Arriving by Air

Italy's capital city is served by Rome Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport, located around 16 miles (26 kms) south-west of Rome city centre, and Rome Ciampino Airport, situated 10 miles (15kms) south-east of Rome. Getting to Rome is easy - as well as the international airport, Rome has excellent bus and train links with hundreds of destinations throughout Italy and the rest of Europe. See 'Airports' for transport links into Rome.

Getting Around Rome

Rome city centre has an extensive public transport network operated by ATAC though the leading attractions are easily accessible on foot. There are just two metro lines A and B (a third is currently in construction) which are complemented by buses, trams and a comprehensive urban and suburban train network.

You can use the same ticket for bus and metro travel, which should be purchased in advance from train and metro station vending machines and tobacconists. More detailed ticketing information here.

Metro: The Metro service in Rome is not extensive but is a fast way of getting around. Line A (Red) runs between Battistini and Anagnina with stops near the Vatican Museums (Cipro), the Vatican (Ottaviano), the Cola di Rienzo shopping area (Lepanto), Piazza del Popolo (Flaminia), the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), via Veneto (Barberini) and San Giovanni. Line B (Blue) operates between Rebibbia and Laurentina, stopping at Eur, St. Pauls Outside the Walls (Basilica S. Paolo), Piramide (also the Ostiense train station), Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo), the Colosseum (Colosseo) and the Tiburtina train station.

Bus: Bus is the most common form of transport in Rome - buses are operated by ATAC and Cotral, with ATAC buses generally serving the city centre and most of the suburbs while COTRAL buses service the outer suburbs and outlying regional areas. Buses and trams generally run between 6am and midnight every day, with popular routes served every 10 minutes and with night buses. Passengers should board at the front and back of buses and exit at the middle. Tickets must be purchased before embarking. There are two special tourist routes, the 110 Open and Archeobus, which loop around Rome's leading attractions. Slow Travel has more detailed information on Rome's bus services.

Tram: Trams do not cover much of Rome's historic centre though some stop near the Vatican, Colloseum and Trastevere.

Taxi: Fares for Rome's yellow or white, metered taxis charge higher rates at night and on Sundays. Fares cannot be agreed in advance. Meters do not stop when the taxis are stationary and prices rise according to the amount of baggage and passengers. Bars and cafes can also request cabs for you.

Car: Driving a car around Rome is not recommended - most of the city's historic centre is closed to normal traffic and you parking permit are required for parking in the centre. Dangerous driving is now generally less common in Rome than historically, though driving around Rome is generally difficult due to the volume of traffic and the limited parking spaces - illegally parked cars are towed. The minimum age for car rental is 21. Many filling stations close on Sundays, though self-service and credit card payment is available.

Moped: Scooters are a great way to get around the city. Expect to pay around 30 euros per day. Helmets are mandatory.

River Boat: For just one euro you can travel on the famous Tiber from Tiberina Island to Duca d'Aosta Bridge on a River Boat. Two-hour trips to Ostia Antica and longer cruises that take in dinner are available. Tickets can be purchased at Batteli di Roma sales points at Rome's airports or at the Termini Station.