travel rome

Getting Around Rome - The Best Way

By Dom Bewley

So, you've decided to visit Rome? Brilliant choice! It's a city dripping with history around every corner, and contains some of the most recognizable landmarks on Earth! But how are you going to reach all those brilliant things and see them for yourself? Why public transport, of course! In this guide, we'll let you know about getting around Rome and the best way to do it. So read on, take notes, and prepare for your Roma adventure!

Getting Around Rome - Ticket Types

Let's start with tickets, as you'll need these to get on most public transport. Bear with us, as there are quite a few denominations to cover.

BIT (one way)

The BIT ticket allows for unlimited transfers between the metro, buses, trams, and urban trains. From the point of validation, it lasts for 75 minutes, meaning you can travel across the entire city with relative ease if you plan your route. Keep in mind that once you leave a metro station, you cannot use the ticket to get back in. Instead, you'll have to switch to an alternative mode of transport, so make sure to plan your journey with a travel app before you set off.

Cost: € 1.50

MetroBus 24 hours

Unlimited public transport from the moment the ticket is validated until 12AM.

Cost: € 7

MetroBus 48 hours

Unlimited public transport for 48 hours.

Cost: € 12.50

MetroBus 72 hours

Unlimited public transport for 72 hours.

Cost: € 18

Weekly pass

If you're spending the week in the city, why not pick up a weekly pass that will give you unlimited public transport for 7 days?

Cost: € 24

Now you know about the tickets, let's talk about the types.

Getting Around Rome - Metro

Rome's Metro system is actually one of the smallest in Europe, made of only three lines; Line A (Orange), Line B (Blue), and Line C (Green). However, of the 73 stations it serves, you'll find it covers nearly every attraction you'll want to see in the city center.

Line A serves the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, St Peter's Basilica, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon, to name but a few.

Line B serves the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, while getting you into the city center from Fiumicino Airport.

The easiest way to get from point A to point B, Rome's Metro is a great way to travel across the city.

Getting Around Rome - Bus

Rome's bus system is wide-reaching, with 338 bus lines serving over 8000 stops throughout the city. However, it can become a bit convoluted, and you'll be at the whim of Rome's famous traffic.

Many of the most used buses have displays that update when buses are delayed, but many others do not. You may feel like you're waiting for a bus that'll never come. Not ideal, but new screens are being put up every week, so hopefully, they serve your needs!

There are too many lines serving too many stops to mention here, go here to plan your journey and find out which station will take you where.

Getting Around Rome - Trams

Like many European cities, Rome has its own tram system. However, unlike many of those cities, Rome's trams don't connect with the center of the city particularly well.

So, while it may be useful for locals to get around, it may be less useful for your vacation. As so many of Rome's biggest tourist draws are in the center, you may never need to ride one.

Getting Around Rome - Urban Railways

Like the overground in London, Rome's Urban Railways connect outer parts of the city to the inner city. The three lines that connect to Rome are the Lido, Viterbo, and the Giardinetti.

If your hotel is near one of the above stations, you may be using these trains every day. And the good news is that, since they're run by the same company as the buses and metro, your tickets will work on all of them.

Getting Around Rome - Taxis

Taxis are one of the easiest ways to get about the city, ensuring you get straight to your destination without any wayward wandering.

We previously spoke a bit about the risks of taxis, but let's talk about it a bit here.

Taxi drivers are well known to try and scam passengers with exuberant fees. If they think you don't know the city, they may take you a much longer way around, or go off-meter to charge you whatever they like. They may even pre-agree a fee with you when you get in and then challenge you on said fee when you reach your destination. Not ideal.

So it's good to know some tips before getting in someone's car.

  • All taxis in Rome are white, so make sure yours is! Also, look out for a sign on the roof and a meter in the window.
  • Better yet, if the vehicle has a number on the side of it, you know they work for a taxi company. Call this number if you feel you're being swindled.
  • You'll find the vehicle's license plate on the back of the front seats, if you need to identify the car and driver to the company.
  • Rates can be fixed, depending on where you're traveling. Or, if not fixed, they will have minimum and maximum fares. Make sure to check these before your trip.
  • If the driver doesn't turn the meter on, request that they do so. If they refuse, ask to leave the vehicle.
  • Don't let drivers intimidate you. If you know you're in the right, call the taxi company or, failing that, the authorities.

