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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 & 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

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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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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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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.

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 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.

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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 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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Transportation

If you after some days would like to travel away from Rome we have also added information about how to travel with train in Italy. Hopefully your will find answers to at least some of your transport related questions here.

Transportation in Italy and Rome

From ciampino to rome.

Read more ...

From Fiumicino to Rome

Public transportation

Airport transfer

Train in Italy

• Public Transport

Rome transport tickets

In Rome, visitors can purchase different types of transport tickets and travel cards depending on the number of days they stay in the city and how often they plan on using public transportation there.

Types of transport tickets

One-way ticket (bit).

The BIT ticket lasts 75 minutes since its first validation and allows for unlimited transfers between the metro, buses, trams and urban trains . The only transfer that is not allowed is to leave the metro and return (by the metro turnstiles), even if it’s in the 75 minutes of validity. The ticket costs € 1.50 ( US$ 1.60).

MetroBus 24 hours

This ticket allows unlimited public transportation from the moment the ticket is validated until midnight of the same day. The MetroBus 24 hours costs € 7 ( US$ 7.60).

MetroBus 48 hours

The 48-hour ticket allows unlimited use of Rome's public transport for 48 hours from the time it is first used. The price is € 12.50 ( US$ 13.60) .

MetroBus 72 hours

It allows unlimited use of public transport for 72 hours from the time it is used for the first time. The price is € 18 ( US$ 19.50) .

Weekly pass

If you're going to spend a week in Rome and you plan to use public transport a lot, the ideal option for you is the weekly pass, as you'll be able to use unlimited public transport for 7 days . The price is € 24 ( US$ 26) .

Other travel cards

If you’re planning on staying in Rome for a longer period, there are also annual and monthly travel cards.

What means of transport are included?

• Cotral bus services (within Rome)
• Urban trains : Rome–Lido, Rome–Viterbo and Rome–Pantano.
• Trenitalia Regional trains (second class).

Where to buy the travel cards and tickets?

Public transportation tickets in Rome can be bought in vending machines in any metro station, convenience stores or newsagents . There is also a way to buy tickets by SMS , but unless you have an Italian phone number, we do not recommend this option.

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Unfortunately, taxi drivers don’t have a good reputation in Rome. Many tourists and locals are continually overcharged. What's more, taxi rates in Rome are considered quite high compared to certain European capital cities. Find out about the rates and tips on how to avoid being swindled.   

Money-saving tips

Besides booking your flight and hotel in advance, there are many other ways of saving money in Rome. The main way to do this is to try to reduce the cost of the admissions tickets to the city’s museums and top attractions.

Trains in Rome

Trains may not be your most used mode of transportation while in Rome, but it’s still worthwhile becoming familiar with the system. 

Whether you want to travel further afield in Italy or simply arrive in the centre from the airport, it’s useful to know more about the city’s train network.

Rome Train Stations

Unsurprisingly, regular train stations in Rome are not quite as widespread as the metro stations. There’s only a handful in central Rome and even fewer that are relevant to tourists.

• Termini Station is the main train station in Rome – more on that later – and the one most visitors will become familiar with, but there are a few others that you may come across.
• Trastevere Station . Rome’s leafy, bohemian neighbourhood of Trastevere has its own station, which primarily operates regional and suburban train services. It’s handy for reaching this popular district, which isn’t accessible via the metro, and is on the FL1 line from Fiumicino Airport.
• Ostiense Station. Close by is Ostiense, just a short distance over the river from Trastevere. Another station, Sao. Paolo is only around the corner. Both operate regional lines and are close to Testaccio and the Baths of Caracalla. 
• Tiburtina Station. Tiburtina is one of the larger train stations in Rome but isn’t likely to be on most visitors’ radar. It’s located a bit further out from the centre than most people venture – though high-speed trains and national lines run from here, you’re more likely to be travelling from Termini.
• Porta San Pietro. This is a smaller station than the others listed here, but San Pietro does have some useful transport links. It’s most notable for its location close to the Vatican but is also known for its link to the port city of Civitavecchia.
• Ostia Antica. This small station isn’t technically within the city limits of Rome but is only 30 minutes by train from Ostiense. Ostia is an ancient port city and was a significant hub of trade and commerce in Ancient Roman society. Well worth the short journey.

Termini Station

Termini Station is the biggest train station in Rome and the main transportation hub in the city. If all roads lead to Rome, then all train lines lead to Termini Station (well, close enough.).

