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  Public Transport in Rome - Getting there and about

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Transportation
Guide to Public Transport in Rome

Public transport in Rome is extremely good value for money. "Single" tickets only cost EUR1 for any journey. The integrated urban transport system means that each ticket allows 75 minutes travel on any combination of public transport, although only one journey on the underground network (the Metropolitana) is allowed per ticket.

All tickets should be purchased in advance from tobacconists (clearly distinguishable by the large "T" sign outside), news stands or at the station. Tickets must be validated by inserting them in the machines on buses or in Metro stations at the start of the journey. If a single journey takes longer than 75 minutes you must re-stamp your ticket at appropriate intervals before continuing. Inspectors will always impose a heavy fine if tickets have not been stamped and rarely believe tourists who plead ignorance.

An alternative if you're planning on doing a fair bit of travel by public transport is to purchase a tourist day ticket (called a BIG) for EUR4. This is valid for all public transport in a 24-hour period.

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 - If you prefer to drive around Rome yourself, click here to find a great deal on car rentals in Rome.

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.

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