Public transit, walking & more
This guide covers all transportation options to help you navigate the Eternal City like a local.
Thao Vo
Apr 29 2025
10m
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Get ready for jaw-dropping sights, history literally everywhere you step, and food that's just chef's kiss. Rome is going to be fantastic! But let's talk about actually moving around that gorgeous city. Figuring out how to get around Rome Italy can seem a little confusing when you first think about it, right? Between the bustling streets, the charming old lanes, and a transport system that has its own rhythm, you might be wondering where to even start.
But hey, deep breaths! You've totally got this, and this guide from TravelThru is here to help make it easy-peasy. We’ll walk you through all the transport options – from cost-effective public transport and the joys of exploring on foot, to trying out fun rentals like bikes and scooters. Let's make getting around Rome easy, so you can focus on soaking in its beauty.
Alright, let's talk about getting around Rome using its public transport system! The main company running the show is ATAC, and the good news is that your ticket generally works across their Metro, buses, and trams, making things a bit easier. While it has its quirks, it's often the most budget-friendly way to cover distances that are too far to walk.
Think of the Metro as your speedy option for crossing longer distances. It's not as sprawling as subway systems in some other big cities, especially in the very center (digging new tunnels often means finding ancient ruins!), but it hits many key spots.
The lines you'll mainly use:
Line A (Orange): Runs northwest to southeast, stopping near the Vatican (Ottaviano-S. Pietro or Cipro stations) and the Spanish Steps (Spagna).
Line B/B1 (Blue): Runs northeast to south, hitting the Colosseum (Colosseo) and Termini Station (Rome's main train station, where Lines A & B intersect).
Generally, the Metro runs from about 5:30 AM until 11:30 PM (Sunday-Thursday) and keeps going a bit later, until 1:30 AM, on Fridays and Saturdays. Definitely double-check the exact times for your travel dates, though.
Pros: It's fast and avoids Rome's notorious traffic.
Cons: It can get very crowded, especially during rush hour. The network doesn't cover all central areas directly, and unfortunately, pickpockets sometimes target crowded trains.
Rome has a huge system of buses that go pretty much everywhere. They're really important for getting to places like Trastevere or the old city center, where there aren't Metro stops. Plus, they run all the time, and special night buses ('N' lines) keep going even after the regular buses and Metro stop for the night.
Routes like the 40 Express or the #64 (connecting Termini station and the Vatican) are commonly used by visitors. Be aware, though, that the #64 bus is particularly notorious for crowding and pickpockets. So always keep your belongings secure on this line.
Pros: Fantastic coverage, runs all night.
Cons: You can get stuck in traffic (sometimes really stuck), and it is often crowded.
Trams are less common than buses but offer a smoother, often less crowded ride on specific routes.
You probably won't use them as much as buses or the Metro, but they're handy for certain trips. The #8 tram is great for getting to the lively Trastevere neighborhood from Piazza Venezia. The #3 tram connects areas like Trastevere, Testaccio, past the Colosseum area, and up towards Villa Borghese gardens.
Pros: Generally, a more comfortable ride than buses, often less packed.
Cons: Limited network compared to buses.
Understanding tickets and validating them is super important to avoid hefty fines.
You'll see these standard ticket options:
BIT (Standard Ticket): Costs €1.50. Once you validate it, it's good for 100 minutes on buses and trams (you can switch lines within that time). OR, it allows for one single ride on the Metro, even if you need to change Metro lines (like from A to B at Termini).
Roma 24H Pass: €7.00 (Unlimited travel for 24 hours from first validation).
Roma 48H Pass: €12.50 (Unlimited travel for 48 hours).
Roma 72H Pass: €18.00 (Unlimited travel for 72 hours).
CIS (Weekly Pass): €24.00 (Unlimited travel for 7 calendar days from first validation).
(Prices are based on recent info, so double-check the official ATAC website before your trip.)
You can often pay directly by tapping your contactless credit card, debit card, or phone pay app at the Metro gates and on the special readers on buses and trams. Just use the same card/device each time you tap. Make sure your card is enabled for contactless and offline payments (sometimes called OTA).
