A simple guide to navigating rome without losing your mind
- Sara Riscica
- Jan 2
- 10 min read
Updated: Feb 19
Traveling Around Rome: A Challenge for the Brave
In Rome, catching a bus can feel like participating in some ancient, enigmatic ritual.
The schedules? More like suggestions.
The waiting? A masterclass in Zen patience.
And then there’s that peculiar Roman magic: the moment you arrive at the stop, your bus has just left. The next one? Well, who knows—fortune favors the bold!
Starting my day on the right foot... at the bus stop
The Metro, with its three lines (for now!), is like minimalism applied to transportation: simple, yet functional.
Sure, don’t expect the extensive networks of other European capitals, but it will take you where you need to go with the charm of an archaeologist digging through ruins. And the trams? Those romantic iron carriages gliding through the city—they’re perfect if you have the patience of an explorer at heart.
But here’s the thing: Rome isn’t a city to be rushed. It seems to whisper, “Slow down,” urging you not to let a delayed bus or a crowded tram ruin your mood. The city’s beauty is always there to remind you that you’re in a special place, where every urban hiccup is compensated by a baroque fountain or a breathtaking piazza.
And there’s always a Plan B.
Apps like Citymapper and Google Maps are your trusted companions, shared mobility options make you feel modern and eco-friendly, and car sharing saves the day when all else fails. There are countless ways to tackle the “Roman challenge.”
Rome is chaotic, unpredictable, and sometimes frustrating—yes. But it’s also unique, thrilling, and full of surprises. If its transport system tests your patience, imagine the satisfaction when you finally arrive and see the Colosseum rising before you. It’s a lot like life: it’s not about how fast you get there; it’s about getting there at all.
Trust Rome. She’s doing her best. And in the end, that’s the magic: even in the chaos, the city will steal your heart.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to navigate Rome easily and comfortably, no matter your travel style or needs.
We will talk about:
Let’s get started!
Planning your routes
Before setting off, I find it essential to plan a daily itinerary (even if only roughly), organizing your routes based on what you want to visit. Several apps can help you plan your travels and choose the most suitable means of transportation. Here’s a selection of indispensable apps I’ve personally tested, which work very well in Rome.
Allows you to create detailed maps with directions for walking, driving, or using public transportation. By entering your destination, Google Maps suggests the best routes, including public transport options with updated schedules.
This is my favorite service as it combines various modes of transport, including public transport, taxis, and sharing mobility services. It provides detailed directions, travel times, real-time bus tracking, and helps you choose the quickest option for any type of journey.
Provides real-time information on buses, trams, and metro lines. You can plan your trips, receive notifications on arrival times, and check for potential delays. Very simple to use but filled with ads. It’s not always accurate with bus tracking.
Public transport in Rome
Getting around Rome means navigating an extensive public transport system, primarily managed by ATAC (the city's public transport company), which includes buses, trams, and metro lines. It offers a variety of options to move across the city—though each with its quirks.
Buses
The bus network crisscrosses the entire city, connecting the center to the suburbs. Urban buses generally operate from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, while night routes (marked with an "N") take over from 11:00 pm to 5:30 am. Bus stops are easy to recognize, marked with the ATAC logo and route information.
Trams
Rome has six tram lines that link various parts of the city, often crossing areas of tourist interest. Their schedule is similar to that of buses, with services running from early morning until midnight. Tram stops are marked by dedicated shelters with route and schedule information.
Metro
Rome's metro system consists of three lines:
Line A (orange): Connects the northwest to the southeast, passing key landmarks like the Vatican and Piazza di Spagna.
Line B (blue): Links the northeast to the south, covering spots like the Colosseum and Termini Station.
Line C (green): Currently expanding, it connects the eastern areas to the center, with its terminus at San Giovanni.
Metro services generally run from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm, extending to 1:30 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Holiday schedules may vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the official
ATAC website for updates.
Tickets and Passes
To use public transport, you’ll need a valid travel ticket before boarding. Tickets can be purchased at ATAC ticket offices, authorized vendors (like tobacconists and newsstands), or automatic ticket machines in metro stations.
For a more convenient option, you can use the MooneyGo app to buy tickets online, skipping the paper hassle and keeping everything on your smartphone.
