Rome, the Eternal City, is a treasure trove of ancient landmarks, Renaissance art, and irresistible Italian cuisine. With its bustling piazzas, narrow cobblestone streets, and extensive cultural heritage, exploring the city requires smart travel choices. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to soak in more of its charm, understanding the best way to travel around Rome will make your trip more enjoyable, affordable, and stress-free.
Getting Around Rome: What You Need to Know
Why Transport Planning Matters
Rome may seem compact on a map, but its historical layers, traffic congestion, and varied terrain can make getting around a challenge. Planning your transport helps you:
Maximize sightseeing time
Avoid costly mistakes
Navigate traffic and pedestrian-only zones
Save money on local transit
1. Walking: The Best Way to Explore the Historic Center
When Walking Makes Sense
If you’re staying in the city center—especially near Piazza Navona, Trastevere, or Campo de’ Fiori—walking is your best option. Most iconic sites, such as the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, are within a 30-minute walking radius.
Tips for Walking in Rome
Wear comfortable shoes – cobblestones can be rough.
Bring a refillable water bottle – Rome’s public fountains (nasoni) offer free, drinkable water.
Download offline maps – cellular signals can be spotty in narrow alleyways.
Stay alert at crossings – Roman drivers often disregard pedestrian rights.
2. Metro: Fast, Simple, and Reliable
Overview of the Rome Metro System
Rome’s metro system consists of three lines:
Line A (Orange): From Battistini to Anagnina (passes Vatican and Spanish Steps)
Line B (Blue): From Laurentina to Rebibbia (passes Colosseum and Termini)
Line C (Green): From Monte Compatri-Pantano to San Giovanni (ongoing expansion)
Best Metro Routes for Tourists
Termini to Colosseo (Line B): Ideal for ancient Rome sites
Spagna to Ottaviano (Line A): Great for Vatican visits
Cost and Tickets
Single ride (100 mins): €1.50
24-hour ticket: €7.00
48-hour ticket: €12.50
72-hour ticket: €18.00
Weekly pass (CIS): €24.00
Tickets can be bought at metro stations, newsstands, or via mobile apps like MyCicero.
3. Buses and Trams: Extensive but Slower
When to Use Buses or Trams
Rome’s bus and tram network reaches parts of the city not served by metro lines. It’s useful for visiting places like:
Trastevere
Villa Borghese
Janiculum Hill
Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
Tips for Bus and Tram Travel
Validate your ticket once onboard.
Buses do not announce stops; use Google Maps or apps like Moovit.
Expect delays during peak hours and weekends.
Popular Tourist Routes
Bus 64: Termini → Vatican City (watch for pickpockets)
Tram 8: Piazza Venezia → Trastevere
4. Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Convenient but Costly
Using Taxis in Rome
Official Roman taxis are white, with a “TAXI” sign and a Rome crest on the doors.
Taxi Tips
Avoid unlicensed cabs at tourist spots.
Ask for the official fare list (posted inside the taxi).
Minimum fare from airports ranges from €30 to €50 depending on destination.
Ride-Sharing Options
Uber Black is available but more expensive than local taxis.
Rome doesn’t permit UberX, making alternatives like Free Now and ItTaxi popular among locals.
5. Scooter and Bike Rentals: Adventurous Options
Electric Scooters (Monopattini Elettrici)
Companies like Lime, Bird, and Dott offer app-based rentals of e-scooters. These are useful for short, spontaneous rides.
Pros
Fast in narrow alleys and pedestrian areas
Eco-friendly and fun
Cons
Dangerous in traffic-heavy zones
Helmets not always available
Not allowed in historic piazzas or on sidewalks
Bicycles
You can rent traditional or electric bikes through local shops or apps. Rome’s bike paths are limited, so this is best for:
Villa Borghese Park
Appian Way
Tiber River path
6. Driving: Not Recommended for Visitors
The ZTL Zones (Limited Traffic Zones)
Rome restricts car access to certain city center areas (Zona a Traffico Limitato) from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Unauthorized entry can lead to fines of over €100.
Parking Challenges
Street parking is hard to find
Garages are expensive (€20–€30/day)
One-way streets and confusing signs
Unless you’re heading to the countryside, avoid renting a car.
7. Hop-On Hop-Off Tourist Buses
Are They Worth It?
Tourist buses like Big Bus Rome, CitySightseeing, and I Love Rome operate hop-on hop-off services with audio guides in multiple languages.
Benefits
Stops near major attractions
Great orientation tool for first-time visitors
Good for families or seniors
Downsides
More expensive than public transport (€20–€30 per day)
Limited to main roads, not always convenient for hidden gems
8. Rome Travel Cards and Passes
Best Options for Tourists
Roma Pass
Valid for 48 or 72 hours
Includes free public transport
Free entry to 1–2 museums (e.g., Colosseum, Castel Sant’Angelo)
Discounts at other attractions
Omnia Vatican Card
Access to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Includes Roma Pass
Priority entrance to key religious sites
Integrated Ticketing Apps
MyCicero, TabNet, and ATAC Roma offer mobile ticketing for buses, metro, and trams.
9. Travel Tips for Rome in 2025
Updated Digital Tools
Google Maps and Moovit work well for real-time transit planning.
RomaMobilità app gives updates on ZTLs, strikes, and delays.
Avoiding Strikes
Strikes in Italy can affect public transport. Check local news or apps like Wanted in Rome for updates.
Accessibility
While many buses and metro stations are accessible, older parts of Rome are not ideal for wheelchairs. Stick to main roads and plan ahead for lift-equipped metro stations.
10. Suggested Travel Itineraries Using Public Transit
1-Day Walking Tour (Central Rome)
Morning: Walk from the Colosseum to Roman Forum
Midday: Head to Trevi Fountain and Pantheon
Afternoon: Walk to Piazza Navona and enjoy a café
2-Day Combo (Metro + Bus + Walk)
Day 1: Metro from Termini → Colosseo → Spagna
Day 2: Bus 64 to Vatican Museums, then Tram 8 to Trastevere
Conclusion
The best way to explore Rome depends on your interests, mobility, and comfort level. In general:
Walk the historic center for immersive experiences.
Use the metro for quick transit between key sites.
Buses and trams fill in the gaps, but expect delays.
Use Roma Pass for value and convenience.
Avoid driving unless heading outside the city.
With smart planning and the right tools, navigating Rome becomes part of the adventure.
