Planning a trip to Rome? It’s worth getting to know the local transport before you land so you can make the most out of your trip. 

This sublime historical city has good public transport links across the city, making it easy to visit the top sights in Rome.

In this guide, we’ll dive into:

• The main transportation methods in the city
• The best transportation in Rome for tourists
• Routes to and from Rome Airport
• Practical tips for getting around Rome, Italy

Let’s dive right in!

Overview of Transportation in Rome

Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know about getting around Rome:

• Typically, the quickest and easiest way to get around Rome is to take the metro, however, it has its limitations. It’s not a very extensive metro, but there are stops for the major sights across the city.
• Buses are a great option for getting to the areas that the tram and metro don’t serve.
• To take advantage of the integrated travel in Rome, it’s worth picking up an OMNIA card. There are different types, including day passes for tourists.  
• Rome is a walkable city (if you have comfy shoes). So if you’re on a budget, you can easily get around on foot.

You can check out the Rome public transportation map on the Rome.net website.

How to use public transportation in Rome

Rome has a reliable and well-connected public transportation system with several options for getting around the city.

To make the most of your time here, it’s important to understand how OMNIA cards work.

Before we explore the best ways to get around, let’s take a quick look at the available ticket types, prices, and how to use them.

All about OMNIA cards: the gateway to your Rome transportation

The OMNIA Card makes getting around Rome and the Vatican effortless. It combines unlimited access to buses, trams, and metro lines with skip-the-line entry to major sights like the Vatican Museums.

The card costs €149 and includes:

• OMNIA Rome & Vatican Card
• Priority access to the main sights
• 3-day unlimited travel on Rome’s public transport
• 72-hour day ticket Hop On Hop Off bus tour
• Complementary Rome and the Vatican City travel guide and map

Note: You can also use your contactless debit or credit card to use public transport if you don’t want to invest in an OMNIA Card.

Now, let’s talk about how to get around Rome.

Metro

Rome’s metro system is the fastest way to move between major attractions, but it certainly has its limitations. 

The three main lines, A (orange), B (blue), and C (green), connect key landmarks such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Vatican City. 

Trains run roughly every 5–10 minutes, so it’s a fast and reliable way of getting around. 

Tickets are valid across the entire public transport network, so you can switch between metro, bus, and tram with ease. Stations are well signposted, though the system is smaller than in other European capitals, so expect to walk or take a bus for the final leg of your journey.

The operating hours of the Rome metro are as follows:

05:30 to 23:30 Mondays to Thursdays, and Sundays

05:30 to 01:30 on Fridays and Saturdays

Trams

Though not as extensive as the metro, taking a tram across Rome is a pleasant option for reaching neighborhoods like Trastevere and San Lorenzo. 

You can use your contactless card or OMNIA card to use trams just like the metro.

They’re especially handy for short trips within the historic center or when you’d rather skip traffic. Keep in mind that trams don’t reach major tourist spots like the Colosseum, but they’re perfect for soaking up local life while gliding through quieter streets.

The operating hours of the trams in Rome are as follows:

05:30 to 00:00 daily

Trains

Rome’s train network connects the city center with the suburbs and nearby towns, making day trips easy. 

The main hub, Termini Station, links directly to Fiumicino Airport, Florence, and Naples, while Tiburtina and Ostiense serve regional routes. 

Local commuter trains (Trenitalia and regional lines) are useful for reaching areas like Ostia Antica or the coast. Tickets can be bought at machines, counters, or online; just remember to validate them before boarding. 

Trains are generally punctual and comfortable, offering a smooth way to explore beyond central Rome.

Buses

Rome’s buses cover the areas the metro and trams don’t reach, making them essential for getting around. 

They’re especially useful for late-night and early-morning journeys, depending on the route. 

Tickets are the same as for the metro and trams and must be validated once on board. 

While buses can be slower due to traffic, they’re ideal for reaching residential neighborhoods, hilltop viewpoints, or smaller attractions off the main metro lines. 

Tip: Check digital displays or Google Maps for real-time arrivals before you hop on.

Other ways of getting around Rome

Public transportation in Rome is great, but perhaps you’d like a more convenient or scenic way of getting around. Here are your other options. 

Taxis and private transfers

Metered, white Rome taxis are readily available throughout the city. You can find them at official Rome taxi ranks located all over the city: mainly near tourist attractions, at major hotels, next to the main squares, and outside transportation hubs, including Termini Station, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza Venezia, Largo Argentina, Piazza delle Cinque Lune, Piazza Barberini, and Via Boncompagni.

If you want the ultimate comfort and convenience at a reasonable price, you can pre-book Rome Airport transfers from a trusted international provider like Welcome Pickups. 

Bike & Scooter Rentals

For a fun and flexible way to explore, try bike or e-scooter rentals. 

It’s perfect for short distances or scenic routes like along the Tiber River. 

Just stick to bike lanes where possible and park responsibly to avoid fines.

Transportation in Rome for Tourists

Getting around Rome as a tourist is straightforward once you know a few key tips. 

First, stay central if possible. Most landmarks are walkable or just a short metro ride away. 

For convenience, grab an OMNIA Card to combine transport and attraction entry. Always validate your ticket before boarding trains or buses to avoid fines, and keep small change handy for ticket machines. 

Finally, wear comfortable shoes! Rome’s cobblestones are lovely but unforgiving after a long day of sightseeing.

Airport Transportation in Rome

Rome Airport, Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), is around 30 kilometers outside of the city center. 

You can travel from Rome Airport to the city center by:

• Train: Hop on Leonardo Express Rome Airport Shuttle to Termini Station in 35 minutes.
• Bus: Catch the Schiaffini Airport Bus to reach the city center in 50 minutes.
• Taxi: Get a Rome Airport taxi from the ranks to take you anywhere in Rome in around 40 minutes.

Alternatively, you can book a Rome Airport transfer from Welcome Pickups to receive a professional, door-to-door service to your destination.

Practical Tips for Getting Around Rome 

We hope this guide has helped you understand public transport in Rome and how to get around. Here are a few parting tips for the road (pun intended!):

• Use your contactless card on public transport if you don’t have a travel card.
• Wear comfortable shoes because Rome’s cobblestones and hills can be tough on your feet.
• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas and on public transport.
• For airport transfers, book ahead with Welcome Pickups or take the Leonardo Express train from Termini.

FAQs

How do tourists get around Rome?

Most tourists use a mix of metro, buses, and walking to explore the city. The metro is fastest for major sights, while buses and trams reach the areas in between. That said, Rome is a very walkable city.

What’s the cheapest way to get around Rome?

The cheapest way to get around Rome is on foot! The historic center is very walkable. You can also use a combination of the metro, tram, or bus for the same single ticket prices. 

Is Rome a walkable city?

Yes, Rome is a walkable city, especially in the historic center. Many top attractions, like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, are within easy walking distance of each other.

Can you just walk around Rome?

Absolutely. Walking is one of the best ways to experience Rome. Just be prepared for cobblestones and a few uphill climbs.

Is the metro free in Rome?

No, the metro isn’t free. You’ll need a valid OMNIA Card or you can tap in using your contactless credit/debit card.