Public Transport and Metro in Rome: Fares, Tickets & Tips

Guide to Rome Transportation, Routes, and Tickets Available for Locals and Travellers in Rome.


How Does Public Transportation Work in Rome?


Travellers can easily use Rome's public transit system thanks to the number of payment methods offered. Those who prefer conventional means can purchase tickets and passes at ATAC ticket offices located across the city. Tickets are also available for purchase on the go at authorised stores linked with the transit network, such as newsagents, tobacconists, and pubs.

Furthermore, many UniCredit ATMs in Rome and its environs may distribute public transportation tickets, combining banking and travel services. Also, apps such as Tap&Go, DropTicket, MooneyGo, TicketAppy, Tabnet, and TelepassPay let consumers purchase and validate tickets straight from their smartphones, bringing ease and efficiency to the transaction.

These applications cater to a variety of tastes, from the simplicity of Tap&Go's contactless card payments to the complete features provided by TelepassPay. With these many alternatives, Rome guarantees that both inhabitants and visitors may easily travel the city, using the payment method that best meets their own requirements and preferences.

Rome Public Transport

Public Transportation Network Options in Rome

Rome's public transportation system is a complicated web of numerous kinds of transportation intended to get about the huge metropolis.

From the Metro's underground veins to the surface-level arteries of buses and trams, each mode provides a distinct approach to explore the Eternal City.

Whether you're speeding through the city center or exploring its outskirts, Rome's transit system combines the old and contemporary, transporting both citizens and tourists across its historic environment.

  • Metro: Rome's metro system, while not vast, offers an effective means to visit significant sights such as the Vatican and the Colosseum via three lines: A, B, and C.
  • Bus: Buses are the most common mode of public transportation in Rome, with over 338 lines and 8,000 stops linking the city center to surrounding districts.
  • Trams: The tram network in Rome consists of six lines and 192 stops, providing a smooth and comfortable trip, particularly outside the historic center.
  • Trains: In addition to the metro, urban trains link Rome's outer districts and are important for accessing locations such as the cruise port of Civitavecchia.
  • High-Speed Trains: High-speed trains, such as the Frecciarossa and Italo, depart from Termini or Tiburtina stations and travel quickly between Rome and other important Italian cities.
  • Taxis: Taxis offer a handy, but often more expensive, option for direct transport inside the city, with regulated pricing for certain routes. 
Public Transportation Network Options in Rome - metro

Airport Transfer Options in Rome

Rome, the eternal city, provides a variety of airport transportation alternatives from its two major airports: Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino International Airport (FCO), about 30 kilometers from the city centre, and Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport (CIA), which is closer to the city. To meet the demands of travellers, each airport offers unique transportation options.

From Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino International Airport (FCO)

  • Private Airport Transfer: Private transfers are a handy and stress-free alternative that can be arranged ahead of time and provide door-to-door service from the airport to your destination.
  • Shuttle Bus: Shuttle services like Terravision and SIT Bus Shuttle provide direct routes to Termini Station, balancing cost and convenience.
  • Bus: Public buses are available, providing an inexpensive method to access centre Rome; however, journey times may be longer owing to traffic.
  • Train: The Leonardo Express train runs every 15 minutes during peak hours, providing a quick, nonstop service to Termini Station.
  • Taxi: Taxis provide a fixed-rate charge to central Rome, ensuring a predictable and hassle-free travel to your hotel.
  • Read more about transfer from Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino International Airport (FCO)

From Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport (CIA)

  • Private Airport Transfer: Private shuttles, like FCO, deliver a flawless journey experience directly to your Rome address.
  • Shuttle Bus: Shuttle services operate from CIA to Termini Station, with frequent departures and ample space for luggage.
  • Bus: Local buses link CIA to the Rome metro system, providing a cost-effective way to go throughout the city.
  • Train: While there is no direct rail from the CIA, buses link to other train stations for further transit to Rome's center.
  • Taxi: Taxis from CIA also have a flat rate to downtown Rome, making them a convenient alternative for travellers.
  • Read more about transfer from Giovan Battista Pastine International Airport (CIA)

Which Public Transport Cards are Available in Rome

Here is an Overview of the Public Transport Cards in Rome.

  1. 1
    BIT (Biglietto Integrato a Tempo): A single-use ticket that is good for 100 minutes after validation and allows you to transfer between buses, trams, and the metro within that time frame. It is available for purchase at ATAC ticket offices, authorised retail locations, and vending machines. The BIT ticket is suitable for making short travels throughout the city.
  2. 2
    Roma 24H, 48H, and 72H: These time-based tickets provide unrestricted travel during the stated hours from the moment of validation. They are accessible at ATAC ticket offices, vending machines, and certain news agencies. The 24H, 48H, and 72H tickets are designed for guests who want to utilise public transportation frequently over many days.
  3. 3
    CIS (Carta Integrata Settimanale): A weekly ticket that allows for unrestricted travel on buses, trams, metros, and urban trains. It is valid for seven days from the date of validation and may be obtained at ATAC ticket offices and authorised retailers. This pass is appropriate for individuals who remain in Rome for a lengthy period.
  4. 4
    Roma Pass: This tourist card provides unlimited public transportation and free or cheap admission to a variety of sites. It is available in 48-hour and 72-hour variants and may be purchased online or via municipal tourism offices. The Roma Pass is an excellent deal for those who want to visit many locations.
  5. 5
    Metrebus Card: A rechargeable card that may be filled with a variety of tickets, including those listed above. It is offered at ATAC ticket offices and might be a useful choice for regular travellers.
rome publict transport app

