If you have never traveled to Rome before, you may wonder what to expect when traveling throughout the city. There are two train lines, a bus service, and taxis that can be reserved with an app or manually hailed. Read this public transportation guide for tips on traveling throughout Rome!
Rome Metro Network
The Rome metro, called the Metropolitana locally, runs approximately every 7-10 minutes from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm every day, except for Saturday when it operates until 12:30 am. Tickets are available at each metro station for 1.50 euros and can be purchased at newsstands and tabacchis. You can also tap your card at the metro gate entrance instead of purchasing a physical ticket. Once purchased, a single-use ticket is good for 100 minutes, so it can be reused anytime during that time frame. Keep in mind that if you tap your card, you won’t have a physical ticket and, as a result, will not be able to reuse the metro once you exit, even if you are still within the 100-minute period. In addition to single-use tickets, there are also 24, 48, and 72-hour passes that can be purchased if you know you will be using the metro lines frequently while in Rome.
Major Attractions by Line
Line A contains many major attractions within walking distance including the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. Similarly, Line B contains Ancient Roman sites like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Both Line A and Line B have access to Rome Termini. At Rome Termini, there is a consistent flow of trains leaving and arriving in Rome, while there are also options for travelers looking for transportation to the airport.
Rome Public Bus System
In Rome, hundreds of bus lines run from 5:30 am until midnight. As a result of the many line offerings, the bus system can be more complex compared to the metro. For the buses, tickets can be purchased through vending machines at major bus stops, tabacchis, newsstands, or bars. The ticket prices and options are very similar to those of the metro. After you board the bus, it is essential to validate and scan your ticket at the ticket scanner onboard. It may be helpful to note that traffic can be heavy, and buses can be crowded in the morning from 7:30 to 9:00 and in the evening from 6:00 to 7:30.
Night Buses
Over 20-night bus lines run from 12:30 am to 5:30 am. The main stations for these buses are Termini and Piazza Venezia, with tickets being available for purchase directly on the bus. The night buses leave every 30 minutes and take passengers in all directions from their stops. To distinguish a night bus, all you must do is look for the owl they are marked with.
Taxiing in Rome
Taxis in Rome are an easy and convenient means of transportation throughout Rome. When in need of a taxi, there are many ways to call and secure the service. Taxis can be called through a variety of mobile apps directly to your current location. One of these apps, FREE NOW, is free in the app store and can be downloaded at any time. Additionally, taxis can also be hailed down on the street for convenience and simplicity. Whether you are leaving or arriving in Rome, you can take a taxi for a flat fee of 50.00 euros to or from Fiumicino Airport and the city of Rome. Overall, taxiing in Rome proves to be a very convenient form of transportation as you can easily reach any destination throughout the city.