Public Transport in Rome
Welcome to your essential guide for navigating the Eternal City. Rome’s transport network is vast, connecting ancient history with modern life. This guide covers the Metro (Metropolitana), the extensive Bus network (ATAC), historic Trams, and crucial tips for Airport transfers (Fiumicino & Ciampino) to ensure a smooth trip.
Tickets & Payment
Rome now widely supports contactless payments (Tap & Go®), making travel easier than ever.
Instead of paying for each ride, consider the Roma Pass. It includes unlimited public transport for 48 or 72 hours plus free entry to 1 or 2 museums (like the Colosseum).
Transport Modes
From the “Museums” of the Metro to the historic trams of Trastevere, here is how to navigate the Eternal City.
The Metro (Metropolitana)
Fast and simple. While it doesn’t reach the deep historic center (to protect the ruins), it is the quickest way to cross the city.
- 🟠 Line A (Orange): The “Tourist Line.” Stops at Vatican (Ottaviano), Spanish Steps (Spagna), and Trevi Fountain (Barberini).
- 🔵 Line B (Blue): The “Ancient Line.” Stops at the Colosseum (Colosseo) and Circus Maximus.
- 🟢 Line C (Green): The automated line connecting the suburbs to San Giovanni.
City Buses (ATAC)
Buses are essential for the “Historic Center Gap” (Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori) where the Metro cannot dig.
Public buses can be crowded and confusing. For a stress-free loop of the major monuments with audio commentary, the Hop-on Hop-off bus is often worth the extra cost.
Check Big Bus Tours Rome tickets →Historic Trams
Charming and scenic. Tram 8 is the best way to get from Piazza Venezia to the nightlife in Trastevere.
Taxi & Apps
Rome’s official taxis are WHITE. You cannot hail them easily on the street; you must go to a Taxi Stand or use an app like FREENOW or Uber (connects to local taxis).
Want someone waiting for you? The taxi queue at FCO can be long. Book a Welcome Pickups transfer for the same price as a regular taxi, but with a driver holding your name in the arrivals hall.
Zones & Fares
City Transport
Integrated Ticket (BIT): One ticket covers Metro, Buses (ATAC), Trams, and Urban Trains (within city limits).
- Single (100 min) €1.50
- 24-Hour Pass €7.00
- 72-Hour Pass €18.00
- Weekly (CIS) €24.00
*Children under 10 travel free if accompanied by an adult.
Airport Connections
Standard city tickets are NOT valid for the Fiumicino trains. You must buy a specific ticket.
- Leonardo Express (32min) €14.00
- Bus Shuttles ~€6-8
- Taxi (Fiumicino Fixed) €55.00
- Taxi (Ciampino Fixed) €40.00
Local Pro Tips
How to drink free water, avoid the “Pickpocket Express,” and handle the new entry rules.
The “Yellow Box” Rule
Don’t get fined! Buying a ticket isn’t enough. You MUST validate it in the small yellow/red machines when you board a bus.
If the machine is broken? Write the date/time on the ticket with a pen immediately.
The “Cinderella” Metro
Unlike other cities, Rome’s Metro closes early on weeknights.
Sun – Thu: Closes at 23:30 (11:30 PM).
Fri – Sat: Extended until 01:30 AM.
Beware “Bus 64”
The route from Termini to Vatican (Bus 64) is famous for pickpockets. It is always crowded.
Free “Nasoni” Water
Don’t buy plastic bottles! You will see small iron fountains (Nasoni) everywhere. The water is cold, clean, and free flowing.
Pro Tip: Block the bottom hole with your thumb, and water shoots out the top hole for easy drinking!
Strike Days (Sciopero)
Transport strikes are common in Italy, usually on Fridays. They are announced in advance.
New: Trevi Fountain Fee?
New for 2026: Rome is testing a reservation system (approx €2) to access the lower steps of the Trevi Fountain and limit overcrowding.
Pro Tip: Visit before 08:00 AM to see it free and empty!
Airport Transfers
⚠️ Important: Rome has two airports. Fiumicino (FCO) is the main international hub. Ciampino (CIA) is smaller and mostly for low-cost flights (Ryanair/Wizz).
✈️ Option A: Fiumicino (FCO)
🚄 Leonardo Express
Cost: €14.00
Time: 32 mins (Non-stop)
The gold standard. Connects Airport directly to Termini Station. Guaranteed even during strikes.
