the cheapest way to travel around the city. 
• Convenience – you can get pretty much anywhere in Rome with public transport, as you’re never too far from a bus stop or station.
• A time-saver – the metro comes regularly and skips all the traffic on the roads. The same trip in a taxi would take much longer.
• The environmentally -friendly way to travel – public transport is more eco-friendly, making it the greener choice.

Buses , trams , the metro (a subway system), and trains are all available in Rome.

You purchase tickets from any Tabbachi shop (newsagents), newsstands, Atac booths in metro stations, and ticket machines, which can be found at metro stations and larger bus stations. The ticket in Italian is biglietto .

Yes, besides the 24, 48, and 72-hour passes, there is a weekly pass. Limitless use of public transport is often a feature of tourist passes , including the Roma pass .

Download an app like Moovit to help you plan your route, see live times, and know when transportation is crowded.

The peak times are similar to most countries: morning and evening when commuters are traveling to and from work. Avoid traveling between 8 and 9 am and 5 and 6 pm when possible; use an app to see live updates on passenger density.

The options aren’t fantastic, but the buses are generally accessible. 98% of buses are equipped for wheelchair users. Metro Line B is another option, but Line A should be avoided.

Like any major city, you should have your wits about you in Rome and on public transport, as there is always a slight risk of theft. Keep your valuables in a zipped cross-body bag to avoid pick-pockets.

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Public Transportation in Rome

Getting Around Rome: Guide to Public Transportation

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• Public Transportation

Other Transit Options

Car rentals, getting to rome from the airport.

• Accessibility
• Additional Tips

Rome has an extensive public transportation system consisting of the Metro (subway), bus, tram, and three suburban railway lines (FS) that move millions of passengers throughout the Italian capital each year. A convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around, Rome's public transportation, operated by ATAC , will connect you to the Eternal City's most popular tourist attractions.

Here's what you need to know about getting around Rome on public transportation.

How to Ride Rome's Public Transportation

Rome's internal transportation system allows holders of tickets and passes to travel on all city transport within the time designated on the ticket purchased. The method you choose to use will depend on where you are going and your timing. For example, buses can get caught up in traffic, but the quicker-moving trams don't reach as many major tourist areas as buses do, and the three-line metro also might not be extensive enough to get you where you need to be. (Read more on the specific of each method below.) Check the ATAC site to plan your route.

Methods of Public Transportation

The Metro (Metropolitana): It consists of three lines: A (orange), B (blue) and C (green). Operating on 60 km (37 miles) of tracks with 73 station stops, the Metro is an efficient system of trains that travel both underground (subway) and above-ground. Termini Station is the main hub of Metro, with Lines A and B intersecting there.

Commuter trains (Regional State Railways or FS): There are also three commuter train lines: Roma-Lido (to Ostia), Roma-Giardinetti (a narrow gauge, on-street railway), and Roma-Nord (to outlying suburbs). Commuter lines honor Metro/bus/tram tickets, as long as you are traveling within the city limits.

Buses: Slow-moving but frequent buses ply most major thoroughfares in Rome and connect the areas that Metro doesn't reach. To determine which bus stops where, look at the tall signs at the bus stops on the sidewalk, and find the bus line(s) that stops at or near where you need to go. Increasingly, digital signs list the series of buses scheduled to arrive at a stop, so you'll know how long you need to wait for your bus.

The biggest bus depots in central Rome and the ones you're most likely to rely on for sightseeing are located at Piazza Venezia (with most stops to the right of the Vittoriano monument), in front of Termini Station. Most buses bound for Vatican City stop at Borgo/Piazza Pia (at Castel Sant'Angelo) or at Piazza del Risorgimento, in front of the Vatican Museums.

Trams: Six tram lines run across Rome, and they have a certain old-school charm. Tram stops are usually on raised platforms in the middle of busy streets, so be sure to use marked pedestrian crosswalks to get to or from these platforms. They're a bit nicer and cleaner than buses, however, these do not take you to the city center, and do not run near any major tourist attractions, so they're not your best bet for sightseeing.

Despite being overcrowded and chronically behind schedule, for the most part, Rome's buses, trams, and commuter trains are reliable and highly efficient.

Tickets & Fares

How to Buy: In Rome, you must have a ticket before boarding any public transportation. There are several places where you can buy B.I.T. tickets ( biglietti ), including kiosks at stations, in coffee bars, at tabacchi (tobacco shops) and newsstands ( edicole ). You can also buy regional and intercity train tickets online at TrenItalia and Italo , and bus/tram/commuter rail tickets via MyCicero app . Purchases by credit card can be made at automated ticket machines or online, but when buying a single ticket, cash is required.

How to Use: On the Metro, the ticket is inserted into automated ticket barriers when entering and exiting. On buses, trams and commuter rail passengers must validate their ticket in one of the yellow ticket machines inside the vehicle. Before getting on a train, you'll find green validation machines near track entrances. Most operators today accept contactless payments on smartphones, so in this case, there's no need to validate. But failure to stamp your paper ticket can result in fines of €55 and up.

Fares:  Rides on all public transportation in Rome cost €1.50. Children 10 and under ride for free when accompanied by an adult.

Discount Fares: Discounted public transport passes are recommended for visitors, providing a better value than paying as you go. Purchase passes at vending machines in any metro station, tobacco shop, or newsstand. There's a way to buy tickets by SMS (text sent to your smartphone), but unless you have an Italian phone number, we don't recommend this option. Roma 24H (1-day) costs €6; Roma 72H (3-day) is €16.50; and a weekly ticket (CIS) is €24 (good for 7 calendar days).

Essential Information About Rome's Public Transportation

• Hours: Buses, trams, and commuter trains operate daily from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, with limited night bus service available. The Metro is open from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and Sunday (until 1:30 AM on Saturdays).
• Key Routes: Some key bus routes for tourist: 40 (St Peter's), 60 and 75 (Colosseum), 62 (Spanish Steps), 64 (Vatican), 81 (Circus Maximus), H and Tram 8 (Trastevere).
• Service Alerts: Like any big city, service interruptions happen. In Italy, it's quite possible to experience a general or transportation strike ( sciopero ) during your stay. To get updated news about impending disruptions go to MIT.gov .
• Transfers:  Tickets on the Metro and FS trains are only good for a single ride, however buses and trams let you transfer as many times as you want in a 100-minute period.

Most of the main tourist attractions are located in the historic center, but several important sights like papal palaces, gardens, catacombs, parks, and lakes are farther afield. Many can be reached by taking a combination of the Metro and/or bus, but others are harder to get to. Here are a few alternative transits options you should know about.

Scooters for Hire

For those who are looking for a fun and easy way to get around Rome, Scooterino is an app that sends a driver and an extra helmet to pick you up—just hop on the back and they'll take you where you want to go. There are also several companies in the city that offer electric bikes, electric scooters, gas-powered scooters and vintage Vespas for hire, too.

If you are renting a motorized scooter ( motorino ) to pilot yourself, you must have a valid drivers license (no special license is required for up to 125cc). Given Rome's hectic, often fast-moving traffic and fearless drivers, we recommend you have solid experience operating a motorcycle. Note: wearing a helmet is required by law.

Bikes Rentals

You can rent human-powered road bikes, mountain bikes, trekking bikes, E-bikes, speed bikes, and tandem bikes. Consider joining a bike tour to get the most out of the experience.

Rome's official cabs are white, have a "taxi" sign on the roof and their license number printed on the doors. You cannot hail taxis on the street, but below are other ways to can get a cab in Rome:

• Go to one of the designated taxi stands scattered throughout the city. You'll find ranks outside stations, at large piazzas, and around popular tourist sights.
• Order a cab by phone directly from the taxi company.
• Arrange a pickup with MyTaxi app . It works a lot like Uber in that you put in a request and your location and it sends the nearest taxi to pick you up.

Taxis rates are as follows : €1.10-1.60 (per km) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you're leaving from Termini train station, there's a €2 surcharge, plus a €1 charge per piece of luggage that has to go in the trunk. Fares begin when you get in or at the time you call for one (not when it arrives).

Ride Sharing Apps

In Rome, Uber is only permitted to operate its Uber Black and Uber Van service. Drivers are required to have a town car NCC license, making it significantly more expensive than using taxis.

Unless you are planning to drive from Rome to other destinations not connected by the national rail system, we recommend you avoid driving in Rome. Not only is it expensive (gas costs as much as 2€ per liter, equaling about $8 per gallon), but street parking is scarce, the city is full of poorly marked, one-way streets, and traffic fines can be steep.

To rent a car in Italy you must be over 21 years old and have held a driver's license for at least a year. If visiting from outside the EU, you may be required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) , which you must apply for before leaving home. Check with your local automobile association for details.

There are two airports that serve Rome's metropolitan area and the surrounding regions of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. Fiumicino Airport (FCO), also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport, is a large, international hub served by long-haul flights. The second is Ciampino Airport (CIO), which is served mostly by budget airlines that fly to and from cities across Italy and Europe.

Airport transfers by train and bus take travelers to one of Rome's two main railway stations: Roma Termini (in the historic center) and Roma Tiburtina (just outside the walls). Both train stations have transit areas connecting to key destinations in Rome.

Fiumicino Airport : Located 31 km (22 miles) from the center of Rome, the easiest and quickest way to get to the main train station, Roma Termini, is by taking the Leonardo Express , a direct shuttle train. Departing from the airport's railway station every 20 minutes or so, the train costs €14 one way. A number of bus operators provide an economical option into the city with fares around €6-7 for the 45-minute journey. If you prefer to take a taxi, they charge a flat rate of €48 (to anywhere inside the Aurelian walls) but may add luggage and extra passenger surcharges.  

Ciampino Airport: This airport, 15 km (9 miles) from Rome's city center, offers several city transfer options, however, there's no direct train service. Airport buses are operated by Cotral , Terravision , Roma Airport Bus , and Sit , with rides costing between €6 and €7. The journey takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The flat-rate taxi fare (anywhere within the Aurelian walls) is €30, which doesn't include baggage and extra passenger fees.

Accessibility on Rome's Public Transportation System

• Metro Line A has the most services for disabled riders, with 39 trains providing facilities for wheelchairs, along with loudspeaker stop alarms and automatic door opening systems. Many stops are equipped with lifts and/or adaptions for the visually impaired.
• There are buses for disabled passengers circulating on all the main urban lines, however at present, not all stops are accessible due to curb height issues.
• Tram Line 8 (Casaletto - Torre Argentina) is fully accessible. For more information go to ATAC 's website.

Additional Tips for Getting Around Rome

• Be wary of pickpockets on crowded subway cars and buses.
• Take advantage of navigation apps like Google maps and Mouversi .
• Never accept a ride from a driver not in a licensed, white taxi.
• Rome is a very walkable city with key attractions reachable on foot.

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Public transport in Rome: everything you need to know to get around the capital

• Places and Tours

Buses , metro , trams and even trains : discover the super guide with all the practical information for getting around Rome by public transport

Moving from one side to the other of a large metropolis like Rome , may seem like a difficult undertaking, and it certainly is, but in this article we will give you all the information you need to get around Rome by public transport , using the metro , buses , trams and railway lines ; and you'll see that once you understand how it works it won't be that difficult.

In this article you will discover everything you need to know to get around Rome. A super guide to public transport with also an overview of the different types of tickets , season tickets and tourist passes that greatly facilitate travel around Rome. Among these, the Visit Rome Pass is highly recommended, a tourist pass which, in addition to access to more than 50 attractions, includes unlimited access to public transport.

Spanish Steps in Rome

Knowing how to use Rome's public transport network is certainly the first step to enjoying your visit to the city to the fullest. First, we must consider that the center of Rome includes a very large surface area . The Colosseum and Roman Forum , for example, are in a very different area than the Vatican Museums or the Spanish Steps . It is therefore essential to plan, at least in principle, your daily itinerary. This allows you to understand more easily which public transports will be essential during the various excursions around Rome .

Subscriptions and passes come to our aid, which will allow you to organize your holiday in a comfortable and practical way. Are you ready to find out which public transport will be useful for your Roman Holidays ? An alternative to public transport, to be considered if you plan trips out of town to pleasant but poorly connected places, is car rental . Vehicle that allows you to take personalized routes , outside the most tested circuits.

