Rome, at
least the parts most visitors stay in and visit, is a very compact
area.
Public transport is plentiful and it is well within the capabilities
of all visitors to use it to visit all the attractions independently.
There is a 3 day Travel
Pass, ideal for the first time visitor to see the major sights,
go to and from your hotel and sample the different districts in the
evening. There are also 1 and 7 day passes as well of course single
ticket options.
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The
buses and Metro are busy at any time of the day, getting a seat is
an unexpected surprise when travelling in the city centre. Travelling
at peak commute times during the week is best avoided wherever you
can.
Once you are in the historic centre it should be emphasised that the
Vatican, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Forum are
all very walkable between each other.
Walking is the best way to appreciate Rome, the whole central area
is just one big museum.
Unlike other large European cities the Metro is of limited use to
visitors as there are only two lines providing sparse coverage. The
suburban train system is also of limited use unless you have a hotel
on the fringes of the city.
It is probably the bus you will use most often. |
Bus,
Tram & Metro Ticketing
You have to
purchase your tickets before you board public transport. At Metro Stations
there are ticket barriers where you have to insert your ticket to enter
and leave the Metro Station.
On buses and trams you will find machines similar to that pictured right.
If you have a single ticket then enter the ticket into the machine, if you
have purchased a pass do it on your first journey.
The machines will validate the ticket with the time and date.
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Ticket
Validation Machine |
Automated
Ticket Machine |
Most of the
locals will not be using these machines, they are not fare evaders but have
season tickets of one type or another.
Groups of ticket inspectors from time to time descend to check all passengers
have valid tickets - current immediate fine is €51.
Tickets for both the bus system and Metro can be purchased from tobacconists,
bars, or vending machines at metro stations and major bus stops.
Many visitors will be arriving at Termini Station. Termini Station is a
good place to get your tickets, especially travel passes. There are a lot
of kiosks at the bus station in front of the railway station and many tobacconists
around the station who are used to dealing with visitors and advertise the
fact in English.
If you are brave, there are some automatic ticket vending machines with
instructions in English, (pictured left),these machines pictured are at
Termini Station |
| Ticket
options are: |
- B.I.T.
€ 1.00. Standard ticket, valid for one Metro ride or 75 minutes
on all buses.
- B.I.G.
€ 4.00. Daily ticket, valid for unlimited metro, bus, and train
travel within Rome.
- B.T.I.
€11.00. 3-day tourist ticket, valid for everything listed under
the B.I.G ticket.
- C.I.S.
€16.00. Weekly ticket
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Weekly
Ticket |
Transport
To Colosseum/Forum
The Colosseum
has its own Metro station,
although the coverage of the Metro
is not comprehensive.
If you have to get a bus, most buses into central Rome visit the Piazza
Venezia an interesting area in itself. Its a great place to look down
on the Forum and Colosseum to get a birds eye overview before descending
through The Forum.
Most tour groups will visit the Collosseum first and be walking the
other way. |
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Transport
to Vatican City
There are two Metro
stops, one for the Vatican Museum, the other San Pietro for St Peter's
Square.
Many buses travel through
the city centre including the number 40 and 64 from Termini via Piazza
Venezia, get off as soon as you cross the river. You can easily walk
in 10-15 minutes to the Pantheon or Navona from St Peter's. |
Spanish
Steps, Trevi, Pantheon
A dense
network of narrow lanes and alleys allow only a handful of roads able
to support buses.
Get a street map of the area and walk its such an interesting area
with something around every corner. The Metro
runs to Spagna (Spanish Steps) and buses
will drop you at several points around the area.
If you must there is a small
electric bus that links the 3 monuments through all the small
lanes and alleys.
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