Transport in Rome, Italy – A Quick Public Transport Guide

As in many southern Italian cities, Rome’s public transport system is sort of confusing. Here is a quick transport guide to help you make the most of your time in Rome.

Know before you go

The best thing about Rome’s transport system is that it has integrated tickets for metro, tram, buses. It also integrates trains within the city. You can buy your tickets at the vending machines inside the metro stations or tobacco shops throughout the city.

Choices are:

• A single ticket costs 1.5€ and is valid for 100 minutes from the moment you first stamp it. For instance, if you switch buses, you don’t need another ticket. You have to validate as soon as you get on the bus or tram. If you use the metro, you have to validate when you enter the station, and the ticket is valid for 100 minutes, even if you take a bus after you exit the metro. There is one limitation, one ticket is only valid for one metro ride.
• The 24 hours ticket costs 7€ and is valid for unlimited metro, bus and tram within 24 hours from the first stamp.
• The 48 hours ticket is 12.50€
• A 72 hours ticket costs 18€
• A 7 days ticket costs 24€ and is valid until midnight on the 7th day, regardless of the time of the first stamp on the first day.

For short trips, a good option is to use a Roma Pass for unlimited transport for the 48 or 72 hours options, one or two museum or archaeological sites entrance, and discounts for any others on the list.

Walking

If you’re staying close to the city center, you might not need to use public transport much. Rome is easily walkable, and there is always something to discover around you.

Driving in Rome

If you have a choice, don’t hire a car in Rome. Traffic is busy, at least in the morning and evenings, and parking is almost impossible. Most locals’ cars have side scratches which can be a real problem with insurance. I’ve also seen a lot of broken glass from smashed car windows, especially on the riverbanks. So, if you are driving, don’t leave anything in the car.

Metro in Rome

There are 3 metro lines in Rome. Check the metro map here. Piazza di Spagna stop on the A-line will take you very close to The Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain, and The Pantheon. Ottaviano stop, also on A-line, will take you close to the Vatican Museum. On the other hand, line B will get you to the Colosseum. On weekends, line B is replaced with bus services because of construction work.

Bus&Tram – Public Transport in Rome

Some bus lines are very crowded at all hours and also popular with pickpockets. The most “popular” are buses 64 and 40. For some attractions out of the city center, a bus or a tram might be necessary. Ideally, get them at the end of the line if you don’t want to wait indefinitely or hope to sit down. Also, use mooveitapp for dependable directions and times. Google maps can tell you how to get from point A to point B, but there are a lot of detours and delays in Rome that mooveitapp handles better and doesn’t leave you standing in the station as the google maps app left me a couple of times.

Trains from Rome

There are a few train stations in Rome, other than the main station called Stazione Termini. The metrebus ticket covers train rides within the metropolitan roman area too. For example, to get to Ostia-Rome’s closest beach, you can take the train from Porta San Paolo station, with the same 1.5€ ticket.

I hope this post about the public transport system will help you plan your time in Rome.

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