Is there an automatic daily fare cap in Rome?

Yes. With Tap&Go contactless payment (bank card or phone), Rome automatically applies a daily cap of €8,50. Each ride costs €1,50, and after 5 rides you pay at most €1,00 for the 6th to reach the cap, then travel free for the rest of the day.

How do I pay for Rome public transport with contactless?

On the metro, tap your bank card or phone against the yellow or blue NFC reader at the gates. On buses and trams, tap the yellow validation machine immediately when boarding. Always use the same card or phone to benefit from the €8,50 daily cap. No tap-out is needed.

How do I get from Fiumicino Airport to Rome city centre?

The Leonardo Express train is fastest: 32 minutes direct to Termini station, €14,00, runs every 30 minutes. The FL1 regional train costs €8,00 and takes 45 minutes with stops at Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina. Shuttle buses (Terravision/SIT) cost €6–7 but take 55–70 minutes.

What is the fine for not validating on Rome buses and trams?

The fine is €50–100. Rome has the strictest ticket inspectors in Europe — they give no warnings and accept no excuses. Validate immediately on the yellow machine when boarding any bus or tram, even if nobody else does.

What time does the Rome metro close?

The last metro runs around 23:30 on weeknights. On Friday and Saturday nights, metro service extends until approximately 01:30. After the metro closes, night buses (N-prefix routes) take over.

Can I buy a ticket on the bus in Rome?

No. Bus drivers in Rome no longer sell tickets. You must have a valid ticket before boarding — either a paper BIT ticket (€1,50) from a tabacchi shop or ticket machine, or use Tap&Go contactless. Boarding without a valid ticket risks a €50–100 fine.

What is the difference between the Roma 24h pass and Tap&Go in Rome?

The Roma 24h pass costs €8,50 — exactly the same as the Tap&Go daily cap. With Tap&Go contactless, the system automatically caps your day at €8,50, so you get the same unlimited daily travel without needing to buy a separate pass.

How do I get from Ciampino Airport to Rome?

The SIT Bus Shuttle from Ciampino Airport goes direct to Termini station in 40–50 minutes, costing €6,00 online or €8,50 from the driver. A budget alternative is the Terravision/Cotral bus to Anagnina Metro A station (€1,50) plus a metro ride (€1,50) — total €3,00 but slower.

Public Transport in Rome

Last updated: June 2026 · #3 most visited city in Europe

Best ticket Tap&Go · €1,50/ride with an automatic daily cap of €8,50. After 5 rides the rest of the day is effectively free — no pass to buy.

How to pay Tap your contactless bank card or phone at the metro gates, or the yellow validation machine on buses and trams. No tap-out needed.

Don't get caught Validate the instant you board a bus or tram. Rome has the strictest inspectors in Europe — no validation means a €50-100 fine, no warnings, no excuses. Drivers no longer sell tickets.

Official app — TicketAppy (iOS) · TicketAppy (Android)

CRITICAL INFO FOR ROME!

1. Automatic daily cap of €8,50! With Tap&Go you pay a maximum of €8,50 per day, regardless of how many trips you take. After your 5th ride, you travel for free! This system has been active since 2024 and works perfectly.

2. Validate IMMEDIATELY when boarding! Rome has strict inspectors. Forget to validate on the bus or tram? A fine of €50+ is guaranteed. On the metro, tap at the gates; on buses/trams, tap at the yellow machines.

3. The metro closes early! The last metro runs around 23:30 (Friday/Saturday until 01:30). After that, you'll need to rely on night buses. Factor this into your evening plans!

4. NO cash on the bus! Drivers no longer sell tickets. You must buy a ticket in advance or use contactless payment. Otherwise: no ride or a fine.

Quick check before you board

Do you have your contactless bank card ready for Tap&Go?
Phone above 20% battery? (for Apple Pay/Google Pay)
Using paper tickets: did you validate immediately?
Do you know if the metro is still running? (last train ~23:30)
Bus/tram: stand near the yellow validation machine!

Which ticket should you buy?

