Getting to Rome

Rome is served by two airports: Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (also known as Fiumicino Airport) and G.B.Pastine Airport (also known as Ciampino Airport).

By plane: arriving at Fiumicino Airport

Leonardo Da Vinci is the main Italian hub, and it has direct flights to more than 200 destinations, including all the European capitals and major European cities, major cities of the US, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Japan, Middle-east and Asia.

Train “Leonardo Express” (see here for further information) that has a direct connection to Rome Termini Station (Rome’s main railway station), where you can take the underground Line A (direction Anagnina), exit at Manzoni station, and then walk for some meters (approximately 45 min). The train schedule is frequent, and the entire trip takes around 30 minutes. Tickets can be bought near the train departure site at the airport. Leonardo Da Vinci Airport is also connected to Rome by frequent buses.

By plane: arriving at Ciampino Airport

G.B.Pastine Airport is a smaller airport used mainly by low-cost companies; it has connections to many European cities. Terravision shuttle bus from Ciampino Airport to Rome Termini Station (Rome main railway station), where you can take the underground Line A (direction Anagnina), exit at Manzoni station, and then walk for some meters (the time depends on the traffic, because Rome is a city with a lot of traffic, but approximately 60 min).

By train

Roma Termini is the main railway station in Rome. 800 trains arrive and depart from this station, carrying over 480 000 passengers on a daily basis. These numbers make Termini the largest train station in Italy. The Termini station is very close to some of the city’s top attractions located in the city center, and is well connected via public transport: metro lines A and B cross Termini and link it to the main sites in the city (see below), together with several buses and tram lines to and from all areas in the city.

By taxi

The official cabs of the City of Rome are white, with the word “TAXI” on the roof and the symbol of the City of Rome and the license number clearly visible on the doors. You will find cabs both at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 arrivals at Fiumicino Airport.

From Fiumicino airport to Rome Center, i.e., inside the Aurelian Walls (including Rome Termini station), and back, there is a fixed cost rate of € 55,00.

From Ciampino airport to Rome Center, i.e., inside the Aurelian Walls (including Rome Termini station), and back, there is a fixed cost rate of € 40,00.

Public Transportation in Rome

Rome has an extensive public transportation network served by buses, trams, and metro lines. Here are a few things you might find convenient to know before hopping on.

Tickets and Fares

You can purchase public transportation tickets at newsstands, tobacco shops, and metro stations. Different ticket types are available, including the following.

  • BIT: This ticket is valid for one metro ride or 100 minutes of travel by bus and tram (price: € 2.00).
  • ROMA24H: This ticket is valid for 24 hours from the first validation and covers unlimited travel by bus, tram, and metro (price: € 9.30).
  • ROMA48H: This ticket is valid for 48 hours from the first validation and covers unlimited travel by bus, tram, and metro (price: € 16.70).
  • ROMA72H: This ticket is valid for 72 hours from the first validation and covers unlimited travel by bus, tram, and metro (price: € 24.00).
  • CIS: This ticket is valid until midnight of the seventh day from the validation, for unlimited travel by bus, tram, and metro (price: € 32.00).

When using public transportation in Rome, make sure to validate your ticket. The validation machines are located at the entrances of metro stations and on board buses and trams.

Metro

The metro system in Rome consists of three lines: A (orange), B (blue), and C (green). Lines A and B cross at the Termini station.
The metro runs from 5:30am to 11:30pm from Sunday to Thursday, and until 1:30am on Fridays and Saturdays. Trains run every 7-10 minutes during peak hours, and every 10-15 minutes during off-peak hours.
A map of the underground can be downloaded from this link.
Due to heavy traffic in Rome, the metro is often the fastest and most efficient way to get around the city. While there are only three metro lines, they connect to major tourist destinations such as the Vatican, Spanish Steps, Colosseum, and Trevi Fountain.

Buses and Trams

Buses and trams are a convenient way to get around the city, especially if you need to get to a location not served by the metro.
There are over 350 bus lines and 6 tram lines in Rome. Buses and trams run from 5:30am to midnight, with some night buses available until 5:00am. You can find bus schedules and route maps on the ATAC website (https://www.atac.roma.it/).
Tram line 8 is the most useful for tourists, as it runs through the historic center and stops at many major attractions, such as Piazza Venezia, Largo di Torre Argentina, and the Trastevere neighborhood.
Buses and trams can be crowded during rush hour, so be prepared to stand.

Car and ZTLs

In Rome, there are areas called ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) where only authorized vehicles are allowed to enter during certain hours. These areas are designed to reduce traffic and pollution in the city center. Most of the historical center of Rome is included in these zones, so it is ideal to explore the city on foot.
If you plan on driving in Rome, it’s important to be aware of the ZTLs and their operating hours to avoid fines. You can find more information about the ZTLs, including maps and operating hours, on the city of Rome’s official website (https://www.romamobilita.it/it/servizi/ztl).
You can also check with your hotel or accommodations to see if they have permission for you to enter the ZTL and how to obtain it. Alternatively, you can park your car outside the ZTL and use public transportation or walk to get around the city.