Rome's public transport is not the sleekest in Europe, but it is serviceable and affordable. The Metro has just three lines, but they connect the key tourist areas; a dense network of buses fills the gaps; and trams cover several useful cross-city routes. With the right ticket and some patience, you can reach virtually everything worth seeing without a taxi.
The Metro
Rome's Metro (Metropolitana) has three lines, operated by ATAC:
- Line A (orange): the most useful for tourists. Runs from Battistini in the west through the centre — stopping at Ottaviano (Vatican), Lepanto, Spagna (Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain area), Barberini, Repubblica and Termini. From Termini it continues east to Anagnina.
- Line B and B1 (blue): runs from Laurentina in the south through Termini and on to Jonio in the north-east. Key stops for visitors: Colosseo (Colosseum, Roman Forum), Termini. Line B1 is a branch from Bologna to Jonio.
- Line C (green): the newest line, eventually intended to connect the outer south-east with the historic centre. Currently it does not reach the centre in a useful way for most visitors — its western terminus is San Giovanni, where it connects to Line A.
Metro trains run from approximately 05:30 until 23:30 on most nights, and until 01:30 on Fridays and Saturdays. Frequency is typically every 3–8 minutes on Lines A and B during the day, less frequent in the early morning and late evening.
Watch your belongings on the Metro. Pickpocketing is common on Line A, particularly at Termini, Spagna and around the Vatican. Use a closed bag worn on the front, and be alert at the entrance turnstiles, where distraction is a common technique.
Buses
Rome's bus network is extensive — more than 300 routes cover the city. Buses are essential for reaching areas that the Metro does not serve, including most of the historic centre (which has virtually no underground stations, due to archaeological constraints). Several key routes for visitors:
- Bus 40 and 64: run from Termini to the Vatican via the historic centre. Extremely popular and worth knowing, though crowded.
- Bus 23: runs along the Tiber riverbank to Trastevere.
- Bus 492: connects Termini with Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori and the Vatican area.
- Bus 160: useful for the Testaccio and Aventine areas.
Buses can be slow in central Rome due to traffic. Board via the front or rear doors, validate your ticket at the orange machine inside, and exit via the centre doors. Bus stops show the route number and terminus.
Trams
Rome has a small but useful tram network. The most useful lines for visitors:
- Tram 8: connects Largo di Torre Argentina (near the Pantheon area) with Trastevere. Useful and often faster than buses in this corridor.
- Tram 3: runs along the south side of the Colosseum to Trastevere and on to Valle Giulia.
Trams use the same tickets as buses and the Metro — validate on board.
Tickets and passes
Single tickets (BIT)
A single BIT ticket (Biglietto Integrato a Tempo) is valid for 100 minutes from first validation and covers unlimited bus and tram journeys plus one Metro journey (you cannot re-enter the Metro on the same ticket). Buy tickets at newsagents (tabaccherie), ATAC kiosks, ticket machines in Metro stations and at some bus stops. Always validate your ticket when you board — on buses and trams using the orange machines, at Metro turnstiles on entry.
Day, 48-hour and 72-hour passes
Unlimited-travel passes are available for 24, 48 and 72 hours from first validation. These are good value if you plan to use public transport frequently. The 48-hour and 72-hour passes tend to work out cheapest per journey for visitors doing several days of sightseeing. There is also a weekly pass (CIS) for 7 days of unlimited travel.
Roma Pass
The Roma Pass is a tourist card that combines unlimited public transport with free entry to the first one or two attractions (depending on which pass you buy) and discounts at others. It is worth calculating whether the attraction savings cover the price difference over a standard transport pass — for many itineraries the maths works out well, particularly if Borghese Gallery or the Colosseum is on your list.
Taxis in Rome
Official Rome taxis are white and metered. Fixed fares apply from both Fiumicino and Ciampino airports to central Rome (see the Rome airport guide). Within the city, the meter runs from the moment you get in. Taxis are useful for evening journeys, destinations not served by Metro, and for groups. Use the official taxi app (itTaxi) or call a radio taxi number to avoid the surcharge some drivers add if you hail them from the street without authorisation. Rideshare apps operate in Rome but are subject to regulatory restrictions — check current availability.
Navigating the historic centre on foot
Much of Rome's historic centre is most enjoyably explored on foot — distances between the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori and the Jewish Ghetto are short, and the streets reward wandering. The archaeological limitations that make metro construction difficult also mean that the centre is compact and relatively bus-sparse. A combination of Metro for longer hauls and walking for the centre is the most effective strategy.
If you are planning onward rail travel from Rome — to Florence, Naples or further — your departure point will be Roma Termini (Line A and B) or Roma Tiburtina (Line B). See the Rome to Florence and Rome to Naples guides for those journeys. For connections to other European cities, check how to book European trains.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Rome's Metro not go to the historic centre?
Archaeological remains make underground construction extremely difficult and expensive in central Rome. Every dig risks uncovering ancient structures that must then be excavated and preserved before work can continue. As a result, the Metro largely skirts the centre rather than running through it.
Where can I buy Rome Metro tickets?
At ticket machines in Metro stations, at tabaccherie (tobacco shops, look for the T sign), ATAC vending machines at busy bus stops, and at the airport. You cannot usually buy tickets on the bus itself — always have a valid ticket before you board.
Is it safe to take the bus in Rome?
Buses are safe. Pickpocketing can occur on crowded routes, particularly near Termini and on the 64 and 40 buses to the Vatican. Take the same precautions you would in any busy city.
Do I need to validate a day pass every time I board?
Validate the pass once on first use — the machine stamps the date and time. After that, you can board freely for the duration without re-validating. Show the validated pass to inspectors if asked.
Sources and further reading:
- Network maps, fares and timetables: ATAC (atac.roma.it).
- Roma Pass information: Rome city official tourism site.
- Airport transfers: see the Rome airport guide on Viamo.