Metro

The Metro is Rome’s version of the subway system here in the United States and is the fastest method of travel within Rome. Rome has three underground metro lines, the A Line (orange), the B Line (blue), and the C Line (green). The current system has an X shape to it with two of the lines intersecting at the Termini Station, the main train station in Rome. A sign with a big red M on it indicates the entrance to the subway System. The Metro runs every day from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm.

Bus

Buses in Rome are operated by ATAC, the Bus and Tramway Company of the city of Rome. For a fee of only 1.5 euro you can ride to most parts of Rome. The buses are often very crowded and some of them make numerous stops so the travel can be slow at times. Your ticket is valid for 100 minutes and you can get on as many buses and trams plus the metro during that 100 minute time period, all on the same ticket. Tickets can be purchased in tobacco shops or bus terminals. Bus stops are identified by a yellow sign (Fermata) that displays the numbers of the buses that stop there (see photo below). The signs also contain a list of each buses stops along its route. The buses provide service from 6 am to midnight daily. After midnight and until 6 am you can ride on what are called the night buses, look for the “N” that is displayed in the front of the bus. The night buses run on a limited number of the main routes so it might be best to take a taxi in the early morning hours if you can find one.

Taxi/Car Service

If you are not comfortable using the various public transportation options in Rome you can always resort to a taxi or car service. Taxi’s are readily available in Rome and are licensed with set rates on transfers to and from the airport. Just make sure you are dealing with an authorized taxi, they will always be driving white vehicles, and will have an emblem on the door that reads “comune di Roma”. There are also a number of car service companies that can make for a quick and efficient way to get around. On a number of occasions we have used a car service to get to and from the airport and they are prompt, and actually not as expensive as you may think, especially when traveling with a number of people to split the fare. One of our favorites to use is myDriver. They have proven to be courteous, timely and very reasonable.

Hop On/Hop Off Bus:

A popular alternative to the city and tour buses are what’s called the hop-on/hop-off (Ho-Ho) buses which are open-top double-decker. In the last few years there has been an explosion in the number of these buses, and at last count there were at least seven different companies operating.

You can purchase an all-day ticket for about 30 euros, which can be purchased as you board the bus. Your ticket provides you with access to any available seat and headphones to plug into outlets so you can listen to a running commentary on approaching sights. Commentary is offered in English and nearly every European language. Most of the companies follow more or less the same route and they pretty much all start near the Termini station. If it’s a beautiful day in Rome be sure and grab a seat on the upper open level.

Segway

It is now possible to rent a Segway in Rome; it’s a fast, convenient, and eco-friendly way to get around in the city centre. In Rome, a person on a Segway is considered a pedestrian, not a motorist, so Segways are only allowed on the sidewalks, not in the streets with the other vehicles. Segway rental costs between €25-50 per hour, or between €70-100 for an accompanied tour of 2/4h.