It’s a sprawling station, and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a shopping mall at first glance. There are three floors, though the third is primarily for dining; you can go shopping, lounge outside a cafe, or eat a full meal – there’s plenty to do while you wait for a train.

Reaching Termini from the Airport

While it has connections within the capital, generally for visitors, Termini Station is where you’ll go to travel to other parts of Italy or the airport.

It’s 35km from Fiumicino Airport and about 30 minutes by train. You can arrive at Termini from Fiumicino via the Leonardo Express Train; it’s the fastest way to reach the station from the airport but is twice as expensive as other options. Unless you’re in a hurry, personally, I don’t think it’s worth it.

Though the FL1 regional train won’t take you directly to Termini, it does reach central Rome. You can get off at Trastevere, for example, and wander into the centre from there (or catch a taxi).

Arrive early

If departing from Termini Station, it’s worth arriving around 15-20 minutes before your train is due to depart. This is one of the largest train stations in Europe – if your train platform happens to be on the other side of the station, you’ll need the extra minutes to reach it.

It will also make everything feel less stressful; you need that extra time to get your bearings, check the departure boards, and find your platform. If you need to get your ticket upon arrival, add another five minutes.

Types of Trains 

Besides the metro, there are a few different types of trains in Rome. It might look like an intimidating list, but in reality, the differences are minimal; it mostly boils down to speed and the area covered.

• National. For longer-distance travel, like going from Rome to Naples.
• High-Speed Trains. Rome is a major hub for high-speed train services in Italy. Trains such as Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Italo operate from Rome’s main train stations.
• Urban and Suburban Trains. Rome has several urban train lines that connect the city with its suburbs and nearby towns. These trains are mostly used by commuters traveling between residential areas and city centers or passengers traveling shorter distances within the city. There are plenty of stops on these trains, so they’re not the quickest.
• Regional Trains. Regional trains are really a blend of local, suburban trains and lines that go a little further afield – they’re not just for commuters. The majority of these trains are operated by Trenitalia.
• Intercity Trains. Intercity trains cover medium to long distances, connecting major cities and towns. They offer a slightly slower but more affordable alternative to high-speed trains.

Train Tickets and Fares

Like the other public transportation tickets, the fares for trains in Rome are very reasonable. They’re also easy to purchase – you can buy tickets at the station, from a machine, or, at larger stations, the counter. But it’s arguably easiest to buy tickets online beforehand. 

Most trains are operated by Trenitalia ; you can download the app and show your ticket on your phone. Visit the Italo website for high-speed train tickets. If you’re planning a longer journey, it may be easier to book through Rail Europe or ItaliaRail .

As for ticket options; it will depend on the length of your journey. For longer-distance trains, like a trip from Rome to Milan or Naples, you should buy tickets in advance; both for price and availability.

There are discounts available for people aged under 26, seniors and students, and deals for families travelling together. Check the train company’s website for exact details and prices, as they’re subject to change.

A single or return ticket bought on the day will be common for short to mid-length travel. And while most beyond the city won’t, for journeys that do fall within the right parameters, the classic B.I.T, or 100-minute ticket, will work. At only €1.50, it’s a really cost-effective way to travel over short distances.

A few examples of destinations included in this coverage are Lido di Ostia, Viterbo and Giardinetti.

Train Passes 

As mentioned, a limited number of train lines are included in the Atac, city of Rome public transport network. 

Most train lines are not included in the main tourist passes , barring a few shorter journeys into the suburbs; if they fall within the transport network of the city of Rome they should be included. It’s always worth double-checking before you embark on any journey, however.

For the eligible lines, a Roma Pass will allow you unlimited travel. This tourist card grants access to a few different tourist sites, and gives you unlimited access to Rome’s public transport network (buses, trams, metro, and some trains). The three-day pass is €52, while the 42-hour Roma Pass is available at €32.

Visitors looking to explore beyond Rome and travel the country by train may be interested in the Eurail Italy Pass. This pass is only valid on the Trenitalia network, but offers unlimited rail travel in Italy for 3, 4, 5, or 8 days, which can be used over the course of a month.

A Trenitalia Pass is aimed at foreign visitors travelling around Italy; prices start from €129. The exact pass can be selected to suit your needs; choose from Easy, Comfort, and Executive options, pick the number of journeys, ranging from 3, 4, 7, or 10, and the type of passenger; Adult, Senior, or Youth. You can travel on Frecce, FrecciaLink, Intercity, Intercity Night, and EuroCity Italy-Switzerland trains (only on domestic routes within Italy).   

Accessibility 

Rome doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to accessibility – though it is improving.

