Getting Around Rome

Rome is a large city, but the historic center is quite small and most of the major sights are within a reasonable distance from each other. Therefore, walking is a perfectly manageable mode of transportation in the heart of the city.

Public Transportation System

Buses, Trams and Subways

Rome's integrated transportation system includes buses and trams (ATAC), subway (metropolitana), suburban trains (FM) and coaches (COTRAL).
The easiest and most commonly used form of transportation is the bus. Extensive bus and tram routes connect the university with the historic center and extend far into the surrounding suburbs.

Bus and tram stops, departure schedules, and route information are found on well-marked signs throughout the city. Brightly colored (orange and green) city buses and tram lines (ATAC) run from about 5 am to about midnight, with night buses (indicated with an "N") on some lines. Passengers must remember to board at the front and back and exit at the middle.

The subway system (Metropolitana), is marked by red "M" signs on city maps. The two lines, A and B, intersect at Termini Station. Subway service begins at 5.30 am and concludes at midnight. The new suburban train system (FM) connects subway lines A and B with the suburb of Rome. See MAP for details.

The buses, trams, subways, and suburban trains use the same ticket. Tickets are sold at tabacchi shops, newsstands, many coffee bars, automatic ticket machines positioned in subway stations and some bus stops, and at ATAC and COTRAL ticket booths. Tickets cannot be bought on board.

Students can purchase a monthly bus pass (biglietto mensile), that permits unlimited travel on any bus, tram, or subway for a month. Monthly passes may be purchased at any tabacchi shop for EURO 30,00 and are automatically activated on the first day of every month. The students of The American University of Rome should not purchase the discounted ticket of 18 euro since it is meant only for Italian students resident in Rome.


Airport Service
There is convenient nonstop train service between the Termini Station and Fiumicino Airport. There is also a local train that connects Fiumicino Airport with the Trastevere train station.

A shuttle van service is also available to and from the airport for approx. €40. Students have to reserve the pick up in advance by telephone.


Taxi Service
It is usually difficult to hail a cab in the streets in Italy. Taxis are typically called by phone and they add a supplemental fee for the convenience.
Use only licensed, metered yellow or white cabs, identified by a numbered shield on the side and an illuminated taxi sign on the roof. Avoid unmarked or un-metered cabs (numerous at airports and train stations), whose drivers actively solicit your trade and may demand astronomical fares.


Useful transportation numbers and websites

Public Transportation
800 431 784
www.metrebus.it

Taxis
06 5551 / 06 3570 / 06 4994
www.3570.it

Airport Shuttles
06 588 5016 / 06 3383 221
www.rome-airport-shuttle.com