Book Train Tickets »🚌 Shuttle Bus
Cost: ~€7.00
Time: 50-70 mins
Cheaper but subject to traffic. Buses like Terravision or SIT depart outside Terminal 3.
Check Bus Schedules »🚖 Taxi (Fixed Rate)
- Fare: €55.00 Flat Rate
- Destination: Any point inside the “Aurelian Walls” (City Center).
*Do not let them use the meter for this trip.
✈️ Option B: Ciampino (CIA)
Shuttle Bus (Best Value)
Direct to Termini Station.
- Cost: ~€6.00
- Time: 40 mins
- Note: There is NO direct train station at this airport. Bus is best.
Taxi (Fixed Rate)
To City Center.
- Cost: €40.00
- Note: It is cheaper than Fiumicino because it is closer to the city.
Tickets & City Passes
Rome has legendary lines. Choose a pass to skip them, or book individual tickets in advance.
Best Value Bundles
72-Hour Transport
€18.00
Best for Budget. Unlimited Metro, Bus, and Tram travel for 3 days.
Note: Does NOT include Airport transfer.
Roma Pass (48/72h)
~€33-53
Best Seller. Includes unlimited transport + Free entry to 1 or 2 museums (e.g., Colosseum).
Does NOT include Vatican.
Omnia Card
PremiumZero Hassle. Combines the Roma Pass (Colosseum + Transport) WITH the Vatican Card (Sistine Chapel) + Hop-on Hop-off Bus.
Top Individual Experiences (Don’t need a full pass?)
Scooters, Bikes & Vespas
Beyond the Metro: How to handle the cobblestones and ride like a Roman.
🛴 E-Scooters
STRICT RULESLime, Dott & Bird are popular, but Rome strictly enforces parking rules now.
- 🛑 No Sidewalks: You must ride on the road. Fines are common.
- 🅿️ Blue Boxes: You cannot end your ride anywhere. You must find a painted scooter bay on the map.
- 🪪 ID: You must scan your ID to unlock the app (18+).
🚲 Bike Rentals
PARKS ONLYWarning: The historic center is paved with Sampietrini (cobblestones). It is very bumpy!
- 🌳 Where to ride: Rent a bike for Villa Borghese or the Appian Way (Appia Antica). Avoid the city center traffic.
- 🚲 E-Bikes: Highly recommended due to the Seven Hills.
🛵 Vespa Rentals
CLASSICLive your “Roman Holiday” dream. This is the most efficient way to see the whole city in a day.
- 📄 License: Car license is usually OK for 50cc-125cc (depending on your country). Check before booking!
- ⛑️ Safety: Traffic is chaotic. If you are inexperienced, take a guided sidecar tour instead.
Pro Tip: Apps like “FreeNow” also let you rent scooters and e-bikes directly without downloading 5 different apps.
Hidden Gems & Day Trips
Escape the crowds. Discover the “Secret Pompeii,” the wine hills, and the greenest routes.
Accessibility in Rome
Rome is beautiful but bumpy. The ancient cobblestones (“Sampietrini”) and older metro stations can be challenging. Here is the honest guide.
Metro Access
- ✔ Line C (Green): Fully accessible (newest line).
- ⚠️ Line A (Orange): Many older stations (like Spagna or Repubblica) have frequent elevator breakdowns or only stairs. Check the ATAC status live.
- ℹ️ Boarding: Look for the wheelchair symbol on the platform floor for level boarding.
Bus & Streets
- ✔ Buses: Most silver/red buses have a manual ramp at the center door. You must wave to alert the driver to deploy it.
- ⚠️ “Sampietrini”: The historic center is paved with uneven cobblestones. Wheelchair users should stick to paved strips where available.
Major Sites
- ✔ Colosseum: Surprisingly accessible! There is a smooth elevator to the upper tiers.
- ✔ Vatican: Offers free wheelchair rental and full elevator access to the Sistine Chapel (ask guard for “special route”).
- ℹ️ Pantheon: Level entry, no steps.
Useful Official Resources
Check these before you travel for real-time elevator status:
🔴 Last Verified: February 2026 – Rome’s rules (especially the new Trevi & Scooter laws) change fast. Always check official apps.
Transparency: This guide contains sponsored links. If you book a Roman adventure through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.