Rome Public-Transport

Rome Public-Transport information

Buses

The city centre is very well served by an extensive public bus network, providing access to all areas of the city. Particularly useful routes are numbers 64 and 40 Express. Both of these travel between Termini and St Peter's through the city centre, with stops in or close to Piazza Venezia, Piazza Navona, via del Corso, Campo de' Fiori and Largo Argentina. Another useful route is the H, which travels from Termini to Trastevere through the centre, with stops near the Campidoglio and the Ghetto.

Metro

Rome's underground network is of limited use to visitors since it generally skirts the city centre to avoid archaeological sites. Having said that, useful stops on the underground are Termini (main station), Piazza della Repubblica, Spagna, Flaminio, Barberini and Colosseo - all of which are located close to areas of interest or to main hotel districts.

Trams

There is a limited tram system. The most useful is the Number 8, which starts in Largo Argentina, for people wishing to go to Trastevere.

Driving

If you want to hire a car during your time in Rome it is worth taking into account that most of the centre is closed to private traffic during the day, that it is extremely difficult to find parking and that Italians have their own idiomatic way of driving. If you desire personal transport in the urban centre an alternative to a car is to hire a scooter/moped, although the Rome streets aren't the place to cut your teeth on this mode of transport if you've never ridden before. You must carry your national licence with you at all times if driving any vehicle. Holders of old-style green UK licences and non-EU licences must obtain an International Driving Licence. Driving is on the right and you must overtake on the left. The minimum driving age is 18. Almost all motorways (Autostrades) are toll paying. Payment can be made in cash or with a 'Viacard', which can be bought, from tollbooths, fuel stations, tourist offices and some banks. The speed limit in Italy is 130km per hour (81mph) on motorways, 110km per hour (68mph) on main roads outside towns, 90km per hour (56mph) on secondary roads and 50km per hour (31mph) in built up areas. Seat belts are compulsory, where fitted. Be aware that when filling up your car with fuel, gasolio refers to diesel and benzina is petrol. In the event of breakdown call the A.C.I (Italian Automobile Club), Tel: 803-116 Prices for car hire vary according to season and availability. Major car hire firms can be found at the airport and in the city centre.

Rent a Car

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Taxis

Official Rome taxis are coloured yellow and white. Fares are reasonable and cabs are undoubtedly the most painless way of getting around the city. Many taxis are pre-booked so it can be difficult to flag them down but there are taxi ranks at several points, including Termini, Largo Argentina, Piazza Venezia and St Peter's. Alternatively ask your hotel or your restaurant to call one for you. Note that there is a night supplement of EUR2.58 after 21h00 and this does not appear on the taximeter. Supplements also apply for journeys to the airport and large items of luggage. Any sundry charges payable should be posted clearly in the cab in several European languages including English. Additional charges are added to the meter reading at the end of the journey - it is unlikely that an official cab will rip you off. In contrast, always refuse the taxi touts at main stations and airports who directly approach you. These unlicenced operators are almost certain to overcharge you.