Buses and trams: the wide network of public transports in Rome

Altar of the Fatherland in Piazza Venezia

Buses and trams connect all areas of the capital, both in the center and on the outskirts.

There are 6 tram lines , active from 5.30 am to midnight : 

- First of all, we mention line 8 , because it is the most interesting from a tourist point of view: it connects Piazza Venezia (Fori Romani area) to Trastevere ;

- Secondly, line 2 connects Piazza Mancini to Piazzale Flaminio ;

- Line 3 connects Piazza Thorwaldsen and Trastevere;

- Line 5 connects Via Giovanni Amendola (Termini Station) to Piazza dei Gerani;

- Follow line 14 which connects Via Giovanni Amendola ( Termini Station ) to Palmiro Togliatti;

- Finally, line 19 connects Piazza Risorgimento to Piazza dei Gerani.

As for buses, the capital offers more than 300 daily lines and more than 20 night lines , counting over 8 thousand stops . Furthermore, a supply of 411 electric buses will arrive in the city by the end of 2024. The lines are active from 5.30 in the morning until midnight , and there are also a series of night bus lines active from midnight to 05.30 in the morning.

If, however, you like to be led, you could choose a panoramic bus tour and get off and on whenever you like at certain strategic points including: the Vatican and Castel Sant'Angelo , San Giovanni in Laterano, the Circus Maximus and many other places of interest.

Metro in Rome, your fastest choice

Complete map of the metro in Rome

There are three metro lines : the first is Line A , characterized by the color Orange , with 27 stations , which connects Battistini to Anagnina , and runs 290 trips a day .

The second is Line B , characterized by the color Blue with 3 terminus: Laurentina, Rebibbia and Jonio and connects 26 stations with 308 trips per day .

The third Line C , marked by the green colour , is the most recent and is still partially under construction. The trains on this line are controlled and guided by a driverless integral automation system, therefore they do not have a driver on board. The line connects San Giovanni and Monte Compatri-Pantano . This line has an interesting history. In fact, during the construction works of the San Giovanni stop , numerous finds from the Roman era emerged which today are exhibited inside the station itself, used as a museum . The terminus of line C will be in Piazza Venezia , right in front of the Altare della Patria.

In general, the metro allows you to reach the main points of interest in the city such as the Spanish Steps , Piazza del Popolo , the Trevi Fountain , the Opera House, the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica . The subway is the most convenient and fastest way to move around the capital, used by tourists, but also by the Romans themselves. The metro operates every day from 5.30am to 11.30pm , while on Fridays and Saturdays until 1.30am .

If you travel by public transport it could be very useful to have an audio guide app on your phone, thanks to which you will be able to find constantly updated information on places of tourist importance, attractions, artistic masterpieces and treasures set like precious gems on the hills of Rome.

Trainlines you can consider in Rome

One of the most scenic view's of Rome

On occasions, it may be interesting to consider trains . In fact, there are 12 railway lines in Rome ! There are 8 main ones (whose names begin with the letter F) and 4 special ones.

The Atac company that manages Rome's public transport operates 3 lines that cover the routes from Rome to Viterbo, from Rome to Giardinetti and, finally, from Rome to Lido di Ostia . While the remaining 9 lines are managed by Trenitalia (Italian State Railways).

  Among other lines, one of the most useful is the Leonardo Express , which connects Rome Termini station to Fiumicino airport . We then include the FL1 line (Orte – Fiumicino Airport), the FL2 (Rome Tiburtina – Tivoli), the FL3 (Rome Ostiense – Viterbo Porta Fiorentina), the FL4 (Rome Termini – Frascati / Albano Laziale / Velletri), the FL5 (Rome Termini – Civitavecchia), the FL6 (Rome Termini – Cassino), the FL7 (Rome Termini – Minturno - Scauri) and the FL8 (Rome Termini – Nettuno). It is certainly useful to know in which Rome airport to land at in order to secure a means of transport to enter the city. Remember that among the various alternatives available, you could rely on the fast and efficient minivan service for your travel from your hotel or from the center to Rome Fiumicino international airport.

After this overview, it is certainly clear that public transport in Rome is, to say the least, an indispensable tool for exploring all the beauties that the capital offers. We will see how to juggle tickets , season tickets and passes in the next paragraphs.

The ecological choice: moving by bike and on foot

The capital's cycle network extends for approximately 320 km and winds through parks and historic villas and along the main streets of Rome , encouraging the use of active and sustainable mobility not only in free time but also when traveling for work and study. The bike can represent a valid alternative to using public transport or private cars.

It is useful to know that it is allowed to ride public transport with your own folding or traditional bicycle . The folding bike is always free, while the traditional one is free only with Metrebus season tickets.

For some years now, to contribute to improving air quality, the city of Rome has pedestrianized some streets on specific days, on Sundays and on public  holidays via dei Fori Imperiali and the stretch of the Appia Antica (from Porta San Sebastiano to the church of Domine Quo Vadis, and from via di San Sebastiano to Via Cecilia Metella) are accessible only to pedestrians and bicycles.

How to use the public transports in Rome: tickets and prices

View of Rome. On the top left, the Altar of the Fatherland

As we have seen, the company that manages the capital's means of transport is Atac .

There are numerous solutions offered by Atac for the use of tickets which are valid not only for buses and trams , but also the underground and regional railways (in the latter case, the tickets are valid only in second class and on the Rome routes – Lido of Ostia, Termini - Centocelle, Rome - Viterbo).

Here are the proposed solutions : 

- The single ticket , valid for 100 minutes from stamping (on the subway it is valid for a single journey and allows you to change lines A-B and A-C), at the price of 1.50 euros .

- The booklet includes 10 single tickets at a cost of 15 euros .

- There is an integrated weekly card , valid for 7 days starting from the moment of the first stamping which allows unlimited travel on public transport at a cost of 24 euros .

- Tickets: Rome 24h (7 euros); Rome 48h (12.50 euros) and Rome72h (18 euros).

Tickets can be purchased at tobacconists , newsstands , at the vending machines available at the main bus stops and at the metro stations, but also at the ATAC ticket offices and inside the train stations. Metro tickets can also be purchased via contactless credit card.

It may also be useful to know that children up to 10 years of age, if accompanied by a paying adult, have free access to the main public transport in the municipality of Rome.

It is always advisable to consult the ATAC official website to stay updated on any news or changes. Alternatively, some mobile applications are also available that provide solutions on routes, on connections between the different stops, on timetables and any delays: the main ones are Viaggia con Atac and Roma Mobilità , the official applications of the public transport company.

Tourist Pass to explore the capital of Italy: the most convenient solutions

Trevi Fountain, Rome

In addition to single tickets, there are passes that allow unlimited travel on Rome's public transport lines for 48 and 72 hours. They are tourist-cultural cards , the counting will start from the moment of the first stamping and in addition to full access to public transport, the 48h card allows free entry to the first museum, archaeological site or experience; while the 72h card includes 2 free entries.

Finally, once again we suggest the Visit Rome Pass option, the advantage of this pass is that it includes access to more than 50 attractions combined with unlimited use of public transport , it is present in version 2, 3 or 7 days .

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Public transport & Metro Rome

Getting around in rome: transportation, metro tickets and travel passes.

All information on the metro and public transportion in Rome; bus, metro map, metro tickets and travel passes. Tips for getting around in Rome Italy.

Public transport in Rome

Rome has three metro lines (A to C). During your city break, you will probably only use subway line A and B (Line C is still largely under construction). You have several options for buying metro tickets at the ticket machines. It is important to know that the same ticket is valid for all public transport (ATAC) including metro, trams, buses (with the exception of the tourist buses) and even a number of regional trains (Trenitalia 2nd class, Roma-Lido, Rome-Viterbo and Rome-Giardinetti). These tickets are not valid all the way to the airport; please read this airport transfer article for more information. You can choose from a number of different Rome subway tickets:

• BIT Metro Ticket : This ticket costs 1.50 € and allows you to use public transport for 100 minutes after you stamp it. You are only allowed to make one trip by metro or train.
• Roma 24H Ticket : This 7 € ticket allows you to travel for 24 hours after activation.
• Roma 48H / 72H Ticket : With this ticket you can travel 2 days for 12.50 € or 3 days for 18 €. Tip : You can now also purchase your public transport card (72 hours) incl. airport transfer online ( buy the Rome Travel Card here ).
• Rome City Passes : The metro is also included in the Roma Pass , which gives you 48 or 72 hours access to public transport including one or two attractions. In the popular Rome City Turbopass you can also add public transport tickets as an extra option.
• CIS Metro Ticket : With this ticket of 24 € you can travel 7 days.
• The metro runs every day from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm (1:30 am on Saturdays)
• Children up to 10 years old travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult
• Do remember to stamp your ticket (you do this yourself in the buses and trams), or you will risk a fine
• A better map of the center of Rome with the metro stops can be found here .

From the airport to the city centre of Rome

This ' Airport to Rome ' article describes in detail how you can reach the center of Rome from the two airports Fiumicino and Ciampino.

To airport transfers

Public buses

Certain tourist locations, such as Trastevere , are far from the nearest metro stop. There is an extensive network of city buses you can use for these. They use the same tickets as the metro. Tickets (same as for the metro) can be purchased from the ticket machines at the metro and bus stations and at tobacco and newspaper shops. Do remember to stamp your ticket; after stamping it, you can use the bus for 100 minutes and change lines if necessary. The route planner for the city buses can be found here .

Hop-on-hop-off buses

Hop-on-hop-off buses are a common sight in every tourist city. Rome chose to go with two different companies for these sightseeing and tourist buses. Rome also has a number of different tourist passes that will definitely save you a lot of money. Here is a list of all the buses and tourist passes; pick the one that suits your needs best:

• 1 day Bus Pass 26 € ( book your tickets )
• 2 days Bus Pass 33 € ( book your tickets )
• 3 days Bus Pass 39 € ( book your tickets )

The convenient thing is that you can already book your Hop-on-Hop-off bus tickets online and show them on your mobile phone when you get on the bus. You will not have to stand in line at sales points for tourists and just step on the bus with your mobile ticket nice and early.

Rome Tourist Passes

• 48 hours 33 € including  1 attraction ( Reservation & info ).
• 72 hours 53 € including 2 attractions ( Reservation & info ).

The Rome City Turbopass is a very comprehensive city pass for Rome. The Rome City Turbopass is valid for 1 to 7 days and gives you access to various museums and attractions. This new tourist card is especially interesting if you are staying in Rome for a longer period of time. The hop on hop off bus is included (48 hours) and as extra option you can add public transport tickets .

The Rome City Turbopass includes the following attractions:

• Admission to Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill
• Admission to Vatican Museums (and the Sistine Chapel)
• Hop-on-hop-off city bus tour (48 hours) with audio guide
• Admission to the Pantheon
• Admission to the Castle of Sant'Angelo
• Various attractions and museums such as: the Baths of Caracalla, the Stadium of Domitian in Piazza Navona, the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, Museo Leonardo da Vinci Experience and Palazzo Barberini
• Optional : With airport transfers
• Optional : With public transport ticket
• More info and booking Rome City Turbopass

Partnerlinks: Transport Venetië , Airport transfer Dubai and Granada

Most visited attractions

Top 25 Things to do in Rome

Colosseum & Tickets

Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

St.Peter's Basilica & Tickets

How to get around in Rome

Jun 29, 2023 • 8 min read

Find your way around in Rome with this guide to transportation and tickets © TFILM / Getty Images

Whether or not you find it easy to get around Rome  will depend a lot on what your expectations are.

The most important thing to remember is that Rome is old. Like, old. Most of the streets have not been designed to accommodate people, buses, cars or bikes, and the underground network has been built in and around one of the most archaeologically rich locations on earth. The  very things we all come to Rome  to see are the very reason that it takes so long to get around it. Keep that in mind the next time you visit and remember that any confusing detours you go on may end up being the best part of your trip!

Here's what you need to know to find your way around in Rome.

