Rome is a big, sprawling city.
The city centre, where most of Rome’s attractions are located, is best explored on foot while longer distances can be tackled by the city’s extensive public transport network made of metro lines, buses and trams.
Before travelling to Rome, make sure you check official travel rules and regulations that may affect your trip.
How to get around Rome by bus
Rome has an extensive bus network covering most of the city.
Bus stops are marked by yellow and black signs and can easily be spotted around the city.
Each bus stop reports the buses stopping there as well and their itineraries. You may notice that they do not give a timetable and think there is a reason for this: there isn’t!
With the exception of some bus stops on the wider roads, a bus schedule is not available to the public: always factor in extra time if you need to move by bus.
Bus tickets can be bought at metro stations and newsagents. Strollers and buggies must be folded but kids under 10 go free.
Main bus ticket types:
- B.I.T. standard ticket, valid for one Metro ride or 100 minutes on all buses
- 24 hour ticket – valid for unlimited metro, bus, and train travel within Rome for 24h
- 48 hour ticket – valid for unlimited metro, bus, and train travel within Rome for 48h
- 72 hour ticket – valid for unlimited metro, bus, and train travel within Rome for 72h
- C.I.S. Weekly ticket – valid for 7 calendar days
Tickets must be purchased in advance and must be validated when first boarding the bus.
Getting around Rome by metro
Rome has a limited metro system consisting of two lines (A and B): they intersect at one stop only, Termini (the main railways station) and are useful to cover large distances quickly.
Metro stations are equipped with ticketing machines and tickets must be validated a the electronic gates allowing access to the trains.
The metro is not hugely accessible by strollers so we recommend using a baby carrier instead whenever possible.
Click here for more tips on what to bring to Rome.
Rome public transport operates an integrated ticketing system and the same ticket is valid on metro, buses and trams. Kids under 10 go free.
Getting around Rome by tram
Trams are part of Rome’s integrated public transport system.
They are a convenient way to get around but are slower than buses so always plan for extra time should you choose this option.
How to get around Rome by taxi
Taxis are few and far between in Rome.
The best way to get hold of one is to use apps such as ‘FreeNow’ or ring one of the automated taxi booking services such as 06 3570. Flagging them on the street is possible, but unlikely to work due to the sheer volume of demand vs supply.
Taxis cannot be booked in advance except for going to the airport.
Taxis are most useful in Rome after dark, when public transport is less frequent, or if you have limited time in the city and need to pack sightseeing into one of 2 days in Rome only.
How to get from Rome airport to the city centre
Rome has two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci (aka Fiumicino, FCO) and Ciampino (CIA).
From Fiumicino to Rome city centre you have 3 options:
Train: The Leonardo Express is a fast train connecting Fiumicino Airport to Termini train station in about 30 to 40 minutes. Tickets can be bought at the many machines and vendors available at the station and must be validated before boarding the train. Checks are frequent so make sure you buy your tickets!
Bus: Shuttle buses connect Fiumicino with Rome city centre. Tickets can be bought in the main airport terminal or in advance via the links at the bottom of this page.
Taxi: Taxis are available immediately outside the arrival terminal and are the easiest transport option to take you directly to your Rome accommodation, budget permitting. They operate on a flat fare system (currently 50 Euro) to Rome city centre: additional cost apply for different locations. Taxis do not offer child seats and a car seat is not compulsory in taxis in Rome: make sure you have your own.
From Ciampino to Rome city centre
Taxi: A limited number of taxis is usually stationed outside the small airport of Ciampino. They operate on a flat fare system to Rome city centre (currently 30 Euro): additional fees apply for longer distance. Taxis do not offer child seats and a car seat is not compulsory in taxis in Rome: make sure you have your own.
Bus: Shuttle buses are a convenient way to go from Ciampino airport to Rome Termini, the city’s main train station in the city centre. Tickets can be purchased on arrival at one of the counters inside the airport terminal
You can find more info about Rome’s location and how the city is connected to the rest of Italy and to Europe on this helpful free guide ‘Where is Rome‘?
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