Getting Around

All roads lead to Rome, as the well-known saying goes… However if you are planning on visiting, the easiest ways of getting to Rome is by plane or train.

FLYING INTO ROME – ROME AIRPORTS

If you are flying into Rome, you have two airport choices:

Fiumicino or Leonardo Da Vinci International Airport (FCO), is located to the south-west of Rome. It is the main airport of Lazio serviced by numerous airlines.

  • By TRAIN, the are two options:

    Leonardo Express at €14 which takes 32 minutes to reach the central train station of Termini. The service runs from Termini TO THE AIRPORT from 05.35 am until 10.35 pm, and FROM THE AIRPORT from 06.23 am until 11.23 pm.

    FR1 Regional Train is a cheaper option at €8 that stops at Tiburtina, Tuscolana, Ostiense and Trastevere station from 6 am to 11:30 pm. If you are staying in these areas of the city, this is a more direct option. From Ostiense/Piramide you can take the Metro (line B).

  • By BUS there are a number of Airport shuttle services offered TO and FROM the airport by TERRAVISION and SITBUS

  • By TAXI – If you want to take a taxi from the airport you should only use the White taxis at the TAXI STAND outside arrivals. There is a SET PRICE of €48 from the airport to the city centre for up to four passengers and their luggage

  • By TRANSFER – numerous transfer companies offer private transfer to and from the airport, the prices vary.

FLYING INTO ROME – ROME AIRPORTS

Ciampino Airport (CIA) is the second airport, located to the south-east of Rome, it is very small and serves European low-cost airlines, including Ryanair and Wizzair. Ciampino airport is not connected to the centre by train, the fastest way to get to the airport is by taxi or transfer, there are also shuttle busses.

  • By TAXI – If you want to take a taxi from the airport you should only use the White taxis at the TAXI STAND outside arrivals. There is a SET PRICE of €30 from the airport to the city centre for up to four passengers and their luggage

  • By BUS - there are a number of Airport shuttle services offered TO and FROM the airport and Termini Station by TERRAVISION and SITBUS

  • By TRANSFER – numerous transfer companies offer private transfer to and from the airport, the prices vary.

GETTING AROUND IN ROME (PUBLIC TRANSPORT)

The best way to get around the centre of Rome is on foot as all of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other. The atmosphere of Rome can be found in the small side streets, so wandering around the city is the only way to soak it all in.

Rome is reasonably well connected, the trick is to know how to get there. Google Maps can help you with that, the information for bus routes etc is 100% accurate. The app MOOVIT will help to get you places and show real time arrivals. Some areas of the city, like the centro storico where the Pantheon is and trastevere are only accessible on foot or by bus/tram.

TICKETS for public transport can be bought at Tobacco shops marked with a big white T. One ticket is valid for one metro ride and 100 minutes of tram or bus travel for just €1.50. You can also buy daily, three days or week passes. Don’t forget to validate your ticket on the tram or bus, this starts your 100 minute journey.

BUS

Because much of the city is not served by the metro, Rome has a large BUS network. Bus stop signs tell you the number of the bus and the direction (at the top is where it left from and what direction it is going in.

Rome buses can be packed with locals and tourists alike and do not run on time. Depending on the traffic, it can take time to get somewhere, but it may be the best way. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Italian, Other passengers on the bus will help you get where you want to go and someone will speak your language. The Romans are proud of their city and want to help you get around. You will also see another view of Rome on the bus!

METRO

The city's metro (underground/subway) system is very easy to use - there are only two lines that bring you to major attractions, the third (metro C) is mostly used by commuters. The red A line stops at major piazzas throughout the city like SPAGNA for the spanish steps, or BARBERINI for the Trevi fountain and takes you to OTTAVIANO for the Vatican. The blue B line will take you to COLOSSEO for the Colosseum and CIRCO MASSIMO for the Circus Maximus.

Trams

Some parts of the city are not accessible by metro as there is simply too much of ancient Rome still buried beneath the city. Rome also has a network of trams, both the Number 3 and 8 trams go to trastevere. The 3 tram does a long loop of the more residential parts of the city and passes several museums, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, it takes you to Trastevere, Testaccio and Ostiense.

TAXIS IN ROME

Unlike other cities around the world, in Rome, you cannot always flag taxis. It is better to find a Taxi rank or stand, they are located in most of the major piazzas.

You can also call a taxi on the following numbers:

+39 060609 (Rome city) and +39 063570 (largest radio-taxi operator in Rome.)

If you are worried about language problems, you can ask someone to call for you in your hotel, restaurants, shops and bars - most people are happy to oblige.

Be aware – when you call a taxi, the driver turns on the meter once (s)he answers the call, so your taxi will arrive with more than the base fare already on the meter. The taxis usually come within 3-5 minutes of the phone call, so don't ask for someone to call you a taxi until you are really ready to go.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE:

  • Only take a white city taxi with signs on the door

  • Make sure the metre is switched on

  • In theory ALL City Taxis in Rome should take credit cards, but you should ask before getting in to be sure!

The fares are calculated by meter with the following set basic fares:

Mon - Fri, 6am – 10pm €3

Sat - Sun and holidays, 6am – 10pm. - €4.50

Starting fare anytime from 10pm – 6am €6.50

The rates go up the farther you go in a Rome taxi:

  • T1 € 1,10 per km. This rate is applied until you get to 11€. After that the rate goes to T2:

  • T2 € 1,30 per km. This rate kicks in once the fare gets to 11€ and goes until the fare gets to 13€. Then the next rate is:

  • T3 € 1,60 per km until you end the trip.

  • The first piece of luggage is free. Additional pieces of luggage are 1€ each. There is a 2€ surcharge for leaving/arriving at Termini station.

NAVIGATING ROME IN A WHEELCHAIR

Unfortunately like many other cities with a long history, Rome is challenging for visitors with reduced mobility. Moving around the city from one place of interest to another in a wheelchair is not always easy for a number of reasons:

The city is quite literally ancient and the streets have developed over time, many of them are cobbled, uneven and have holes everywhere. The paving varies around the city, but generally it will be a bumpy ride.

Sidewalks/pavement are narrow and often do not have an incline to allow wheelchairs to get onto them and the Romans often park on the pavement.

Archaeological sites are uneven and do not have wheelchair accessible paths.

Not all of the Metro stations have lifts/elevators

That said, all of Rome’s major attractions are accessible, even the Borghese Gallery with only one staircase, has a tiny lift that fits one person. Sometimes there are slightly different routes like at the Vatican Museums and St Peter’s Basilica, they are accessible but with long passages and two entrances.

Finding an accessible restaurant is absolutely not a problem. Rome has so many outside ding options, you will be spoilt for choice.