Roammate advice Tap&Go contactless is the clear winner. Since 2024 it works perfectly across the entire system, and it automatically caps your day at €8,50. After 5 rides (5 × €1,50 = €7,50) you pay at most €1,00 for the 6th to reach the cap, then travel free the rest of the day. Easier, cheaper and faster than buying tickets — just tap your bank card at the gates and go.

Ticket	Price (2026)	Valid	Best when
Tap&Go (bank card) Our pick	€1,50/ride max €8,50/day	100 minutes per ride	Everyone — automatic fare capping, no hassle with ticket machines
BIT (Biglietto Integrato)	€1,50	100 minutes	If you don't have contactless (buy at tabacchi / ticket machines)
Roma 24h	€8,50	24 hours	More than 5 rides per day (but Tap&Go does the same automatically)
Roma 48h	€15,00	48 hours	Only if you don't have contactless
Roma 72h	€22,00	72 hours	Heavy use without contactless (3 × €7 = €21 with Tap&Go)

Cost example — 3 days in Rome with Tap&Go

Scenario A (relaxed, 4 rides/day): 3 days × €6,00 = €22,00
Scenario B (active, 6+ rides/day): 3 days × €8,50 = €25,50 (daily cap reached)
Scenario C (72h paper ticket): €22,00 — same cost, but hassle with ticket machines
Conclusion: Tap&Go always matches or beats other options, and is far more convenient.

Avoid travel stress and fines. Get a free Rome public transport update in your inbox 2 weeks before departure.

You'll receive an email with the latest public transport info 2 weeks before departure

From Fiumicino & Ciampino Airport to the centre

Fiumicino Airport (FCO) — Rome's largest airport

Fiumicino is 30 km west of Rome. Several options, each with its own trade-offs:

Option	Time	Price (2026)	Best for
Leonardo Express Our pick	32 min	€14,00	Fastest option, direct to Termini
FL1 Regional Train	45 min	€8,00	Budget option (stops at Trastevere, Ostiense, Tiburtina)
Terravision / SIT Bus	55–70 min	€6,00–7,00	Ultra-budget (but dependent on traffic)

Ciampino Airport (CIA) — budget airlines

SIT Bus Shuttle (recommended)

Route: Ciampino → Termini (direct)
Travel time: 40–50 minutes
Cost: €6,00 (online) – €8,50 (from the driver)
Frequency: Every 30–40 minutes
Tip: Reliable service, often faster than expected. Book online for a discount.

Bus + Metro combination (budget)

Route: Ciampino → Anagnina (Metro A) via Terravision/Cotral bus
Travel time: 50–70 minutes total
Cost: €1,50 (bus) + €1,50 (metro) = €3,00
Tip: Cheapest option, but tricky with luggage. Only for experienced travellers.

Budget breakdown for 3 days in Rome

Comfort option: Leonardo Express return (€28) + 3 days Tap&Go (€25,50) = €53,50
Budget option: FL1 return (€16) + 3 days Tap&Go (€25,50) = €41,50
Ultra-budget option: Bus return (€12) + 3 days Tap&Go (€25,50) = €37,50

Taxi from Fiumicino

Official white taxis charge a legally required fixed fare of €50 to the city centre — ask for it. Avoid Termini hawkers and "taxis" that approach you: illegal cars charge €100+ for short rides.

Fare system & rules

How Tap&Go contactless works

At the metro: tap your bank card or phone against the yellow or blue NFC reader at the gates
Wait for the green confirmation + beep (gates open automatically)
On buses/trams: tap your bank card against the yellow validation machine immediately when boarding
Travel to your destination (100 minutes valid for transfers)
No exit tap needed. Unlike London, you only tap in when travelling in Rome
Always use the same card/phone to benefit from the €8,50 daily cap

Paper tickets: only as a last resort

Where to buy them:

Tabacchi (shops with the 'T' logo) — most common
Metro stations — ticket machines (accept cash + card)
Kiosks at major stations
TicketAppy app — digital tickets on your phone

Validation is mandatory with paper tickets:

