Rome's Best Travel Routes

When exploring Rome, it’s important to manage your expectations regarding public transportation, run by a company named ATAC inside the city and COTRAL in suburban areas.

Rome’s public transport system is a patchwork: limited metro lines, buses that sometimes arrive late, and trams that cut through charming neighborhoods. For a visitor, it can feel confusing. With the right tools, though, it becomes your best ally.

While the subway (metropolitana) is one of the fastest ways to get around the city, it is limited in scope. Due to Rome’s vast underground archaeological treasures, the construction of new subway lines has been notoriously slow, resulting in just two and a half lines (A, B, and C line). These lines are efficient for reaching key monuments such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Spanish Steps, but they don’t cover all areas of the city. The subway runs from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm, extending until 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays, making it a good option for early morning or late-night travelers. Always be mindful of closures due to construction by checking the website for updates.

Buses and trams offer more extensive coverage, but they come with their own challenges. Buses are known for being late, especially during rush hours or when traffic congestion peaks. However, if you have patience and flexibility in your schedule, buses can take you to areas that the subway cannot. Trams, though older, are generally more reliable and cover some important parts of the city. You can find detailed information on routes, schedules, and tickets on the official transportation website: www.atac.roma.it.

Tickets & Passes

• A single ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 and lasts 100 minutes across bus, tram, and metro (but only one metro ride).
• Day pass (Roma 24h) costs €7; 48h pass €12.50; 72h pass €18; Weekly pass (CIS) €24.
• Tickets can be bought at metro stations, newsstands (edicole), and tobacco shops (tabacchi).

⚠️ Watch out: Always validate your ticket when boarding a bus or entering the metro. Controllers issue instant fines, and “I’m a tourist” won’t save you.

Choose the best App

• Download ATAC Roma (official), Moovit, or Google Maps for real-time arrivals.
• Buses rarely follow schedules exactly—use apps to avoid long waits.
• Save offline maps for backup.
• It would be a good idea to equip your phone with a translation app, like Deepl, and a currency conversion app, like Xe.

Navigation

• Metro Line A takes you to Vatican (Ottaviano) and Spanish Steps.
• Metro Line B connects Termini with the Colosseum and Circus Maximus.
• Metro Line C brings to the outskirts of the city.
• Trams are scenic and less crowded: Tram 8 takes you straight into Trastevere.
• Buses are useful, but avoid rush hour (8–9 a.m., 6–7 p.m.) unless you enjoy sardine-style travel.

📝 Local Tip: Never plan tight schedules around buses. If you must be on time (e.g., Vatican entry), take the metro or walk.