Practically all mid to long-distance trains are accessible, including Intercity lines. It gets a little less predictable for local and regional lines. The majority of trains have designated wheelchair spaces – but you do have to notify the train company 24 hours in advance to reserve one. Last-minute travel isn’t really an option.

The train lines have phone lines for passengers with accessibility needs to call with any queries. Getting in touch in advance to guarantee accessibility and allow them to make any necessary arrangements is your best bet.

There are wheelchair lifts in many stations and accessible toilets on many trains. Braille can be found on all signage in accessible trains, and stations take extra steps to make sure they are suitable for the hearing or visually impaired. While the train network in Rome and Italy isn’t perfect, it is a lot better than it used to be.

What is the train system in Rome called?

Not to be confused with the subway system in Rome, which is simply the metro, the train system doesn’t have a name as such. Train lines will have names, like FL1, or be referred to as ‘local’ or ‘regional’ – most are operated by Trenitalia, so some may refer to them by the company name.

What is the best train station in Rome?

‘Best’ is subjective, but the largest station is Termini, and it has the most amenities in quite some way.

How do you pay for a train in Rome?

You can purchase tickets at the station, either at a ticket machine or from the counter. You can also buy your ticket on the app, which is easy and generally cheaper if purchased in advance.

What are the different train stations in Rome?

To see all the train stations in Rome, take a look at a map on one of the train companies’ websites. The most relevant train stations to tourists in Rome are Termini, the largest by far, and Trastevere, Ostiense, and San. Pietro.

An Easy Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

V isiting the Eternal City for the first time? Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy and we created an easy travel guide to Rome so that you know the best things to see and do.

In this post, we’re sharing all we’ve learned from our vacations in Rome to help you plan your getaway. We’ll cover the most popular neighborhoods, the best things to see and do, how to get around in Rome, the best time of the year to visit, how to get to central Rome from FCO Airport, and tips for traveling.

Where is Rome

Rome is located in the region of Lazio, near the and is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations in Italy. It has the highest population of all cities in Italy and sits about 1 hour from the western coast.

And when it comes to tourism, it’s no surprise that visitors from around the globe travel to Rome to see its beauty and Renaissance art, experience Roman cuisine and Italian cooking , shop the fashion capital, discover the piazzas and fountains, explore the historical landmarks, or even practice Italian phrases that they’ve learned.

The various neighborhoods are the most widely visited by tourists because they are where most attractions can be found. Traveling through the city is easy on foot, but you should also consider the Rome sightseeing bus or the Rome golf cart tours .

The Best Time of Year to Visit Rome

Rome can be extremely uncomfortable in the summer months (primarily June through September). In April and May, the spring temperatures are nice, the mornings are cool, and by noon you probably won’t need a jacket.

The Best Things to See and Do (by Neighborhood)

Each neighborhood of Rome has museums, churches, gardens, parks, and iconic spots to visit. This list gives a brief description of each district, and helps you understand what to see in each neighborhood. It will come in handy for deciding where to stay in Rome while planning your trip.

You may need to take public transportation to reach a specific neighborhood depending on where you stay. However, once you arrive, the area is completely walkable and getting from one point of interest to another is easy.

Modern Center

This neighborhood is located around Via Veneto and the Spanish Steps, the Modern Center neighborhood combines classic and contemporary influences. It has a mix of upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and luxurious hotels, making it a hub for shopping, dining, and experiencing the modern side of Rome.

Palazzo del Quirinale

Complesso delle Quattro Fontane

Trevi Fountain

Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica a Pallazo

Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

Castro Pretorio

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vittoria

Museo e Cripto dei Frati Cappuccini

The heart of Rome’s historic center, the Old Rome neighborhood captivates with its cobblestone streets, charming piazzas, and awe-inspiring landmarks like the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Scalinta di Trinita dei Monti (Spanish Steps)

Museo dell’Ara Pacis

Campo de’ Fiori

Palazza Farnese

Piazza Navona

Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi

Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi

Chiesa di Sant’Agnese in Agone

By far this is the most popular neighborhood in Rome for travelers. Trastevere is a bohemian neighborhood located on the west bank of the Tiber River. It is known for it narrow, winding streets, nightlife, and charming piazzas. Trastevere has a lively atmosphere with trendy bars, and traditional trattorias.

