Getting Around Rome: A Practical Guide
Rome has an extensive urban transport network that makes it easy for visitors to navigate the city. The system includes metro lines, trams, buses, and commuter rail services, all designed to connect different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Understanding your transport options will help you move efficiently between Rome's major attractions and neighborhoods.
The Metro System
The Rome Metro is the backbone of the rapid transit system, consisting of three underground lines: A, B, and B1 (a branch of line B), plus line C. Lines A and B intersect at Termini station, the city's main transport hub. Line C intersects line A at San Giovanni station and line B at Colosseo station, providing multiple connection points across the city.
All metro lines use heavy rapid transit trains. Line C is fully automated and driverless, making it one of the largest driverless metro systems in Europe. Trains are modern and reliable, running throughout the day. The metro operates from approximately 5:30 am to 11:30 pm, though hours may vary slightly by line.
Trams and Commuter Rail
Beyond the metro, Rome's overground rail network includes tram lines and several commuter rail services that extend your reach across the city and into suburban areas. The Rome-Lido line (also called Metromare) departs from Ostiense station and connects the city to Ostia, Rome's seaside resort. The Roma-Nord line starts at Flaminio station and serves northern suburban areas.
The Lazio regional railways (FL lines) are a commuter rail system with eight lines linking the suburbs and the broader Lazio region. Two of these lines are particularly useful for visitors: the FL1 line and the Leonardo Express serve Rome's main airport, Fiumicino, while the FL4 and FL6 lines serve Ciampino airport.
Buses and Trolleybuses
Rome has a comprehensive bus network that reaches every part of the city and surrounding areas. The system includes regular urban buses, express routes that skip some stops and serve distant suburbs with higher frequency, exact routes serving peripheral areas, and night buses that operate when other services close.
Night bus routes operate from 11:30 pm to 5:30 am and include four special night lines that replicate the routes of the metro and Rome-Lido railway when those services are closed, ensuring you can get home regardless of the time. The city also operates three trolleybus routes.
Tickets and Passes
Rome uses an integrated fare system called Metrebus that works across all public transport—buses, trams, and metro lines—operated by different companies. A single ticket is valid for 100 minutes and allows you to make multiple journeys within that time window. Passes are also available for longer stays, typically valid for one, three, or seven days, offering better value if you plan to use public transport frequently.
Tickets and passes can be purchased at metro stations, authorized retailers, and vending machines located at major stops. Remember to validate your ticket when boarding by touching it to the reader on the vehicle or at the station.
Walkability
Much of central Rome is highly walkable, especially the historic core where many major attractions are located. The narrow streets and compact layout of the centro storico (historic center) make wandering on foot one of the best ways to explore the city. However, be prepared for uneven pavement and hills in some areas, and note that cars and motorcycles share many streets with pedestrians, so stay alert.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are available throughout Rome and can be hailed from the street or picked up at taxi stands. For journeys to or from the city center (within the ancient Aurelian Walls), taxis operate on a fixed fare, which provides predictability and protects you from overcharging. Agree on the fare or ensure the meter is running before starting your journey.
Ride-hailing services also operate in Rome, offering an alternative to traditional taxis with transparent pricing through an app.
Getting from Fiumicino Airport to the City
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is Rome's main airport and is well-connected to the city center. The Leonardo Express is a dedicated express train that departs from the airport and reaches Roma Termini station in a 30-minute non-stop journey. Regional trains also depart from the airport station but stop at multiple stations throughout Rome rather than going directly to Termini; these are significantly cheaper than the Leonardo Express.
Several coach operators run bus services from Fiumicino to the city center. These typically take around an hour and cost significantly less than the train if booked in advance. Taxis operate from the airport on a fixed fare basis to any point within the city center.
Getting from Ciampino Airport to the City
Ciampino International Airport, located southeast of the city, is smaller than Fiumicino and primarily serves low-cost airlines. It has no direct train connection to the city center, but several transport options exist.
Several dedicated coach services run directly from Ciampino to Roma Termini, with departures roughly every 30 minutes to hourly. These services cost between €4 and €7 one-way and take approximately 40 minutes. Booking online often provides discounts.
Alternatively, you can take a local bus from outside the terminal to either Anagnina metro station (line A) or Cinecittà metro station (line A), then continue by metro to the city center. This is the cheapest option. A local train also connects Ciampino station to Rome Termini, though trains are infrequent.
Taxis are available at Ciampino with a fixed fare to the city center. However, late-night taxi prices may be negotiated informally, so traveling during daylight hours or taking a bus service is advisable if you arrive late. You can also arrange a shared airport shuttle or book a licensed car service in advance online.
Getting to Other Destinations
Rome is one of Italy's major railway hubs, connected by high-speed rail lines to Florence, Bologna, Milan, Turin, Venice, Naples, and Salerno. Roma Termini is the main station and the busiest in Italy. If you're traveling during hours when Termini is closed (between 12:30 am and 4:30 am), long-distance trains stop at Roma Tiburtina instead.
Long-distance and international coaches depart from major bus stations at Tiburtina and Anagnina metro stops, with services to destinations throughout Italy and Europe. FlixBus and other operators offer frequent connections at competitive fares.