Explore the city on mass transit

Just like any major city, the Eternal One has a comprehensive public transport network of buses, trams, and trains that will take you anywhere you want to go. Of course, they may also take you to a few places you weren’t planning on visiting, so it helps to get yourself familiarized before you’re on the ground. Atac, the company that operates all mass transit in Rome, has undergone a facelift in recent years and though some wrinkles are still visible, it’s a pretty convincing nip and tuck. Visitors can download maps in multiple languages from the Atac website , or download the Moovit app to get real-time info. 

Metro line C is best for sightseeing

It’s helpful to remember that the two metro lines A and B mostly travel north and south, with the C line heading further to the east. The C will be one of the most familiar sights if you pass through central Rome: archaeological finds at the Imperial Forum station are so proliferate that it’s taken decades to dig for tracks. As a result, the street between the Colosseum and the Forum is lined with heavy machinery and the promise that “it’ll soon be done.” Don’t hold your breath, but don’t sweat it either, and remember that the street is still open to some traffic, so be mindful when crossing the road.

Trams run east to west

Rome’s six small tram lines are primarily useful for traveling east to west and are a good way to see the Trastevere and Monteverde neighborhoods . The trams are a fun, somewhat nostalgic, slightly nicer way to travel as they tend to avoid a lot of the car traffic. Plus, some vintage trams are still in operation, so may get the chance to catch a bit of retro cool as you go.

The tram system plays an important role in the history of modern Rome and it’s worth getting to know a bit of the background (for all of our transit history fans out there). However, an ongoing improvement project on the number 3 tram line means that you’ll need to take a bus replacement service if you want to get across the Tiber, so some of the convenience, and thus the charm of the trams, might escape you. 

Rome's bus network is extensive

But consider that replacement bus service a good way to dip your toe in the vast bus network, which covers the most ground of any part of Rome’s mass transit system. Riding the bus is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the cacophony of the city and though the sheer size of the network might feel intimidating, it’s worth doing.

The Atac signage at almost every bus stop can help you go in the right direction, and the Moovit app has up-to-the-minute timetables that will tell you which direction to look. And as always, don’t be afraid to ask people waiting at the same stop: you may get a few grumbles but you’re much more likely to get someone who will not only tell you whether you’re in the right place but will also make sure you actually get on the right bus.

Tickets are valid on buses, trams and metro lines

Travelers can purchase daily or weekly farecards from machines or kiosks located at the entrance to nearly every metro station, and the Tap and Go system is available to anyone with a contactless card as well as smartphones and smartwatches. You’ll be charged for single rides and each is valid for 100 minutes, as with a standard travel card. While the Tap and Go system has become quite reliable in the past year, it still has its share of hiccups and is occasionally out of service for maintenance. It doesn’t hurt to have a ticket in reserve for just such an occasion. Oh and, the ticket machines don’t give more than €6 in change so be aware before you use a €20 note to pay for a €1.50 ticket! 

Walking is the best way to see some of Rome's key sites

Walking through Rome is as frenetic and romantic as you think it will be, and you’ll see icons at every turn. Much of the ancient center of Rome, which includes sites like the the Colosseum , the Forum  and the Pantheon , is easily within walking distance, and on a nice day, you could cover all of these and much more.

There is always something going on and if you slow down a bit, you’ll find yourself soaking up the ambiance that makes Rome so singular. After all, it’s only by walking that you’d catch the Rose Garden hiding above the Circo Massimo , or the path that winds along the Tiber River. If you want to see Rome for what it truly can be, stop and walk for a while.

Of course, for all its magic, the center of Rome can be extraordinarily congested with foot and car traffic, so navigating these areas sometimes takes a lot of time and even more patience.

Try to avoid peak hours at places that you’re not necessarily going to enter: if you only want to walk around the Colosseum, wait until after it closes at 6pm and the crowds largely dissipate. After all, that’s the magic hour, when the light hits it just right and everything is illuminated with pink and gold hues.

Driving in Rome is best avoided

Here’s the thing. Driving in Italy is an art form, and if you can drive in cities like Rome, you've reached a new level of mastery. Romans drive with an urgency and a logic that will escape everyone else, and while it may seem that they’re aggressive (and they can be) often they’re just moving into openings in traffic that only they can see. Do not attempt to mix in this, as it will inevitably result in confusion on your part and frustration on the part of everyone around you.

Taxis are easy to find

Leave the driving to the professionals, in this case the Romans. Taxis are proliferate, and can be easily ordered via the Free Now app , which will give you fixed rates and allows you to pay through it as well. Uber is also quite reliable around the city and will give you the option of both a taxi or private hire car called an NCC, which stands for Noleggio con Conducente (hire car with driver).

Bikes and scooters are popular, but not always wise

Exercise caution with bikes and scooters in Rome. These have become a popular mode of transportation here just as in other cities around the world. Tours guides are often skilled at helping riders navigate the streets on bikes and scooters, but if you’re not used to riding in busy lanes with uneven sidewalks, you could put yourself (and others) at risk.

Rome is not very accessible

Both the national and municipal governments have been working on improving the city’s infrastructure for people with disabilities, and the ATAC website offers a comprehensive overview of the metro, tram, train and bus services for people with disabilities. According to the ATAC website, 98% of buses are equipped with boarding platforms, 70% of trams have platform level flooring, and the vast majority of metro stations have elevators as well as tactile paths and maps for visually impaired passengers, displays for those with hearing impairments, and Braille messaging. The website also has a handy search function to check whether your station has these services available, and is updated in real time for any service interruptions.

Major sites around the city offer special access to visitors with limited mobility: it’s possible to reserve a wheelchair at the Vatican museums , and the Colosseum has both ramps and elevators to facilitate movement around the monument (that said, the underground parts of the Colosseum are not wheelchair accessible). But there’s no doubt that it’s still slow going on those picturesque cobblestone streets for those with any mobility challenges, including those who might be traveling with small children and strollers. Keep it in mind as you plan your day, and if you’ve got precious cargo in hand try to schedule your iconic visits for off peak hours.

This article was first published Apr 7, 2021 and updated Jun 29, 2023.

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How to get around Rome: Rome transportation guide for all types of visitors

Our Rome transportation guide shows the best way to get around Rome, with options for all types of travel including airport connections and inner city transportation.

If you are planning a trip to Rome, chances are you already have a list of Rome main attractions you know you want to see.

You may even have an itinerary, with what you intend to see when, but you may be stumped about the more practical details of your day: how do you get from one Rome attraction to the other?

Figuring out how to get around Rome, is not easy if you’re never been to the city, but I am here to help!

In this guide, you will find my best tips on how to get around Rome, when and how to use Rome’s public transport service, when to rely on taxis and additional helpful transport options in the Eternal City.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through them, we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Rome Transportation Guide options at a glance

How to get around rome: airport to hotel connections.

Rome has two airports, Fiumicino/ Leonardo da Vinci (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA).

To go from Fiumicino to Rome you can choose:

• Train Leonardo Express Airport Shuttle
• Bus shuttle
• Private airport transfer

You can read here >>> my complete guide: how to get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city center <<<

From Ciampino, you can choose between:

• Bus + train service

You can read here >>> my complete guide: how to get from Ciampino Airport to Rome city center <<<

Once you have made your way to the city, you have several ways to navigate Rome.

The best way to around Rome: inner city transport guide – Walking around Rome

If you like to walk and have no mobility issues, by far the best way to get around Rome is on foot.

Rome city center is not small however, it is rather compact and many main attractions are close to one another.

To give you an example, you can walk from the Spanish Steps to the Trevi Fountain in about 8 minutes, and from Piazza Navona to the Pantheon in less than 5!

If you have accommodation in the city center, which I consider the best area to stay in Rome , you are likely to be able to walk everywhere: you will probably end your day clocking in well over 20,000 steps, but you won’t feel them along the way as the city will keep delivering beaitufl corners and unexpected gems every step of the way!

See here >>> How far are Rome main attractions from one another? <<<

The advantages of getting around Rome on foot are:

Budget : you can spent a whole day in Rome sightseeing on foot for absolutely free

Sights : Rome city center is a true open air museums and most of its gems and secrets can only be spotted on foot, venturing into its small streets and hidden piazzas

The low environmental impact of walking and the exercise you get are of course added values too: it’s even easier to indulge in that extra slice of pizza and that gelato, after walking all day, no?

For walking in Rome, good shoes are paramount. Find here >>> the best shoes for Rome travel <<<

Exploring Rome by public bus or tram

Rome has a large network of buses and trams, managed by the local public transportation company ATAC.

Buses are a good option for longer inner city journeys and are cheap. However, in most cases a joinery on a Rome bus is not a pleasant experience.

Rome buses have an erratic timetable (usually not shared with the users and not respected anyway), they are often so busy you feel like you are standing in a sardine can and they are only accessible via tall steps, that make them hard for anyone without anything less than excellent mobility.

There are of course exceptions: some lines are often ok during off peak hours and if you’re not in a hurry it is often not too much of a bother having to wait for a bus.

However, the systems is far from flawless so, as much as possible, I recommend you avoid it or embrace it as ‘local experience’!

Trams are usually a little less busy and, often it is even possible to find a seat. If you have accommodation along the tram line, they are good option.

You can find here >>> my complete guide to using the bus in Rome <<<

How to get around Rome by metro

Rome has a metro system which serves a few main landmarks are areas such as the train station, the Vatican and the Colosseum, among others.

Despite constant work on the network unfortunately the Rome metro system is all but flawless.

Compared with other cities in Europe, the network is limited, dirty and often erratic, with stations poorly or not at all accessible and old trains.

Despite this bleak introduction, the metro in Rome is excellent if you are staying further out of the center and close to a stop so I believe it belongs in this Rome transportation guide!

In that case, with the right expectations, you will find that the system does its job… most of the time!

I recommend you only plan on using the metro if you have no mobility issues, can walk up and down steps and you don’t have children in strollers – Rome’s metro is not stroller friendly.

Moving around Rome by hop-on hop-off buses

Hop on Hop off buses are a good option to go from one of Rome’s attractions to the next. However, they are rather pricey and they still require you to do some walking, so it is important to evaluate well if they are a good solution for your needs specifically before committing.

The main things to know about Rome hop on, hop off buses is:

There are several lines and several providers, covering different parts of the city. Since they are independent one from the other and business competitors, it is paramount to choose the line that best suits your needs as you won’t be able to use your ticket on any other.

Since buses are bulky, they are not able to reach inner piazzas, smaller streets or leave the main roads.

This means that you will often have to walk from the stop to the attractions: it may be only a few minutes, but if you have mobility issues, it is important to know they will not simply drop you in front of attractions as they usually cannot access the inner part of the city centre.

Hop on hop off buses in Rome are expensive and only really good if you take them several times in one day. in the city centre, you will often find yourself walking instead, as there are many attractions at a short distance one from another.

I recommend you plan a precise itinerary before opting for a hop on hop off bus tour as transport to make sure you make the most of your ticket.

Exploring Rome by Golf Cart Tour

Golf Carts are a popular tour option in Rome.

They are not a means of transport you can just flag on the streets and hop onto; however, they are a great way to discover the city without having to walk and without having to worry about erratic bus schedules or traffic.

They are particularly popular with families with kids, anyone who cannot walk loping distances but also people who want to spend a fun afternoon with a guide and Romes’ beautiful breeze in their hair!

The advantages of a Golf Cart Tour are:

• No walking needed: the cart will be able to reach even small streets and attractions precluded to big buses so you won’t have to walk much, to at all
• Open sides offer great views
• Suitable for all ages
• Experienced guides can help you understand what you are seeing and give you the lay of the land.

You can find here >>> our favorite Golf Cart Tour in Rome <<<

Exploring Rome by Vespa

Riding a Vespa is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore Rome. However, it is not for the faint of heart!

Photos of vespa experiences show people whizzing along the Colosseum with Rome’s warm air caressing their skin and indeed, this is just what a vespa drive in Rome feels like.

What the photos do not say though is that the experience also comes with cars beeping at your, crazy traffic from all sides, potentially slippery cobbles and the need for a lot of traffic awareness at all time.

