Metro, Bus & Train in Rome
Metro, Buses, and Other Public Transportation in Rome
Here you'll find all the important information about public transportation in and around Rome, operated by ATAC. The fastest mode of transportation within the city is the metro. Compared to other European capitals, Rome has a relatively small metro network with 3 lines, which is currently being expanded. However, there is a very dense bus network covering the entire city. For points a bit further within Rome and its surrounding areas, there are numerous train connections (similar to the S-Bahn).
Metro, Tram & S-Bahn Network Map
Network Map of Rome
What Types of Tickets Are Available for the Metro and Buses in Rome?
The ticketing system in Rome is quite straightforward, with classic single rides and several multi-day tickets available. The city of Rome (Zones 1 & 2) is divided into several fare zones. Rome's airports are in Zone 3. Tickets for the metro can also be used in buses, trams, and regional trains and vice versa.
| Ticket | Validity (from first use) | Price (at the location) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Ride | 100 Minutes | 1.50 Euro | |
| 24-Hour Ticket | 24 Hours | 7.00 Euro | |
48-Hour Ticket | 48 Hours | 12.50 Euro | |
72-Hour Ticket | 72 Hours | 18.00 Euro | |
Weekly Ticket (Zone 1 + 2) | until 24:00 of the 7th day | 24.00 Euro | |
Weekly Ticket (Zone 1 - 3) | until 24:00 of the 7th day | 34.50 Euro |
Single Ticket
The classic single ticket is valid for 100 minutes and currently costs 1.50 euros. This ticket allows almost unrestricted use of public transport within fare zones 1 + 2 (city of Rome). The only condition is that you can only use the metro or metro area once during this time. That means, as long as you are in the metro area, you can ride and switch between multiple metros. However, once you leave the area, you cannot use this ticket to re-enter the metro area. Switching from the metro to a bus or tram after your ride is possible without any problems. Vice versa, you can start your journey with a tram or bus and then switch to the metro.
Day Ticket / Multi-Day Tickets
The day ticket is valid for 24 hours from the first use. During this time, all public transport in Rome can be used unlimitedly. There is no metro usage limit like with the single ticket. The same applies to multi-day tickets, which are valid for either 48 hours or 72 hours.
Weekly Ticket
The weekly ticket, like the other types of tickets, can be used for all public transport in Rome. It is valid for 7 days. However, unlike day/multi-day tickets that count full days, the validity of the weekly ticket expires at midnight on the seventh day. For instance, if you start using the weekly ticket at 1:00 PM on a Wednesday, you can use it until 11:59:59 PM the following Tuesday.
Where can I buy tickets for the metro, buses, and suburban trains in Rome?
Tickets for public transport in Rome can be purchased directly at the stations. Ticket machines are available at almost all stops. Additionally, there are ticket counters in the metro and at railway stations where you can buy your tickets. It is also possible to buy a ticket from the driver when boarding a bus. The easiest option is the aforementioned ticket machines, which can be operated in multiple languages, even if you do not speak Italian. If you want to avoid any hassle, you can also buy your tickets online in advance and have them delivered to your home, or use your credit card/smartphone as a ticket (see contactless payment).
How far can I travel with the tickets (zones)?
Within the city area of Rome, you can travel anywhere with the standard tickets. The city of Rome is considered a two-zone area (Zone 1 + 2). Additionally, you can travel further on specific suburban train routes with normal tickets. For instance, you can travel to the Mediterranean at Ostia without needing to buy an extra ticket. This applies to the routes Roma-Lido, Roma - Giardinetti, and Roma-Viterbo.
Validity area:
- Rome Zone: Metro, Bus, Tram, Minibuses (Trolleybus)
- Cortal Buses (Urban Line)
- RL Train: Roma - Lido
- RL Train: Roma - Giardinetti
- RL Train: Roma - Viterbo
Metro, Tram & S-Bahn Network Plan
Contactless Tickets / Contactless Payment for Metro Tickets
Since September 2019, it has been possible in Rome to buy or pay for tickets for the metro, bus, and tram contactlessly. The Roman transport company ATAC has installed contactless payment readers at all metro stations. You can now simply use your credit card or smartphone as your ticket and for payment. Simply hold your credit card up to the special reader at the entrance to the station and the amount will be charged before you start your journey. The first 4 rides within 24 hours are always charged as a single ride. If you make more than 4 rides within 24 hours, the amount for a day pass for metro, bus, and tram is automatically charged. You always automatically pay the lowest price and don't have to worry about whether you should buy a single ticket or a day pass. Thus, the prior purchase of a ticket (single ride or day pass) at the ticket machines or ticket counters is no longer necessary.
You can use any credit card (Mastercard, Visa, etc.) with contactless payment functionality for this free service, without needing to register anywhere beforehand, as is the case in London if you want to use contactless to solve your fares there. The same applies to your smartphones if they are equipped with NFC and set up for contactless payment.
Registration of your credit card is only necessary if you want to buy a monthly pass for the public transport in Rome on your way.
Ticket Inspection, What Should I Keep in Mind?
Always remember to validate your tickets before starting your journey. In the metro, this should always happen automatically when you go through the turnstiles where you use your tickets. But especially remember this when you board a bus, train, or tram.
If there is a ticket inspection during your journey, show the inspector your purchased and validated ticket. If you are using your credit card or smartphone as a ticket/fare card, then show this to the inspector.
Can I Use the Tickets for Airport Transfer?
No, special tickets or fares that are also valid in Zone 3 or beyond are needed for this. An overview of how you can get from Ciampino Airport or Fiumicino Airport to Rome or back is provided on individual pages.