Metro, Bus and Tram in Rome

Discover how to effectively use public transport in Rome to explore the city with ease. The metro, bus and tram form a well-connected network, serving major tourist attractions such as the Colosseum, the Vatican or the Trevi fountain. With over 350 bus lines, 6 tram lines and 3 metro lines, you can easily move from one site to another while avoiding traffic jams. Whether you're in Rome for a few days or a week, discover here how to use these means of transport to optimize your travels and make the most of your stay.

Why Choose Public Transport in Rome?

1. Affordable and Convenient: Public transport is the most economical and practical way to discover Rome.
2. Accessibility: Easily reach iconic sites and hidden gems.
3. Live Rome Authentically: Immerse yourself in the daily life of Romans.

Rome's Metro: Fast and Efficient

The Roman metro is your best friend for quickly reaching places like the Colosseum or the Vatican. There are three main lines:

• Line A (Orange): Goes from the Vatican to the east of Rome.
• Line B (Blue): Crosses the city from north to south, passing through Termini Station.
• Line C (Green): Less useful for tourists, but convenient for some destinations.

Below you will also find maps of public transport in Rome provided on the ATAC website:

Bus and Tram: Explore Every Corner of Rome

Rome has a vast public transport network including around 350 bus lines serving the entire city and its suburbs. This network covers both tourist areas and residential neighborhoods. As for trams, the city has 6 tram lines. These lines offer an alternative to buses and the metro, serving some of the city's main thoroughfares as well as historic and residential neighborhoods. The tram network is less extensive than the bus network, but remains a practical and enjoyable way to get around Rome.

Where to Buy Your Metro, Bus and Tram Tickets?

• Metro Stations: Each station has ticket booths and vending machines.
• Tabaccherie (tobacco shops) and Newsstands: You can also buy tickets from these small shops located throughout the city.
• From your smartphone: using a transport app like MyCicero or ATAC, which manages public transport in Rome

Tickets are valid for all types of transport (metro, bus, tram) and must be validated before boarding buses or trams, or at the gates in the metro.

Did you know? There are tourist passes that give you unlimited access to public transport in addition to entry to major tourist sites. Depending on the itinerary you are planning, these passes can save you time and money. Public transport is included in the Roma Pass which you can buy online from our partner GetYourGuide but also the Omnia Card, marketed by Tiqets.

How Much Does a Ticket for Public Transport in Rome Cost?

The price of a single ticket for public transport in Rome is €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes. It allows you to use buses, trams and the metro.

There are also daily tickets at €7, 48-hour passes at €12.50, 72-hour passes at €18 and weekly subscriptions at €24.

These options are ideal for tourists who plan to use transport extensively.

Can the Same Ticket Be Used for the Metro, Bus and Tram?

Yes, the same ticket is valid for the metro, bus and tram in Rome. A standard €1.50 ticket allows you to make one metro journey and multiple bus and tram journeys for 100 minutes. It is important to validate the ticket on each bus or tram journey, or at the gate in the metro. Daily or weekly passes offer even more flexibility, allowing unlimited use of the three modes of transport for the duration of the ticket.

How to Validate Tickets on the Metro, Buses and Trams?

On the metro, tickets must be validated at the automatic gates located at the entrance of each station before accessing the platforms. On buses and trams, you must insert the ticket into a small validation machine located inside the vehicle as soon as you board. Make sure you validate your ticket properly, as controls are frequent, and an unvalidated ticket can result in a fine.

How Frequent Are Buses, Metros and Trams in Rome?

The frequency of buses, metros and trams in Rome varies depending on the time and day of the week. Generally, metros pass every 3 to 5 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes outside of peak hours. Buses and trams run every 10 to 20 minutes depending on the line. In the evening, services may be less frequent, with buses passing about every 30 minutes. During peak tourist season, frequencies may increase to meet demand.

Are There Metro Lines Serving Major Tourist Attractions?