Villa Farnesina

Galleria Corsini

Basilica di Santa Maria

Orto Botanico

Home to the iconic Colosseum, the Colosseum neighborhood in Rome immerses visitors in ancient history as they explore the grandeur of the Roman Empire, marvel at ancient ruins, and soak in the architectural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Roman Forum

Palatine Hill

Bocca della Verita

Circo Massimo

Piazza Venezia

Altare della Patria

Aventino – Tastaccio

Testaccio is a historic working-class neighborhood that has transformed into a culinary hotspot. It offers a vibrant food scene with traditional trattorias, gourmet restaurants, and a bustling food market.

Basilicia di San Giovanni

Terme di Caracalla

Knights of Malta Keyhole

Esquilino – San Giovanni

Located near Termini Station, the Esquilino neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures and flavors. Known for its diverse immigrant communities, Esquilino is a mix of ethnic restaurants, colorful markets, and architectural gems like the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Museo Nazionale Romano

Basilica di San Pietro in Vincole

Nomentano combines residential tranquility with commercial areas. This neighborhood is characterized by its leafy parks, elegant villas, and the iconic University La Sapienza. There is a mix of students, locals, and dining. Nomentano has a relaxed and intellectual atmosphere.

Sapienza University

North Center

The North Center neighborhood of Rome, encompassing areas like Villa Borghese and Parioli, presents a more tranquil and residential atmosphere. With its leafy parks, elegant villas, and cultural institutions like the Galleria Borghese, this area provides a peaceful retreat from the city center.

• Museo e Galleria Borghese
• Villa Borghese
• La Galleria Nazionale
• Museo Nazionale Etrusce di Villa Guilia

Vatican City

Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual center of Catholicism. Home to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, this iconic neighborhood offers a rich blend of religious significance, magnificent art, and awe-inspiring architecture.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican Gardens

Vatican Museums

Castel Sant’Angelo

Southern Rome

The southern part of Rome is less touristy and has an authentic atmosphere that portrays a taste of local Roman life. From food markets and traditional trattorias to vibrant street art and a strong sense of community, Southern Rome provides a glimpse into the city’s everyday charm.

Via Appia Antica

Catacombe di San Sebastiano

Catacombe di San Callisto

Museo Capitoline Centrale Montemartini

How to Get Around Rome

Getting around the cobbled-stoned streets of Rome is not hard. I’ve walked, biked, and bused throughout Rome and loved it! All are great ways to get around and the method you choose depends on how much time you have and your personal preference.

I recommend the  Big Bus Tour  or a Golf Cart Tour in Rome if you are short on time or if you booked your travel in the dead heat of summer (which can be intensely hot).

With these tours, you’ll see all the top Rome attractions with audio commentary in your language of choice. If you choose an open top tour bus, the added benefit is free wi-fi and for 3 extra euros, you can use your ticket for two days (it is worth it).

When it comes to seeing Rome, walking can not be avoided especially when getting to an attraction that require climbing hilly pathways or navigating ancient streets. In my opinion, being on foot is one of the best ways to travel in Rome.

Exploring the narrow streets can lead you to the most marvelous pasta, the creamiest gelato, or the most perfect pasta! I highly recommend visiting the Trastevere neighborhood for  Italian street food . 

Public Transportation

This is the best option for getting to a part of town that is more than 20 minutes on foot, especially if visiting a museum or park. Save your energy and use public transportation for less than 2 euros. You can purchase them at the tobacconist store.

You will need to validate your ticket upon boarding the bus (it’s an honor system). Getting caught with an un-validated ticket can result in a fine. You should also use a really good map of Rome. 

Bike or Vespa

Peddling around the city on your own time feels so liberating. Bike rental is very affordable and is an enjoyable way to experience the outdoors, get some exercise to make up for all the  Italian breakfasts  that you eat, and explore Rome.

You can find rentals for as little as 13 euros for 24 hours, complete with lock, for a standard bike. The price for e-bikes is higher.

Getting around on a two-passenger scooter is loads of fun!  Rent a Vespa to skirt traffic or explore outside the city. They can be rented by the hour or day. This will make your trip to Rome memorable as you travel in true Italian style!

How to Get to Central Rome from FCO Airport

There are several options to get from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport to the center of the city. I found the train to be the quickest and most affordable especially if you’ve had a long day of travel and want to get to Termini station.  

The most economical way to get from the airport to the city center is via a shuttle bus service from the airport. You can travel conveniently between Rome’s city center and the airport and take pleasure in a stress-free arrival or departure from the city.

The ride takes about 50 minutes and departures run from the airport every 30 to 40 minutes so you have time to collect your luggage. Shuttles stop in Terminal 3’s arrivals section. Look for the respective service at the arrival platform.