Ticket Options
BIT (Integrated Time Ticket): Valid for 100 minutes from first validation, €1.50.
ROMA 24H: Valid for 24 hours from first validation, €7.00.
ROMA 48H: Valid for 48 hours from first validation, €12.50.
ROMA 72H: Valid for 72 hours from first validation, €18.00.
CIS (Weekly Integrated Pass): Valid for 7 days from first validation, €24.00.
Always remember to validate your ticket at the beginning of your journey using the machines on buses or at metro station entrances. Failure to carry a valid ticket may result in fines—not exactly the kind of souvenir you want.
If you purchase your ticket via an app, make sure to validate it directly within the app before starting your journey.
You deciding to take the bus because you want to admire Rome
Travel Tips
Getting around Rome can be an enjoyable experience if you pick the right times and know the most efficient routes, especially if you're starting from Monteverde. To avoid crowded public transport, consider traveling during these less busy time slots:
- Mid-morning (10:00 - 12:00): After the morning rush hour, buses and metro lines are generally less crowded, offering a calmer journey.
- Early afternoon (14:00 - 16:00): During this time, many people are at work or school, making public transport more spacious and comfortable.
- Late evening (after 21:00): Both the frequency of services and the number of passengers decrease, allowing for a more relaxed commute.
Useful Lines for Guests at Donna Olimpia, Between Gianicolo and Trastevere
Piazza di Donna Olimpia is located in the Monteverde neighborhood, a residential area well-connected to the historic center and Rome’s main tourist attractions. Here are some public transport lines that can make your travels easier:
Bus 44: Connects Piazza di Donna Olimpia with Piazza Venezia, passing through Trastevere. Perfect for reaching the heart of the city and visiting landmarks like the Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum.
Bus 982: Ideal for accessing the area of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican, with stops near the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Bus 870: Takes you to the historic center, with stops near Castel Sant’Angelo and Piazza Navona, allowing you to explore some of Rome’s most famous squares.
Bus 871: A circular line connecting Rome Trastevere station with Via Fratelli Bonnet, passing through Via di Donna Olimpia. Handy for getting around the Gianicolense district and reaching Trastevere.
Train FL3: The nearest station is "Quattro Venti," accessible with a short walk or via Bus 871. The FL3 line connects Rome to Viterbo, passing through several urban stations. It’s useful for quickly reaching areas like St. Peter’s and Valle Aurelia, where you can transfer to Metro Line A.
Car sharing and mobility services
Getting around Rome can be even easier if you’re a fan of car sharing and shared mobility solutions. These options allow you to rent vehicles for short periods, offering flexibility without the headaches of owning a car.
Before diving into car sharing, keep in mind that driving in Rome is not exactly a leisurely activity—it might catch you off guard.
But if you’re confident behind the wheel, with quick reflexes for scooters zipping past and last-second overtakes, then this is your kind of adventure.
Rome has authorized several free-floating car/scooter sharing operators, letting you pick up and drop off vehicles anywhere within the operational area. Here are the main services available:
Offered by Eni, Enjoy provides a fleet of red Fiat 500s. Registration is done via the official app, where you can also book and unlock the vehicles. Rates are calculated per minute, with additional charges for mileage beyond a set limit. Enjoy vehicles can access Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) and park for free in paid parking areas.
Offers a variety of vehicles, including Smart cars and BMWs. Registration and rentals are managed through their dedicated app. Rates include fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Share Now vehicles also have access to ZTL areas and free parking in permitted zones.
Provides a fleet of electric scooters, perfect for quick trips. Registration and rentals are done through their app, with per-minute rates and prepaid packages available. Scooters can be parked in designated areas, following local regulations.
Registering for these services requires submitting your personal details and verifying your driver’s license. This process can take time, so it’s a good idea to complete it before arriving in Rome to have your account ready to go. Rates vary depending on the operator and vehicle type but generally include fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Some services offer hourly packages or monthly subscriptions that may be more cost-effective based on your needs.
Why Car Sharing?One major advantage of car sharing is access to Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL), which are usually off-limits to private vehicles.
