How to Use Public Transport in Rome: A Beginner's Guide
I noticed that I put off writing this article for a while because, while it’s a useful topic, public transport in Rome is sort of a hot topic. By "hot topic," I mean that almost everyone I know in Rome is always complaining about it (to put it lightly). And yes, while you’ll lose your sanity with the millionth sciopero (strike) a month, in general, the public transport system is actually, pretty good?
In this blog post, I will explain in a beginner-friendly way how to use Rome’s public transport system. This will cover the metro, buses, ticketing, and my best tips for navigating public transport. After reading this article, you’ll be well-equipped to travel around Rome with ease.
First things first: how to buy tickets for public transport in Rome
If we talk about the old-school way of buying tickets, you can get them at a tabaccheria or from the red ticket machines in metro stations. These machines offer different ticket options, and it’s important to know that Rome has an integrated ticketing system. This means that one ticket works on buses, trams, metros, and even the Metromare!
A breakdown of ticket options
Single Ticket (BIT): €1.50, valid for 100 minutes from the first stamp, with unlimited bus/tram rides or one metro ride.
24-Hour Ticket: €7.00, unlimited travel for 24 hours, great for sightseeing.
48/72-Hour Tickets: €12.50/€18.00, perfect for longer stays, with unlimited travel for 48 or 72 hours.
Weekly Ticket (C.I.S.): €24.00, great if you’re staying a week and using public transport a lot.
I personally stick with old-school paper tickets (very on brand for me) , but if you’re comfortable with technology, there are other ways to get your tickets:
More tech involving options
TicketAppy: An app where you can buy tickets using a credit card or Satispay. Tickets appear in the app and must be activated before use.
Tap & Go: Just tap your bank card at most metro stations to pay directly—super simple. However, not all buses have this system yet, so don’t rely on it everywhere.
How to use Rome’s metro system
Personally, for reasons involving me liking the world more when I’m above ground, I don’t take the metro in Rome very often. I might be one of the few people who actually prefer the bus here. Personal preferences aside, the metro is definitely the most practical way to get around, and if you’re a tourist visiting for just a couple of days, it’s probably all you’ll use.
Rome has three metro lines: Line A (orange), Line B (blue), and Line C (green). The main hub is Termini Station, where Line A and B intersect. You’ll likely pass through it a lot while getting around. If you need Line C, you’ll transfer at San Giovanni, where it connects with Line A.
The charming look of the metro station
For most visitors, Line A and Line B will be your go-to routes since they cover the city centre and hit the big tourist spots. Line A stops include Barberini (for the Trevi Fountain) and Spagna (for the Spanish Steps), while Line B takes you to the Colosseum. Line C is more residential but does run through Pigneto, a cool neighbourhood I recommend checking out if you have time.
One key thing to know: Line B splits into two routes after Bologna Station—one going toward Rebibbia and the other to Jonio. For most tourists, this won’t matter much since the split covers less central areas, but if your accommodation is along Line B, double-check which route you need!
How to use Rome’s bus system
To be completely honest, taking the bus in Rome is kind of my hobby at this point. I’ve become so comfortable with the bus lines that I almost know by heart which bus (or combination of buses) will get me to my destination. Sometimes, I even hop on a random bus just to see where it takes me and discover new places.
That being said, buses in Rome can be... let’s call it “unpredictable.” They’re often late, and sometimes they don’t show up at all. If I could give you just one piece of advice for using Rome’s bus system, it would be this: download Moovit!
Moovit is a public transport app that will be your best friend when navigating Rome’s buses. It gives you live updates on bus arrivals and tells you exactly when your bus will arrive—or if it’ll show up at all. It also has a route planner, making it easy to map out your trip in real time. Trust me, you need this app in your life, especially with how unreliable buses can be. Heads up, though: yes, an ad will pop up in your face every five seconds, and yes, it’s annoying—but honestly, it’s still worth it. I use it every day, and I couldn’t live without it!
Here’s another pro tip: you need to flag down the bus if you want to get on it! At busy stops, chances are the bus will stop anyway, but just to be safe, wave your hand to the driver to make it clear you’re getting on. Trust me, you do NOT want to be the person waiting forever for a bus, only for it to breeze right past you because you looked uninterested.
When it comes to tickets, they’re valid across all public transport, including buses, trams, and the metro. Once you’re on board, validate your ticket using one of the machines: either the classic yellow ones or the newer red machines, which also accept tap & go payments. If you’re using a 24-hour, 48-hour, or weekly ticket, it’s already validated the first time you use it, so no need to validate it again.
To get off the bus, just press one of the red “stop” buttons located throughout the bus. This will signal the driver to let you off at the next stop.
Rome’s buses come in a few styles: there’s the newer red buses and the older grey ones, both operated by ATAC, the city’s public transport service. In the city centre, you might also spot mini buses, which are adorable and very convenient for navigating narrow streets.
Tips for using public transport in Rome
If I could leave you with a couple of final tips for navigating public transport in Rome, the first would be: avoid it during rush hour! Mornings and evenings can be absolute chaos, and squeezing yourself into a horde of people is not fun, trust me. The feeling of spotting your bus in the distance, only to have it come closer and realize it’s absolutely packed with people? Pure bliss, I’ll tell you that.
Another useful tip is to follow ATAC on Instagram. They provide updates on major disruptions, including strikes, which happen more frequently than you might think. Staying informed through their account can help you avoid unexpected delays or service interruptions.
Also, you might have noticed that I didn’t mention the trams yet. There are a few tram lines in Rome, but to be honest, I’ve only used them a couple of times. Since Rome’s public transport system operates on integrated tickets, feel free to explore the trams if you’d like. However, for most visitors, the metro and buses will probably be enough to get you to all the key sights in Rome!
The ticket I personally use is the monthly pass, which can be loaded onto a personal card and reloaded each month for €35. While I didn’t include this option in the main article, it’s a fantastic choice if you’re planning to stay in Rome for an extended period. If you’d like to know more about how this system works, feel free to reach out to me!
Conclusion
After reading this article, you’re more than equipped to navigate Rome’s public transport system. I know there might be some downsides—delays, crowded buses, the occasional strike—but honestly, I use public transport every day, and I love it. It’s a fantastic way to experience local life in Rome, especially when you travel beyond the typical tourist areas.
Apps like Moovit will become your best friend, offering real-time updates on bus arrivals and helping you plan routes efficiently. Once you're familiar with the system, you'll discover how simple and convenient it is to explore Rome beyond the typical tourist routes.
If you have any additional tips, questions, or personal experiences you'd like to share, feel free to drop a comment below or connect with me on Instagram. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your public transport adventures in Rome!