I do not want to discourage you about vespas, they are really fun: however, if you are not used to city traffic, have never driven a vespa style scooter or you are hoping to ride with your child, please experience Rome traffic first or consider a tour with an experienced driver.

If you want to drive your own, I recommend you book a vespa with a good cancellation policy and leave the tour for day 2 or 3 in Rome, so you can first see if the traffic is manageable for you or too stressful.

Please note: to drive a vespa, you need a suitable driving licence and to be of legal driving age in Italy.

Have a look here >>> at vespa booking prices and rules in Rome <<<

Moving around Rome by bike

Bikes are getting more and more popular in Rome, mostly in response to unmanageable car traffic.

However, Rome is not a bike friendly city, especially in the city centre.

Built on seven hills, Rome has a lot of uphill areas that make cycling rather tiring.

On top of this, many areas of the city center have cobbles, which are dangerous on bikes, and the traffic is so busy and fast, it requires bikes to be extra careful at all times.

Like for the Vespa, I recommend you come to Rome and see the traffic and landscape situation before committing to exploring by bike. At quieter times it can be a fun way to see the city; at busier times you may find it overwhelming.

In general, I only recommend using bikes in Rome if you are an experienced city cyclist: I do not recommend renting them with kids, unless you to car free areas to areas served by cycling lanes (ask your bike rental shop for cycling maps of Rome).

Find here >>> example of Rome bike rental with prices <<<

Getting around Rome by E-bike

E-bikes are going though a surge in popularity in Rome and are indeed a better way to explore the city than standard bikes as they will assist you on the many hills of Rome!

Like bikes and vespas, e-bikes in Rome are potentially dangerous for traffic.

As said above, bike lanes in Rome are few and far between, especially in the center, and cars are not gentle – they will beep at you, try to overtake you and, in the mess of Rome’s traffic, they may also not see you so you have to be alert and super careful at all times.

Need to know: e-bikes are motorized and therefore follow minimum age requirement for driving just like scooters and vespas. If visiting Rome with kids, ask your e-bike rental place what the requirement are to avoid disappointment.

Find here >>> Rome E-bike rental example with prices <<<

How to get around Rome by Taxi

Taxis are the most convenient option to get around Rome for distances you cannot cover on foot.

Official taxis in Rome operate with a meter and you never have to discuss or haggle with the driver as all fares as available in the cab, so you always know what you get.

While not the cheapest option, taxis are a great solution especially in the evening.

You can find here >>> our guide to using taxis in Rome <<<

At the time of writing, Uber is only available in Rome in the expensive ‘Uber Black’ option, which offers no advantages vs an official taxi.

However, Uber recently announced a new agreement reached with Rome taxi drivers so this may change soon. I will update this Rome transportation guide as soon as standard Uber in Rome becomes available and I can report based on personal experience.

Moving around Rome by electric scooters

A Rome transportation guide would not be complete with a mention of electric scooters, a means of transport you will encounter often in Rome city center, usually unruly parked on pavements!

Electric scooters became available in Rome a couple of years ago and have received mixed reactions.

On one had, they are convenient and fun; on the other hand, the mix of cobbles, traffic and poor regulations have made them one of the most dangerous means of transport in Rome, for number and seriousness of accidents.

Like for vespas, mopeds and bikes, I recommend using caution if planning on using an electric scooter in Rome and see in person what Rome traffic feels like before committing.

If you decide an electric scooter if for you, you can find into on how to rent one in Rome here .

So, what’s the best way to get around Rome?

As you can see from all the examples above, the best way to get around Rome is on foot and by taxi.

However, several alternative options are available to suit most types of travelers so you know that, no matter what, you can explore Rome at your own pace.

I hope you enjoyed this Rome transportation guide and it helped you plan your stay.

Safe travels to Rome!

Rome Transportation guide: pin this!

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My name is Marta, I am a travel-loving mama born and bred in that messy, wonderful, infuriating, awe-inspiring unbelievably beautiful city that is Rome. A classics graduate and professional travel blogger, on this site I share my insider tips to help you plan your dream trip to Rome, Italy.

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Rome sightseeing and popular attractions

Rome Tourist Card

Snap up the Rome Tourist Card and you'll get everything you need to explore Rome's top highlights including Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum and Hop on/off bus. You can even choose the order you see things in.

Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: Priority Entrance

Skip the long lines at the Colosseum with this priority-entrance ticket. This ticket will let you bypass the crowds. And after exploring the Colosseum you can head to the area of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: Skip The Line

This ticket will make you save stress and time by allowing you to get priority entrance and skip the line. Visit the the countless masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Tiziano and the Sistine chapel.

Borghese Gallery: Fast Track

Galleria Borghese is located in the villa of the park Villa Borghese. Admire the architecture and furnishings of this beautiful villa. It is a museum full of art from the Renaissance. The collection includes several sculptures and paintings. Because of limited capacity get tickets for this museum weeks in advance.

St. Peter’s Basilica: Dome Climb with Guide

Get the most out of your visit to St. Peters with a guided tour to climb the basilica’s dome designed by Michelangelo and admire one of the stunning view. After the tour, you can explore the the basilica at your own pace.

Public Transport in Rome

No matter how much you want to, you cannot simply walk throughout Rome without having any means of transportation. While it is true that the city of Rome is a one big museum in itself, you still need some vehicle to travel, unless you wanna carry your one week worth of luggage from the airport to your hotel room. Just kidding. Still, the distances between some landmarks to others are not exactly proper walking distance. The good news is that Rome provides you with tons of choices on how to enjoy your trip.

Rome, like any other big city, has metros, busses, trams and taxis for public transportation. Different people prefer different modes of transport. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages as well.

For instance, the subway or metro has a train that leaves the station every five minutes. What’s good about it is that you don’t have to wait too long and plus, you get to your destination faster. However, metros can get very busy: in fact they often do. It also stops at stations which may not be exactly what you want.

As for bus rides, it has more stops than the metros have. It drops you off at major tourist destinations making it an easy way to travel from one landmark to another.

Taxis are the most comfortable means to travel Rome, however it’s more expensive than the metro or bus. Good thing is that you get the car to yourself, so you can make it stop anywhere and anytime you like. Just in case you pass by souvenir shop and want to check it out, you can simply ask the taxi driver to do so because you won’t be disturbing any other passengers anyway.

Majority of the public transports in Rome is run by ATAC (Azienda per la mobilita.) The rest is managed by COTRAL (Compagnia Trasporti Laziali.)

For more information about how you can get through the streets of Rome and other things about public transport in Rome, visit their websites.

TIP:  You can buy public transportation tickets in either a tobacco shops or a ticket kiosk. You can even choose from the four different cards.

• BIT – ticket valid for one metro ride or 75 minutes of bus ride, costs €1 ($1.30)
• BIG – ticket valid all day on all (*) types of transport in Rome, costs €4 ($5.25)
• BTI – ticket valid for three days on all (*) types of transport in Rome, costs €11 ($14.35)
• CIS – card valid for a whole week on all (*) types of transport in Rome, costs €16 ($21)

*  – Except the Fiuimicino airport and the Tivoli

Rome has two main metro lines that go around, rather than through, the historic city. However, there is one special line that runs from the Fiumicino Airport going to the Termini Central Station where you can ride in any of the two train lines…  Read more…

There are several bus routes in Rome. Most depart and arrive at the Termini Central Station. Daytime buses run from 6:00 AM to 12 Midnight. Between, 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM, night buses are available too…  Read more…

Running from 5:30 Am to 12:00 Midnight, trams in Rome are the largest in Italy. However, many of the routes today are replaced by buses. There are six tram lines running in Rome to date…  Read more…

For those who do not like to travel in crowds, you can opt to travel comfortably via taxi. It is not advisable to hold taxis in the streets for too long. The streets are so busy that most will just keep on going. There are lots of taxi ranks in Rome…  Read more…

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How to get around Rome by public transport

One very cheap fare or transport card allows you to use almost all means of public transport in Rome with the exception of taxis and airport transport. Buses, subway trains, trams (streetcars), and light rail are operated by the same company called ATAC. You can hop on any of their transport using the same ticket. Here’s how.

Where can I buy single tickets for the Rome public transport system?

Tickets are available from machines at all Metro stations. These machines allow you to select an English Language interface (shown by the British flag not the stars and stripes). They take euro bills and coins, but not credit cards even though many of them have a credit card slot. But beware:  they never dispense more than €6 in change  ( resto )! The machine will happily eat your €20 bill but won’t give any of it back until you’ve bought €14 worth of tickets.

However recently many of the machines won’t accept bills of more than €10. Finally the depressingly common  fuori servizio  or  guasto  signs both mean ‘out of order’. All is not lost though: you can also buy these tickets in most  tabacchi  – tobacco stores, distinguished by the “T” sign outside. Go to the cash register and ask for  un biglietto  (oon beel-YET-oh) or “ X biglieti ” ([number] beel-YET-ee”) to get the standard 100-minute ticket (below).

Things are changing though: new, orange ticket machines are being rolled out slowly throughout the Metro network that take credit cards and dispense all types of tickets.

Can I use contactless payment in Rome’s public transport system?

Yes, but right now only on the Metro. All turnstiles are fitted with a contactless payment tab that will accept contactless credit and debit cards, as well as NFC-enabled phone payment systems (i.e. G-Pay and Apple Pay).

Tapping your payment method will automatically debit your account by €1.50, granting you 100 minutes’ use of the transport system including one Metro ride.

ATAC claims it will roll out the same “tap-and-go” system throughout the entire system, including trams and buses, but until then you will need a ticket to board these means of transport (unless you’ve already tapped into the system in a Metro station).

Is there an app that I can use to buy tickets?

The “ MyCicero ” app allows you to buy tickets for the Rome transport system.

How to buy a ticket using MyCicero…

Can I get a city card that includes the Rome public transport network?

The most famous city card is the Roma Pass . This gives unlimited access to the city’s public transportation system for 2-3 days, two free entries to major sights, and discounts to museums, though not to the Vatican. However this option does not include airport transfers, the card has to be physically picked up from an office, and some visits still have to be booked in advance. Read more…

What lines can I use my transport ticket or card on?

Lines shown below can all be accessed with the ATAC tickets mentioned below. This includes all the way to the beachside town of Ostia Lido – you can honestly get there for €1.50 each way! Note for the gray lines on the map – commuter rail lines – stations in red indicate the furthest extent of ticket validity: i.e. you can’t use the standard ticket to travel beyond the station in red; after that you would need a train ticket purchased in the originating station. You can also use your ticket on the  “FL” main train lines that cross the city , but again only within city limits.

Does Rome’s public transport go to the airports?

Unfortunately the network does not extend to the main Fiumicino Airport. To get to FCO you must take a train or private transport. Read more here…

Ciampino Airport is in fact served by the public transport network, but it is a slow and tricky journey involving bus and Metro. Read more here…

How reliable is public transport in Rome?

It’s not always reliable, but public transport in Rome is cheap and there’s a lot of it.  The bad news is it can be slow and subject to delays and strikes .

How do I use the metro in Rome?

Rome’s Metro is simple. It’s just a big X that meets in Termini. There are two fully viable lines:  Linea A  (red) and  Linea B  (blue). Linea B splits at Bologna and either goes to Rebbibia or Jonio. Both lines are rather superannuated. The third line,  Linea C  (green) is partially constructed.

Modern, efficient, clean driverless Linea C runs from Montecompatri way outside the city to join the rest of the network at San Giovanni where you currently have to leave one part of the station and enter another part (be reassured that your single-use metro ticket will allow you to do this) but will eventually cross the entire city.

Locals’ tip: the new part of San Giovanni station has a fantastic  display of some of the thousands of artefacts that were dug out of the ground during its construction .

How early/late does Rome’s Metro run?

The first train from each end of the metro lines (see map) is 5.30am every day. The last train leaves from the ends of the metro at 11.30pm on weeknights, and 1.30am on a Friday and Saturday night. That means if you’re in the center and it’s just after 11.30/1.30 you may still be able to catch your metro.

What kind of ticket should I buy to use the Rome public transport system?

