Getting around Rome (and getting there from the airports)

Rome isn't just a city; it's an open-air museum spanning 1,285 km². The challenge for every visitor is figuring out how to navigate the millennia-old ruins without wasting precious time. Whether you're arriving by plane or need to travel through the city center, here's everything you need to know to get around like a true Roman. 1. First step: Getting to the city from the airports From Fiumicino (FCO) to the city center. This is the main airport and has excellent connections: Leonardo Express: This is the non-stop train that connects the airport to Termini Station in just 32 minutes. It departs every 15-30 minutes and costs €14. It's the fastest and most reliable option. FL1 Regional Trains: If your destination is Trastevere, Ostiense, or Tiburtina, this train costs only €8. Please note: it does not stop at Termini. Shuttle Bus (Terravision/SIT): The cheapest option (about €6-7). It takes 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Taxi: The fare is a flat €50 (all-inclusive) for any destination within the Aurelian Walls. From Ciampino (CIA) to the City Center Closer to the city, but without a direct train connection: Shuttle Bus: As with Fiumicino, shuttle buses take you to Termini in about 40 minutes for €6. Bus + Train (Ciampino Airlink): A fast bus takes you to Ciampino train station, from where a train takes you to Termini in 15 minutes. Total cost: about €2.70. Taxi: The flat rate to the city center is €31. 2. Getting Around the City Center: The "Tap & Go" System Forget hunting for a paper ticket at tobacconists. Rome has adopted the Tap & Go system. How it works: Hold your contactless credit card, smartphone, or smartwatch near the yellow readers on buses, trams, and metro turnstiles. Cost: A single ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes. If you make many trips, the system automatically calculates the cheapest daily rate for you (around €7), stopping charging you extra costs after the fourth trip.

3. The Metro: the "X"-shaped backbone The metro network is simple but effective for tourists: Line A (Red): The most important. It takes you to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain (Barberini stop), the Vatican Museums (Ottaviano), and San Giovanni. Line B (Blue): Essential for the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and Termini Station (transfer point with Line A). Line C (Green): Useful if you're staying in up-and-coming areas like Pigneto. Note on schedules: The metro closes at 11:30 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. 4. Buses and Trams: the challenge of the surface. Since excavating in Rome means finding archaeological finds, buses reach places where the metro can't. Strategic Lines: The 64 and 40 connect Termini to the Vatican, passing through the city center. Convenient, but watch out for pickpockets: always carry a backpack! Tram 8: The most pleasant way to get from Piazza Venezia to the heart of Trastevere. 5. Essential apps to avoid waiting in vain. Don't rely on paper timetables, which are often "optimistic." Use technology: Citymapper: The most accurate for real wait times and multimodal routes. Google Maps: Excellent for navigating between monuments on foot. GiraRoma: Specific for monitoring the exact location of buses on the map.

One last tip: Walk! Rome is incredibly easy to explore on foot. Many areas (the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori) are pedestrianized.

Our suggestion? Use public transport for long distances and then let the narrow streets guide you. Want to discover Rome without the stress of a map?

If you prefer to explore the city without worrying about connections and tickets, check out our walking tours with a local guide. We'll show you the most beautiful shortcuts that only Romans know!

Discover our tours and book your stress-free experience!