Rome has a compact public transport network (3 metro lines + buses + trams) operated by ATAC. The big news: Tap&Go contactless payment now works perfectly across the entire system! Simply tap your bank card against the gates and the system automatically calculates the daily cap of €8,50. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to explore Rome.
iOS: TicketAppy | Android: TicketAppy
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. This system has been active since 2024 and works perfectly. After your 5th ride, you travel for free!
2. Validate IMMEDIATELY when boarding! Rome has the strictest inspectors in Europe. 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.
| Ticket Type | Price (2026) | Validity | When to choose? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tap&Go (Bank card) | €1,50 per ride (max €8,50/day) |
100 minutes per ride | BEST CHOICE! 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 | If you take more than 5 rides per day (but Tap&Go does the same!) |
| Roma 48h | €15,00 | 48 hours | Only if you don't have contactless |
| Roma 72h | €22,00 | 72 hours | For heavy use without contactless (3×€7=€21 with Tap&Go) |
Inspectors in Rome are more notorious than in any other European city. They give no warnings and accept no excuses from tourists. No validation = €50-100 fine without exception. On buses/trams: validate IMMEDIATELY at the yellow machine. On the metro: tap at the gates. Do this EVERY TIME, even if nobody else does.
Fiumicino is located 30 km west of Rome. There are several options, each with its own pros and cons:
| Option | Travel time | Price (2026) | Best for... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Express | 32 min | €14,00 | Fastest option to Termini – RECOMMENDED! |
| 🚆 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) |
Rome has just 3 metro lines, but they cover the key tourist zones:
| Line | Route | Key stops |
|---|---|---|
| 🟠 Line A | Battistini ↔ Anagnina | Ottaviano (The Vatican), Spagna (The Spanish Steps), Termini, San Giovanni |
| 🔵 Line B/B1 | Laurentina/Rebibbia ↔ Jonio | Colosseo (The Colosseum), Termini, Piramide (Testaccio), EUR |
| 🟢 Line C | Monte Compatri ↔ San Giovanni | San Giovanni (transfer to Line A), Lodi (residential areas) |
Rome has over 300 bus routes. They are essential because the metro doesn't cover the city centre well (archaeological restrictions!).
Bus 64 (Termini–Vatican) is infamous for pickpockets. They work in teams and are extremely skilled. Keep your phone and wallet in your front pockets at all times, use a crossbody bag, and stay alert. Consider taking Bus H (express) or the metro as an alternative.
Rome has 6 tram lines, mainly useful for residential areas. Most relevant for tourists:
Inspectors in Rome accept NO excuses. "I forgot" or "I'm a tourist" won't work. No validation = fine of €50-100. Do it immediately when boarding, before you sit down. No exceptions.
| 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) |
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 |
23:30 is the departure time of the LAST train from the terminus. If you're in the city centre (e.g. Colosseo or Termini), you often need to leave before 23:00 to catch the last train. Always check the exact time in Google Maps!
When the metro stops running, Romans take the night bus. Recognisable by the 'n' prefix before the route number. They operate from approximately 00:30 to 05:30.
| 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 |
| 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 |
Avoid "taxis" that approach you at Termini or tourist hotspots. These 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).
Unlike some other European cities, Rome has no special family day passes. Best option:
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 to that the ubiquitous cobblestones ("sampietrini") and hills, and careful planning is essential.
Rome has several e-scooter providers. Handy for short distances and areas where 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 |
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 |
| 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) |
Car sharing is available but NOT recommended within central Rome (traffic + parking = nightmare).
In Rome you can use the umob app. It lets you book and pay for all shared transport (bikes, scooters, cars) from different providers in one convenient app. No more juggling separate accounts.
| App | Function | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Moovit | Route planner + live info | Very good, better interface than ATAC apps |
| Google Maps | Universal route planner | Best choice, combines everything (PT, taxi, walking) |
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.
Recommended for most travelers. Quick activation and reliable coverage across Rome.
The perfect safety net. Get free basic data for essential apps like WhatsApp or Maps.
Best for power users. Never worry about data limits while navigating or streaming.
Rome's cobblestone streets are a nightmare with rolling suitcases. Don't drag your bags around! There are 3 reliable options to store your luggage safely.
Termini Station has many pickpockets and scammers. The lockers themselves are secure, but the station is not. Keep your luggage with you at all times until you reach the locker. Bounce/Stasher in quieter neighbourhoods is safer and often closer to your hotel.
Safe luggage storage in local shops and hotels. Best choice for flexibility and coverage.
The 'Airbnb for luggage', working with reputable hotel chains and shops across the city.