Getting Around Rome - Walking

If you're fortunate enough to stay close to Rome's biggest attractions, you can always venture out and burn some calories while you're at it. Rome is one of the most picturesque cities on the planet, so what better way to drink it all in - and get some great photos - than exploring it on foot?

And that's our guide to getting around Rome! Not sure which of Rome's attractions you want to experience? Check out Go City. With us, you can see all of Rome's best bits when and how you want.

Dom Bewley

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The history of the Roman Forum: the centre of the Ancient World

The Roman Forum was the hub of commerce and trade in the Ancient World and has been dubbed the most celebrated meeting place in the world – and indeed in all history. The Roman Forum developed over many centuries in the valley between the Capitoline and Palatine Hills and was originally a sodden marsh until it was drained into the River Tiber. Funny to think that one of the most important and powerful Empires was founded on swampland! According to tradition, the Forum was founded as a result of the conciliation of two rivals, Romulus (founder of Rome) who ruled the Palatine Hill, and his nemesis Titus Tatius, who controlled the Capitoline Hill. Their original Forum was used as an open air market place but it was the Comitium which later held public speeches, civic trials and assemblies; driving the Forum into a different politically charged space. Later, in the Republican era, the Senate wanted to expand the Forum's piazza and so purchased private property to turn it into public use. From the 5th century BC, the first temples were constructed – namely the Temple of Saturn and the Temple of Castor and Pollux, as well as the Temple of Concord in the century later, expanding the growing central hub of Ancient Rome. The earliest basilicas were introduced into the Forum in 184 BC which began the process of ‘monumentalizing’ the site. The first basilica to be added to the Roman Forum was the Basilica Fulvia at the north side of the square in 179 BC; nine years later the Basilica Sempronia was constructed on the south side. As the Forum developed with more public buildings and monuments, slowly the public gatherings and important political celebrations that were held in the Comitium moved into the Forum – such as the popular comitia tribute assemblies, funerals of Roman nobility and popular games. It was during the reign of Sulla that major work was undertaken on the Forum including the laying of marble stones – raising the plaza level by almost a metre – how we see it today. In 63 BC Cicero delivered his famous speech to the conspirator Catiline in the Forum. But it was the oration given at Caesar’s funeral – which you’ll recognise from Shakespeare’s play – delivered at the speaker’s podium, the New Rostra, that was probably the most significant and memorable event that has lived in history. The burning of Caesar’s body then took place in the site where the Temple to the Defied Caesar now stands, built by the Emperor’s great-nephew Octavius, aka, Augustus. It was Augustus who later gave the Roman Forum its final form; adding the Temple of Divus Iulius and the Arch of Augustus in 29 BC. Jumping ahead to the medieval era in the 6th century (AD), some of the monuments within the Roman Forum were turned into Christian churches. By the 8th century the whole Forum was filled with these new religious buildings, transforming abandoned and ruined temples into Christian shrines. It was during this time that travellers to Rome noted that the Roman Forum was already falling apart and although the memory of its former glory lasted, the once powerful imperial site was now referred to as Campo Vaccino – meaning cattle field – as it was falling into disuse, ruin and under layers of years of debris. It was also during this period that builders and architects dismantled the surviving buildings to use the original material for the construction of towers and castles in the local area. Later on in the 13th century, the Roman Forum was used as a dumping ground for old medieval buildings – and the Roman practice of building new neighbourhoods over old ruins meant the old Roman Forum was almost nowhere to be seen, with a significant rise in ground level. It wasn’t until the 18th century that any type of excavation work really began thanks to the early efforts to recreate the outline of the Roman Forum by artists in the late 15th century, later supported and completed by antiquaries. Excavation and restoration was only really first attempted in 1803 by Carlos Fea, who began clearing debris from the Arch of Septimus Severus. Archaelogists under Napoleon’s regime then helped carried on his work, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that the Roman Forum was fully excavated! So when you know the history of the Roman Forum, you can appreciate the history and change that the Roman Forum has witnessed over these thousands of years. Just think about it, the marble and cobbled paths and streets that you walk through are at the real level at which it stood during the Imperial period - now that should make you stop and think. With the OMNIA Card you can discover the ancient world of the Roman Forum for free. You can even skip the queues and jump straight to the front and explore the centre of Empires past. If you want to visit the Forum Museum, to discover more of the ancient world and Roman Forum, including ancient artifacts and old sculptures,, show the OMNIA Card to the ticket staff and you can get free and fast track entry to the Coliseum and museum included as well. It’s your answer to the best sightseeing experience in Rome!
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Vatican City attractions

