Here’s How Getting Around in Rome Can be Fun & Easy
Getting around in Rome is something every traveler thinks about before visiting, especially with a city packed full of history, landmarks, and winding streets. The good news is that once you understand how the city is laid out, navigating it becomes much easier than you might expect.
From walking through ancient neighborhoods to hopping on buses and metros, there are plenty of ways to explore Rome depending on your travel style and budget. Some options are faster, others are more scenic, and a few are better saved for specific situations.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting around in Rome, so you can spend less time figuring out transportation and more time enjoying the city.
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The Basics for Getting Around in Rome
Before diving into all the options for getting around in Rome, let’s start with the basics. First we’ll quickly cover how to get to Rome, then break down what navigating the city looks like once you arrive.
✈️ How to Get to Rome
There are several ways to reach Rome, including:
Want the full breakdown? Check out our guide on how to get to Rome.
How to Get to Rome (By Plane, Train, Cruise, & More)
Explore all of the different options for traveling to Rome, from flying in to one of the nearby airport to sailing to a nearby port.
❣️ What is the Best Base for Exploring Rome?
If it’s your first time visiting, staying central will make getting around in Rome much easier. Here are the best areas:
🚗 Ways for Getting Around Rome
Here are the main ways for getting around in Rome:
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Getting Around in Rome: Different Transportation Options for Exploring
Ready to explore? Here’s a deeper look at all your options for getting around in Rome.
🏘 Getting Around Rome by Foot
Getting around Rome’s neighborhoods is easiest on foot. Areas like Centro Storico, Trastevere, and Monti are packed with narrow streets, historic buildings, and hidden gems.
Walking is not just practical here, it’s part of the experience. You’ll constantly stumble across fountains, churches, and little piazzas you didn’t plan for.
We also recommend joining a walking tour early in your trip to get your bearings, and to learn some of the unique historical facts of the city. We typically use Guru Walk, as they have excellent free walking tours around the world with locals leading them.
🚇 Getting Around in Rome by Public Transportation
Rome’s public transportation includes metro, buses, and trams. While it’s not as seamless as some other European cities, it’s still useful for longer distances.
🎫 Tickets can be purchased at machines, tobacco shops, or kiosks. Just make sure to validate your ticket when boarding.
🚌 Public Buses in Rome
The public bus is definitely the cheapest option when it comes to transportation. Keep in mind however, that Rome has a lot of traffic, so it could take longer than estimated to get from point A to point B.
🚆 Trains in Rome
The train is one of the fastest and easiest way to get around Italy. You won’t need to use the train inside of Rome per say, but if you want to take a day trip then this is the way to go. There are 3 main train stations in Rome, the biggest of them being Roma Termini. From here you can travel both locally and long distance.
Ⓜ️ Taking the Metro in Rome
The metro is just as cheap as the bus (just 1 euro and 50 cents), and you don’t have to worry about traffic. We love using the metro, although there aren’t as many stations as most other big European cities tend to have. If you have the option, then this is a great choice.
🚕 Getting Around Rome by Taxi & Rideshare
This is our least favorite option for getting around in Rome, as it is the most expensive. Not only that, but it can also take the longest (other than the bus). We would say use this as a last resort. The only time we used a taxi was at the airport because we got in very late and there was no public transportation running. There are official rates, so no need to bargain.
Taxis are readily available around the city and at the airports and train stations. Apps like Uber operate in Rome, but availability can be more limited compared to other cities.
💡 Always use official taxis or book through an app to avoid scams.
🚗 Getting Around Rome by Car
Driving in Rome is honestly not typically a great idea, although we we have done it for certain circumstances.
The historic center has restricted traffic zones (ZTL), streets are narrow, and parking is difficult to find. For most travelers, it will add stress rather than convenience.
A car does make sense however if you’re planning day trips to places like the countryside or smaller towns outside the city. We also rented one for our 24 hour stopover. It saved us time driving from and back to the airport, and we used the car early in morning for getting around Rome, and then left it parked for the rest of the day and night.
🛵 Roam Rome by Vespa
Getting around in Rome by Vespa is one of the most quintessentially Italian things you can do. it’s fun, iconic, and makes for some of the best memories and photos. You can rent a Vespa and explore on your own, or you can join a guided tour to discover the city with a local.
