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Transport in Rome: subway, bus, taxi, and sharing mobility
Getting around Rome is one of the biggest challenges for first-time visitors. With heavy traffic, cobblestone streets, crowded buses, and a subway that only covers certain areas, it's easy to feel disoriented. However, knowing the right means of transport and the best strategies can turn chaos into a manageable routine. This guide explains everything abouttransport in Rome: subway, bus, taxi, sharing mobility (scooters, bikes, scooters) and how to choose the ideal means for each trip, including costs, schedules, tickets, and practical tips.
The golden rule: walking is better
Before talking about transport, a fundamental principle:the historic center of Rome is best explored on foot. The distance between Piazza del Popolo and the Colosseum is 2.5 km (30 minutes on foot). It takes 5 minutes between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona. Between the Pantheon and Trastevere, it's 15 minutes. Using transport for short distances is often slower than walking, due to traffic and waiting times. So, wear comfortable shoes and let's go. Transport is useful for:
Getting from your hotel to the center if you are in the suburbs
Returning late at night
Reaching non-central areas (EUR, San Paolo, Monte Sacro)
Traveling with heavy luggage
Tickets and ATAC unified fare
All public transport in Rome (subway, bus, tram, regional trains within the municipal area) uses the same ticket system, managed by ATAC.
Types of tickets (2026)
| Ticket | Duration | Cost | Validity | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIT (Integrated Time Ticket) | 100 minutes | €1.50 | One trip with unlimited transfers within 100 minutes | Single journeys |
| CIS (24 hours) | 24 hours | €7 | Unlimited from the first validation | A busy day |
| CIR (48 hours) | 48 hours | €12.50 | Unlimited | Long weekend |
| CIS (72 hours) | 72 hours | €18 | Unlimited | 3 full days |
| Weekly pass | 7 days | €24 | Unlimited | One week or more |
Where to buy them:
Tobacco shops (sign "T"): almost all sell tickets
Newsstands and kiosks
Metro ticket machines (accept cards and cash)
TicketApp Roma app (digital validation)
Official ATAC retailers (Termini station, Piazza dei Cinquecento)
How to validate:
Metro:at the turnstiles (insert the ticket or scan the QR code from the app)
Buses and trams:at the yellow machines on board (insert the ticket or scan with the app)
Regional trains:at the ticket machines in the station before boarding
Attention:the fine for an unvalidated ticket or no ticket is €50. Inspectors are frequent on metro lines A and B and on central buses.
Rome Metro: lines A, B, B1, and C
The metro is the fastest way to cross the city, but it only covers certain areas. It has 4 lines, of which only 2 are useful for tourists.
Line A (red)
Connects the northwest to the southeast. Useful stops for tourists:
Battistini(west terminus – park and ride)
Cipro(Vatican – Vatican Museums, 10 min walk)
Ottaviano(Vatican – closer to St. Peter's)
Lepanto(Prati area)
Flaminio(Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese)
Spagna(Piazza di Spagna, Spanish Steps)
Barberini(Trevi Fountain, 10 min walk)
Repubblica(Termini, Teatro dell'Opera)
Termini(interchange with line B and trains)
Vittorio Emanuele(Esquilino area)
San Giovanni(Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano)
Anagnina(southeast terminus – park and ride)
Hours:5:30 AM - 11:30 PM (Sunday and holidays 5:30 AM - 9:30 PM). Friday and Saturday night: service until 1:30 AM (only during certain periods).
Line B (blue) and B1
Connects the northeast to the south. Useful stops:
Rebibbia(northeast terminus)
Ponte Mammolo(park and ride)
Tiburtina(train station, high-speed train interchange)
Bologna(university area)
Policlinico(near San Lorenzo)
Termini(interchange with line A)
Cavour(Fori Imperiali, Colosseum – 10 min walk)
Colosseum(exit right at the Colosseum)
Circo Massimo(Circo Massimo, Mouth of Truth)
Pyramid(Cestian Pyramid, Ostiense, trains to Ostia Antica)
EUR Fermi(EUR district, Palace of Civilization of Labor)
Laurentina(south terminus – park and ride)
B1is a branch towards the northwest (stops: Conca d'Oro, Jonio – useful for those staying in Monte Sacro).
Line C (green)
Connects the northeast center to the eastern suburbs. It is not very useful for tourists because it does not reach the historic center. The only central stop isSan Giovanni(interchange with line A). The other stops are peripheral (Pigneto, Malatesta, Centocelle).
Metro summary table
| Line | Color | Tourist utility | Main attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Red | High | Vatican, Spain, Trevi Fountain, Piazza del Popolo |
| B | Blue | High | Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Pyramid |
| B1 | Blue | Medium | North residential areas |
| C | Green | Low | San Giovanni (transfer only) |
Buses and trams: the extensive network (but slow)
Buses cover every corner of Rome, but they are subject to traffic, delays, and overcrowding. Trams are faster only where they have dedicated lanes (e.g., Trastevere - Piazzale Flaminio).
