There
is a limited tram network in Rome that could be of interest to visitors.
The hub of the tram system is Piazza Maggiore, a kilometre or two
south of Termini near the old city walls.
With the notable exception of Tram no 8 that terminates at Argentina,
very close to Piazza Venezia in the very centre of Rome, the tram
routes service the periphery of the central zone.
If trams meet your trip needs they are an attractive means of transport.
They tend to be far less crowded than the buses and Metro, there is
even a danger you might get a seat!
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There
are regular stops along the tracks with slightly raised platforms,
(see photograph above). The tram lines that get the visitors (numbers
3 and 8) tend to get the most modern trams.
You can board at any entrance, the driver is in a locked cabin and
there is no conductor. Ticket validation machines (see fares section
bottom) are positioned along the tram cars like the buses. |
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Outline
Map of Rome Tram Network
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Useful
Routes
Tram
number 8, provides the easiest transport choice for those wanting
to get out to Trastevere. Its only a 5 minute ride from Alexander,
a square north west of Piazza Venezia and just south-west of the
Pantheon. As soon as you cross the river, get off at the first stop
If you have a couple of hours to spare, there is a pleasant enough
circuit around the inner edge of Rome that can be made from the
Vatican to Trestevere. Perhaps an early evening jaunt before dinner
in Trestevere. You can walk between the Vatican and Trestevere in
a fraction of the time it takes the tram as they perform a near
circling of the city.
The number 19 tram starts at Piazza Venezia, about 150m along the
main street that exits St Peter's Square to the north. Travel on
the number 19 tram to the Museum of Modern Art that is a major landmark
you cannot miss on the left hand side of the tram. The museum is
in the Villa Borghese parkland area and is a grand building that
draws your attention.
Get the number 3 tram opposite the museum at the stop you exited
the 19 tram. If you miss the stop it doesn't matter, both the 3
and 19 tram run along the same route for about the next 30 minutes.
The tram goes through everyday Rome and the University area to the
east of the city centre, then curves west again to Piazza Maggiore
where you will see some of the old city wall. The tram then travels
past the Colosseum before crossing the river over to Trestevere.
When the tram makes a sharp left turn after climbing the slight
hill from the river get off the tram. You can either walk back 10
minutes along the road to the main visitor area or get the number
8 tram.
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Bus,
Tram & Metro Tickets
You have
to purchase your tickets before you board public transport. There
are no ticket barriers at Metro Stations and you can board at any
entrance on buses and trams. 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 . Apart
from the Metro station 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.
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 the Comune di Roma. This includes Ostia
, but not Fiumicino airport or Tivoli .
- 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, valid for everything listed under
the B.I.G. ticket.
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| Important:
You must validate your ticket the first time you use it. On buses
there are orange machines all along the bus that you insert your ticket
into. On the Metro they are in the stations, validate your ticket
before you board. |
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