Save on Vatican City attractions with the Vatican Omnia Card A visit to Rome would be wasted if you didn’t take time out to see the awe-inspiring Vatican City attractions. As the heart of the Catholic faith, many have endured pilgrimages to reach this holy place starting with the ancient Romans and persisting all the way to the present day. As home to some of the most famous landmarks and attractions in the world, you can see the best of them for free with the Rome and Vatican pass package and learn more from our guide to the Vatican city below.   St Peter's Basilica  One of the most important sites of pilgrimage in the world, St Peter’s Basilica is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and justifies the Vatican City tickets price for the millions of tourists who flock to its doors. Enjoy a free audio guide and skip the long lines at St Peter’s Basilica to fast-track your way into one of the Catholic faith’s most important sites. Dating back to the 16th century, it is an impressive building and perhaps one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture in the world. With names like Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini involved in its construction, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most impressive attractions in the city. From the huge square to its iconic dome, the true treasures of the Basilica lie within its walls: gleaming gold décor, mosaics, statues, and sculptures galore. See if you can spot Bramante’s bronze Baldacchino, which takes prime position at the head of the church. Underground, you can also explore the crypts which house the tombs of the former Popes. For unparalleled views over the city, climb up to the top of the Dome to really appreciate the vast expanse of this amazing site.   Vatican Gardens  Many popes have found peace of mind and solitude at the Vatican Gardens, an oasis of calm amidst the city with an unbeatable view of St Peter’s Basilica wherever you tread. In recent years, savvy tourists have been allowed beyond its walls to explore its numerous green pockets which include exotic plants, miniature succulent plots and no end of breathtaking sculptural fountains poised making for a picturesque experience. Not just anybody can wander in, however, as only a select number of visitors are permitted a day. You’ll need to make a reservation on a Vatican Gardens tour or on an inclusive Vatican tours package to see the site.   Sistine Chapel  The Sistine Chapel is considered one of the finest works of High Renaissance art for the sheer scale and the skill of the frescoes, predominantly painted by Michelangelo in the early 16th century. The chapel itself dates back to the late 1400s which was built by Pope Sixtus IV. The later decorations were commissioned by Pope Julius II. Perhaps the most famous of the frescoes is The Last Judgement, but central to the ceiling are the nine scenes from the Book of Genesis. It wasn’t just Michelangelo that deserves all the credit, other leading painters and contemporaries such as Botticelli and Ghirlandaio also contributed to the painting of this impressive chapel. The building measures an impressive 40.9 meters long so it puts it into perspective – if you want to be awed then visit the Sistine Chapel to appreciate the magnitude of one of Rome’s most impressive works of art.   Vatican Museums  The Vatican Museums are home to over 9 miles of art, sculpture, tapestries and more. The estimated worth of the art in the Vatican Museums is over €15 billion so you’re promised a wide range of world class collections. The collections were built up over the centuries by the Popes who lived in the city and date back to Ancient Egyptian pieces, to the 20th century – most notably some of the finest masterpieces from the Renaissance years. There are 54 rooms, from the Gallery of Statues, the Gallery of the Busts, to the Rotonda, and finally, the Sistine Chapel which is at the end of the tour. These Museums are not to be rushed and a thorough visit can take over 4 hours. Join one of the many Vatican tours and learn about Papal history along the way, not to mention the history behind some of the most famous works on display.   Garden of Eden Painting - Vatican This stunning painting is one of the Vatican’s most iconic, barring of course Michelangelo’s frescoes stretching across the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Lovingly crafted by Wenzel Peter, this masterpiece named Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden has to be seen to be believed as both its gigantic size and attention to naturalistic detail make it one of the most exciting pieces in the Vatican Museums’ collection. Situated in the Pinacoteca Art Gallery in Room XVI, it takes up an entire wall and awes everyone who passes.   St John in the Lateran and the Cloister  St John in the Lateran and Cloister is in fact the official seat of the Pope. It’s older and – officially – more important than St Peter’s Basilica and is one of the oldest churches in Western Europe. It’s hugely significant in religious history and dating back to 324 AD has a wealth of history to tell. Within, the building is a fine example of Cosmatesque and Baroque architecture and design, with grand gold decorations and sculptures down its long nave. St John in the Lateran is also famous for its peaceful Cloister, which was built in the 13th century and is now a site of meditative prayer for many locals and visitors. Many pilgrims also flock to the Holy Steps, the Scala Sancta, which can be found in an early Papal chapel named the Lateran Palace.
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The Best Perspectives in Rome

