Rome is compact at its core and well connected at the edges. Here is the simple version that works for almost every visitor, from the metro and a single shared ticket to knowing when to just walk.
Getting Around Rome
Walk first
The historic centre, Trastevere, Monti, and the Vatican area are best on foot, and the major sights are surprisingly close together. The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori, and the Trevi Fountain are all a short stroll apart. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones and you will see far more of the city than you would underground.
One ticket, all transport
Rome's metro, buses, and trams are run by ATAC and share a single ticketing system. A standard BIT ticket costs 1.50 EUR and is valid for 100 minutes across buses and trams plus one metro ride, with transfers. For a busy sightseeing day, a 24-hour pass (7 EUR) gives unlimited travel and quickly pays off. Buy tickets at metro stations, tabacchi (tobacconists), newsstands, or via the ATAC app, and validate them when you board.
The metro
Three lines, A (orange), B (blue), and C (green), cross the city and run roughly every 5-10 minutes from early morning until about 11:30pm. Line A serves the Vatican (Ottaviano), the Spanish Steps (Spagna), and Termini; Line B serves the Colosseum (Colosseo) and Termini, where the two lines meet. The metro is fast for crossing town but does not reach every corner of the dense historic centre.
Buses and trams
Buses fill the gaps the metro misses and reach almost everywhere, though they can be slow in traffic. Trams are useful for Trastevere and Testaccio. Both use the same ticket as the metro: board, validate, and watch your belongings on crowded routes.
Taxis and rideshare
Official taxis are white, metered, and best taken from a rank or booked by phone or app rather than hailed. They are useful at night, with luggage, or to outlying sights like the Appian Way. Agree that the meter is running, and expect supplements for luggage and late hours.
When to skip transit
Within the centro storico, walking almost always beats waiting for a bus. Save the metro and buses for crossing between zones, reaching the Vatican from the ancient-Rome side, or heading out to Testaccio, the Borghese gardens, or the catacombs.
FAQ
- Is the Rome metro easy to use?
- Yes. With just three lines (A, B, and C) meeting at Termini, it is simple to navigate and fast for crossing the city. It does not cover the entire historic centre, though, so you will often walk the last stretch.
- How much is public transport in Rome?
- A single BIT ticket is 1.50 EUR and covers 100 minutes on buses and trams plus one metro ride. A 24-hour pass is 7 EUR and is good value on a busy sightseeing day. Buy at metro stations, tabacchi, or via the ATAC app, and always validate.
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