There are numerous kinds of ticket available:

• 100 minutes . Probably the best value for money for individual trips, this gives you just over 1 and a half hours to use ANY means of transport mentioned above (although it only allows one ride on the Metro), for the teensy price of €1.50. Note that these are the standard tickets available from the  tabaccaio .
• Day ticket . Not recommended. It costs €7 and expires at midnight of the day you buy it. It’s only good value if you take at least five journeys more than 100 minutes apart, which is probably unlikely.
• 48 hour . €12.50. Also poor value: see ‘day ticket’ above.
• 72 hour . Again, a false economy. If you need transport for three days and are sightseeing too then it’s probably worth considering a Roma Pass instead.
• Weekly ticket . Bad value: the price of €24 means you need to make 16 journeys in seven days in order to break even. It expires at midnight on the seventh day, so unless you buy one early in the morning you are automatically cheated out of half a day.

In all of the above ‘daily’ cases, unless you’re going far and wide with many journeys, it’s probably far more cost-effective to fill your wallet with a small stack of 100-minute tickets since they don’t expire and can be rolled over to the next day.

• Monthly ticket.  The  tessera mensile  is amazingly good value at only €35 for unlimited travel. If you’re staying for a while it’s definitely worth considering. However these cards only run from the first day of the calendar month to the last, so if you arrive mid-month you can still buy one, but should probably consider other options. Available from ticket offices in major stations.
• Roma Pass . If you’re touring Rome for three days or so, this is fairly good value. It provides public transport for two or three days ( not  72 hours: it expires at midnight on the third day after you buy it), as well as free entrance to two museums, but not including the Vatican. Read more.. .

How do I validate my ticket?

When you board the Metro or commuter train, you pass through a turnstile that will automatically validate your ticket for you (it prints the expiry time and date on the back of the ticket using the word “scadenza”). However if you take a bus or a tram you have to do the validation yourself – if it is the first time you have used your ticket during its allotted time period. If you’ve already validated it once and it’s still valid, you don’t need to do this, and nor do you need to validate a travel pass such as the  Roma Pass .

Note that travelling without a validated ticket can get you up to a €150 fine. Once you have figured out which bus or tram to take – try  this website  – board the bus and you will note a little blobby machine attached to a pillar at the front and back of the vehicle. Insert your ticket and it will be stamped with the expiry on the back, and you’re good to go. (If the bus is particularly crowded, and you wave your ticket and indicate the machine, the friendly Roman crowd will usually pass it to the machine for validation then pass it back to you!)How do I use the metro in Rome? 

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Tickets in advance!

Because of ticket supply problems following the end of Covid restrictions, it is strongly advised that you  buy tickets and tours in advance to visit attractions in Rome.

Buy your tickets now to avoid disappointment.

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Rome public transport tickets and travel passes

Make informed ticket purchase for travel on rome metro, buses, trams and train services.

The great thing about travelling by public transport in Rome is that all tickets are integrated. One ticket will get you around on buses, trams, trains and the Metro very cheaply.

Tickets are also easy to purchase as they can be picked up from any of the numerous kiosks in most tourist areas, particularly in places such as Termini Station . From January 2023 contactless payments will also be accepted across the ATAC network.

You can now also purchase a 72-hr public transport ticket in advance of your trip and have it sent to your home address, this allows you to be completely prepared upon arrival. Buy your 72-hr Public Transport Pass in advance now.

There are a few different types of tickets to choose from, including 100 minutes to weekly passes, which we go into details on further down the page. The general rule of thumb though is that if you're going to be using these transport options for less than 5 journeys in one day, the 100 minute ticket is suitable for the majority of tourist needs.

Rome is a stunning city to walk around with treasures found round every corner so don't discount walking around certain areas as the best option.

ROME BUS, TRAM & METRO PRICES 2024

Public transportation is free for children under 10 years old, with accompanying adult.

Top of the page

About rome public transport, what you can use public transport tickets on.

Public transport tickets are valid for all city public transport - city buses and trams , Metro and some rail services within the Rome urban area.

Ticketing on Rome public transport is comparatively simple, there are no complicated travel zones or peak/off peak travel periods.

What's not covered by Rome public transport tickets

There are a few transport options you cannot use public transport tickets on.

For the visitor the main choices not covered are:

- The Leonardo Express train running non-stop between Fiumicino Airport and Rome's Termini Station.

- Any airport bus or train to either of Rome's two airports, Fiumicino or Ciampino.

- The trains to and from Rome's cruise port, Civitavecchia .

- Rome's hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses.

Your transport ticket choice

For short term visitors to Rome you have a very straight forward choice of ticketing options.

Your only decision is whether you need single tickets or 24, 48 or 72-hour passes or a 7 calendar day travel pass.

A single ticket is valid for 100 minutes, allowing you to switch bus lines if there is no direct service. On the metro you can switch Metro lines at Termini Station with one ticket.

When you buy any transport ticket it is not stamped with a start date.

You have the responsibility to stamp your ticket on machines provided for that purpose before you start your journey.

If you travel with a blank unstamped ticket it's no different to travelling without a ticket at all.

The tickets themselves are card with a magnetic strip like the 7-day travel pass image here.

Contactless payments work in the same way they do everywhere else, you tap on the reader as you go. You can pay with card, device or download an app. A ticket inspector will ask to see your card/app if they need to check you have paid for travel.

Rome bus, tram & Metro fares & tickets

All local public transport is integrated in Rome. You have to purchase your tickets before you board any public transport in Rome. Most people will have a pass of one kind or another.

Tickets for both the bus system and Metro can be purchased from tobacconists, bars, or vending machines at Metro stations and major bus stops. On both buses and metro there is a flat fare, whether you go one stop or to the end of the line. On buses your ticket is valid for 100 minutes allowing you to change buses using a single ticket.

From January 2023 contactless payments will also be accepted across the ATAC network.

At Metro stations there are ticket barriers where you have to insert your ticket to enter and leave the Metro station.

On buses and trams you will find ticket validation machines similar to that pictured below. If you have a single ticket then enter the ticket into the machine. If you have purchased a pass, you put the pass into the machine on your first journey. This stamps the date and time from which the pass or ticket is valid.

Groups of ticket inspectors from time to time descend on to a bus or platform to check all passengers have valid tickets. If not you will incur a heavy fine. Playing the innocent tourist doesn't work.

Where to buy your public transport tickets

You can buy the travel passes from a variety of sources including vending machines and manned ticket offices at Metro stations and many news-stands / tobacconists like the one pictured at the top of the page.

If you don't speak Italian and are nervous about using vending machines, rest assured most of the people serving at the outlets where tourists frequent normally speak good English, often much better than your hotel.

Most independent visitors to Rome will arrive in Rome city centre at Termini Station. Many kiosks within the station like the one pictured at the top advertise they sell transport tickets.

Out the front of Termini Railway Station by the bus station is the row of kiosks pictured here that specialise in selling travel passes and tours. They advertise the transport passes prominently with prices displayed boldly and staff speak good English too.

These kiosks are conveniently situated next to a Rome public transport information kiosk.

Ticket machines are multi-lingual, easy to use and seemingly reliable. There are manned ticket counters at the key stations. You can also decide to just pay as you go using a contactless card/enabled device.

As yet there is no facility provided by the public transport authority themselves for advance purchase over the internet though there are a couple of options offered by third parties aimed at the first time tourist visitor.

Recent developments have allowed us to now offer a 72-hr Rome Public Transport Pass that you can purchase before you arrive in Rome. This pass is posted to you at home before you leave for Rome, so you can use public transport straight away upon arrival.

Buy your 72-hr Public Transport Pass in advance now.

Validating your public transport tickets

When you first purchase a travel pass or ticket it is blank.

The travel pass only becomes 'live' after you have validated it (stamped with the date you first use it). Showing a ticket inspector an invalidated ticket is no different to having no ticket at all.

On the Metro lines the travel pass is automatically validated when you pass through the ticket barriers for the first time.

On other modes of transport there is a validating machine inside buses and trams and on the platforms of train stations where it is your responsibility to insert your pass into the machine and get it validated.

Single ticket are valid for 100 minutes from the time stamped on the ticket. On buses and trams you can switch routes within this timespan and on the Metro you can switch Metro trains at Termini Station without going through any ticket barrier.

24hr, 48 and 72hr passes are valid from time of validation to the end of the period stated on the card.

Finding your way around

Most visitors will only be travelling in a compact area in the centre of Rome where all the main attractions and hotel districts are situated. The Metro system is very simple, at the moment just 3 lines, only two of which are of use to tourists.

If the Metro is not the solution to an individual journey then the local city buses will be the answer. At first sight the number and complexity of bus routes can seem overwhelming.

On the ground less so, as each route at each bus stop is laid out clearly with all the stops to its terminus. There is normally at least one direct bus going to the destination you require on short trips. Buses are very frequent too.

The bus and Metro map, (link above) covers all of the central area if you want an orientation of routes in advance.

If you are planning on using public transport extensively to get around Rome and visit attractions outside the tourist hotspots in the centre then investing in a Rome bus and Metro map is worthwhile. You can find these sold in most news-stands around bus and train stations like Termini Station.

Outside the front of Termini Station, the main local public transport hub in Rome there is a public transport information kiosk for tourists on one side of the bus station.

Roma Cristiana tour bus plus Rome public transport bundle (1 & 3-day tickets)

Save time and money with the Vatican and Rome card!

It's a straight forward proposition, combine the Roma Cristiana hop on, hop off city sightseeing bus with a 1 or 3 day public transport pass .

The public transport covering all of Rome's metro, tram, suburban train and bus system. Roma Cristiana is one of Rome's leading Hop On, Hop Off sightseeing buses that visits all the major sights in the city of Rome.

Both are combined in one convenient and money saving pass that covers all your transport requirements when visiting Rome.

Travelcard Vatican & Rome

• Includes hop-on, hop-off bus, metro, public bus, tram and trains • Children under 10 free • 1-day or 3-day tickets available

Omnia Card - 3-day pass hop-on hop-off bus, public transport pass, Roma Pass & Vatican Card

Adult €129, child (6 to 17 years old) €59.

The Omnia Card is the most comprehensive sightseeing pass.

When you buy this exclusive travel and sightseeing card, you get access to all Rome’s public transport with a 3-day public transport pass, the Roma Cristiana hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus, Roma Pass and Omnia Vatican Card.

The pass is offered through Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (ORP) a branch of the Vicariate of Rome, organ of the Holy See directed by the Cardinal Vicar of the Pope.

This complete solution to your transport and sightseeing needs include:

Roma Cristiana hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus

3-day public transport pass

Fast track admission to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with the Omnia Vatican Card

Fast track admission to St. Peter’s Basilica with the Omnia Vatican Card

The Roma Pass with free entry to two top Rome attractions like the Coliseum, Borghese Gallery, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill and Capitoline Museums

Discounted entry to more than 30 other Rome attractions with the Roma Pass

Omnia Card Rome

• FREE entry to two top attractions including the Colosseum • Includes hop-on, hop-off bus • 3-day public transport pass • Fast-track to Vatican and Sistine Chapel • Fast-track St Peter's

Rome in your Pocket: Best apps for foreigners in Rome

Rome’s Must-Have Apps

When it comes to navigating the city like a local, Rome is such a popular destination that it can be a challenge to wade through the sea of books, blogs, websites, and magazines to truly find the best advice. But what could be easier than pulling out your phone? With these 16 apps , you can explore the city’s food culture, brush up on your history, learn Italian, find a doctor and more. It’s like having an expert on all the best things to do in Rome right in your pocket.!

BEST APPS TO LEARN ITALIAN

Starting with minimal to no Italian knowledge I downloaded Babbel hoping to start the learning process. Babbel is a very non-intimidating app. When you first download the app, it asks you how much time realistically you will spend on it per day, your preexisting Italian knowledge, and if you want to be reminded to practice. You can set weekly goals as well to keep yourself on track. I found that this was an approachable way for me to begin to learn because it is structured around my comfort level and allocates realistic amounts of time I intend to devote. Upon using the app, you will be given simple quizzes initially to familiarize yourself with common Italian words and phrases. It shows real time spelling and pronunciation as you take the quizzes so you can learn multiple ways at once. The app will advance your basic language understanding quickly, but the free trial only gives access to one lesson, after that it is subscription based.

