How to Get Around Rome: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for Tourists
Visiting Rome is like stepping into a living museum—every corner has a story to tell. But let’s be honest: figuring out how to move around the city can be a bit overwhelming! Should you take the metro? Are buses reliable? What about taxis or ride-sharing apps?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to get around Rome, with insider tips to help you navigate the city stress-free. Whether you’re here for a short stay or a longer visit, this will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
Public Transport in Rome: Metro, Buses & Trams
Public transport in Rome is a mix of efficient and… chaotic. While it’s not as extensive as in other European capitals, it can still be a great way to get around if you know how to use it right.
🚇 The Metro: Rome's Fastest Transport Option
If you want to move around quickly and efficiently, the metro is your best friend. It’s the fastest way to reach most of Rome’s top landmarks, with three lines:
Line A (Red) – Perfect for reaching the Vatican, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain.
Line B (Blue) – Takes you directly to the Colosseum and Circus Maximus.
Line C (Green) – Still expanding but useful for certain areas outside the city center.
🕰 Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 11:30 PM (until 1:30 AM on Fridays & Saturdays).
💰 Tickets: A single ride costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, even if you switch to a bus or tram.
🚀 Why choose the metro?
✅ Fastest way to travel across Rome.
✅ Well-connected to major tourist areas.
✅ Easy to use, even for first-time visitors.
⚠️ Rush hour warning: If you're traveling between 8-10 AM or 6-8 PM, expect packed trains—just like any big city! Otherwise, it’s smooth sailing.
🚌 Buses & Trams: Useful, But with Some Downsides
Rome’s bus and tram network covers areas the metro doesn’t reach, making it a good alternative in some cases. However, let’s be real—buses in Rome are not always the most reliable option. If you’re in a rush or trying to stick to a schedule, they might test your patience due to traffic and unpredictable wait times.
🚌 Key bus lines for tourists:
Bus 64 → Connects Termini Station to the Vatican (super useful, but a hotspot for pickpockets—stay alert!).
Bus 40 → A faster alternative to Bus 64, stopping at Piazza Venezia and the Vatican.
Tram 8 → One of the easiest ways to reach Trastevere, avoiding busy roads.
💡 How to use them?
Buy your ticket before boarding (available at metro stations, tobacco shops, and some newsstands).
Validate it as soon as you get on—there are machines inside the buses and trams.
🚦 When are buses and trams a good idea?
✅ If you’re not in a rush and just want a scenic ride.
✅ If you're heading somewhere the metro doesn’t reach, like Trastevere or Testaccio.
✅ At night when metro service stops (some night buses operate past midnight!).
🚧 When should you skip them?
❌ If you’re on a tight schedule.
❌ During peak hours when traffic is crazy.
❌ If you hate waiting—sometimes timetables feel more like suggestions than rules 😆.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing: What You Need to Know
Taxis in Rome can be convenient but tricky. Unlike in some cities where you can easily flag one down, here you’ll usually need to go to a designated taxi stand or call for one. And while they’re a good option for late nights or getting somewhere quickly, you need to watch out for scams and overpriced rides.
🚕 How to Get a Taxi in Rome (The Right Way!)
✅ Look for official white taxis with a “TAXI” sign on top.
✅ Find them at taxi ranks (near train stations, main squares, and major tourist areas).
✅ Call a taxi if needed—use apps like FreeNow or ask your hotel to call one for you.
💰 Taxi fares (approximate rates):
Base fare: €3.50 (day) / €6.50 (night)
Fiumicino Airport → City Center: Fixed rate of €50
Ciampino Airport → City Center: Fixed rate of €31
⚠️ Avoid getting into unmarked cars or accepting “taxi” offers at the airport—those are not official taxis and will overcharge you. Always stick to the official taxi queue!
🚗 Uber & Ride-Sharing: Is It Worth It?
Unlike in other cities, Uber in Rome only operates premium services (Uber Black, Lux, and Van), meaning it’s much more expensive than a regular taxi. If you're looking for something similar to UberX, it doesn't exist here.
🔹 Best alternatives? Try Bolt or FreeNow, which work like Uber but connect you to licensed taxis.
🚖 So, when should you take a taxi instead of the metro?
✅ If you’re carrying heavy luggage.
✅ If it’s late at night when public transport is limited.
✅ If you’re going to a place far from metro stations.
Walking in Rome: The Best Way to Explore
If there’s one thing you should know about Rome, it’s that walking is part of the experience. The city is basically an open-air museum, and strolling through its streets is the best way to soak in its charm, history, and hidden gems. Plus, many of the top landmarks are pretty close to each other, so you might not even need transport as much as you think!
🚶Where to Walk? The Best Areas for Exploring on Foot
🏛 Historic Center: You can walk from Piazza Venezia to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps in under 30 minutes. The best part? Every street is packed with history and beauty.
🍷 Trastevere: If you want to feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, Trastevere is the place. Cobbled streets, ivy-covered buildings, and the best restaurants in town. Perfect for an evening walk with a gelato in hand.