Board the bus/tram and locate the yellow validation machine
Insert your ticket (arrow facing inward)
Wait for the "chunk" sound + stamp on your ticket
No stamp = invalid ticket = €50-100 fine

Why Tap&Go beats paper tickets

Aspect	Tap&Go contactless	Paper tickets
Purchase	Not needed	Hunt for a tabacchi / machine
Validation	Automatic on tap	Manual, easy to forget
Daily cap	Automatic €8,50	Must buy a €8,50 day pass
Speed	Instant (tap & go)	Queuing + validating
Risk of error	Minimal	High (forgetting to validate)

Metro, bus & tram: what to know

Rome has just 3 metro lines, but they cover the key tourist zones:

Line	Route	Key stops
Line A (orange)	Battistini ↔ Anagnina	Ottaviano (Vatican), Spagna (Spanish Steps), Termini, San Giovanni
Line B/B1 (blue)	Laurentina/Rebibbia ↔ Jonio	Colosseo (Colosseum), Termini, Piramide (Testaccio), EUR
Line C (green)	Monte Compatri ↔ San Giovanni	San Giovanni (transfer to Line A), Lodi (residential areas)

Metro tips

Transfers: only possible at Termini (A↔B) and San Giovanni (A↔C)
Frequency: every 5–10 minutes during peak hours, 10–15 min in the evening
Last train: ~23:30 on weekdays, ~01:30 on Friday/Saturday
Lifts: not available at all stations — check in advance if you have luggage

Rome has over 300 bus routes. They are essential because the metro doesn't cover the city centre well (archaeological restrictions). Key bus routes for tourists:

Bus 64: Termini → Vatican (via Piazza Venezia) — notorious pickpocket route
Bus 40/64: Termini → St. Peter's
Bus 75: Termini → Trastevere
Bus 87: Colosseum → Piazza Venezia → Pantheon
Bus 117: San Giovanni → Colosseum → Piazza Venezia
Bus H: Termini → Vatican (express, fewer stops)

Rome has 6 tram lines, mainly useful for residential areas. Most relevant for tourists:

Tram 2: Piazza Mancini → Piazzale Flaminio (near Villa Borghese)
Tram 3: Trastevere → Colosseum → San Giovanni
Tram 8: Trastevere → Largo Argentina (city centre)
Tram 19: Piazza Risorgimento (Vatican) → Gerani

Quick check before boarding

Contactless bank card ready for Tap&Go?
Phone above 20% battery? (for Apple Pay / Google Pay)
Using paper tickets — did you validate immediately?
Do you know if the metro is still running? (last train ~23:30)
Bus/tram: stand near the yellow validation machine

System essentials

Main system	Tap&Go (contactless bank card) — recommended
Multiple travellers on one card?	No — 1 person per bank card. For groups, buy separate tickets in the app or at machines
Check-in / validate	NFC tap at metro gates or yellow validation machines on buses/trams
Exit scan required?	No — tap in only (metro & bus)
Offline tickets?	No (Tap&Go requires an internet connection)
Payment methods	Contactless bank card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, TicketAppy app, paper tickets
Add to Wallet?	Yes (Express Mode works on iPhone)
Ticket activation needed?	No with Tap&Go. Yes with paper tickets — validate immediately
Fine for not validating	€50-100 (inspectors are very strict)
Night transport after 00:30	Yes — night buses (line numbers start with 'n')
Real-time info	Limited (use Google Maps for better tracking)

Public transport planning apps

App	Function	Recommendation
Google Maps	Universal route planner	★★★★★ Best choice, combines everything (PT, taxi, walking)
Moovit	Route planner + live info	★★★★ Very good, better interface than ATAC apps
ATAC Roma App (new Dec 2025)	Journey planning, real-time arrivals, ticket purchase	★★★ Official first-party app — iOS & Android
TicketAppy	Buy tickets & plan routes	★★★ Handy for digital tickets (but Tap&Go is better)
Roma TPL	Live bus tracking	★★ Works sometimes, not always reliable

