Rome isn’t a city you conquer. It’s a city you navigate, preferably without burning through your daily gelato budget on taxis.
Let’s face it: Rome’s public transport isn’t famous for efficiency. But it’s cheap, widespread, and wildly entertaining if you go in with the right mindset. Whether you’re here to trace Caesar’s footsteps or chase espresso highs in Trastevere, Rome’s public transport system is your slightly chaotic but oddly lovable sidekick.
Metro: Short, Sweet, and Straight to the Landmarks
Rome’s metro has just three lines: A (orange), B (blue), and C (green). It’s not huge — blame the 2,000-year-old ruins underground — but it’s handy for getting between big sights.
Line A takes you to the Vatican, Spanish Steps, and Termini.
Line B hits the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, and also Termini.
Line C… exists, but you probably won’t use it.
Trains are fast and simple. Stations are marked with a big red “M.” Just don’t expect air conditioning in August — you’ll bond with strangers through mutual sweating.
Buses: Where Patience Meets Adventure
Buses go everywhere, which is great in theory. In practice, traffic turns schedules into fiction. Still, they’ll get you to places the metro doesn’t, like Trastevere or Gianicolo Hill.
Catch the 64 for a chaotic ride from Termini to the Vatican. It’s usually packed, but worth it.
Always validate your ticket when you board — it’s a small yellow or orange machine near the door. Fines aren’t rare, and no, pretending to be confused won’t save you.
Trams: Chill, Vintage Vibes
Trams don’t cover the whole city, but when they do, they do it with style. The #8 tram from Trastevere into the city center is smooth, scenic, and delightfully quiet. It’s a local favorite and a great way to avoid tourist crushes.
Tickets & Tips
A single BIT ticket (€1.50) is valid for 100 minutes across buses, trams, and one metro ride. Buy them at metro stations, tobacco shops (look for a blue “T”), or newsstands.
Apps like Moovit or Rome Bus will be your best friends. Google Maps tries, but Rome often has other plans.
Don’t expect German precision. Expect late buses, random reroutes, and a bit of improv. But also — sunsets through tram windows, street musicians at Termini, and unexpected beauty between stops. That’s Rome. Messy, magnificent, and moving — eventually