Terravision offers a shuttle service for less than 8 euros it’s quite popular. The buses are air-conditioned and there is no cost to bring your luggage aboard. It goes directly to Termini station with no extra stops. 

Another option is the public transportation system, which costs about 6 euros. The bus stops multiple times in the city center, including one close to the Vatican and one at Termini Station, throughout the 45- to 1-hour one-way trip.

Buses halt in Terminal 3’s arrivals section, at number 14. You can purchase tickets at the airport desk or online. 

A taxi is quite expensive. It will set you back almost 50 euros and the ride takes just as long as a shuttle service (about 50 minutes). You can find the taxis at the arrival level of Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.

The Leonardo Express train is less than 20 euros and runs every 15 minutes during peak periods. It is operated by Trenitalia and the ride takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

If you wait to collect your luggage, and then make your way to the window or kiosk to purchase your ticket, note that many others will be doing the same. Hate long lines? You can purchase tickets in advance and be ready for validation after boarding the train.

I can’t recommend a car rental unless you plan a day trip and need a set of wheels. Rome is completely walkable. Not to mention, even Italians know that finding a parking space can be a hassle.

Tips for Visiting Rome

I adore visiting Italy. And no trip would be complete without seeing some of the most iconic and historic spots in the Eternal City.

Don’t make the mistake (that I made on my first trip) and skip these incredible spots! Fortunately, I was able to see them on return visits!

Whether you are visiting the Vatican for the first time or returning because you tossed a coin into the Trevi fountain, these Rome travel tips will come in handy to make your stay enjoyable.

• Be prepared! Read these tips on the essentials for an international flight .
• Think comfort when flying coach , it will help you stay calm and confident.
• Beware of scammers, pickpockets, and panhandlers. It’s a thing in Europe and it can happen when you least expect it. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight to Rome and thank me later.

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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.

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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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The Ultimate Guide On Traveling To Rome, Italy

• Last updated May 30, 2024
• Difficulty Intemediate

• Category Travel

Welcome to the Eternal City! Rome, Italy, a place filled with ancient history, breathtaking architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether you are a history buff, a food lover, or simply yearning for a romantic getaway, Rome has something to offer everyone. This ultimate guide is here to help you navigate through the countless historic sites, local secrets, and hidden gems that Rome has to offer. From the iconic Colosseum to the stunning Vatican City, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere of this enchanting city. Grab your passport, pack your bags, and let's embark on a memorable journey through the streets of Rome!

What You'll Learn

Best time to visit rome for ideal weather and fewer crowds, tips for finding affordable flights to rome, must-visit attractions and landmarks in rome, navigating public transportation and getting around rome with ease.

Rome, the eternal city, is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, art, and culture. With its ancient ruins, stunning architecture, and world-class museums, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and bustling city. However, it's important to plan your trip wisely in order to make the most of your time in Rome. In this article, we will guide you through the best time to visit Rome for ideal weather and fewer crowds.

The best time to visit Rome is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons. The weather during these months is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). It's neither too hot nor too cold, making it perfect for exploring the city on foot. Additionally, the number of tourists is relatively low during these months, so you can expect shorter lines and fewer crowds at popular tourist attractions.

If you prefer warmer weather and don't mind larger crowds, summer (July to August) is also a good time to visit Rome. However, keep in mind that Rome can get extremely hot during the summer months, with temperatures sometimes soaring above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). It's important to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks during the hottest part of the day. Consider visiting popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak crowds.

On the other hand, winter (December to February) in Rome can be quite cold and rainy, with temperatures dropping as low as 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit). While the city is still beautiful during this time, it's important to pack warm clothing and be prepared for some rainy days. The advantage of visiting Rome in winter is that you can experience the city without the usual crowds, and you may even find discounted prices on accommodations and flights.

In addition to considering the weather and crowds, it's also important to keep in mind any major holidays or events happening in Rome during your planned travel dates. For example, Easter is a popular time for tourists to visit Rome, as the city is known for its elaborate Easter celebrations and religious events. Christmas and New Year's Eve are also busy times in Rome, with various events and festivities taking place throughout the city.

In conclusion, the best time to visit Rome for ideal weather and fewer crowds is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons. However, if you don't mind warmer weather and larger crowds, summer can also be a good time to visit. On the other hand, if you prefer to avoid crowds and don't mind colder weather, winter can be a great time to experience Rome. Plan your trip accordingly, and you'll be able to make the most of your time in this magnificent city. Buon viaggio!

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Are you dreaming of visiting the eternal city, Rome? But you're concerned about the cost of flights? Don't worry! We have some valuable tips to help you find affordable flights to Rome. Follow these suggestions and start planning your trip to this magnificent city.