Vehicles from car-sharing services can also park for free in paid parking areas (blue lines) and some resident-only zones (white lines). Check the specific terms of each service to ensure compliance with local rules and avoid fines.
Beyond cars and scooters, Rome offers bike-sharing and electric scooter services, ideal for short trips and enjoying the city’s beauty outdoors. Major operators include Lime, Bird, and Helbiz.
By leveraging these shared mobility services, you can explore Rome flexibly, affordably, and sustainably, tailoring your transport choices to your needs and experiencing the city from different perspectives.
Taxis and Chauffeur Services (NCC) in Rome
Getting around Rome with taxis or chauffeur services (NCC) is a convenient choice, especially when you need to move quickly or reach destinations not easily accessible by public transport. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of these services.
Taxi stopTo ensure you’re using an official Rome taxi, look for these distinctive features:
Color: White.
Roof sign: The word "TAXI" illuminated on top.
Emblem: City of Rome logo on the front doors.
License number: Displayed both inside and outside the vehicle.
Always choose authorized taxis for your safety and to avoid being overcharged by unlicensed operators.
Booking a Taxi
If you need to book a taxi in Rome, you have several options:
Formerly known as MyTaxi, this app lets you book a taxi, select your vehicle type, and pay directly through the app.
Offers easy booking with the ability to estimate ride costs in advance and pay via the app.
Besides its usual services, Uber allows you to book official taxis in Rome through the app.
ChiamaTaxi 060609
The official service of Rome’s city government lets you book a taxi by calling +39 060609.
Taxi Fares in Rome
Taxi fares are regulated and include fixed rates for specific routes, particularly for airport transfers:
Fiumicino Airport – City Center (within the Aurelian Walls): Fixed fare of €55.00, including all supplements.
Ciampino Airport – City Center (within the Aurelian Walls): Fixed fare of €40.00, including all supplements.
For rides within the city, fares are metered, with a minimum fare of €9.00.
Additional Fees
The following surcharges may apply, though they’re already included in the fixed airport fares:
Weekday base fare (6:00 am - 10:00 pm): €3.50.
Saturday and public holiday base fare (6:00 am - 10:00 pm): €5.00.
Night base fare (10:00 pm - 6:00 am): €7.50.
Luggage: The first piece is free; each additional piece over 35x25x50 cm costs €1.00.
Extra passengers: For vehicles carrying more than four passengers, €5.00 per person beyond the fourth.
Radiotaxi call fee: €5.00.
Safety and pickpocket awareness
Rome is a magnificent city, but like all metropolises, it presents a few "challenges" for inattentive visitors. Don’t worry—with some common sense and a few precautions, you can enjoy your trip without a care. Here are our tips for moving around with peace of mind, while staying reasonably alert.
This is you living your best life.
Look after your belongings.No need to cling to your backpack like a panda, but carrying it in front of you on crowded transport is a good idea. And your wallet in the back pocket? That’s a no—pickpockets will thank you for the easy access.
Skip the runway look.Flashy jewelry and expensive watches are great for a red carpet, but not for Rome’s metro. If you need to check your map or phone, do it discreetly in a quiet corner.
Beware of crowded spots.Termini Station or the famous Bus 64? Excellent for an authentic Roman experience—and for catching the eye of pickpockets. Keep your focus sharp and your bag close.
Watch out for “distraction pros.”Someone bumps into you, asks for help, or waves papers in your face? This isn’t an audition for a kindness competition—it’s probably a strategy to distract you. Stay calm and don’t lose sight of your belongings.
Use secure bags.You don’t need to lug around a portable vault, but a bag with a zipper or a money belt under your clothes works wonders. Plus, a fanny pack under a jacket? That retro charm is undeniable.
If the worst happens… what to do next?
Notify your host: they’re likely your best ally in these situations.
File a report: head to a police station or carabinieri post to report the theft. Bring ID to simplify the process.
Block your cards: contact your bank immediately to freeze any stolen credit or debit cards.
Seek tourist assistance: Rome offers many tourist information points where you can find support and guidance in emergencies.
And that’s it—you’re ready to embark on your adventure in the enchanting city of Rome.
But before you go, take a look at my fantastic accommodations that could be the perfect place for your stay in Rome:
Have a great trip ❤️
With love,
Sara
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