Rome Public Transport App

Rome offers a public transportation app called TicketAppy, which is the official app of the Rome Transport Authority ATAC. This software allows you to purchase and validate metro and bus tickets right from your phone.

It's a useful service for both residents and tourists, offering a simple method to manage your travel tickets without the need for actual ones. The ATAC official website provides further information and allows you to download the app.

Other applications, such as Moovit and Roma Mobilità, provide route planning and real-time information on Rome's public transit system. These applications can be quite beneficial for effectively navigating the city.

  1. 1
    Monthly Ticket: The ticket is valid on all public transport in Prague and costs the equivalent of about 22 euros.
  2. 2
    Three-Month, Five-Month, and Annual Pass: For all lines of the Prague Public Transport Company, the three-month pass costs 1,480 Czech crowns, about 55 euros, the five-month pass costs 2,450 Czech crowns, about 90 euros and the annual pass costs 3,650 Czech crowns, about 140 euros.
  3. 3
    Reduced Tickets: These include youth tickets, senior tickets, semester tickets, and tax-deductible company tickets.

Rome Public Transport Network Details

Rome Public Transport Network Details with Maps

  1. 1
    Metro: Rome's Metro has three lines: A (orange), B (blue), and C (green), with a normal ticket costing €1.50 and good for 100 minutes. Trains operate from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
  2. 2
    Tram: The tram network has six lines and operates from 5:30 a.m. to midnight, offering a pleasant trip with the same ticketing system as the Metro.
  3. 3
    Train: Regional trains connect Rome to other Italian towns, with the Leonardo Express train providing nonstop service from Fiumicino Airport to Termini Station for €14.
  4. 4
    High-Speed Train: Services such as Frecciarossa and Italo link Rome to major cities around Italy, with rates ranging according to distance and booking time.
  5. 5
    Taxi & Uber: Taxis in Rome have a fixed fee for some routes, such as from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome for around €48, but Uber only offers premium services like Uber Black, which are often more expensive than taxis.
  6. 6
    Public Buses: Buses are a popular means of transportation in Rome, and a single ticket costs €1.50 for 100 minutes of travel. Buses are useful for getting to locations not served by the Metro, particularly in the historic centre.

TipWhen taking public transit in Rome, always verify your ticket before boarding to avoid fines, and consider getting a day or multi-day pass for unrestricted travel if you want to explore extensively.


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Faq

How does public transport work in Rome?

  • ATAC operates Rome's public transportation, which includes buses, trams, the metro, and regional trains.
  • It is a unified system in which a single ticket may be used for several means of transportation around the city. 
  • Tickets may be purchased from a variety of places and must be validated at the beginning of your ride
  • The system is meant to be handy for both citizens and tourists, giving comprehensive coverage of the city and its surroundings.

How many fare zones are there in Rome?

Rome's public transportation system has a single fee zone for buses, trams, metros, and urban trains, making it simple to travel without worrying about multiple payment rates.

This unified method enables easy transfers between various types of transportation inside Rome using the same ticket.

Is there a special ticket for tourists in Rome?

Rome provides special tickets for tourists, such as the Roma Pass, which combines free public transportation and cheap admission to numerous sites. There's also the Rome Tourist Card, which offers skip-the-line access and other savings, making touring more accessible and affordable.

Can I use the same ticket for both the bus and metro in Rome?

Yes, in Rome, you may use the same "Metrebus" ticket for bus, tram, and metro travels across the city, providing for smooth transitions between modes of transportation.

Is it safe to use public transportation in Rome?

Using public transit in Rome is typically secure, but as with any large tourist destination, be wary of pickpockets. They are known to operate on congested buses and metro lines, frequently utilising distraction methods to steal from people. 

How do you pay for the bus in Rome?

In Rome, bus tickets must be purchased in advance from authorised sales places like tabacchi stores, news agencies, or mobile applications, as they cannot be purchased on the bus.

How do you pay for the metro in Rome?

In Rome, you can pay for the metro by purchasing tickets at stations, news agencies, or corner stores, and you can choose between single rides or numerous travel cards.

Can you take luggage on the Rome Metro?

Yes, you can transport bags on the Rome Metro. You are permitted to carry one piece of baggage for free, as long as it is no larger than 50x30x25 cm. If your luggage exceeds these dimensions, you must purchase an extra ticket; luggage greater than 80x45x25 cm is not permitted on the metro.