How to Get Around Rome: Public Transportation and Tips for Moving Around the City
- Apr 13
- 5 min read
Updated: May 12
Getting Around Rome: Our Experience
In Rome, we didn’t use public transport that much, and when we did, it wasn’t always very punctual. That said, the system is practical and you can get to pretty much all the main spots.
Like any big city, it can get pretty crowded, especially buses and the metro.
We had moments where we tried to catch a bus on a central street and had to let two or three go by because they were so full they didn’t even stop.
So in this guide, we’ll walk you through how to get around, which ticket makes the most sense, and what options you have to explore the city comfortably.
What You’ll Find in This Rome Transport Guide
🎫 Types of tickets – prices and options
📍 Where to buy tickets – what you need to know
💳 Paying with card – Tap & Go system explained
🚕 Other transport options – taxi, Uber and scooters
🚶♀️ Walking in Rome – best way to explore
🚌 Hop-on hop-off bus – is it worth it?
💡 Travel tips – how to move around the city easily
Types of Tickets to Get Around Rome
Now let’s see the different types of tickets used for public transportation in Rome:
🟠 BIT (Time-integrated ticket) – 1,50 €
Valid for 100 minutes from the first time you use it.
You can use it on buses, trams, and the metro.
🟠 24, 48, and 72-hour tickets
24 hs: 7 €
48 hs: 12,5 €
72 hs: 18 €
Valid for:
Buses, trams, and metro
Cotral buses
Regional trains
Bus lines connecting Rome to the airport (520 and 720)
🟠 Weekly pass – €24
With this pass, you can use all public transportation as many times as you want.
It works on the same transport options as the 24-hour ticket.
🟠 Roma Pass (48 h and 72 h)
In addition to transportation, it includes free entry to the first or second museum or archaeological site you choose.
Important: it does not work on Trenitalia trains or Cotral regional buses.
Where to Buy Tickets and What You Should Know
Where to buy them
You can get them at any metro station, at tabacchi shops (tobacco shops with a blue “T” sign), or at newsstands.
You can’t buy tickets on the bus, but you can pay directly using the Tap & Go system.
What you need to know before traveling
🔺 It’s your responsibility to validate your ticket (stamp it) as soon as you get on or before entering the platform.
If an inspector checks and you didn’t validate it, the fine is pretty high.
Where these tickets don’t work
Keep in mind that these standard tickets don’t cover:
Leonardo Express train (the direct one to Fiumicino Airport)
Private airport buses
Trains to Civitavecchia port
Hop-on hop-off tourist buses
Paying with Card or Phone in Rome
In every metro station and on buses, you’ll find a contactless reader (Tap & Go).
If you don’t want to buy a physical ticket, you can just pay with your credit/debit card or your phone.
The Tap & Go system works the same way as the €1.50 ticket (BIT), valid for 100 minutes:
On the bus: Every time you get on a different bus, you need to tap your card. Don’t worry, the system is smart. If you’re still within those 100 minutes from your first tap, it won’t charge you again, it just registers the transfer.
In the metro: You tap when entering to open the gate. Usually, you don’t need to tap when exiting, but if you see a reader at the exit, just tap to be safe (some newer stations require it).
Always use the same card or device for the whole trip.
If you start with your physical card and then use your phone (even if it’s the same account), the system treats it as two different people and charges you twice.
Other Ways to Get Around Rome
Taxi or Uber
Keep in mind taxis usually won’t stop if you try to hail them on the street.
The best option is to go to an official taxi stand (marked with an orange “Taxi” sign) or use apps like Free Now.
In our case, since we were a group, it was often more convenient, and sometimes even cheaper, for specific trips.
Renting a car or scooter
We don’t recommend it at all in the city center.
Traffic is chaotic, and there are ZTL zones (Limited Traffic Zones) where, if you enter without permission, you’ll automatically get fined.
Only consider it if you’re planning to leave the city and explore outside of Rome.
Bikes and electric scooters
There are several apps like Lime, Dott, or Bird.
They’re great for short distances and can be fun, but keep in mind that cobblestone streets and hills can make the ride a bit bumpy.
Walking Around Rome
This is, without a doubt, our favorite way to get around.
Most of the main landmarks (Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain) are within walking distance of each other.
Rome is a city to get lost in on foot, but be ready for cobblestones and hills. Your legs will definitely feel it by the end of the day.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Another easy way to get around the city is by using hop-on hop-off tourist buses.
They follow fixed stops at the main attractions, and you can get on and off as many times as you want during your pass.
24 hours: €34 per adult
48 hours: €38 per adult
It’s a great option if you have limited time, don’t feel like walking too much, or are traveling with older people.
It also includes an audio guide in multiple languages, which helps you understand what you’re seeing as you move around.
It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s definitely one of the most practical for getting an overall view of the city.
We didn’t use it in Rome, but we have in other countries, and honestly, it works really well.
If you’re not sure where to start, this bus basically solves your route and takes you from one place to another without much effort.
Travel tips – how to get around Rome easily
Getting around Rome is pretty simple, but a few things can make your trip much smoother:
• Walk as much as you can → most of the main spots are closer than they seem
• Don’t rely too much on buses → they can be slow and very crowded
• Use the metro for longer distances → it’s limited, but useful
• Always validate your ticket → fines are common and not cheap
• If you use Tap & Go, stick to the same card → switching devices can charge you twice
At the end of the day, Rome is a city best explored on foot.
Public transport helps, but walking is what really makes the experience.
How to Keep Planning Your Trip to Rome
Getting around the city the right way makes a big difference in your overall experience.
Now that you understand how public transportation works and what options you have, the next step is choosing where to stay and deciding what you want to see.
👉 Where to stay in Rome – best areas based on your travel style
👉 What to do in Rome – landmarks, neighborhoods, and food
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