Discounts for families & children

Age / group	Fare	Notes
0–10 years	Free with a paying adult	Max 2 children per adult. Still collect a free ticket from a machine, otherwise a fine
11–17 years	Full fare €1,50	No tourist discount

No special family day passes

Unlike some other European cities, Rome has no family day pass. Best options:

Each family member uses Tap&Go (their own bank card)
Or buy 24-hour tickets at €8,50 per person
Children aged 0–10: collect a free ticket from a machine

Accessibility & travellers with disabilities

★★☆☆☆ 2 / 5

Why 2/5? Rome is challenging. While 100% of buses and 70% of trams are accessible, the metro network in the centre (Lines A & B) is largely inaccessible for wheelchair users. Add the ubiquitous cobblestones ("sampietrini") and hills, and careful planning is essential.

Metro / train accessibility

Accessible stations: Line C is 100% accessible. Lines A & B have lifts at approximately 50% of stations, but often not in the historic centre.
Leonardo Express: fully accessible (level boarding) from Fiumicino to Termini.
Real-time lift status: check the ATAC website for current lift disruptions.

Inaccessible stations in tourist zones

Line A (orange): Spagna, Barberini, Repubblica (often out of order), Vittorio Emanuele.
Line B (blue): Colosseo (no lift on Line B — use Line C instead, see below), Cavour, Circo Massimo.

New accessible alternative for the Colosseum The Metro C Colosseo–Fori Imperiali station opened 16 December 2025. It is fully accessible with escalators and modern lifts across all 5 underground levels, plus an interchange tunnel connecting to Line B. For wheelchair users, Line C is now the recommended accessible route to the Colosseum area.

Buses & trams: your best friend

Buses: 100% of city buses (silver/red) have a fold-out ramp at the middle door.
Trams: Lines 2, 3 and 8 are mostly modern with low floors (70% of fleet).
Note: cars sometimes block the stop, preventing the ramp from deploying. Wave clearly to the driver.

Assistance & support

ATAC Assistance: call 06 469 51 (Mon–Fri 08:00–20:00).
Metro Assistance: use the intercom near the lifts.
Train (Trenitalia / Sala Blu): essential for the Fiumicino–Termini journey.
- Phone: 800 90 60 60 (from Italy) or +39 02 32 32 32.
- Booking: mandatory at least 12 hours in advance.
- Website: Sala Blu Online.

Discounts & free travel

Disabled travellers: tourists pay the standard fare (€1,50). Free travel is usually only available for residents of Lazio with a specific pass.
Service animals: always allowed free of charge.

Best accessible routes for tourists

Route 1: Fiumicino Airport → Termini

Leonardo Express train. Good level boarding, dedicated wheelchair spaces, accessible toilet. 32 minutes. Book "Sala Blu" assistance 12 hours in advance if you need help with luggage when alighting at Termini.

Route 2: Termini → Vatican (St. Peter's)

Bus 40 (express) or Bus 64 — both have ramps. Alternative: Metro A to Cipro (has lifts; Ottaviano often doesn't/crowded), then a 10-minute roll on flatter terrain. Bus 64 is packed with pickpockets and often overcrowded; Bus 40 is faster and more spacious.

Route 3: City centre → Pantheon & Piazza Navona

Bus 87 (from Colosseum/Forum) or Bus 492 — both stop nearby (Largo Argentina). The area around the Pantheon has many cobblestones, but the route from Largo Argentina is relatively manageable.

Tools & apps

App: Moovit (enable the "Accessible routes only" filter).
Taxi: a good alternative in Rome. Official white taxis are required to accept fares. Call 06 3570 for Radio Taxi (ask for "macchina per sedia a rotelle" for a larger vehicle; dedicated wheelchair taxis must be booked in advance).
Uber: available and easy to book without a language barrier.

Rome accessibility tip Skip the stress of the metro in the centre. Buses are slower, but you'll see the city and they're 100% accessible. Plan generous travel times.

