Rome Public Transportation Guide - Everything You Need to Know

Boaz Albert
Aug 3
3 min read

Rome is a city that's delightful to explore on foot. Most important tourist sites and entertainment venues are concentrated in a small geographical area, and there's no better way to get to know the city than on foot.

However, sometimes you still need to use public transportation. We, for example, chose to stay at a hotel somewhat removed from the center, near a metro station - an ideal solution that was significantly cheaper than hotels in the center and also a very quiet and pleasant area. Sometimes you also want to leave the city and see some different scenery. Or maybe you've gotten a bit tired and want to give your feet a rest.

Rome's public transportation may seem complicated at first, but with a bit of advance preparation, it's actually simple and efficient. Here's the complete guide that will save you time and headaches.

Transportation Within Rome

Available Transportation Options

Metro - Currently, two lines are operating (A, B) that cover most of the city's central attractions.

City buses & Trams - An extensive network that reaches every corner of the city.

How to Pay?

The good news: Contactless credit card payment!

On the metro: Simply tap your card on the reader at the station entrance, and the gate will open.
On buses: Card readers are located near the bus doors.
Single journey price: approximately €1.5
If you don't have a credit card, you can also purchase paper tickets at metro stations - note that even if you're buying tickets, each passenger needs their own ticket!
You can transfer between buses and metro lines within 100 minutes from when you first validated your ticket.

Important: The ticket only works within Rome - not valid for journeys outside the city!

Trains to Other Cities

Ticket Booking System

For train journeys outside Rome, to distant or nearby destinations:

📱 Recommended app: Trainline

Advance preparation:

Download in advance and register for an account
You can buy tickets up to minutes before departure
Tickets are saved on your phone and are available even without internet

Important to know:

There are fast trains (Frecciarossa) and slow ones (Regionale)
The fast ones cost more but save significant time
Seat reservations are mandatory on fast trains

Trips to Tivoli and Nearby Destinations

Cortal Buses

To Tivoli, Villa Adriana, and other areas outside Rome:

📱 The app: Cortal

⚠️ Must download in advance! This is not the same company as Rome's transportation

Create an account and add a credit card
Buy tickets before traveling

How Does It Work?

Buy a ticket in advance through the app
Activate the ticket on the bus in two ways:
- Barcode scanning - When activating the ticket, it opens a barcode scanner - scan the barcode displayed at the bus entrance.
- Manual entry - If scanning doesn't work, get a code from the driver and enter it manually.

Essential tip: Don't rely on the internet on the bus! Download tickets in advance when you have good WiFi.

Trip Planning

There are several public transportation apps for Rome - I managed perfectly with Google Maps.

Additional Tips for Rome Transportation

Preparation Before Travel

Download all apps in advance
Make sure you have an internet data package or a local SIM card
Save tickets on your phone - always available even without internet
There are combined tickets for sites and public transportation - pay attention if you purchased such a ticket and use it for public transportation.

City Buses

Also operate at night (selected routes)
Sometimes slow in traffic jams
Ideal for reaching places the metro doesn't reach

Safety and Caution

Guard your personal belongings - keep pockets and bags closed
Let people get off before you board
Remember to give space to elderly people and those with disabilities

Summary

Rome's public transportation is an excellent tool that will help you on your trip, provided you prepare in advance. Download the apps, understand the different systems, and most importantly, don't be afraid to use public transportation! It's part of the Italian experience.

With a little preparation, you'll discover that you can reach anywhere easily and cheaply.