Yes, the Rome metro serves several of the major tourist attractions. Line B takes you to the Colosseum, one of the busiest stations. Line A passes near the Trevi Fountain (Barberini station), the Spanish Steps (Spagna station) and the Vatican (Ottaviano station). Although Rome's metro network is limited to three lines, it covers major sites, and you can supplement your journey with buses or trams to reach other locations.

Is Public Transport Safe in Rome, Especially at Night?

Generally, public transport in Rome is safe, even at night. However, it is recommended to remain vigilant, especially on crowded buses and metros, as pickpockets may be present, particularly around tourist attractions. At night, metros and some buses run, but it is advisable to avoid isolated stations or areas, and to travel in groups whenever possible. The ATAC network also offers night buses, identifiable by the letter "N" before the line number.

Does Public Transport Operate on Public Holidays and Sundays?

Yes, public transportation in Rome also operates on holidays and Sundays, but with reduced frequency compared to weekdays. The subway typically runs with similar service to Sundays, with slightly longer intervals between trains. Buses and trams also follow a more spaced-out schedule, but main services remain available. It's advisable to check schedules on transport apps or websites before traveling on holidays.

How to plan your route with public transport in Rome?

To plan your route in Rome, several options are available. You can use mobile apps like MyCicero or Moovit, which provide real-time information on bus, metro, and tram schedules and routes. Google Maps is also very convenient for planning public transport trips, with accurate estimates of travel times. There are also paper maps of subway lines available at stations, useful for an overview of the network.

Our tip: the Tripwizy Rome app, in addition to offering a tourist guide to the main attractions to see in the city, offers an interactive plan of the 3 subway lines. You can easily find the ideal route to get to the tourist sites of your choice from your accommodation.

Is public transport accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Rome is making efforts to make its public transport accessible, but not all buses, metros, and trams are fully adapted. Many metro stations have lifts and ramps, but some old stations are still not accessible. However, the majority of buses are equipped with ramps for wheelchairs, and there are spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility. It is advisable to check the accessibility of stations in advance or to use ATAC applications for real-time information.

Did you know? On the occasion of the 2025 Jubilee in Rome, where 35 million visitors are expected, the city has received €530 million from the Italian government to improve infrastructure (including metro and tramway) and urban mobility. Read the Eurocities article on the Jubilee to learn more.

Are there frequent checks on public transport in Rome?

Yes, there are frequent checks on public transport in Rome, both on buses, trams, and metro stations. Controllers can board at any time to check that passengers have validated their tickets. These checks are generally random, but they can be more frequent in tourist areas and at certain times of the day. If you are caught without a validated ticket or without a ticket, you risk a fine that can be quite high (€100). It is therefore important to always have a valid ticket and to validate it properly as soon as you board.

Tips for Public Transport in Rome

1. Use Google Maps: it will give you optimized routes. You can also visit the official website of the Rome public transport company – ATAC ROMA.
2. Opt for the Roma Pass or the Omnia Card: These passes give you unlimited access to public transport and entry to major tourist sites. Buy your Roma Pass here or get the Omnia Card from our partner Tiqets.
3. Plan in advance: Buses can be unpredictable, so take a look at the timetables before you leave.

Roma Pass and Omnia Card: Your Keys to Exploring Rome

These 2 tourist passes can save you time and money. In addition to giving you access to tourist sites, their offers include unlimited access to Rome's public transport.

We therefore advise you to study the interest of these passes for your stay:

• Roma Pass: Includes public transport, free entry to two museums.
• Omnia Card: Offers all the benefits of the Roma Pass, plus access to the Vatican and other remarkable tourist sites.

With these passes, you can travel freely and save money on attractions.

To learn more, see our dedicated article on Essential Tourist Passes in Rome.

With this advice, you are ready to have an incredible experience in Rome. Let yourself be transported by its charm and its history, while enjoying easy and affordable mobility.

If you have any suggestions or experiences to share, feel free to leave a comment below. Your comment can be invaluable for future travelers. Share your tips, tricks, and discoveries to enrich the traveler community.

Are you ready to use public transport in Rome? How about discovering more in detail what the city of Rome has to offer you? And why not discover the city under the open sky, comfortably installed in a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with an audio guide in your ears?

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