Visual impairment

NaviLens at bus stops: 435 new "Eterna" smart shelters include NaviLens codes — point your phone camera loosely at the code for audio information on lines, direction and real-time wait times. Rollout started November 2024 as part of the 2025 Jubilee infrastructure programme.
Tactile paths & audio: metro stations have tactile guiding paths and tactile maps with Braille; platform edge warning strips confirmed on Line C stations. Lifts have voice guidance and Braille buttons. New buses have next-stop audio announcements; older buses and trams do not.

Night transport (after 23:30)

When does the metro stop running?

Rome's metro has limited night-time hours compared to other European capitals:

Day	Last metro	First metro
Monday – Thursday	23:30	05:30
Friday – Saturday	01:30	05:30
Sunday	23:30	05:30

Night buses (Linee Notturne)

When the metro stops, Romans take the night bus. Recognisable by the 'n' prefix before the route number. They operate from approximately 00:30 to 05:30.

Key night buses for tourists

Line	Route	Replaces	Frequency
nMA	Battistini ↔ Anagnina	Metro Line A (orange)	30 min
nMB	Laurentina ↔ Rebibbia	Metro Line B (blue)	30 min
nMB1	Piazza Bologna ↔ Jonio	Metro Line B1	40 min
nMC	Monte Compatri ↔ San Giovanni	Metro Line C (green)	45 min

Other useful night buses

n1: Termini → Trastevere → Ostiense (party district route)
n2: Piazza Mancini → Prati → Trastevere
n3: Termini → Via Nazionale → Colosseum
n5: Termini → San Giovanni → Appio Latino
n8: Largo Argentina → Trastevere (city centre to nightlife area)
n10: Termini → Trevi Fountain → Piazza Venezia
n20: Termini → Vatican (replaces bus 64 route)

How night buses work

Same tickets: your regular €1,50 ticket or Tap&Go also works at night
Validate when boarding: just like during the day, validate immediately
Board at the front: near the driver (safer at night)
Frequency: 30–60 minutes between buses (arrive on time)
Check the route: Google Maps shows night buses correctly

Alternatives for night transport

Option	Price	Pros	Cons
Night bus	€1,50	Cheapest, adventurous	Slow, can feel unsafe
Official taxi (white)	€15-30	Safe, comfortable	Expensive, sometimes long wait
Uber / Bolt	€10-20	Transparent pricing, hassle-free	Surge pricing when busy
Walking	Free	Rome is stunning at night	Tiring, not always safe

Tips for safe night travel

Sit near the front: close to the driver, not at the back of the bus
Avoid empty buses: wait for one with other passengers
Termini at night: not safe, avoid if possible
Travel in groups: stay with friends/fellow travellers
Taxi alternative: when in doubt, grab a taxi (€15-25 within the centre)
Uber/Bolt: works well in Rome as an alternative

Illegal taxis Avoid "taxis" that approach you at Termini or tourist hotspots — they are illegal and charge extortionate prices. Official Rome taxis are white with a "TAXI" sign on the roof and a licence number on the door. When in doubt: use Uber/Bolt or call 06-3570 (official taxi dispatch).

Shared transport: scooters, bikes & taxis

E-scooters

Rome has several e-scooter providers, handy for short distances and areas the public transport doesn't reach.

Provider	Price	Coverage in Rome	App rating
Lime	€1 + €0,25/min	Centre + all districts	★★★★ Most reliable
Dott	€1 + €0,23/min	Centre focus	★★★★ Good scooters
Bird	€1 + €0,29/min	Limited centre	★★★ More expensive
Tier	€1 + €0,25/min	Wide network	★★★★ Solid choice

E-scooter rules in Rome

Do not ride on pavements: roads only (fine of €100+)
Max 20 km/h: in pedestrian zones 6 km/h
Parking: only in designated zones (white bays), not in front of shops/monuments
Helmet: not mandatory, but recommended
Cobblestones: Rome's streets are bumpy and dangerous for scooters

Shared bikes

Rome has a limited bike-sharing programme. The city is hilly and has few cycle paths.