• Be Flexible with Dates: When looking for affordable flights to Rome, it's important to be flexible with your travel dates. Flying during off-peak seasons or on weekdays can significantly lower the cost of your ticket. Be open to adjusting your travel dates within a range of a few days to find the best deals.
• Use Flight Comparison Websites: Utilize flight comparison websites to find the best flight fares to Rome. These websites search multiple airlines and travel agencies, giving you a comprehensive overview of available options. Some popular flight comparison websites include Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights.
• Set Fare Alerts: If you have specific travel dates in mind, set fare alerts on flight comparison websites. These alerts will notify you when the prices of flights to Rome drop, allowing you to snatch up the best deals as soon as they become available.
• Consider Connecting Flights: Direct flights to Rome may be more expensive than ones with layovers. If you're willing to spend a little extra time traveling, opting for a connecting flight can often save you money. Keep in mind that longer layovers may offer you a chance to explore another city along the way.
• Check Alternative Airports: Rome has two major airports - Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino - G.B. Pastine International Airport (CIA). When searching for flights, consider both options as fares may vary between them. Additionally, check if there are any nearby airports that offer cheaper flights to Rome.
• Use Airline Rewards Programs: If you're a frequent flyer, make the most of airline rewards programs. Accumulate points or miles by flying with a specific airline or using a co-branded credit card. These accumulated points can be redeemed for discounted or even free flights to Rome.
• Be Mindful of Baggage Fees: Make sure to check the baggage fees of the airlines you're considering. Some airlines may offer seemingly cheap fares, but charge hefty fees for checked baggage. Take this into account when comparing flight prices to get an accurate estimate of the final cost.
• Book Well in Advance: Generally, it's recommended to book your flights to Rome well in advance to secure better prices. Last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive, especially during peak travel seasons. Keep an eye on prices and book your tickets when you find a good deal.
• Consider Budget Airlines: Budget airlines often offer competitive prices for flights to Rome. While they may have fewer perks and amenities compared to traditional airlines, they can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Research budget airlines that operate flights to Rome, compare prices, and read reviews before making a decision.
• Be Open to Alternative Routes: Flexibility in your travel itinerary can help you score affordable flights to Rome. Consider alternative routes, such as flying into nearby European cities and then taking a connecting flight or train to Rome. This approach might save you money and give you an opportunity to explore multiple destinations.

By following these tips, you'll increase your chances of finding affordable flights to Rome. Remember, flexibility is key when searching for the best deals. Start planning your trip now, and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of the eternal city. Buon viaggio!

Tips for Keeping Probiotics Cold When Traveling

If you're planning a trip to Rome, Italy, you're in for an unforgettable experience. Known as the Eternal City, Rome is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. There are countless attractions and landmarks to explore, but here are some must-visit places that you shouldn't miss during your trip.

• The Colosseum: Start your Roman adventure by visiting the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. This ancient amphitheater once hosted thrilling gladiator battles and grand spectacles. Explore the ruins, imagine the roar of the crowd, and marvel at the incredible engineering that made it possible.
• The Roman Forum: Walking through the Roman Forum is like stepping back in time. This archaeological site was once the center of ancient Rome, filled with grand temples, government buildings, and bustling markets. Take a guided tour or simply wander through the ruins to get a sense of the city's glorious past.
• Vatican City: Pay a visit to the smallest independent state in the world, the Vatican City. Home to the Pope and the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, this religious and cultural hub is a must-see for any traveler in Rome. Climb to the top of St. Peter's Dome for breathtaking views of the city.
• The Sistine Chapel: Located within the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is a true masterpiece of art. Admire Michelangelo's stunning frescoes, including the famous ceiling with its iconic painting of The Creation of Adam. Be prepared for crowds, as this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.
• Trevi Fountain: No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Trevi Fountain. Toss a coin into the water and make a wish as you admire this magnificent Baroque masterpiece. The grandeur of the fountain, along with the bustling atmosphere of the surrounding area, will leave you in awe.
• Spanish Steps: Climb the famous Spanish Steps, leading from the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinità dei Monti church. The steps are a popular gathering place, especially in the warm summer months when locals and tourists alike relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Don't forget to snap a picture to remember your trip by.
• Pantheon: Marvel at the ancient engineering of the Pantheon, a perfectly preserved Roman temple. With its massive dome, intricate marble work, and oculus in the center, the Pantheon is a testament to the ingenuity of the Roman architects and builders. Step inside to feel the sense of awe and wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries.
• Piazza Navona: Wander through the charming Piazza Navona, a lively square filled with street performers, artists, and outdoor cafes. Admire the beautiful Baroque fountains, especially the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini. Relax and soak up the bustling atmosphere while enjoying a gelato.