🛴Getting Around in Rome by Scooter
This was our absolute favorite way to get around and see the best things in Rome Italy. The scooters run through apps, and you can even use Uber for some! They are easy to use, and can be picked up anywhere and dropped off pretty much anywhere.
Scooter rentals are best for short distances inside the city center, as they can go on almost all the roads that the cars can. The price depends on the time that you rent it for, as there is a rate per minute for usage.
🚲 Getting Around Rome by Bikes
Bikes are available throughout Rome and can be a fun way to cover short distances. That said, Rome’s cobblestone streets and traffic can make this option a bit challenging, especially in busy areas. They’re best used in quieter neighborhoods or parks like Villa Borghese, and can be rented easily on the Lime app or from a local rental shop.
Want something more social? There are also bike tours that you can take with a fun group. Having a guide wil allow you to be taken to the most bike-friendly areas, and get local insight into different areas. ofRome you may not have known about.
🚐 Getting Around Rome with Tours & Day Trips
If you don’t want to deal with logistics, guided tours are a great option, and there certainly is no shortage of them in Rome.
From city highlights to day trips outside Rome, tours take care of transportation and help you make the most of your time.
They’re especially helpful if you’re on a shorter trip and want to see a lot without planning every detail.
FAQ About Getting Around in Rome
What is the best way to get around Rome?
The best way to get around Rome is usually a mix of walking and public transportation. Most major attractions are close enough to walk between, while buses and the metro help cover longer distances.
Is it easy to get around Rome without a car?
Yes, it’s very easy to get around Rome without a car. In fact, driving in the city can be more stressful due to traffic, limited parking, and restricted zones. Most visitors rely on walking, buses, and the metro.
Is Rome a walkable city?
Rome is extremely walkable, especially in the historic center. Many of the top attractions are within walking distance of each other, and exploring on foot is one of the best ways to experience the city.
Does Rome have a metro system?
Yes, Rome has a metro system with a few main lines that connect key areas of the city. While it’s not as extensive as other European capitals, it’s useful for reaching places like the Vatican and the Colosseum quickly.
How much does public transportation cost in Rome?
A single public transport ticket in Rome typically costs around €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, including transfers. There are also day and multi-day passes available for unlimited travel.
Can you use contactless payment on public transport in Rome?
Yes, many metro stations and buses in Rome now support contactless payment using credit cards or mobile wallets. You can tap to pay instead of buying a physical ticket in many cases.
Are taxis expensive in Rome?
Taxis in Rome are reasonably priced for short distances, but they can become expensive compared to public transport. They are best used for airport transfers, late nights, or when traveling with luggage.
Is Uber available in Rome?
Uber operates in Rome, but it’s more limited than in other cities and often offers higher-end services rather than standard rides. Local taxis are usually more common and easier to find.
How do you get from Rome airport to the city center?
The easiest way to get from Rome’s main airport to the city center is by train, bus, taxi, or private transfer. The Leonardo Express train is the fastest option, connecting the airport to Termini Station in about 30 minutes.
Is public transportation in Rome safe?
Public transportation in Rome is generally safe, but like any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing can happen on crowded buses and metros, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Getting Around in Rome: Final Thoughts & What’s Next
Getting around Rome is easy, because there are so many options! Most travelers opt to combine walking with public transportation, with the occasional ride share.
We definitely recommend exploring one neighborhood at a time so you can really enjoy mostly on foot. Scooters are also super fun, and we highly recommend doing at least one tour, whether it’s a free walking tour, or a guided bike experience.
✅ Some Final Tips for Getting Around Rome
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👀 What’s Next?
Now that you know how to get around Rome, let’s help you explore more of the city and the country!
Here are some other Italy travel guides that we have:
🛳️ How to get to Rome
🤩 Things to see in Rome
📸 Best photo spots on the Amalfi Coast
🍋 Amalfi Coast travel guide
🐙 Bari travel guide
🚣♂️ How to visit Lago di Braies
🏔 Hiking Cadini di Misurina
🥾 Hiking Tre Cime di Lavaredo
💧 The hike to Lago di Sorapis
⛰ Dolomites travel guide
🛶 Venice travel guide
🌈 Burano travel guide
👩🏻🎨 Florence travel guide
🛳 Genoa travel guide
🎬 Turin travel guide
⛪️ Things to do in Milan
Now you have all of the information for how to get around in Rome, Italy! Have any other questions though? Feel free to drop them in the comments below!
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