Holidays in Rome

The historic Centre of Rome is not terribly large. In fact it is only 2.5 km or 1.5 miles from the Colosseum to Piazza di Spagna so it is very easy to reach on foot and most of the most famous monuments are found in the same area.

Rome has a bus network that is very extensive and functions very well. The metro or subway however, is often much easier for visitors to understand and master. You can purchase public transportation tickets in advance from tabacchis, newsstands, bars or vending machines. If you choose to purchase your tickets from vending machines, keep in mind that exact change is needed. You can also purchase tickets at the Metro and at major bus stops.

The Roman Metro, also called Metropolitana by residents, travels around rather than through this historic city. It has two lines – A (red) and B (blue). These two lines cross at Termini Central Station.

Trains at the Metro run approximately every 7 to 10 minutes and run from 5:30 am until 11:30 pm every day. On Saturdays, trains run until 00:30 (12:30) a.m.

Buses and Trams

There are literally hundreds of bus lines in Rome which run from 5:30 a.m. until midnight every day. Buses and trams in Rome travel in both directions.

Electric buses

Rome has also established several electric bus lines in an effort to minimize pollution in the smaller backstreets of the historic center. These electric buses navigate alleyways that are barely wide enough for a Vespa to travel.

Night buses

There are more than 20 night bus lines that run from 00:30 (12:30) a.m. until 5:30 a.m. The main terminal stations are located at Termini (Piazza dei Cinquecento) and Piazza Venezia. Buses leave these two stations every 30 minutes and travel in all directions. The night bus stops are marked by an owl on the sign and you can purchase tickets for the night buses onboard. For lines tables and public transport maps visit the official site of public transportation in Rome – ATAC S.p.A

Taxi

If you choose to travel by taxi, remember to look for the official metered white or yellow taxis. While there are taxi ranks located in many areas throughout the center, it is virtually impossible to hail one that is driving down the street, particularly at night. Be certain that your taxi is metered and always insist on the metered fare instead of an arranged price.

To call for a taxi within Rome, try 06 3570, 06 4994, 06 6645, 06 5551, or 06 8822.

Renting bikes or scooters

Many of the sites in and around Rome can be easily reached by walking or are accessible by public transportation. However, renting bikes or scooters gives you the freedom to see exactly the sites that interest you and save time for your holidays in Rome, not to mention saving money.  If you really want to “do as the Romans do”, you will need to drive around the city on a Vespa. You should have no trouble finding rental places all around Rome. The averages for one day rentals are from €40 to €50.