Rome's historic centre is best on foot. The metro has three lines (A, B and C) and links the Vatican, Spanish Steps, Colosseum and Termini; buses and trams fill the gaps but can be slow and crowded.
From the airport
From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express runs to Termini station in about 30 minutes, and regional trains serve Trastevere. Taxis from the airports to the centre have a fixed fare within the Aurelian Walls; confirm it before you get in. Ciampino airport is served by buses.
Tickets and passes
A single ticket is valid for 100 minutes on metro, bus and tram. Day, three-day and weekly passes are sold at tabacchi shops, stations and machines. Contactless payment is being rolled out on some lines.
Practical tips
- Validate paper tickets in the machine on buses.
- Take the metro to the Colosseum or the Vatican rather than a bus.
- Trams 3 and 8 are useful for Trastevere and the Colosseum.
- Cobblestones are hard on wheeled bags and thin soles; wear comfortable shoes.
What to avoid
Unlicensed taxis near Termini and the airports; use the white official taxis or a ride-hailing app.
Seeing Rome on foot
The historic centre is compact and best on foot. The Metro is useful for the Vatican and the Colosseum; buses are slower. Taxis are cheap in the centre but traffic is heavy.
Prices, ticket rules and safety conditions change. Treat this as a starting point and check official sources and your government's travel advice before you go.
Rome getting around questions
How do I get from the airport to central Rome?
From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express runs to Termini station in about 30 minutes, and regional trains serve Trastevere. Taxis from the airports to the centre have a fixed fare within the Aurelian Walls; confirm it before you get in. Ciampino airport is served by buses.
Which ticket should I buy in Rome?
A single ticket is valid for 100 minutes on metro, bus and tram. Day, three-day and weekly passes are sold at tabacchi shops, stations and machines. Contactless payment is being rolled out on some lines.
What is the best way to get around Rome?
Rome's historic centre is best on foot. The metro has three lines (A, B and C) and links the Vatican, Spanish Steps, Colosseum and Termini; buses and trams fill the gaps but can be slow and crowded.