You can also buy digital tickets using apps like MooneyGo (which replaced MyCicero) or TicketAppy. There's even an SMS & Go option: text "BIT" to the number 4882888, and you'll get a digital ticket back (costs €1.50 plus your mobile carrier's SMS fee). You then need to activate it via the link for the specific transport mode.
Keep in mind that whether you have a paper ticket or a pass, you must validate it at the start of your first journey.
On buses & trams: Look for the small yellow or red validation machines onboard. Insert your paper ticket (usually arrow first) until you hear it stamped/printed with the date and time.
On the metro: Your ticket gets validated when you insert it into the slot to open the entry turnstile.
You might hear about the Roma Pass. It bundles unlimited public transport for either 48 or 72 hours with free entry to one (for the 48h pass) or two (for the 72h pass) museums or archaeological sites, plus discounts on others.
The 48-hour pass is around €36.50, and the 72-hour pass is around €58.50.
You still need to book your entry time in advance for popular sites like the Colosseum and the Borghese Gallery, even with the Roma Pass. A small perk is that it includes access to the P.Stop network of public toilets.
It can be a good value if you plan to visit several included museums/sites and use public transport frequently within the timeframe. Do the math based on your specific itinerary to see if it saves you money compared to buying tickets individually.
You've likely seen them in major cities – those bright red (or sometimes other colors!) open-top double-decker buses. Rome has plenty of these Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) buses, and they cater specifically to tourists wanting a straightforward way to see the main sights.
These buses run on fixed routes carefully designed to pass major landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and more. The key feature is flexibility. You can hop off the bus at any designated stop to explore an attraction, and then simply wait for the next bus from the same company to hop back on and continue your loop.
HOHO buses are run by several competing private companies (like Big Bus, City Sightseeing, etc.) and are completely separate from Rome's ATAC public transport network. Your standard ATAC bus/metro tickets (like the BIT) or the Roma Pass will NOT be valid on these tourist buses.
You need to purchase a specific HOHO pass directly from the company operating the bus you want to use. These passes are typically sold for specific durations, like 24, 48, or 72 hours, and allow unlimited hopping on and off within that time on that company's buses.
Walking is one of the best ways to get around in Rome. Especially when you're in Rome's historic heart, the Centro Storico, this ancient core is practically designed for wandering.
You'll find that many of the most famous landmarks, like the stunning Pantheon, the coin-tossed Trevi Fountain, and the lively Piazza Navona, are actually much closer to each other than you might think. Walking allows you to absorb the city's magic at your own pace, catching details you'd miss from a vehicle.
While the main sights are walkable, some neighborhoods truly come alive when you explore them step-by-step:
Trastevere: Get lost in its charming, ivy-draped alleys, pop into artisan shops, and find cozy trattorias.
Monti: This hip neighborhood near the Colosseum boasts bohemian vibes, vintage stores, and lovely little piazzas.
Jewish Ghetto: A historically rich area with a unique atmosphere, fascinating history, and delicious Roman-Jewish cuisine.
While strolling through Rome is a fantastic experience, prepare your feet for its unique terrain! The city is known for its sanpietrini cobblestones, which lend historic beauty but create uneven paths that demand good footwear. To keep exploring comfortably for hours, supportive, broken-in walking shoes or robust sandals are definitely the way to go.
Sometimes, the best way to get around in Rome isn't the cheapest, but the most convenient. When your feet need a break, you want to get somewhere directly with luggage, or it's late at night, taxis become a great choice.
Catching a cab in Rome is pretty straightforward once you know the basics. Look for the white cars with a "TAXI" sign on the roof. They should also have the official SPQR shield (the emblem of Rome) and a license number printed on the doors, plus a meter inside. Stick to these official cabs to avoid scams.
Rides are generally calculated using a meter. There's a starting fee, plus charges based on distance and time. Supplements might apply for luggage, travel late at night, or on Sundays/holidays.
While more taxis accept cards now, cash is still very common and sometimes preferred. It's better to ask the driver if they take cards before you start the ride, especially if you don't have much cash on hand. You can usually link your card for payment if you book via an app like FREE NOW or itTaxi.