These are just a few of the many incredible attractions and landmarks that Rome has to offer. Make sure to also explore the charming neighborhoods, try the delicious local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this timeless city. Rome truly has something for everyone, and no matter where you go, you're sure to be captivated by its beauty and history.

Easy Steps to Check the Version of Lotus Traveler

Rome, the eternal city, is a vibrant and historic destination that attracts millions of tourists every year. With its iconic landmarks, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Rome is a must-visit destination for travelers. To make the most of your trip, it's important to have a good understanding of the city's public transportation system and how to navigate it.

• Airport to city center: The Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the main international airport serving Rome. To get from the airport to the city center, you have a few options. The Leonardo Express train is a non-stop service that takes you from the airport to Rome's Termini station in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which typically costs around 50-60 euros, or a shuttle bus, which is a more economical option.
• Metro: Rome has an extensive metro system, consisting of three lines (A, B, and C) that cover most of the city. The metro is a convenient way to get around Rome, especially if you're staying in the city center. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations and are valid for 100 minutes, allowing you to transfer between lines.
• Buses: Rome's bus network is extensive and covers the entire city. Buses are a great way to reach destinations that are not served by the metro. There are several types of buses, including regular buses (with a white or blue color), electric buses (with a green color), and express buses (with an "X" in the route number). Tickets can be purchased at tobacco shops, newsstands, or vending machines at metro stations.
• Trams: Rome has a network of trams that mainly serve areas outside of the city center. Trams are a convenient way to reach districts such as Trastevere and Testaccio. Like buses, tickets for trams can be purchased at tobacco shops, newsstands, or vending machines at metro stations.
• Tickets and fares: When using public transportation in Rome, it's important to have a valid ticket. Tickets should be validated upon boarding the bus or entering the metro or tram station. Failing to validate your ticket can result in a fine. Single tickets are valid for one metro ride or 100 minutes on buses and trams. Alternatively, you can purchase a 24-hour or 48-hour ticket, which allows unlimited travel on all public transportation.
• Navigating the city: Rome's historic center is best explored on foot. Most of the major attractions, such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Trevi Fountain, are within walking distance of each other. However, if you need to cover larger distances, the metro and buses are your best options. Consider using online navigation apps, such as Google Maps or Citymapper, to plan your routes and get real-time updates on public transportation schedules.
• Additional tips: Rome's public transportation can get crowded, especially during peak hours. If possible, avoid traveling during rush hour (8 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 7 pm) to have a more comfortable journey. Keep an eye on your belongings while on public transportation, as pickpocketing can be a concern in crowded areas.

By familiarizing yourself with Rome's public transportation system, you can easily navigate the city and make the most of your time exploring its many wonders. Whether you're visiting for a few days or a couple of weeks, using public transportation will allow you to experience the beauty and charm of Rome like a local.

Essential Factors to Consider Before Traveling to America

Frequently asked questions.

There are several ways to travel to Rome, Italy. You can fly into one of the two main airports in Rome, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (also known as Fiumicino Airport) or Ciampino-G.B. Pastine International Airport. Both airports have connections to major cities around the world. Additionally, you can also travel to Rome by train, bus, or car depending on your location and preference.

Whether or not you need a visa to travel to Rome, Italy depends on your nationality. If you are a citizen of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or a number of other countries, you generally do not need a visa to enter Italy for tourism purposes and can stay for up to 90 days. However, it is always wise to check with the Italian embassy or consulate in your country to confirm the specific requirements based on your nationality.

The best time to travel to Rome, Italy is generally during the spring (April to June) or the fall (September to October). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer months. However, Rome is a popular destination year-round, so even during the winter or summer months, there are still plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and travel plans.

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I've been a tour guide in Rome for 16 years. Here are 5 tourist attractions that are worth it and 5 you can skip.

• After 16 years of working as a tour guide in Rome , I've figured out the best attractions.
• I always recommend visiting the Park of the Aqueducts and the  Ostia Antica archeological site.
• But I think the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Mouth of Truth attractions are overcrowded. 

Rome is pretty crowded — the city welcomed a record-breaking 35 million tourists in 2023. Any gorgeous photos you see of breathtaking and empty piazzas were likely taken long before most people have woken up.

