If the Metro is not the solution to an individual journey then the local city buses will be the answer. The Metro system is very simple, at the moment just 3 lines, only two of which are of use to tourists. Most visitors will only be travelling in a compact area in the centre of Rome where all the main attractions and hotel districts are situated. There are manned ticket counters at the key stations.Īs yet there is no facility provided by the public transport authority themselves for advance purchase over the internet though there are a couple of options offered by third parties aimed at the first time tourist visitor. Ticket machines are multi-lingual, easy to use and seemingly reliable. These kiosks are conveniently situated next to a Rome public transport information kiosk. They advertise the transport passes prominently with prices displayed boldly and staff speak good English too. Out the front of Termini Railway Station by the bus station is the row of kiosks pictured here that specialise in selling travel passes and tours. Many kiosks within the station like the one pictured at the top advertise they sell transport tickets. Most independent visitors to Rome will arrive in Rome city centre at Termini Station.
If you don't speak Italian and are nervous about using vending machines, rest assured most of the people serving at the outlets where tourists frequent normally speak good English, often much better than your hotel. You can buy the travel passes from a variety of sources including vending machines and manned ticket offices at Metro stations and many news-stands / tobacconists like the one pictured at the top of the page.
Playing the innocent tourist doesn't work. Groups of ticket inspectors from time to time descend on to a bus or platform to check all passengers have valid tickets. This stamps the date and time from which the pass or ticket is valid. If you have purchased a pass, you put the pass into the machine on your first journey. If you have a single ticket then enter the ticket into the machine. On buses and trams you will find ticket validation machines similar to that pictured below. On buses your ticket is valid for 100 minutes allowing you to change buses using a single ticket.Īt Metro stations there are ticket barriers where you have to insert your ticket to enter and leave the Metro station.
On both buses and metro there is a flat fare, whether you go one stop or to the end of the line. Tickets for both the bus system and Metro can be purchased from tobacconists, bars, or vending machines at Metro stations and major bus stops. Most people will have a pass of one kind or another. You have to purchase your tickets before you board any public transport in Rome. All local public transport is integrated in Rome.