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Getting Around in Rome

Getting around in Rome can be challenging. Two metro lines, buses, cabs and trams may seem ideal but the fact is that transportation in Rome is a soaring issue. Thousands of Italians set off for work hours in advance every morning but still arrive late.

You can use the reliable but not always present metro, expensive cabs, buses and trams but there is nothing equal to getting around on foot. It is the best way to soak in the true atmosphere of the city.

Metro

Compared to other large European cities, the Rome Metro is underdeveloped. Numerous archaeological finds and historic monuments stand in the way to its development. Still Metro is the most reliable means of public transport. You can spot a metro station by the typical sign, the white letter “M” in a red square. (Metro is called [metropolitana] in Italian.) The two metro lines cover most of the touristic attractions. They meet in a single point: the Termini Metro Station, which is located in front of Piazza dei Cinquecento. Metro runs daily from 5:30 to 23:30 and on Saturdays from 5:30 to 00:30. You can buy tickets at most newsagents or from a ticket machines at any metro station. Ticket inspectors are a rare sight but the fine is 50 EUR on the spot. You mark your ticket before the Metro station entry.

Taxi

Another reliable means of getting around, especially during night hours, are the always present taxis or cabs. However the higher comfort is matched by a relatively higher price. You should not have any problems finding a taxi if you can see the typical yellow cars over clusters of waiting tourists.

Buses and Trams

Buses and trams are commonly called Urbana (public transportation) and are signposted with a white letter “U“ in a blue square.

The central bus stand is located in front of the Termini Metro Station, the main public transport hub in the Piazza del Cinquecento square. Compared to Metro the number of bus lines is large. Buses 40 and 46 can take you into the city center. There are also six different tram lines running primarily in the city center.

Renting a Car

If you are planning trips outside the city (for instance to the nearby beaches), it may be worth renting a car. However, having a car in the city is rather a burden as driving in the city center is painfully slow and finding a parking spot is nearly impossible. The general rule is that Italian car rentals as well as Italian petrol rank among the most expensive in Europe.