You expect to see historic ruins and ancient artefacts when you’re in Rome; it’s a given. But there’s so much more to see in terms of its urban landscape. Rome’s flowing river, the Tiber, adds a romantic edge to the dusty cobbled streets and vertiginous viewpoints allow you to climb to the best summits in the city and look over the old Empire. With so many to choose from, we’ve handpicked some of what we think are must-see things to do in Rome for picture-perfect moments. Steal a snapshot of some of Rome’s best panoramas and take home something to remember. St Peter’s Basilica & its Dome St Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s most popular landmarks and religious hot-spots. With thousands flocking to the central church every day to step within the marble masterpiece, you know it must be good. Don’t get us wrong, the inside is wonderful, but for something a bit different, we prefer what's on the outside. One of our favourite things to do in St Peter’s Basilica is to climb the dome. For an unparalleled view over Rome, the dome stands at 136.6m – and is the tallest dome in the world. You can climb the 551 steps from the bottom, or take a lift half way, and walk around the dome for a stunning 360 ̊ panorama of the Eternal City. Look across Bernini’s square, over the walls of the Vatican and down to the River Tiber. Appreciate Rome’s terracotta themed skyline and count the domes of the city and take in the sweeping views. It doesn’t get better than this; don’t forget the camera. Villa Borghese Just across the river from St Peter’s Basilica and Castel Sant’Angelo is Piazza del Popolo, at the foot of Villa Borghese, Rome’s most central park. This green pocket of calm provides a nice contrast to the warm tones of the terraced city where visitors and locals alike seek to retreat for a quiet moment. Dotted with English classical buildings, fountains, ponds and meadow like grounds it’s the perfect place for a picnic and to experience the side of Rome that only the locals know about. Find a wooden bench, or take a stroll around the 148 acres (or however many you can manage!) for a clean and green experience of Rome; great to escape from the hustle and bustle of the ancient, vibrant, city. What’s more, if you’re after another view, the Pincio, at the top of the steps leading up from Piazza del Popolo, offers another perspective over Rome, this time from the south of the river. Rome Bus Tour As an alternative experience, Rome Bus Tour – run by Roma Cristiana – offers a great way of exploring the city from all angles – and from the comfort of your seat. As you’re driven through the streets of central Rome, past the old ruins and landmarks of the Eternal City, sit back and enjoy a running commentary of the view. Learn about the hero gladiators that fought in the Coliseum and find out about the famous artists and architects of the city as you pass in front of their monumental masterpieces. Over the river, across from the ancient Forum, Circus Maximus, up to the Vatican City and everything in between, look down the narrow cobbled streets to discover your own Rome. What’s more, you can even hop-on, and hop-off at your leisure should you wish to go exploring.... For the complete sightseeing experience, we can make your life easy with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card (including a Roma Pass)– you can get a free hop-on, hop-off ticket for the Rome Bus tour included, as well as skip the line privileges to St Peter’s Basilica. What’s more, you can take advantage of our free guidebook and map that comes with it so you won’t get lost on your way!
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