Rome Public Bus Services
Everything You Need To Know About Using Rome's Local Public Bus & Tram Services
 |
Typical Rome Public Bus |
Rome public buses run a very comprehensive and frequent system running from about 05:30 to midnight daily. These bus services are supplemented by night services that run all night along the core routes.
In the centre of Rome, where most visitors are, the major bus terminus is in front of Termini Station. Termini is the major public transport hub for central Rome and if you use public transport for sightseeing it will soon become a familiar place.
In general the public buses are used for very short journeys and as a feeder service to the Metro and train networks.
 |
| Local Buses |
| Metro |
| Train Services |
| Tickets, Travel Passes |
| Hop on, Hop Off Tour Buses |
| Airports, Cruise Ports |
| Fiumicino Airport |
| Ciampino Airport |
| Civiitavecchia Cruise Port |
However, in the ancient centre of Rome, where neither the Metro or any railway line ventures, the bus is the only viable public transport. Even so, the buses are constrained in this central area, far too big to travel along many of the roads they trundle along just a few of the major roads. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Bus Maps & Finding Your Way Around
There are a bewildering array of routes. On the right is a link to the official bus map of Central Rome.
In the very centre of Rome the narrow streets mean all buses are channeled down a few major roads. You will often find you have a wide choice of routes going where you need as a result and have no need for a bus map.
 |
Typical Rome Bus Stop |
Helpfully nearly all bus stops are very large with the routes stopping at the bus stop clearly displayed. Each route is detailed with the major stops along the way stated, (see image right).
At many bus stops there are electronic displays like the image below which displays the estimated arrival time of buses of the various routes. This information is driven by real time tracking devices on the buses and is quite accurate.
 |
Don't expect orderly queues where those waiting longest get on the bus first. More than likely the bus will be crowded and there will be an undignified scramble onto the bus often with pushing past those trying to get off the bus.
Don't expect to get a seat either, if you do get one, treat it as an unexpected bonus. Clearly your chances of getting a seat are much better if you get on at the starting point of the bus.
 |
| Rome Public Transport Map Available In Rome From Newsagents |
Useful Routes For The First Time Visitor
Of the main 'must see' sights the Vatican, Spanish Steps and Colosseum / Forum are best visited by Metro if you can. The ancient centre of Rome is a no go area for the Metro, you either need to walk (and walking is a very attractive proposition in Rome) or take the local bus.
Some key, frequent routes for the tourist are listed below, but there are many, many more.
40 (Limited stop express) - Termini - Piazza Venezia - Argentina - Piazza Pia (for St Peter's/Vatican)
64 - Termini - Piazza Venezia - Argentina - Vatican
62 - Repubblica - Spanish Steps - Piazza Venezia - Argentina - Vatican
81 - Vatican Museums - Piazza Imperatore (Spanish Steps) - Piazza Colonna (Trevi Fountain) - Piazza Venezia - Circo Massimo - Colosseum
60 - Repubblica - Piazza Venezia - Colosseum - Circo Massimo
H - Termini - Piazza Venezia - Argentina - Trastevere
9 (Tram) - Argentina - Trastevere
Rome Bus, Tram & Metro Fares & Ticketing
All local public transport is integrated in Rome. You have to purchase your tickets before you board any public transport in Rome. Most people will have a pass of one kind or another.
 |
| Ticket Validation Machine |
Tickets for both the bus system and Metro can be purchased from tobacconists, bars, or vending machines at metro stations and major bus stops. On both buses and metro there is a flat fare. whether you go one stop or to the end of the line.
At Metro Stations there are ticket barriers where you have to insert your ticket to enter and leave the Metro Station.
 |
| Automated Ticket Machine |
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, you put the pass into the machine on your first journey. This stamps the date and time from which the pass or ticket is valid.
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 onto a bus or platform to check all passengers have valid tickets. If not you will incur a heavy fine.
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.
Rome Bus, Tram & Metro Ticket PricesTicket options are: |
|
|
 |
 |
If you don't fancy the chore of tracking down a ticket outlet on arrival in Rome, you can order the 1 and 3 day transport passes now and have them conveniently sent to your home, wherever in the world you live. Of course you have to pay a premium for this service, but the time saved and stress free convenience of this facility is attractive to many. |
 |
Electric
Buses In Rome
The small electric Rome buses (pictured) right catch the eye and camera of many visitors to Rome. They are serious buses and not specifically for tourists. Like most Rome buses they have minimal seating and are often overcrowded.
The electric buses run every day except Sunday on routes where a full size bus is unable to access. Many of the routes cover the prime visitor attractions like the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps which cannot be serviced by the full size buses.
Others frequent the quaint alleys and lanes of districts like Trastevere and Campo de Fiori, great draws for visitors.
115: Winds its way around the narrow cobbled lanes of Trastevere, including up to the heights above Trastevere with great views down over the city.
116: Winds its way through the old city of Rome through the alleys and lanes the big buses cannot go. Links Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Villa Borghese.
 |