Getting Around Rome: Your Complete Transportation Guide

ByBeppe Castro

Whether you prefer the Rome Metro, buses, trams, taxis, scooters, or bikes, getting around Rome is easy when you understand how each mode of transport works.

Getting Around Rome - By Taxi

Visiting Rome is an unforgettable experience, filled with stunning architecture, rich history and world-famous cuisine. However, navigating the Rome can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors. With an inconsistent mix of modern architecture styles and historical infrastructure that is more than 2,000 years old, Rome offers various transportation options that cater to different preferences and budgets.

Whether you prefer the Rome Metro, buses, trams, taxis, scooters, or bikes, understanding how each mode of transport works will make your stay smoother and more enjoyable. This guide will walk you through the best ways to get around Rome, helping you choose the most efficient and cost-effective options for your trip. We will also provide links to detailed guides on specific transport services for those who want to dive deeper into each topic.

Getting Around Rome - Termini Station

Public Transportation In Rome

Rome’s public transportation system is affordable and extensive, but it can be confusing for first-time visitors. Below, is a breakdown of the Metro, bus, and tram systems, covering essential information like ticket prices, maps, and the best routes for tourists.

The Rome Metro System

The Rome Metro is the quickest way to travel across the city, especially if you need to cover long distances. The system is not one of the more complex ones, like in New York City, but it will bring you to all the corners of the city. From there you will need to rely on buses to bring you to a specific location.

The subway system consists of three lines:

  • Line A (Orange): This connects key tourist areas like the Vatican, Piazza di Spagna, and San Giovanni. A common meeting point for the A and B lines is at Termini Station, which will allow you to transfer between lines.
  • Line B (Blue): Runs from the EUR neighborhood, to the Colosseum and again, crossing the A at Termini. It also joins with Tiburtina, the other major train station in Rome.
  • Line C (Green): Is still under construction, which is what you will see near the Colosseum, as well as Piazza Venezia. It currently ends at San Giovanni and serves some eastern suburbs. I have also taken this line to get close to Frascati, which is the wine growing region around Rome.
Getting Around Rome - Straphangers

Subway, Bus And Tram Tickets

The same tickets can be used for multiple modes of transportation and are transferable between them. You can find tickets in Metro stations, Tabacchi shops or you can use an App like MooneyGo.

Here are the various ticket costs:

  • Single ride: €1.50 (valid for 100 minutes, includes bus and tram transfers)
  • 24-hour ticket: €7.00
  • 48-hour ticket: €12.50
  • 72-hour ticket: €18.00
  • Weekly pass: €24.00

For an in-depth guide to the Rome Metro System, visit: 

Rome Municipal Bus Network

Buses are a great way to explore Rome’s historical center, where Metro coverage is limited. The ATAC buses serve the entire city and are often the only public transport option in pedestrian-heavy areas.

How to use the bus system:

  • Buy your ticket at a (Tabacchi), metro station, or APP.
  • Validate your ticket upon boarding or Tap&Go with your credit card.
  • Use the Roma Bus app or Google Maps to track real-time arrivals.

For more details, check out: “The Rome City Bus Is Easy And Convenient For Getting Around”.

Getting Around Rome - Take a tram to the Colosseum

The Rome Tram System

Trams in Rome offer a smooth alternative to buses, avoiding traffic congestion and providing a slow, unraveling view of the city. They are particularly useful for reaching areas like Trastevere or Policlinico. Some of the more popular tram routes for tourists are:

  • Tram 3: Passes by the Colosseum, Trastevere, and Villa Borghese.
  • Tram 8: Connects Piazza Venezia with Trastevere.

For more information on the Rome Tram, check out: “The Rome Tram System Tickets, Prices, Maps and Services”.

Taxis And Ride-Sharing In Rome

Getting A Taxi In Rome

Taxis are an efficient way to get around, but they can be expensive. Should you choose a taxi, be sure you are hiring an official white taxi with a proper meter. Illegal taxis should never be used to avoid scams.