Useful bus lines for tourists
| Line | Route | Why it is useful |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | Termini - Vatican (express) | Stops at Termini, then Largo Argentina, then Vatican. Fewer stops than 64. |
| 64 | Termini - Vatican (slow) | Same route as 40 but with more stops. Very crowded, beware of pickpockets. |
| 62 | Castel Sant'Angelo - Piazza del Popolo - Termini | Connects Vatican, Popolo, and Termini. |
| 81 | Crescenzio (Vatican) - Colosseum - San Giovanni | Crosses the center from west to east. |
| 87 | Villa Borghese - Pantheon - Trastevere - San Paolo | Useful for Trastevere and Pantheon. |
| 118 | San Giovanni - Appia Antica - Ardeatina | To visit the Catacombs and the Appian Way. |
| 23 | San Paolo - Ostiense - Trastevere - Vatican | Connects south and west. |
Useful trams
| Tram | Route | Why it is useful |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | Piazzale Flaminio (Piazza del Popolo) - Trastevere (Viale Trastevere) - Casaletto | The best way to get from Piazza del Popolo to Trastevere in 10 minutes. |
| 3 | Trastevere (Trastevere Station) - San Lorenzo - Tiburtina | Circles around the center, useful for tangential movements. |
| 19 | Piazza Risorgimento (Vatican) - San Pietro (station) - San Paolo | Connects Vatican and San Paolo. |
Bus schedules:from 5:30 AM to around 12:00 AM. After midnight, there are night lines (marked with "n" like n46, n98, n201). They run every 30-60 minutes.
Tips for using buses in Rome
Do not take buses during rush hours(8:00-10:00, 5:00-7:00 PM) – they are crowded.
Use the Moovit or Citymapper appto know when the next bus arrives (in real time).
Beware of pickpocketson tourist lines (64, 40, 62). Keep your backpack in front.
Buy your ticket before boarding– tickets are not sold on board.
Do not wait for the bus at stops without a shelter– check if it has been canceled (frequent roadworks).
Taxis: comfortable but expensive
The official white taxis in Rome are reliable, but the cost is high compared to other European capitals.
Rome taxi rates (2026)
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Minimum fare (within the walls) | 4 € (daytime), 6 € (nighttime 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM) |
| Hourly rate (waiting) | 28 €/hour |
| From Fiumicino to city center (fixed rate) | 50 € |
| From Ciampino to city center (fixed rate) | 31 € |
| Short ride in the city center (e.g. Termini - Vatican) | 12-15 € |
| Medium ride (e.g. Trastevere - Colosseum) | 8-10 € |
| Long ride (e.g. city center - EUR) | 20-25 € |
How to book:
App:Free Now (formerly MyTaxi) – the best, shows estimated fare
Phone:+39 06 0609 (RadioTaxi), +39 06 5551 (Pronto Taxi), +39 06 8822 (Samarcanda)
Street:at taxi stands (Termini Station, Piazza di Spagna, Largo Argentina, Vatican). Do not hail a taxi on the street (rare).
Important rules:
Taxis arewhitewith the words "Comune di Roma" and a license plate.
There is no Uber Pop in Rome (only Uber Black, which is expensive).
The meter starts from the moment of the call (if booked by phone) or from departure (if hailed on the street).
Always confirm the fixed ratefor airports before getting in.
Tips are not mandatory (rounding up to 1-2 € is appreciated).
Beware of illegal taxis:Outside Termini or from the airports, someone will offer you a ride at a "friendly rate." Don't get in. They don't have insurance, a license, and often charge double.
Sharing mobility: scooters, bikes, scooters
In recent years, Rome has filled up with shared vehicles. They are great for short trips, but be careful of the rules.
Electric scooters (Lime, Dott, Bird, Helbiz, Voi)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | 1 € unlock + 0.20-0.30 € per minute |
| Typical ride (10 minutes) | 3-4 € |
| Coverage area | Historic center, Trastevere, San Lorenzo, Parioli |
| Parking | Only in designated areas (see app) – otherwise a penalty |
Advantages:fast for short distances, fun.
Disadvantages:dangerous on cobblestones, parking often difficult, per-minute cost adds up.
Advice:use them only on smooth paved roads (boulevards, along the river). Avoid Trastevere and the historic center with cobblestones.
Bike sharing (Lime, Dott, Bird – some have bikes)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | 1 € unlock + 0.10-0.20 € per minute |
| Typical ride (20 minutes) | 3-5 € |
| Pedal-assisted bikes | Yes (most of them) |
Advantages:more stable than scooters, handle cobblestones well.
Disadvantages:less widespread than scooters.
Scooter sharing (eCooltra, Acciona, Lime)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | €0.25 per minute or daily packages (€25/24h) |
| License | Required (B or A license) |
| Helmet | Included in the storage compartment |
Advantages:ideal for moving quickly in Rome, easy parking.
