Getting around

Getting Around Rome

Rome is an open‑air museum, and the best way to experience it is by walking. Getting lost in its backstreets is part of the charm, but there is a limit to how far your feet will take you. Here is how to use public transport when your legs say "enough".

Public Transport (ATAC)

The network includes metro, buses and trams. It is affordable and reaches most areas, although punctuality is not always its strongest point.

Paying and "Tap & Go"

You no longer need to hunt for an open Tabacchi just to buy a ticket. Most metro gates and many buses now support Tap & Go contactless payment.[web:51]

Simply tap your contactless bank card (or phone) on the red reader. A standard single ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes – you can transfer between bus, tram and metro during that time (with some limits on exiting and re‑entering the metro).[web:51][web:54][web:57]

The Metro

The metro network is small for a capital city (every excavation uncovers ancient ruins), but it is useful for crossing Rome quickly.

• Line A (orange): The most used by visitors. It links the Vatican area (Ottaviano) with the Spanish Steps and Termini.
• Line B (blue): Takes you to the Colosseum and Circo Massimo.

Buses

Buses can be crowded and sometimes feel chaotic, but they serve areas where the metro does not reach, such as Trastevere or the Pantheon area. Timetables are often approximate, so bring patience.

🛵 Renting a Vespa – Dream vs Reality

Many visitors picture themselves on a Vespa after watching "Roman Holiday". But should you really do it?

Our general advice: avoid it unless you are an experienced rider.

Roman traffic can be fast, dense and unpredictable. On top of that, the "sanpietrini" cobblestones are slippery, especially when it rains. If you do not ride scooters regularly at home, Rome is not the best place to start. A short photo stop or a guided scooter tour is a safer compromise.

Taxis: Practical Tips

Roman taxis have their own unwritten rules, but once you know them they are manageable.

1. Do not try to hail them like in a film

Unlike in some cities, taxis in Rome rarely stop if you just wave at them in the street. Go to an official taxi rank (marked with an orange "TAXI" sign) or order one via an app such as FreeNow or Uber (which in Rome often books regular licensed taxis).

2. Avoid scams

Walking – Your Main Mode of Transport

Most major sights (Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona) are located fairly close to one another in pedestrian-friendly areas.