CLICK HERE TO TRY BABBEL APP

Language doesn’t have to be a barrier , and when in Italy it most definitely shouldn’t be. Food, drink and destinations should be at the top of your Italian language list. Duolingo is the ultimate app to start learning some basic Italian before and during your trip to Italy. Each mini-lesson takes you through a language or grammar skill using pictures, short translations, listening activities and more to help you brush up on your Italian basics or solidify key language concepts all in a fun and easy to use format. Armed with the basics, you’ll have a lot of fun testing out your skills with the locals. Brava!

There are some words in Italian you simply don’t want to botch, whether it’s in spelling, meaning, or pronunciation. Like penne . Take our word for it. Enter iTranslate. This leading dictionary and translation app allows you to start voice-to-voice conversations in over 90 languages. The app also provides verb conjugations in different tenses, and can detect different dialects. You are bound to impress yourself when using this app abroad. They offer a 7-day free trial and then charge you € 4,99 monthly or € 59,99 / year.

INSPIRATION Best apps to learn italian

BEST APPS ON THE GO

If you can brave the public transportation system in Rome, power to you. But do it right. CityMapper provides users with the fastest routes, latest updated times, real-time locations, and the distances from metro/bus stops. The app also features the carsharing capability which enables users to check out available cars, scooters, and also cabs nearby.  The “issues” section lets you know of any problems occurring on your route in real time, like traffic, strikes, a closed metro station. CityMapper can also remember your recent and frequent trips so you don’t have to!

Your closest bet to an Uber experience is this trending app. FREE NOW, formerly My Taxi, has been around since 2015 and is arguably the most efficient way to get around using Rome’s competitive taxi services. Order your taxi in two taps, track your driver in real time, pay cashless, and take advantage of this app when continuing to move around Europe. It also allows you to pre-order service up to 4 days in advance. You can save your favorite drivers (pick up on that last in-depth convo) and…Heading to the airport at the end of the week? Try their pick-up and drop-off service on demand.

Urbi is the best solution to the multitude of car sharing, scooter sharing, bike sharing, and cab opportunities in Rome. They work with Enjoy, ShareNow, Lime, eCooltra, Helbiz, Acciona, and more companies. By allowing the app to see your location, Urbi shows you all the available vehicles nearby that you can reserve at any given moment. Say goodbye to opening a dozen different apps to check what is closest or cheapest, Urbi takes care of that for you! You do need to have an account for the apps that you want to reserve a vehicle with, but Urbi merges everything into one map which allows you to take faster decisions!

When in Rome, you’re likely going to use public transport, hopping from bus to tram to train regularly. Sometimes buying tickets can be a hassle, especially if you are getting single tickets for each ride or if you run out of time and need a ticket asap. MyCicero is Rome’s latest modern approach to traveling by public transport. With MyCicero, you can buy and store your tickets directly on the app. When needed, simply open up and validate your ticket in the app in seconds. You can buy a variety of tickets: 90min, 24hr, 48hr, 72hr or even a month pass. You can even pay for parking or buy Trenitalia train tickets and lots more. You need an internet connection for this app, but if you’ve got one, do yourself a favour and get MyCicero. You’ll save yourself precious time.

This app is your uber for scooters. Getting around in Rome is a lot less intimidating when you’re a passenger. But what better way to uncover the city than like a local, where scootering is first class transportation for Romans. Enter Scooterino, your best bet for adventure, so you can keep your impromptu itinerary but with a peace of mind. This app allows you to pick your driver, check prices before booking, request a ride from around the city within minutes, and even pay by card! Available in both English and Italian.

ESSENTIAL APPS

MEDINACTION

When you’re traveling or living abroad, the last thing you want to worry about is tracking down an English-speaking doctor when you’re sick. MedInAction is a medical service that will deliver a qualified doctor right to your doorstep 24 hours a day. Choose where and when you want the doctor to come. You can also book a video consultation with a a doctor. This app revives the tradition of Italian doctors making house calls, except it’s faster, more modern, customized, and all right at your fingertips!

TIME TRAVEL ROME

History and archeology lovers, this one’s for you. If you’re looking for Roman works in Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa you might no longer need a tour guide. TimeTravelRome app offers original content for >5000 ancient sites and monuments, 300 ancient texts and 10.000 photos. In addition to that, the new version displays on the map all ancient Roman roads, traced by academics from the AWMC and Mercator-E research centers – these new functions are free to all users. TimeTravelRome’s rich content and its unique features, which include 300 ancient texts and Roman roads maps, make it the ultimate ancient history app dedicated to the Ancient Roman Empire.

One of Rome’s greatest gifts is it’s 2500 free and safe water fountains spread out across the city. A very clever feature the ancient Romans were kind enough to leave behind for us to enjoy. The WeTap App is exclusive to Rome, helping you locate water fountains near you. When in Rome, you’re likely going to walk a lot, and along the way, you’re bound to get thirsty. Don’t waste money buying mineral water, just fill up your reusable bottle at the nearest fountain and never go thirsty again. And… at the same time you’re saving the environment.

BEST APPS FOR FOOD LOVERS

Obviously if you could eat out in Rome every night, not only would the Italian economy embrace you, but your palette would be redefined. However, it’s not practical. Eating in is the new way to dine with Deliveroo: enjoy premium cuisine on demand in the comfort of your Roman abode. This trendy startup has mastered the mobile kitchen, foodie locales, and great offers. Zip code friendly and diet approved, enjoy the perks of takeaway with this easy-to-use app.

TOO GOOD TO GO

So much food goes to waste every day because of over-production. Too Good To Go alerts you of any food shops, cafes, or restaurants nearby that have a surplus of produce they can no longer sell the next day. You can reserve a box full of goodies for a very discounted price, usually around €5. All you have to do is go pick it up at the time the app tells you. You are helping the environment by helping consuming extra food that would be otherwise thrown in the trash, and also eating full meals for unimaginable prices. Be a part of the change!

It can be overwhelming looking for somewhere to eat in Rome, because the options are limitless. Forget all that time wasted looking for recommendations online, and start using TheFork. What’s great about this App is that it recommends places to eat with photos taken by other people who’ve enjoyed the food themselves. Yes, please! This is a fantastic new approach that makes a foodie hunt fun, visual and full of discovery. The app also provides menus for every restaurant, lets you reserve a table, and also enjoy great discounts on the bill! The more you reserve, the more Yums points you gain, the more discounts you get. Now you can find great food quickly and pay less, what are you waiting for?

BEST ALL AROUND

Why we love it? All content, navigation and reviews are available offline. Score. There’s an effective way to get lost on a side street in Rome so you can explore the off-the-beaten-path with confidence. Triposo is super customized mapping your trip based on your favorite places worldwide. It also offers information on where to eat, drink, shop, find a hotel, and sightsee and even allows you to book reservations. These features are all available offline so you don’t have to worry about racking up roaming charges. Organize your trip, save your favorite places, discover nearby spots and hidden gems like a pro. Leave your Lonely Planet at home? Maybe.

For all those social butterflies coming to Rome, especially the solo travelers, this app is for you. Meetup is all about bringing people together. With this app, you can discover groups in the city that are doing things you love to do, and join in on the fun! After signing up and selecting your interests, you will see a huge selection of activities happening in the city to choose from. Think weekend adventures, social dinners, photography workshops, walking the dogs, wine and food tasting, you name it! If you want to meet like-minded people while in the city, this is your go-to app.

Check out the best travel apps for Europe .

AUTHORS: SIAN LLOYD –  LAUREN MOUAT  – MARGARET FLENNER – ANGELA GLEASON

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Really amazing apps. Thanks for sharing information

Thanks for sharing this app information

Coming very soon: Lookals – find your Italy experience! Starting from Rome 😉

Don’t forget my app Rome for Expats! available for both iPhone and android.

Thanks so much for the feature! Don’t foget to download the Triposo world app to use us all over the globe! Happy travels.

This website is amazing. I will tell about it to my friends and anybody that could be interested in this subject. Great work guys!

a great app for cultural tourist is Nolli App. It offers the famous great plan by Giambattista Nolli from 1748 as modern tool for experiencing the roots of Rome. An app to loose your way and find it back, an app for who enjoys exploring this magnificient city from the inside by strolling around. http://nolli-app.com

FYI Katie Parla’s app needs to be updated so it works on the new iOS platform.

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How to Plan an Unforgettable Trip to Rome, According to Local Experts

Whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, it’s an exciting time to visit Rome.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best shopping, best nightlife, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

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For me, the Eternal City is eternally fabulous. No matter how crowded it gets, how dysfunctional its current government is, or how many bad pizzas there are in ratio to good ones, Rome remains. It’s persisted and resisted for more than 2,775 years, and even at this ripe old age, Rome is still evolving. 

It’s an exciting time to visit Rome, and even for people who live there, the flurry of post-pandemic activity in the travel sector has been dizzying. “Archaeological sites that have been fenced-off for years are now accessible to visitors, there’s a host of innovative new tour options, and I can barely keep up with the number of absolutely stunning luxury hotels that have opened ,” says Travel + Leisure contributor and Rome resident Laura Itzkowitz, who also writes about Rome in her newsletter, The New Roman Times . “It’s a delight to see so much investment in the city and so many new ways to experience it.” 

No matter how you decide to see the city or whether your tastes swing towards art and architecture, high-end shopping and dining, or browsing markets and munching on street food, Rome gives you options. We asked Itzkowitz and some other Rome travel experts to weigh in on their favorite places and experiences to recommend in eternal Rome.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Swoon over the cityscape. Few things are as romantic as Rome at night from a vantage point like the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola or the Capitoline Hill.
• See marble turn to flesh. At the Galleria Borghese, Bernini’s lifelike sculptures are a gazillion times more impressive than what you remember from art history class. 
• Do the Full Monty of Italian dining. Bring your appetite and go big, with antipasto, pasta, main course, and dessert at a homey trat like Da Enzo da 29.  
• Get up early. At least once during your stay, request an early wake-up call to discover a deserted city. ArcheoRoma can lead the way. 
• Shop at a market. If you don’t buy produce, trinkets, or street food at a real Roman market like Testaccio or Campo de’ Fiore, have you been to Rome? 

Courtesy of Bettoja Hotels

Palazzo Vilòn

If there’s one thing our experts agree on, it’s that Palazzo Vilòn luxury apartment is the most sumptuous new address in Rome. Nicole Bono, luxury travel and events planner with Bono Events International says, “When they open the doors for you, your jaw will drop.” Gary Portuesi, a T+L Top Travel Advisor with Authentic Explorations , says that at Vilòn, “you get to live like a Roman aristocrat in an intimate palazzo in the best neighborhood.”

Singer Palace

“I'm in love with the Singer Palace these days,” says Bono of this 19th-century beauty in the former Singer sewing machine headquarters. “It's family-owned, and that is felt with every single detail in this property. You're truly cuddled from the moment you walk in the door till your last Spritz before you leave.”

Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel

T+L readers’ favorite hotel in Rome is also a hit with Portuesi, who raves about its “with its unique and secluded Mediterranean tiered secret garden walking distance from the Spanish Steps, Fontana di Trevi and Piazza del Popolo.” The hotel’s Stravinskij Bar remains one of Rome’s most elegant locales for a cocktail.  

Hotel Mediterraneo

Every time I exit Termini Station, I sigh with comfort at the sight of this trusty four-star in a fascist-era Art Deco building. Stepping through the doors feels like stepping back in time, in a good way, with old-school service, a delightful lobby bar, and humongous suites, some with skyline views of Rome.

Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure

Basilica di San Clemente

For a real sense of how Rome’s history is layered like a lasagna, head to this church near the Colosseum — or rather, underneath it. An atmospheric archaeological area beneath the not-too-shabby 12th-century church holds an even earlier Christian church, which lies on top of a pagan altar and an ancient Roman apartment building.  