Service	Type	Price	Availability
Lime Bike	E-bikes	€1 + €0,30/min	Limited centre
Dott Bike	E-bikes	€1 + €0,28/min	Centre only

Honest advice about cycling in Rome

Rome is not a bike-friendly city: few cycle paths, aggressive traffic, hilly terrain, and cobblestone streets. For tourists, use public transport or walk. Cycling is really only for seasoned urban cyclists.

Taxis & ride-hailing apps

Service	Price (estimate)	Pros	Cons
Official taxi (white)	€15-30 centre	Widely available, safe	No upfront price transparency
Uber	€10-25 centre	Fixed price, cashless, tracking	Surge pricing when busy
Bolt	€8-20 centre	Cheaper than Uber	Less available
FreeNow (MyTaxi)	€15-30	Book official taxis	Metered fare (unpredictable)

Taxi tips for Rome

Spot official taxis: white with a "TAXI" sign and licence number on the door
Fixed fare from Fiumicino: €50 to the city centre (legally required, ask for it)
Don't hail taxis on the street: use taxi ranks or apps
Avoid Termini hawkers: illegal taxis charge €100+ for short rides
Official taxi number: 06-3570 (24/7 dispatch)

Car sharing (for longer trips outside Rome)

Car sharing is available but not recommended within central Rome (traffic + parking = nightmare).

Share Now: €0,29/min (Smart & Mercedes)
Enjoy: €0,25/min (Fiat 500)
LeasysGo!: €0,30/min (various cars)

Cars only for day trips Cars only make sense for day trips outside Rome (Tivoli, Ostia Antica, Castel Gandolfo). Within the city, traffic is chaotic, parking costs €2-3/hour, and ZTL restricted-traffic zones result in €100+ fines if you enter without a permit.

Roammate tip

umob — all shared transport in one app

In Rome you can use umob to book and pay for bikes, scooters and cars from different providers in one place — no separate accounts needed.

Get umob →

eSIM & internet in Rome

Rome has good coverage, but the narrow streets in the Trastevere quarter can affect your GPS signal. An eSIM with a stable network helps you avoid getting lost on your way to the Pantheon.

Rome tip Download your eSIM before landing at Fiumicino. The free WiFi at the airport is limited, and you'll want to book your Leonardo Express ticket straight away.

Roammate tip

Airalo eSIM From $4,50

Recommended for most travellers. Quick activation and reliable coverage across Rome.

1GB / 3GB / 5GB Instant setup 5G support

View Airalo deals →

Firsty (free backup) Free / Paid

The perfect safety net. Free basic data for essential apps like WhatsApp or Maps.

Free basic data No credit card needed

Try Firsty for free →

Holafly (unlimited) From €19,00

Best for power users. Never worry about data limits while navigating or streaming.

Unlimited data Keep WhatsApp

Get unlimited data →

Luggage lockers & storage

Rome's cobblestone streets are a nightmare with rolling suitcases. Don't drag your bags around — there are reliable options to store luggage safely.

Termini Station is not safe Termini Station has many pickpockets and scammers. The lockers themselves are secure, but the station is not. Keep your luggage with you until you reach the locker. Bounce/Stasher in quieter neighbourhoods is safer and often closer to your hotel.

Most locations

Bounce Luggage Storage Typically €5,00/day

Safe luggage storage in local shops and hotels. Best choice for flexibility and coverage.

€10,000 protection 24/7 locations Free cancellation

Find storage near me →

Stasher Typically €6,00/day

The 'Airbnb for luggage', working with reputable hotel chains and shops across the city.

Fully insured Vetted hosts No size limits

Book with Stasher →

What should not go in luggage lockers?

Valuable jewellery, large amounts of cash
Passports (keep them on you)
Perishable goods, food
Hazardous materials, weapons
OK to store: clothing, toiletries, souvenirs, electronics

Roammate advice Avoid the luggage lockers at Termini Station — they're often full, have long queues, and the station itself is unsafe with many pickpockets. Bounce is the best choice: safer (in quiet neighbourhoods), closer to your hotel/attractions, and always available. With 100+ locations across Rome you'll always find a spot near the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Trastevere or the Colosseum, and the insurance up to €10,000 adds peace of mind.