![[usxanz] getting around rome](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/q_85/c_fill,w_1360/v1749115168/ush2uod2h1eyc6nspers.jpg)
Some say the best way to explore Rome is to get lost in the city’s streets. After all, Rome is known for its historical landmarks and architecture, making it one of the most famous cities in the world. While we agree that wandering through this ancient city holds its charm, it’s also important to have a plan when it comes to getting around Rome. This is especially true if you’re only visiting for a short time and want to make the most of every moment.
So, whether you’d like to know more about navigating Rome’s public transportation system or looking for the most affordable ways to explore the city, we’ve got all the tips you need for a smooth and memorable Roman holiday. And, don’t forget to get yourself an eSim Europe because you’ll definitely want internet access for GPS and maps, especially if you happen to lose your way in Rome’s charming, winding streets!
Best ways to get around Rome
The Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy in the morning light
Rome Public Transportation
Although it’s not always highlighted in the media, Rome’s public transportation system is actually quite extensive and offers easy access to the city’s top tourist attractions. From subways and buses to trams, the public transport network makes getting around Rome both convenient and affordable. You can download the Moovit app for real-time updates and to help with your navigation or use your phone’s GPS such as Google Maps or Apple Maps to help you find your way around!
You can purchase single tickets or opt for a multi-day pass depending on your needs. These tickets can be used across the metro, buses, and trams, so it’s convenient. But for those looking for the best value, we highly recommend the Roma City Pass! This pass gives you unlimited access to Rome’s public transportation system for 72 hours and to select attractions, such as the famous Colosseum, making it the perfect way to explore the city hassle-free.
1. Metro Lines (Subways)
Termini train station in Rome, Italy
Rome’s Metro system has three lines that can connect you to some of the most famous attractions in the city. Each line serves a different area, so you can choose the one that best fits your sightseeing plans.
- Line A (Orange Line): This line takes you to some of Rome’s top attractions in the northern and western parts of the city, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain, among others.
- Line B (Blue Line): Running from northeast to southwest, Line B brings you to Ancient Rome, where you can explore legendary landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- Line C (Green Line): Currently under development, this line is not the most practical choice for tourists yet. It’s mainly useful for those staying in the eastern suburbs of Rome, but it’s not yet recommended for visitors looking to explore central Rome.
2. Buses
Rome city bus
If you’re looking for a more scenic way of getting around Rome, buses are also a great option. While they might be slower than the metro, due to traffic conditions, they can take you to parts of the city that the metro doesn’t reach, like residential areas and parks. Bus rides also provide scenic routes that allow you to enjoy the beauty of Rome from the comfort of your seat! Here are some key bus routes for tourists and some notable spots along the way:
- Bus #64: Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Vatican Museums
- Bus #60: Villa Borghesi, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza del Risorgimento
- Bus #81: Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Roman Forum
- Bus #116: Via Veneto, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain
3. Trams
Tram in Rome
While trams don’t cover the city as extensively as the metro and buses, they’re still a great option for getting around Rome and provide an opportunity to discover areas you might miss on the metro. Since trams run on tracks, they’re also less likely to be affected by traffic, making them a more reliable option compared to buses. Rome’s public transportation system has six tram lines, but here are the top three most useful ones for tourists!
- Tram Line 8 (Piazza Venezia to Trastevere): Ideal for exploring Trastevere's lively neighbourhood, food scene, and nightlife.
- Tram Line 3 (Trastevere to Villa Borghese): Great for accessing key tourist spots such as the Colosseum, Porta Maggiore, and San Giovanni (Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome)
- Tram Line 19 (Vatican Area to Villa Borghese): Good for those visiting the Vatican and would like to explore the other parts of the city that are less touristy, such as the neighbourhoods of Regina Margherita and Piazza Annibaliano.
Bicycles and Scooters
Parked scooters in Italy
If you’ve seen enough movies where Rome is used as a backdrop, you’ll spot someone zipping through the streets on a bike or scooter. For locals, that might be a preferred mode of transportation for getting around Rome, given the ancient city's narrow streets. But for tourists, we recommend caution. Rome’s cobbled streets, unpredictable traffic, and unfamiliar roads can make riding a bike or scooter potentially challenging if you’re not experienced!
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
Sightseeing bus in Rome, Italy
If you want something even more convenient, you can consider going on a Rome Big Bus hop-on–hop-off bus. These bus tours follow routes designed to showcase Rome’s most iconic sights, complete with pre-recorded audio commentary that provides interesting facts and stories about the landmarks you’ll pass along the way. Head straight to the top deck of one of these iconic double-decker buses for great views and a breezy ride through the Eternal City!
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxi parked in front of the Altare Della Patria in Rome
Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber offer a reliable alternative if you’d prefer not to use Rome’s public transportation. With the city’s winding streets and tricky traffic, it’s often best to leave the driving to the professionals!
Walk!
One of the many reasons Rome is so beautiful is because of how the city’s old architecture, landmarks, and charm have been preserved for thousands of years. You can quite literally experience ancient history just by being here. So, if you’re up for it, exploring the city on foot is not only the cheapest, but also one of the best ways to get around Rome! This is where your eSim can come in especially handy because you can use Google Maps or Apple Maps to easily find your way around the city.
Woman in a brown flowy dress walking on the cozy streets of old town Rome, Italy
Klook Tip: If you want to go old school, you can grab a traditional tourist map for free at tourist centers or some hotels! While it might take a bit of getting used to, these paper maps can actually be more reliable in some cases, as Rome is full of tiny, narrow streets that our digital maps might miss.
Roman ruins in Rome, Italy
Alternatively, you can also join a walking tour with a professional guide who will share fascinating stories about the places you’ll be walking past and take you to some of Rome’s most iconic landmarks!
The start of your Roman Holiday
Fountain for Four Rivers and the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone in Piazza Navona
With these tips in mind, we hope you won’t find yourself too lost in the great city of Rome! We’ve got more guides to help you with getting around Rome and making the most of your visit, as well as tips if you’re also dropping by other European cities!
FAQs
What is the best way to get around Rome?
Using Rome’s public transportation system is one of the best options for getting around Rome, especially if you’re not a huge fan of walking! The network of metro lines, trams, and buses can take you to the city’s top tourist attractions and also lead you to its charming, lesser-known neighborhoods.
How much is a 3-day metro pass in Rome?
The 3-day metro pass, also known as the ROMA 72H ticket, costs 18 euros. It gives travelers unlimited access to the metro, trams, and buses for 72 hours from the time of first validation.
Are there Ubers in Rome?
Yes, there are Ubers in Rome; however, we highly recommend checking traffic conditions first before hopping in, as you might end up wasting time stuck in traffic!
Is it worth getting a tourist pass in Rome?
Tourist passes often include bundled perks like access to attractions and public transportation, depending on the type of pass you choose. Because of this, they’re usually worth getting, especially when visiting a city like Rome, which can be a bit expensive.
Which is the best pass to buy in Rome?
There are multiple tourist passes you can purchase for your visit to Rome: the OMNIA Vatican and Rome Card, the Roma City Pass, and our very own Klook Rome Pass, to name a few. Depending on your needs, these passes can give you access to multiple top attractions in the city at a fraction of the cost. For example, the Klook Rome Pass offers great value for providing up to 50% off popular attractions around the city. If you’re planning to use Rome’s public transportation network, the Roma City Pass is also worth considering, as it provides unlimited access to the metro, trams, and buses, along with entry to select attractions in Rome.