Yes, ride-sharing services like Uber exist in Rome, but it's probably not what you're used to back home.
You can use the Uber app, but you'll only find their higher-end services: Uber Black (luxury sedans), Uber Lux (even more high-end), and Uber Van (for groups). Due to local regulations, you won't find the standard, cheaper options like UberX or UberPop here.
Because it's only premium services, Uber in Rome is generally more expensive than taking a regular city taxi. It can be a nice option for a splurge, a business trip, or a pre-booked comfortable airport transfer (expect around €60+ from Ciampino, €70+ from Fiumicino), but it's not the everyday budget choice.
Cycling in Rome can be a fantastic way to cover a bit more ground than walking, especially with an electric boost.
You'll find app-based e-bike sharing services from companies like Lime, Bird, Dott, and Helbiz scattered around the city. Just download their app, find a bike nearby, unlock it with your phone, and off you go. You can also find traditional bike rental shops if you're looking for a longer-term rental (like a full day) or perhaps a non-electric bike.
E-bikes are brilliant for cruising through parks like the gorgeous Villa Borghese or along dedicated paths, like the one following the Tiber River. The electric assist definitely helps tackle Rome's famous hills.
However, riding in Rome's heavy traffic requires confidence, and those charming cobblestone streets can make for a bumpy, sometimes tricky ride. It's fun, but be sure you feel comfortable navigating busy urban environments.
For the app-based sharing bikes, you typically pay a small fee to unlock the bike and then a per-minute or per-hour charge. Rental shops usually offer half-day or full-day rates.
Numerous companies like Lime, Bird, Dott, Helbiz, and Link operate the electric kick scooters (called monopattini) that you'll frequently encounter across central Rome. Just like with rental bikes, you'll use their app to find one near you, scan the QR code on the scooter to unlock it, and you're all set to go.
While they look like fun toys, you need to treat them like vehicles and be aware of the rules and risks. Generally, you should ride them on the road or in bike lanes, just like a bicycle. Riding on crowded sidewalks is usually prohibited and definitely frowned upon.
Additionally, don't just leave your scooter anywhere when you're done. The apps will show you designated parking areas or rules for proper parking. Please park responsibly so you don't block sidewalks or entrances. Improper parking can get you fined by the rental company.
While not always legally required for adults, wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Roman traffic can be unpredictable.
The typical pricing model involves a small unlock fee (often around €1) and then a per-minute charge (maybe around €0.25, but this varies between companies). It can add up quickly for longer rides, so keep an eye on the time.
Rome has two main airports, Fiumicino (FCO) and Ciampino (CIA), and thankfully, both offer several ways to get into the city center.
From Fiumicino (FCO), Rome's main international airport, your fastest route to Termini Station is usually the Leonardo Express train (around €14, 32 mins). The cheaper FL1 regional train (€8) goes to other stations like Trastevere and Tiburtina. Several shuttle bus companies also run to Termini for a budget price (around €6-€7), though travel time depends heavily on traffic. For direct service, official taxis offer a fixed rate of €50 to the city center (within the Aurelian Walls).
From Ciampino (CIA), the smaller airport often used by budget airlines, the cheapest option is usually the public bus + Metro combo (using a standard €1.50 ticket), connecting you to Metro Lines A or B. Shuttle buses also provide a direct, low-cost ride (around €6) to Termini Station, again subject to traffic. Official taxis have a fixed fare of €40 to the city center.
Alternatively, you can pre-book your TravelThru airport pickup for door-to-door comfort. We offer a reliable, comfortable ride directly to your hotel or apartment at a competitive price. You’ll be able to relax the moment you land, without worrying about train schedules, bus crowds, or taxi queues.
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As you've seen, figuring out how to get around Rome Italy doesn't have to be stressful. Rome’s energy is infectious, and navigating its streets is all part of the incredible experience. With the tips from this guide in your pocket, you're now fully equipped to explore confidently. So go ahead, get lost in the heart of the Eternal City, wander its beautiful streets, and make memories that will last a lifetime.