Ultimate Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

Public Transport Systems

The metro has three main lines: A (orange), B (blue), and C (green). Line A covers the major attractions, such as the Vatican Museums (Ottaviano) and the Spanish Steps (Spagna).

Line B establishes the connection between the northeast and the southwest. It crosses on its whole the west of the Termini and serves as the entrance to the Colosseum (Colosseo).

Line C, however, is in the process of development. It crosses some parts of peripherally positioned town. The metro operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, while there is the possibility of expansion of time until 1:30 AM from Friday to Saturday.

The lines are cheap for all the classes, and their purchase is possible online, on the street or from newsagents, tobacconists, and bus and metro stations. The most used ticket is the generally applicable BIT, valid for 100 minutes *.

The bus network inside Rome is vast, with hundreds of routes linking the center of the city, and even the city's suburbs. Key bus lines for tourists will be bus number 64 from Termini to Vatican and number 40 a fast bus (express route from Termini to Piazza Venezia).

Night buses are also circulating, with routes beginning with an "N" operating during small hours or night times. Tickets must be purchased before boarding and validated inside the bus.

There are six major tram lines. Among those, line 8 may be most useful to tourists, running from Trastevere to Piazza Largo di Torre Argentina, near the Pantheon. Trams are efficient and generally less crowded than buses.

A taxi in Rome can be stopped at taxi stands, hailed on the street, or even booked by phone. The standard taxi is white with a "TAXI" sign and an apparatus inside that sets the amount of the fare.

The fare starts at a base rate with charges by the kilometer and a surcharge if you are traveling either on Sundays or at night. Always ensure the meter is on so you do not end up paying too much at the fare. To suggested taxi companies are 3570 and 6645.

Among so many other ride-sharing services that Rome has—Uber for more innovative solutions on urban mobility or more premium Uber Black—the alternates are often Free Now or mytaxi. Sometimes, they might be a bit cheaper, but they all allow cashless payment and show the rates up front.

Rental Bikes and Scooters

Biking around Rome is yet another ecological and beautiful adventure. Most rental shops provide bikes to city visitors for a fee of between €10 and €20 for the entire day. Popular rental locations are around Villa Borghese and the Colosseum. Of course, it's safe to wear a helmet and be careful around the hustle. The Appian Way and the Tiber River path are most advised to go on with a bike.

For a quick and flexible way to travel around the city, a scooter rental is the option there. The city has proper rental providers in the form of eCooltra and Lime, which provide electric scooters.

Most companies are accessed through mobile applications. Users are required to have a valid driver's license before wearing a helmet. The rental charges apply, with payments being most common by the minute. The scooter is perfect for short duration trips, being able to evade the traffic.

Walkable Areas

Much of the fun in Rome lies in exploration on foot, since most of the attractions are close to each other: Campo de' Fiori, Trastevere, or the area around the Pantheon. The streets in these areas have very narrow but charming views with many very picturesque piazzas—perfect for aimless strolling.

For those who prefer self-guided walking tours, several routes pass the major sights of Rome. One suggestion—through the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and into Piazza Navona—will pass other beautiful old churches. Another nice walk is through Trastevere, which is full of life in the evenings and relatively free of traffic.