Disadvantages:requires a license, pay attention to traffic.
Traditional rental (bike or scooter by the day)
If you need to use the vehicle all day, traditional rental is more convenient:
Daily bike rental:€10-15 (stores near Villa Borghese or Piazza del Popolo)
50cc scooter:€25-35 per day
125cc scooter:€40-50 per day
Comparison table: which vehicle for which trip
| Trip | Best vehicle | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Termini → Vatican | Metro A (from Termini to Ottaviano) | 10 min | €1.50 | Better than the bus |
| Trastevere → Colosseum | Tram 8 + metro B (Pyramid-Colosseum) | 15 min | €1.50 | Or taxi (€10) |
| Center → Fiumicino Airport | Leonardo Express or FL1 | 32-50 min | €8-14 | Taxi €50 |
| Center → Ciampino Airport | Terravision shuttle bus | 40 min | 6 € | Taxi 31 € |
| Piazza del Popolo → Trastevere | Tram 8 | 10 min | €1.50 | On foot 25 min |
| Vatican → Trevi Fountain | Metro A (Ottaviano-Barberini) | 12 min | €1.50 | On foot 30 min |
| Colosseum → San Paolo (basilica) | Metro B (Colosseum-San Paolo) | 15 min | €1.50 | |
| All-day sightseeing tour | On foot + 2-3 buses | - | 7 € (CIS 24h) | |
| Night transport (after midnight) | Taxi (Free Now) | variable | 10-20 € | Slow night buses |
Common mistakes in transport in Rome
Taking the bus for a 10-minute walk– you often arrive faster walking.
Not validating the ticket– fine of 50 €.
Buying the ticket on board– not allowed (only at some new generation ticket machines, but rare).
Using a taxi for short distances– 8 € for 5 minutes is a waste.
Taking line C of the metro– it doesn't go anywhere interesting.
Getting on a bus without checking the destination– in Rome, buses have the same number but different routes (e.g., 64 direct and 64 diverted for construction).
Frequently asked questions about transportation in Rome
Is the Rome metro safe?
Yes, during the day. Late at night, stations like Termini and Tiburtina may have homeless people and small-time dealers, but it's not dangerous if you keep an eye on your luggage.
Can I take my bicycle on the metro?
Yes, only on weekdays after 10:00 AM and before 5:00 PM, and all day on weekends. Not allowed during peak hours (7:30-10:00 AM and 5:00-7:30 PM). The bike must be folded or otherwise not bulky.
What is the best app for transportation in Rome?
Citymapper or Moovit. TicketApp Roma to buy tickets.
Are night buses reliable?
They run, but with reduced frequency (every 30-60 minutes). Better to take a taxi if you're in a hurry.
Can I pay for the bus with a credit card?
Only on some experimental lines (e.g., line 64) with contactless. Better to have a ticket.
How much does a taxi cost from Termini to Trastevere?
About €12-15. With Free Now you can get an estimate beforehand.
Is there a tourist pass for transportation?
The CIS 72 hours (€18) or the weekly pass (€24) are the most convenient for tourists who use public transport a lot.
FAQ
What is the best way to get from Fiumicino to the city center?
Leonardo Express train (€14, 32 minutes) if you're headed to Termini. Regional FL1 (€8, 45 minutes) if you need to get off at Trastevere or Ostiense.
Are shared scooters legal in Rome?
Yes, but they must be parked in designated areas (see app). They cannot be used on extra-urban roads.
Can I use the same app for all sharing vehicles?
No, each operator has its own app. Lime, Dott, and Bird cover most of the options.
What time does the metro close?
11:30 PM (Sunday and holidays 9:30 PM). On Friday and Saturday nights, during certain periods, service is extended until 1:30 AM.
Are regional trains included in the ATAC ticket?
Yes, for trips within the municipality of Rome (e.g. Roma Termini - Roma Trastevere - Roma Ostiense - Roma Tiburtina). Not for leaving Rome (e.g. Rome - Fiumicino).
What to do if I lose an item on the bus or metro?
Contact the ATAC lost and found office (Via Luigi Rizzo, 30 – open Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM). Or call +39 06 57003.
A mix of strategy and patience
Getting around with thetransportation in Romerequires a mix of strategy and patience. The metro is fast but limited, buses cover everything but are slow, taxis are comfortable but expensive, and shared mobility is flexible but requires attention. The best solution is:walk as much as possible, use the metro for long crossings (e.g. Vatican-Colosseum), tram 8 for Trastevere, and taxis only late at night or with luggage.. Buy a 24 or 72-hour CIS if you expect more than 4 rides a day. Download Citymapper and TicketApp Roma, and you will have control of the city.
To explore all other aspects of your trip – parking, costs, neighborhoods, monuments, food, and safety – consult the complete guide that helps you navigate and experience Rome with awareness..
Revision date:March 15, 2026