Rome travel - getting
around
While much of Rome can be seen on foot
- there is much you must see on foot - you're better off using public
transport to travel between different locations.
Tickets
Tickets for the metro, bus and train
are available from both tobacconists as well as machines located in the
stations. A single trip costs around €1 and you must buy a ticket
in advance. A word of warning - if the tobacconists are closed and the
machines aren't working then you're in trouble.
Metro
Rome's metro system has 2 lines and
is built in an X-shape, crossing at Termini. Trains run every few minutes
from 05:30 until 23:30 (or 00:30 on Saturday). It is ideal for getting
around Rome.
Metro Roma web site
View a map of the Rome metro system
Download a map of the Rome metro (PDF)
Bus and Tram
Although not as extensive as half a
century ago, Rome's trams are a useful means of getting around the city
and the buses more so. When entering a bus or tram you should validate
your ticket in the onboard machines - failure to do so or show a valid
ticket leads to large fines and the Roman authorities make no exceptions
for tourists.
Once stamped, the ticket is valid for
75 minutes on the bus and tram system.
Taxi
Always ensure you are travelling in
an official taxi as unofficial taxis often charge tourists exorbitant
fares. You can ensure this by heading for the taxi ranks rather than
hailing one in the street.
If you order a taxi to pick you up from
your hotel you should be aware that they charge from the time they accept
the pickup, rather than when they pick you up.
A more upmarket option is to hire a
Limousine service in
Rome. Some limousine companies employ drivers who can act as a tour
guide while they are driving you.
A taxi from the airport costs around
€50 to the city centre and takes 30-45 minutes.
Train
Although many visitors to Rome arriving at
Fiumicino take the short train journey from the airport to Termini station,
the train exists as a useful means of transport to and from Rome rather
than around Rome. Be careful in Termini as it is a well known haunt of
pickpockets.
Rome
Rome is one of the best loved and most visited
cities in the world.
Flights
to Rome
All Europe's major airlines operate
daily flights to Rome which gives Americans the choice of flying
direct.
Accommodation
in Rome
When most visitors come to book accommodation
the first place they look is hotels, but there are othe options.
Restaurants
Italy is well known for its food - there
is nowhere better to try the variety of the country than in Rome.
Sightseeing
The Coliseum is surrounded by the usual
touts and men dressed in Roman costume, inauthentically smoking.
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View a map of the Rome metro system