ArcheoRunning

If you’re a runner, join archaeologist, guide, and running enthusiast Isabella Calidonna on an early morning jogging tour through Rome's truly magical empty streets. (Trust me, it’s okay if you run slowly.) If you’re not a runner, don’t sweat it — she’ll be happy to do the same informative tour at a walking pace. 

Via del Governo Vecchio

Spend a late afternoon vintage shopping on my favorite street in Rome , then stick around for an aperitivo, followed by pizza and gelato. If that trifecta of Roman drinking and eating isn’t enough, this splendid street near Piazza Navona has a buzzy but manageable bar-hopping scene. 

Largo Argentina

Want to stand at the very site (or very near it, anyway) where Julius Caesar lost his life? Long visible only from street level and best known as a cat sanctuary among picturesque ruins, the archaeological area at Largo Argentina site is now open to the public, thanks to funding from Bulgari . The Curia of Pompeo, where Caesar got shivved, stands near the ruins of four ancient temples.

Galleria Borghese

Reserve your tickets in advance and prepare to be overwhelmed by the beauty here, both of the ornate salons of this noble palace turned art museum, and the amazing works inside, including Bernini’s spellbinding "Rape of Proserpine" and several Caravaggio paintings.

Testaccio Market

This sprawling covered market in the working-class Testaccio neighborhood offers an authentic slice of Roman daily life. Even if you’re not shopping for clothing, produce or fresh fish, stop for some of Rome’s best street food, especially a suppli at Food Box or a drippy panino at Modri e Vai. 

Itzkowitz is a fan of this artisan jeweler in Monti and even had owner Antonio design a pair of custom earrings for her wedding. If you don’t have time for a made-to-order bauble, the shop has many original designs, many of which feature colorful gemstones.

Essenzialmente Laura

For a real only-in-Rome gift or souvenir, Portuesi refers friends and clients to the perfumery of Laura Bosetti Tonatto, who’s made custom scents for celebrities, royals, and aristocrats, including Queen Elizabeth II. “You can create your own perfect perfume or find the scent you love,” he says. 

La Bottega del Marmoraro

It’s hard to imagine a store like this anywhere else — a tiny workshop on pretty Via Margutta where stone carver Sandro Fiorentino tinks away at marble plaques by hand. “I love to bring out-of-town visitors here,” says Itzkowitz. “Prices start at around 15 euros, which means you can find an affordable, handmade souvenir.”

Courtesy of Hassler Hotel

Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Some of the best things in Rome are free, including the views from this monumental fountain high on the Janiculum hill. It’s one of T+L’s top underrated things to do in Rome . Fans of the Oscar-winning film “Rome, the Great Beauty” will recognize this majestic spot.

This classy bar offers great cocktails and light bites with a sublime view. “A table there in the stunning Piazza di Pietra,” says Bono, “with the incredible Roman columns all lit up is truly magical, and it feels like it's just there for you."

Hassler Hotel 7th Floor Terrace

The recipe for an unforgettable Roman evening: Start with panoramic city views from atop the Spanish Steps, stir in a specialty cocktail, garnish with some elevated aperitivo fare, and drink it all in at one of our favorite family-run hotels in Italy and one of the absolute best in Rome.

Da Enzo da 29

Despite its near-legendary status and the long lines for a table (Enzo doesn’t take reservations), Itzkowitz says a meal here is “worth the wait and lives up to the hype — every time.” She’s a fan of the handmade tonarelli cacio e pepe but says that the food here is consistently good across the menu. 

Trattoria Da Cesare Al Pellegrino

This new-in-2023 sister property of a neighborhood favorite in residential Monteverde brings hearty, traditional Roman pasta and meat dishes to the centro storico. “Run, don't walk,” says Bono, “because this city location is super charming, and tourists haven't found it yet.”

Pro Loco Pinciano

Portuesi says you’ll feel like a local at this super-casual pizza and pasta joint just outside the city walls, where the emphasis is on ingredients and wines sourced from the surrounding region on Lazio. Charcuterie platters are delicious and abundant here. 

L'Antica Pesa

Regularly named one of the best restaurants in Rome, this Trastevere culinary landmark is, per Portuesi, “a standard and consistent classic” and worth crossing the river for. Head here for a special dinner or when you’re ready to go big (before going home, maybe?) and order an appetizer, pasta (primo), meat, and dessert for the full Italian dining experience.

You’ve heard all the warnings about visiting in high summer, but if that’s the only time you have to visit, Itzkowitz says to do as the Romans do: rest in your cool hotel room in the afternoon and venture out again in the early evening. Bono agrees that summer can be...sticky but adds, “Those summer sunsets on a rooftop with an Aperol spritz certainly make for that 'Dolce Vita moment' we all crave.”

Portuesi recommends November, as it’s still relatively warm and the crowds have thinned out; January, when sale season starts; or April and October. “Tourists might still be there, but the colors of spring and autumn are amazing, and temperatures are on the warm side.” I love visiting in January or February when the crowds are much more manageable, and if you’re lucky, you can catch some lovely, crisp, sunny days.

Most visitors fly into Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino Airport (FCO). From there, you can take a 30-minute non-stop train to Termini, the central station, and take a taxi, Metro, bus, or tram to your accommodation. A cab from FCO to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls costs 50 euros. Ride-sharing services other than Uber Black are not available in Rome. 

Rome’s historic center is primarily flat and highly walkable. Many visitors take the Metro to reach the Vatican Museums, then walk back into the city from there (or take a cab from St. Peter’s Square). 

Buses and Metro, both run by ATAC , are also reliable ways to get around, though depending on the distance, walking may be faster. Note that taxis in Rome cannot be hailed on the street. Instead, they wait at taxi stands or ranks generally located near tourist areas. 

I strongly recommend against renting a car in Rome, as traffic and parking are a mess and the centro is a maze of one-way streets, many of which are pedestrian-only. If you pick up a car in Rome for a more extended tour in Italy, make sure you have your route mapped out in advance — and nerves of steel. 

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All in one public transport travel card? - Rome Forum

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All in one public transport travel card?

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Hello, I wondered if there is a kind of all on one travel card that can be used on a bus, metro etc? We are here for 4.5 days and wondered if there were day passes to buy, or week etc?

2 replies to this topic

The ATAC website has details about all of their tickets and passes.

They even have a tool that recommends which option is best for you after you answer a few targeted questions.

https://www.atac.roma.it/en/tickets-and-passes

all ATAC tickets work the way you described. ATAC runs metro, buses and trams so the system is integrated.

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Work on new Rome subway line under the Colosseum and Forum enters crucial phase

A long-delayed and complex project to bring a subway line under ancient Roman ruins and through Rome’s historic center has entered a crucial phase, with the digging of an 85-meter (280-foot) deep retaining wall around the flagship station. (AP video shot by Paolo Lucariello, Production by Andrea Sauchelli)

A view of the construction site of the new 25.5-kilometer Metro C subway main hub in Piazza Venezia in central Rome, Thursday, May 23, 2024. During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said works on the nearly 3 billion euro project, considered one of the most complicated in the world, were running at pace to be completed by 2034. In the background the Unknown Soldier monument. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

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A view of the construction site of the new 25.5-kilometer Metro C subway main hub in Piazza Venezia in central Rome, Thursday, May 23, 2024. During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said works on the nearly 3 billion euro project, considered one of the most complicated in the world, were running at pace to be completed by 2034. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

A view of the construction site of the new 25.5-kilometer Metro C subway main hub in Piazza Venezia in central Rome, Thursday, May 23, 2024.During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said works on the nearly 3 billion euro project, considered one of the most complicated in the world, were running at pace to be completed by 2034. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

Workers inject reactive chemicals to consolidate the construction site of the new 25.5-kilometer Metro C subway main hub in Piazza Venezia in central Rome, Thursday, May 23, 2024. During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said works on the nearly 3 billion euro project, considered one of the most complicated in the world, were running at pace to be completed by 2034. In the background the Unknown Soldier monument. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

Chief engineer Andrea Sciotti, center, technical director for Rome’s new 25.5-kilometer Metro C subway talks to international journalists at the construction site of line C main hub in central Rome, Thursday, May 23, 2024. During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, Sciotti said works on the nearly 3 billion euro project, considered one of the most complicated in the world, were running at pace to be completed by 2034. In the background the Unknown Soldier monument. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

A giant hydro-milling machine rests inside the construction site of the new 25.5-kilometer Metro C subway main hub in Piazza Venezia in central Rome, Thursday, May 23, 2024. During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said works on the nearly 3 billion euro project, considered one of the most complicated in the world, were running at pace to be completed by 2034. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

International journalists scan the construction site of the new 25.5-kilometer Metro C subway main hub in Piazza Venezia in central Rome, Thursday, May 23, 2024. During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said works on the nearly 3 billion euro project, considered one of the most complicated in the world, were running at pace to be completed by 2034. (AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

A view of the construction site of the new 25.5-kilometer Metro C subway main hub in Piazza Venezia in central Rome, Thursday, May 23, 2024. During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said works on the nearly 3 billion euro project, considered one of the most complicated in the world, were running at pace to be completed by 2034.(AP Photo/Domenico Stinellis)

ROME (AP) — A long-delayed and complex project to bring a subway line under ancient Roman ruins and through Rome’s historic center has entered a crucial phase, with the digging of an 85-meter (280-foot)) deep retaining wall around the flagship station.

During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said work on the nearly 3 billion euro ($3.3 billion) project, considered one of the most complicated of its kind in the world, was likely to be completed by 2034 .

The Metro C subway line has been in the works for two decades but has been slowed by bureaucratic and funding delays and, crucially, the archaeological excavations necessary given the underground ruins of Imperial Roman and Medieval civilizations in its way.

When completed, the subway line will run underneath some of the world’s most important cultural heritage sites -- the Colosseum, Trajan’s Column and the Basilica of Maxentius, the largest building in the Roman Forum -– as well as some of Rome’s prized Renaissance palazzi, churches and the Vatican.

As a result, Italy’s culture ministry has been involved at every step and will be on hand once the digging begins in earnest on the first 15 meters (50 feet) of the Piazza Venezia station, where the ruins from ancient Rome lie. During that phase, archaeologists will be guiding the excavations, taking objects for study, restoration and eventual placement in a museum within the station itself when it opens, Sciotti said.

“I think I can say it’s unique in the world because we don’t only have the Colosseum and the Basilica of Maxentius, but we have 15-20 meters of hidden archaeological patrimony -– known but hidden,” he told reporters at the site. “This obviously brings problems that must be resolved in the planning and realization phases.”

To underscore the delicacy and uniqueness of the Piazza Venezia hub, Sciotti noted that in the 10 years and 755 million euros ($818 million) it will take to dig and build the station, four other stations will be built along the Metro C line heading out of the center toward the Vatican and beyond.

“Twenty, thirty years ago, it would have been very difficult to do this,” he said. But thanks to new technology, it’s now possible to both dig underneath archaeological sites and protect above-ground patrimony, he said, adding that he has already presented the Metro C project to engineers in Ecuador who are also planning a subway line through Quito’s historic center.

For now, the work is in the preliminary phase of digging the 85-meter (280-foot) -deep retaining wall of reinforced cement around the perimeter of the Piazza Venezia station. A massive hydro mill trench cutter digs rectangular-shaped columns down that are then filled to make a retaining wall to keep water out and secure the site’s perimeter before the actual digging begins.

While Rome already has two main subway lines, including one with a stop at the Colosseum, the Metro C line will penetrate the heart of the historic center and connect it to the Vatican and beyond, providing new options for the Eternal City’s chronically insufficient public transport system.

Once the line reaches Piazza Venezia, the subway tunnels themselves will run at an underground depth of 45 meters (150 feet), to also spare the above-ground historic palazzi and churches from the vibrations that a subway closer to the surface might create.

When opened, the eight-level Piazza Venezia station will provide underground connections to the Vittoriano “wedding cake” monument at the heart of the piazza, the Palazzo Venezia museum on one side and the museum under Hadrian’s Athenaeum, built in 123 A.D., on the other.

Sciotti said it was the work near the Hadrian archaeological site -– with its delicate Trajan’s Column standing upright -- that makes him most fearful, even if careful monitoring is underway and crews will use a buffering technique to limit above-ground vibrations that was used in London along the Jubilee tube line.

