Getting around Rome by private and public transport

With over two million eight hundred thousand residents and a constant flow of tourists, getting around the Capital is not always straightforward. Between frequently crowded landmarks and historical monuments, heavy traffic and restricted traffic zones, it is important to choose the most efficient mode of transport. Luckily, the Capital offers several options: from the underground to buses, trams, and sharing services, not to mention taxis and private vehicles.

Getting to Rome: the main airports

Rome is well connected to the rest of the world via two international airports. The main hub is Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Fiumicino, located about 30 kilometres from the city centre. It is easily accessible by the Leonardo Express, a non-stop train service to Termini station. Trains run every 15 to 30 minutes and take around half an hour to complete the journey. Alternatively, regional FL1 trains are available, stopping at several stations including Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina.

The second airport is Ciampino–G. B. Pastine, primarily used by low-cost airlines. Situated roughly 15 kilometres from the city centre, it is connected to Termini station by private shuttle services, or by a combined bus and train route that takes around 40 minutes to reach central Rome. Official taxis charge a fixed fare of €30 from Ciampino and €48 from Fiumicino to the city centre.

How to get to Rome: the main railway stations

Travelling by train is one of the most convenient ways to reach Rome from other Italian or European cities. Termini Station is the city’s main railway hub, offering both high-speed services (Frecciarossa, Italo) and regional connections.

Another key transport point is Tiburtina Station, a terminal for many high-speed trains and home to the main interregional coach station. Ostiense, Trastevere and San Pietro stations, meanwhile, serve regional and suburban lines, helping to link the city centre with outlying areas.

Rome’s underground: lines and how it works

Rome’s underground system currently comprises three lines:

• Line A (orange)
• Line B/B1 (blue)
• Line C (green)

Line A runs from the eastern terminus at Anagnina to the western end at Battistini, passing through major stops such as San Giovanni, Termini, Spagna and Ottaviano. Line B links Laurentina to Rebibbia (with a B1 branch to Jonio), serving key areas including EUR and the Colosseum. Line C connects outer suburbs to the San Giovanni district.

The metro operates from 5:30am to 11:30pm, with extended hours until 1:30am on weekends. A single ticket costs €1.50, is valid for 100 minutes from first validation, and can be used across all surface transport within the same time window.

Rome’s bus service

Bus services in Rome are mainly operated by ATAC, the city’s public transport company. The network includes more than 350 routes, with daytime services (U lines) and night services (N lines). Buses cover the entire urban area, including outer districts not served by the metro. Although heavy traffic often causes delays, buses remain a convenient option for reaching areas not accessible by metro or tram. Night services are particularly useful after the metro closes, with buses running every 15 to 30 minutes.

Getting around by trolleybus and tram

Trams and trolleybuses, also managed by ATAC, complete the city’s public transport offering. Trams are particularly useful for travelling in areas such as Trastevere, Porta Maggiore, Prenestina and Centocelle. The main active routes are lines 3, 5, 8 and 19.

Electric-powered trolleybuses operate on a few dedicated routes, for example along Viale Palmiro Togliatti and in the south-eastern outskirts. They provide a more environmentally friendly alternative that often offers greater reliability compared to regular road traffic.

How to get around on foot in the centre of Rome

In the historic centre, walking is undoubtedly the best way to get around, as the main attractions are all within easy reach of one another. The areas of Trastevere, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain are easily accessible and offer hidden corners and glimpses of the city that are truly unmissable. The many pedestrian zones allow visitors to enjoy the city without the noise of traffic. Comfortable shoes are recommended, due to the cobbled streets and uneven pavements.

Taxi service in Rome

Official taxis in Rome are white, with a “TAXI” sign on the roof and an identification number. They can be picked up at designated taxi ranks, hailed on the street, or booked via apps and call centres. The starting fare ranges from €3.00 to €6.50 depending on the day and time, with additional charges for luggage, night-time journeys and public holidays. Alternative services such as FreeNow or ItTaxi allow easy booking through an app, with the estimated fare shown in advance.

Shared mobility services

Rome, too, has seen an expansion of shared mobility services in recent years:

• Car sharing: the services available in the capital allow users to rent electric or petrol cars via smartphone and leave them in authorised parking areas.
• Bike sharing: services offer free-floating electric bicycles, ideal for short trips.
• Electric scooters: available throughout all central areas, they are convenient, although greater care is needed due to potholes and traffic.

All services operate via app, with digital payment and geolocation.

Is it worth getting around Rome by private car?

Using a private car in Rome might seem convenient, but it has several drawbacks typical of large cities. Traffic is often heavy, especially during peak hours, and finding parking in central areas is both difficult and expensive. Moreover, much of the historic centre is governed by restricted traffic zones (ZTLs), which are only accessible during specific times and with special permits. A car can be useful for reaching outlying districts or areas poorly served by public transport, but in such cases it’s advisable to leave it in one of the park-and-ride facilities located near metro stations.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

Tag

Transport and Mobility

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