✝️ The Vatican & St. Peter’s Square: Walking to the Vatican from central Rome is an experience in itself. A scenic route takes you from Castel Sant’Angelo, across the beautiful Ponte Sant’Angelo, and into St. Peter’s Square—one of the most breathtaking sights in Rome. If you go early in the morning, you’ll see it without the crowds, making it even more magical.
🌳 The Appian Way: If you want a walk that feels like a trip back in time, take a stroll along the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica). It’s one of the oldest roads in Rome and leads you past ancient ruins, aqueducts, and even catacombs. Best done on Sundays when it’s closed to traffic!
Pro Tips for Walking in Rome
✅ Wear comfy shoes—Rome’s cobblestone streets look amazing but will kill your feet if you’re in the wrong shoes.
✅ Always carry water—especially in summer, when Rome gets HOT. There are free water fountains (the famous nasoni) all over the city!
✅ Be mindful of traffic—pedestrian crossings exist, but Roman drivers don’t always respect them. Always look both ways!
🚶♂️ Bottom line? Walking is the best way to see Rome, so take your time, get lost in the side streets, and enjoy every step of it.
E-Scooters & Bike Rentals: Are They Worth It?
Rome has joined the trend of e-scooters and bike rentals, making it easier than ever to explore the city without relying on public transport. But before you hop on one, there are a few things you should know.
🛴 E-Scooters: Convenient but Controversial
E-scooters are available all over Rome through apps like Lime, Dott, and Bird. You’ll see them parked (sometimes abandoned 😆) on sidewalks, ready to be rented with just a few taps on your phone.
💰 Pricing: Around €1 to unlock + €0.25 per minute.
⚠️ Rules & Safety Tips:
You MUST wear a helmet (technically required, but many tourists ignore this).
No riding on sidewalks—they’re only allowed on roads and bike lanes.
Speed limits apply—some zones have auto-speed restrictions, and you’ll get fined for breaking them.
Be careful with cobblestones! Rome’s streets are bumpy, and scootering on them can feel like riding on a jackhammer. 😅
🚀 Best for: Quick trips, avoiding public transport, having fun in parks like Villa Borghese.
🚧 Skip if: You’re nervous about traffic, not comfortable on scooters, or in areas with heavy foot traffic.
🚲 Bike Rentals: A Great Option for Certain Areas
Biking in Rome can be amazing—but only in the right places. The city is not very bike-friendly (crazy traffic, narrow streets), but some areas are perfect for cycling.
🚲 Best places to bike in Rome:
✅ Villa Borghese – Rome’s biggest park, peaceful and scenic.
✅ The Appian Way – One of the oldest roads in Rome, surrounded by nature and ancient ruins.
✅ Tiber River Path – A flat, smooth path that runs along the river.
💰 Where to rent bikes?
RideMovi (bike-sharing app).
Rental shops near Termini & Trastevere.
🚀 Best for: Exploring parks, long scenic rides outside the city center.
🚧 Skip if: You plan to ride in high-traffic areas (it’s stressful and not very safe).
E-Scooters or Bikes—Which One to Choose?
🛴 Scooter if: You want a quick ride around the city and don’t mind navigating through streets.
🚲 Bike if: You want a relaxing ride in a park or on an open road.
Both are fun if used in the right places, but neither is ideal for moving between major landmarks—walking or public transport is still better!
Final Tips for Getting Around Rome
Now that you know the best ways to move around Rome, here are a few extra pro tips to make your life easier:
✅ Get a transport pass if you plan to use public transport often. The Roma Pass (€32 for 48h, €52 for 72h) includes unlimited metro, bus, and tram rides + free museum entries. Perfect if you're sightseeing!
✅ Use Google Maps & Moovit to check real-time bus and metro schedules. Rome’s public transport isn’t always predictable, so having a live update will save you time and frustration.
✅ Avoid rush hours (8-10 AM and 6-8 PM) if possible. The metro and buses can get packed—plan your sightseeing accordingly.
✅ Taxis are reliable, but always take an official one from a taxi stand or use FreeNow. Never accept random taxi offers at the airport or train stations!
✅ Walk as much as you can! It’s the best way to truly experience Rome’s beauty and history. Plus, you’ll stumble upon hidden gems you won’t find in any guidebook.
So, What’s the Best Way to Get Around Rome?
🚇 Metro → The fastest and easiest way to reach major landmarks.
🚌 Buses & Trams → Useful for areas the metro doesn’t reach, but avoid during rush hour.
🚕 Taxis & Uber → Good for late nights or when you’re carrying luggage, but can be pricey.
🚶 Walking → The best way to explore Rome—wear comfy shoes and enjoy the views!
🛴 Scooters & Bikes → Fun alternatives, but best used in parks or on specific routes.
Whatever method you choose, getting around Rome is part of the adventure! 🇮🇹✨
💬 Have you been to Rome? Which transport option worked best for you? Let us know in the comments!
📍 Staying at MarcoAurelio49? Our team is happy to help you plan your trip—just ask us for recommendations!