Getting around

Getting Around Rome: A Transport Guide for North American Travelers

Updated Mon, Nov 3, 2025

Rome blends excellent public transit with walkable historic districts. Metro and buses serve major sites while walking suits the ancient center best.

Getting Around Rome: A Transport Guide for North American Travelers

Overview

Ease of getting around

Rome offers multiple transportation options for visitors from the US and Canada. The city combines efficient public transit with highly walkable historic areas. Metro lines A, B, and C connect major attractions, while buses reach every corner. Walking remains the best way to explore the ancient center, where most famous sites cluster within reasonable distances. Rental cars create more problems than solutions due to restricted zones and limited parking. Biking works well on designated paths but cobblestone streets challenge casual cyclists. Taxis and ride-sharing provide convenient alternatives for longer distances or late-night travel.

Public transit

ATAC operates Rome's comprehensive transit network including three metro lines, buses, and trams. Single tickets cost €1.50 and work across all modes for 100 minutes. Day passes offer better value for multiple trips. Metro runs until 11:30 PM weekdays and 1:30 AM weekends. Night buses serve key routes after metro closure. Purchase tickets at stations, tobacco shops, or via the MyCicero app. Validate paper tickets before boarding to avoid fines.

Driving

Major rental companies operate from airports and city locations including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. International driving permits are required for North Americans. Rome's historic center restricts most vehicles through ZTL zones with heavy fines for violations. Parking costs €2-4 hourly in central areas with scarce availability. Traffic congestion peaks during rush hours. Consider rentals only for day trips outside the city.

Walking

Rome's compact historic center makes walking the ideal transport method for sightseeing. Major attractions like the Colosseum, Forum, and Pantheon lie within 2-3 kilometers of each other. Cobblestone streets require comfortable shoes with good grip. Summer heat demands early morning or evening walks. The city provides excellent pedestrian access to archaeological sites and piazzas. Allow extra time for photo stops and unexpected discoveries along ancient streets.

Biking

Rome expanded bike infrastructure with dedicated lanes along the Tiber River and select streets. Bike sharing through Roma'n'Bike and private rentals cost €15-25 daily. Cobblestones and traffic make cycling challenging in the historic center. Villa Borghese park offers safe recreational cycling. Electric bikes help climbing Rome's hills. Many attractions lack secure bike parking. Morning hours provide the safest cycling conditions with lighter traffic volumes.