The average taxi fares for some popular originations and destinations:

  • Fiumicino Airport to City Center (Inside Aurelian Walls): €55 (fixed rate)
  • Short City Rides: Of course these can vary based on traffic, number or riders, time and luggage. However, for a typical ride, you can expect to pay €8-€15
  • Night surcharge: Additional charges apply after 10 PM, as well as number of passengers and how much luggage.

For a list of taxi apps and stand locations, visit: “How To Get A Taxi In Rome: Costs, Apps, Numbers And Stands”.

Getting Around Rome - Taxi Stands

Car Sharing Services

As opposed to the almost non-existent ride-sharing options in Rome, there are car sharing options that you might be interested in. If you prefer driving yourself outside of the city center, car-sharing services like Enjoy and Share Now provide short-term rentals. These are ideal for reaching less accessible areas outside the city center.

Typically, these cars are prepositioned in reserved spaces around the city. Once you register with the App, you can find the car closest to you and try to reserve it for the time you expect to need it. 

Getting Around Rome - Bike rentals

As opposed to a rental car, you wouldn’t use a car share for more than a day or a long trip. Rentals are better suited for this. If you wanted, for example, to drive down to the Frascati wine country to sample and buy some amazing wines, you could reserve a car for 4 hours and do just that. Return it to its original location and you’re done.

During the process of registering in the app, you are required to have a valid international driver’s license. In the US, these are easily obtained at a AAA.

For more information, review: “Car Sharing In Rome – Useful Facts That You Need To Know”.

Other Transportation Options

In addition to the public transportation options we’ve talked about, there are what I call “Private Transportation” options also available. These are typically where you are the only person on it, like a Scooter, Vespa or Bike and they are available all around the city.

Getting Around Rome - Battery Assisted Bikes Available

Renting A Scooter Or Vespa

Many tourists rent eScooters to navigate Rome like a local, but new laws have imposed stricter regulations. Hopefully, for the safety of residents and tourists alike, these new rules will be enforced by the police. Here are a few things to know:

  • A valid driver’s license is required.
  • Helmets are mandatory, although this law is almost never enforced..
  • Scooter and bike theft is common, so lock it securely.

We have some great supporting articles on this topic, so check out:

Bike Rentals In Rome

Exploring Rome by bike can be an eco-friendly and fun option, especially in parks like Villa Borghese. While some might have a battery assist, others don’t, so you will want to be aware of the 7 Hills Of Rome! For some tips on renting bikes:

  • Use official bike rental shops.
  • Avoid biking in heavy traffic areas and on cobblestone streets.
  • Best biking areas: Appian Way and along the Tiber River.

For more tips, check out this article: “Your Rome Bike Rental Options Are Easy With This Guide”.

Getting Around Rome - Leonardo Express

Final Tips For Getting Around Rome

  • Best Transportation Choice For First-timers In Rome: Metro for long distances, buses for short trips and taxis for late-night travel.
  • Download helpful Apps Before Leaving For Rome:
    • MooneyGo (tickets for public transport)
    • IT Taxi (official taxis)
    • Enjoy (car sharing)
  • Avoid Pickpockets By Skipping Peak Hours: 8-10 AM and 5-7 PM are the busiest times on all transportation, including walking.
  • Validate All Public Transport Tickets: Tourists get snagged by this all the time. Once you are on the bus or tram, the first thing to do to avoid fines is validate your ticket.
  • Be Cautious With Scooters And Bikes:  Rome’s chaotic traffic and cobblestones can be a nightmare, so helmets are not only a must, but they are the (oft ignored) law.
Getting Around Rome - Center Of Rome

Let’s Use Rome’s Public Transportation

Getting around Rome doesn’t have to be stressful. With a mix of public transport, taxis, and alternative options, you can choose what best fits your lifestyle, itinerary and budget. Whether you hop on the Metro, ride a Vespa, or explore by bike, knowing your options in advance will make your trip much easier.

For more details, be sure to check out these articles to help you plan the best way to navigate Rome during your visit!

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