As a seasoned Roman tour guide for the past 16 years, I would never say certain attractions have no merit. But after years of interacting with travelers , I understand that people want alternatives.

Luckily, Rome has priceless art and artifacts around every corner.

Here are five popular attractions that are worth visiting, and five you might want to skip.

The Capitoline Museums offer plenty of art and archeological finds.

Located on Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums offer a treasure trove of ancient Roman art and artifacts.

Despite their historical significance as some of the oldest public museums in the world , they're often overlooked by tourists.

The well-curated collections include masterpieces by renowned artists like Michelangelo and Caravaggio, ancient bronzes, and frescoes. It's a must-visit for any art enthusiast seeking a quieter, more intimate experience.

Don't miss the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano.

As one of Rome's four major basilicas, San Giovanni in Laterano (also known as the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran) boasts a stunning display of baroque architecture and intricate frescoes.

It may not be as famous as some of Rome's other churches, but its grandeur and historical importance as the oldest papal basilica in the city make it a hidden gem worth exploring.

The Park of the Aqueducts is beautiful and full of history.

Escape the crowds and stagnant air of the city center and venture into a tranquil Park of the Aqueducts (Parco degli Acquedotti).

Here, you'll see towering arches of 11 aqueducts that once carried water to the heart of ancient Rome. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll on the ancient Latin Road or a picnic away from the crowds.

The attraction also offers a unique perspective on the ingenuity of Roman engineering.

There's incredible art in the Basilica of Sant’Agostino.

Art lovers shouldn't miss the exquisite "Madonna dei Pellegrini" housed within the Cavalletti Chapel at Basilica di Sant'Agostino in Campo Marzio.

The dramatic interplay of light and shadow in Caravaggio's painting comes alive in the serene church, providing a captivating glimpse into the artist's unparalleled talent and revolutionary style.

A Roman vacation isn't complete without a trip to Ostia Antica.

Step back in time and explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins of Ostia Antica, Rome's ancient seaport.

The archaeological site offers a quieter and less time-consuming alternative to the crowds of Pompeii a little farther south. Visitors can wander through ancient streets, houses, and Roman theaters in a more peaceful setting than the Roman Forum.

Plus, you can enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea after your visit .

On the other hand, the Vatican Museums are overcrowded.

Although the Vatican Museums are undeniably home to some of the world's most renowned art collections, they're almost always swarming with tourists.

The crowds and long queues can detract from your overall experience. In peak season , the Vatican easily sees 20,000 to 30,000 visitors a day.

It's virtually impossible to admire the art as you're shuttled through each gallery until everyone spills into the Sistine Chapel . Even the bathroom lines can be a 30-minute wait.

Unless you are willing to spend a lot of money on an official tour before the museums are open to the public or visit in the offseason , you should consider alternative attractions.

You can get a good view of the Colosseum without going inside.

As iconic as it may be, the Colosseum can be overwhelming, particularly during peak tourist seasons .

Its historical significance is undeniable, but exploring the ancient amphitheater can be a challenge among the swarms of visitors.

Acquiring tickets is also tricky. We often have to time our online purchases perfectly, refreshing the page in 10-minute intervals. Tickets sell out quickly and are sometimes resold by large companies.

Consider alternative viewpoints or guided tours for a more personalized experience. I also like taking in the exterior around 9 a.m. or in the evening when it lights up.

Walking the Appian Way might be a letdown.

The Appian Way is significant in Roman history as the oldest and most important road. But its appeal may be lost on the average tourist.

Nowadays, there are loads of bike and bus tours to the Catacombs along the road — making it crowded — and public transport there is difficult.

I suggest visiting the Park of the Aqueducts instead. It's an easy metro ride from Termini Station and offers a glimpse into what the Roman countryside would've been like.

Everyone wants a photo in front of the Trevi Fountain — and that's the problem.

Although undeniably one of Rome's most famous landmarks , the Trevi Fountain is often teeming with tourists jostling for the perfect selfie.

The sheer volume of visitors can detract from the fountain's beauty and significance, making it challenging to appreciate it in peace.

If you insist on throwing a coin in, go as early in the morning as possible — otherwise, it's a zoo.

I wouldn't wait in line for the Mouth of Truth.

Made famous by its appearance in classic films like "Roman Holiday," the Mouth of Truth may not live up to the hype for many visitors.

According to medieval legend, the stone mask will bite off the hand of any liar who enters its mouth, which has made it popular with tourists.

But the brief photo opportunity doesn't justify the long queues. Plus, it was probably just used as a drain cover in the Temple of Hercules.

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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.