The seasoned tourist knows that the best way to get around Rome is on foot. However, for those looking for a bit more information than Walk, this guide to Getting Around Rome is can help.
Arriving in Rome. Visitors will most likely arrive by plane into Rome’s Lenoardo da Vinci Airport, also known as Fiumicino, after a nearby city. Situated about 25 kilometers outside of Rome, the best bet for getting into the city is the train. The airport train station operates a line to Rome’s Central Station (Roma Termini) daily between 6:30 am and 11:00 pm. The ride takes approximately half an hour. Tickets cost 11 euro and are available from one of the machines in the station. Keep in mind that the train really is the most efficient read: no traffic jams and least expensive option for getting into Rome. If your flight arrives, however, between 11:00 pm and 6:30 am, you will probably want to take a cab, rather than wait around. Expect to pay at least 50 euro.
Getting Around in Rome. Once you have settled into your guest accommodations in Rome, you will find that the quickest and easiest way to get around the city besides walking, that is public transportation. Please keep in mind that while the Metro and bus systems are quiet safe, it is still important that you stay alert for pickpockets. Carry your valuables in a secure money belt.
The central station for Rome’s Metro is the Termini, which is the hub of the system’s two lines, A and B. Line A crosses the city from east to west and includes stops at many tourist destinations, such as the Vatican, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Barberini and Piazza del Popolo. Line B traverses Rome from northeast to southwest, with stops at the Coloseum, Circo Massimo, and St. Paul’s Basilica. The B train also stops at Rome’s three main railroad stations, Stazione Tiburtina, Stazione Termini and Stazione Ostiense. Remember the following stops and you should have most of your time in Rome covered: On Line A, Spagna for the Spanish Steps, Musei Vaticani for Vatican City and Ottaviano for St. Peter’s Basilica; on Line B, the Colosseo is closest to the Colosseum.
Rome’s Metro trains run approximately every ten minutes, from 5:30am until 11:30pm (and until 12:30am on Saturdays). Tickets for the Metro can be purchased from vending machines at the metro stops. A one-way ticket costs 1.00 euro. You can also purchase a daily ticket, which is good for unlimited travel by metro or bus, for 4.00 euro, or a weekly for 16.00.
If you get fed up with trying to figure out Rome’s somewhat notoriously complicated public transportation system, then your best bet really is to walk! The historic center of Rome is quite small and very walkable. And along the way you are certain to bump into one of Rome’s famous gelato stands or pizza stores, making the effort all the more worthwhile.