If anything happens to the Trajan’s Column, “I have my passport ready,” he said, joking.

Work on metro line under Rome's landmarks enters crucial phase

The project is considered one of the most complicated in the world and is expected to take a decade to complete.

A long-delayed and complex project to bring a metro line under Rome's historic centre and through some of its most iconic sites has entered an important phase.

When completed, the metro line will run underneath some of the world’s most important cultural heritage sites — the Colosseum, Trajan’s Column and the Basilica of Maxentius, the largest building in the Roman Forum — as well as some of Rome’s prized Renaissance palazzi, churches and the Vatican.

During a tour Thursday of the construction site at Piazza Venezia, chief engineer Andrea Sciotti said work on the nearly €3-billion project is considered one of the most complicated of its kind in the world.

An 85-metre-deep retaining wall has been built around the flagship station in front of the imposing National Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, commonly known as Vittoriano.

The project was likely to be completed by 2034, he added.

The Metro C line has already been in the works for two decades but has been slowed by bureaucratic and funding delays. The archaeological excavations necessary given the underground ruins of Imperial Roman and Medieval civilisations remain the key obstacle in the metro line's way.

Italy’s culture ministry has been heavily involved in the project and will be on hand once the digging begins on the initial 15 metres of the Piazza Venetia station.

“I think I can say it’s unique in the world because we don’t only have the Colosseum and the Basilica of Maxentius, but we have 15-20 metres of hidden archaeological patrimony -– known but hidden,” Sciotti told reporters at the site. “This obviously brings problems that must be resolved in the planning and realization phases.”

• Rome unveils plans for a new archaeological path through the heart of city
• How scientists reconstructed a huge statue of Emperor Constantine the Great in Rome

To underscore the delicacy and uniqueness of the Piazza Venezia hub, Sciotti noted that in the 10 years and €755 million it will take to dig and build the station, four other stations will be built along the Metro C line heading out of the centre toward the Vatican and beyond.

“Twenty, thirty years ago, it would have been very difficult to do this,” he said. But thanks to new technology, it’s now possible to both dig underneath archaeological sites and protect above-ground patrimony, he said. 

While Rome already has two main metro lines, including one with a stop at the Colosseum, the Metro C line will enter the heart of the historic centre and connect it to the Vatican and beyond, providing new options for the Eternal City’s chronically lacking public transport system.

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• Public Transport

Rome’s trams are usually cleaner than the buses and are also considered by many more romantic . Nonetheless, the tram lines are small and the fact that the network doesn’t get to the city centre makes it less appealing for visitors.  

The tram network in Rome has six lines:

• Line 2 : Piazza Mancini – Piazzale Flaminio.
• Line 3 : Piazza Thorwaldsen – Trastevere .
• Line 5 : Giovanni Amendola – Piazza dei Gerani.
• Line 8 : Torre Argentina – Trastevere .
• Line 14 : Giovanni Amendola – Palmiro Togliatti.
• Line 19 : Piazza Risorgimento – Piazza dei Gerani.

It is important to point out that most of these lines , do not hold  a lot of special interest for tourists . The best line for travellers is actually number 8, which links Trastevere with Largo di Torre Argentina.

Opening times

Trams run from 5:30 am until midnight every day , like the city buses in Rome. At night, the trams are replaced by night buses.

Remember to validate your ticket

Remember when you get on any tram to validate your ticket at their validation machines, otherwise you will be fined.

Journey planner

If you want to find out more about the different tram lines in Rome, or would like to plan a journey, check out the official bus website:

If you’d like more information on the fares, discounts and the several travel cards, check out our article on tickets and travel cards in Rome.

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Rome has currently over 350 bus lines and it can sometimes be a bit confusing to find the right bus. Find out the main bus lines in Rome, their schedules and frequencies and tips to help you get around the city on this type of public transport.

Urban Railway

The urban trains in Rome, called Ferrovie Urbane, complement the three metro lines and are run by the same company. The tickets are the same and the prices too.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International: How To Get To The World's Busiest Airport By Public Transport

• Shared-Ride Shuttle services are convenient and cost-effective at ATL airport.
• MARTA Buses and Trains offer affordable and efficient public transportation options.
• ATL SkyTrain provides complimentary services to various airport locations for passengers.

It requires some advance pondering when traveling to and from the world’s busiest airport. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is located 10 miles (16 km) south of the downtown Atlanta district. While the airport location is very convenient for people from all parts of the Greater Atlanta Area, the city traffic can pose a significant challenge, particularly at peak times, passengers getting in and out of ATL.

Hopping in an Uber or a cab may not always be the fastest and most economical way to get to the airport. There are certainly better options than this, at most times, for ATL. This article explores various ways of getting to and from the world’s busiest airport using public transportation. The information is based on data from ItsMarta , ATLFly , and the Atlanta Airport Ground Transportation.

Shared Shuttles

Shared rides are common when getting to and from the airport. These are convenient and cost-effective in most cases, at least compared to most taxi fares. Shared-Ride Shuttles provide pick-up and drop-off services to domestic and international terminals at ATL. Local, regional, and international terminal shuttles provide services at various stall locations within the airport.

According to the Atlanta Airport Ground Transportation Services,

“All shared-ride shuttles pick up on the Shared-Ride Shuttle Aisle, which is outside in the Ground Transportation Center/West Curb area, located on the west end of the Domestic Terminal.”

“There are limited services provided by Shared-Ride vans from the International Terminal.”

A Hub Like No Other: 5 Reasons Why Atlanta Is The Busiest Airport On The Planet

• Local Shared-Ride: Normally located between stalls 1-3.
• Regional Shared-Ride: Normally located between stalls 4-8.
• International Shared-Ride: Pick-up is located on the arrival level outside, to the right of the A3 door.

Local Public Transit

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) operates local public transportation to and from the Atlanta Airport, connecting various regions and suburbs across the Metropolitan area. These include MARTA Buses and MARTA Trains.

Marta Buses

Tens of MARTA bus routes connect the ATL airport to the city. One example is Route 191 Riverdale / ATL International Terminal. The bus runs northbound and southbound across Interstate 75, connecting localities on both sides of the ATL airport.

According to MARTA Buses,

“MARTA runs hundreds of buses over 91 routes covering over one thousand route-miles. Bus times vary by individual route, so be sure to check the schedule for your specific route. Customers are allowed to bring bikes on buses that are equipped with a bike rack. All buses are equipped for wheelchair access, but special Mobility access is available.”

• A valid Breeze card loaded with the appropriate fare is required to access buses.
• Bus/Train transfers are avalanches by tap
• Up to four transfers are allowed within a three-hour period
• Transfers cannot be used for round-trip travel.

104.7 Million Becomes New Passenger Record At Atlanta Airport

Marta trains.

Red and Gold MARTA train lines connect ATL airport across the train network. With the Airport Station located inside the Domestic Terminal between north and south baggage claims, passengers can find quick, easy, and economical access to and from ATL. Not only that, many MARTA stations also offer secure long-term car parking for travelers who wish to avoid expensive airport parking.

MARTA claims that the parking fares at its stations are lower than those at airport lots. Moreover, its secure lots provide worry-free parking and direct access to and from the airport.

How do you take MARTA to and from the international terminal?

Passengers traveling to and from the international terminal must connect through the domestic terminal via one of two ways.

• If passengers are allowed to check-in for their international flight from the domestic terminal, they can proceed inside the airport and use ATL’s Plane Train to the International Terminal at Concourse F.
• If passengers cannot check in for their international flight from the domestic terminal, a complimentary shuttle to the International Terminal is available outside the Baggage Claim. Upon returning from the International Terminal to MARTA’s Airport station at the Domestic Terminal, passengers can take the free shuttle from the arrivals level of the International Terminal.

In each case, passengers can benefit from MARTA Train’s connection to and from the ATL airport.

ATL SkyTrain

The SkyTrain service at Atlanta Airport also provides complementary services to various locations around the airport and in the vicinity. From parking lots to hotels around the airport, passengers can enjoy complimentary rides on the diesel-powered shuttle buses. The SkyTrain switched to buses in 2009 to reduce vehicle traffic on roads and the resulting emissions.

According to the Atlanta Airport Ground Transportation,

"The ATL SkyTrain provides complimentary transportation for more than 5 million guests annually. Powered by electricity, this automated people mover system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It connects to the ATL West Parking Deck, Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), Gateway Center Arena, Atlanta Airport Marriott Gateway, AC Hotel by Marriott Atlanta Airport Gateway, SpringHill Suites Atlanta Airport Gateway, and the Renaissance Atlanta Airport Gateway Hotel."

Have you ever traveled to the ATL airport via public transportation? Share your experience in the comments section.

Watch CBS News

Memorial Day weekend 2024 could break travel records. Here's what to know.

By Emily Mae Czachor

May 20, 2024 / 5:04 PM EDT / CBS News

Despite another month of spring technically still ahead, travelers often view Memorial Day weekend  as an unofficial kickoff to the summer season — and traffic notoriously reflects that . Based on current forecasts, travel around the upcoming 2024 holiday next Monday, May 27, is not expected to relieve Memorial Day of its bad reputation for drivers and airline passengers. They may actually find themselves on some of the busiest highways and flights they've seen in decades.

The American Automobile Association, or AAA, warned of potentially unprecedented congestion on roads this weekend, along with airports that could be even more crowded than in years past. The organization, which looks at various economic factors and partners with other groups to project travel conditions, announced earlier this month that an estimated 43.8 million people across the United States would likely travel at least 50 miles from Thursday to Monday. That would mark a 4% increase in overall travel compared with 2023, according to AAA. It would also come close to the busiest Memorial Day weekend on record, which happened in 2005 when 44 million people left home for the holiday.

"We haven't seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years," said Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of the travel division at AAA, in a statement. "We're projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we're exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead."  

For those planning to hit the road or board a plane this weekend, here's what to know.

Prepare to hit traffic

Memorial Day weekend in 2024 is expected to set a new record for road trips, according to AAA. The organization has estimated that 38.4 million people will travel in cars over the course of the weekend, which would be the biggest number recorded around this particular holiday since the group first started keeping track of Memorial Day travel patterns in 2000. 

Car rental company Hertz told AAA that demand for rentals this year will be highest in Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas and Orlando, with most renters scheduled to pick up their cars on Thursday and Friday.

In general, drivers hoping to beat the traffic, or at least face less of it, should avoid the roads during afternoon hours on any day of the long weekend. Citing transit data from INRIX , AAA said the worst times to travel by car , in any U.S. time zone, are between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday, between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, and between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday. 

The best times to drive will be before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on Thursday, before 11 a.m. or after 8 p.m. on Friday, before 1 p.m. or after 6 p.m. on Saturday, before 1 p.m. on Sunday, and after 7 p.m. on Monday.

Airports will be crowded

Airports across the country are bracing for another spike in travelers, following an upward trend in flights booked around Memorial Day since last year's air travel numbers exceeded pre-pandemic levels. An estimated 3.51 million people are projected to fly this weekend, according to AAA, which is up from 3.35 million who traveled on planes to their destinations last year. If as many people fly as expected, this will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when AAA said 3.64 million people caught flights for the holiday.

United Airlines said more than 500,000 people are expected to fly each day from Thursday to Tuesday, which would be the airline's busiest Memorial Day weekend on record. Delta said 3 million people are expected to fly on its planes over that six-day period and American Airlines said it expects 3.9 million people to fly over the weekend.

Public transportation tips

Any of the projected 1.9 million people who use public transit systems to get to where they're going this weekend can plan ahead, too. INRIX projections show metro riders will face a degree of congestion in major cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Oregon, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa and Washington, D.C. Congestion on metros is expected to peak in those places in the late afternoon, early evening and mid-morning each day between Thursday and Monday. 

Forecasts suggest D.C., Los Angeles, Houston and Tampa will see the largest jumps in metro crowding compared with their respective norms. The worst is projected for one route from Gainesville to Tampa, where INRIX said metro congestion on Sunday at 9 a.m. local time could be 88% higher than usual.

Kris Van Cleave contributed reporting.

• Memorial Day

Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.

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