Getting Around in Rome - A Quick Guide to Transport

Rome is a fantastic destination for a holiday. Packed full of history, art, culture and world-famous attractions, few cities can match it for a weekend trip. One of the things you may be wondering about is how to get around once you're there, however. Fortunately, Rome has a good transport system, so here's a quick guide to what you need to know.

Arriving

When you arrive, you will probably arrive at one of the two airports: Fiumicino Airport, also known as Leonardo da Vinci, or Ciampino. The former is the main one, and from here it is easy to get into Rome on a shuttle service. Pick up a Fiumicino airport map when you arrive, and then arrange a transfer into the city (or arrange this in advance for greater convenience). There is a train as well, which takes you to the main station in Rome, Stazione Termini, and from here you can easily get to your accommodation if you are staying in the city.

Taxis

You will be able to get a basic lay of the land from your Fiumicino airport map, but after travelling into the city, you will find that taxis are the most expensive way to get around – although the easiest. If you do get a taxi, just make sure it is one of the official ones and insist that the meter is running. You will have to wait at a taxi rank to pick one up, but they are not difficult to find.

Metro

One of the simplest ways to get around if you are unfamiliar with the city is the metro. There are only two lines, A and B, so simply find out which stops are nearest to the sights you want to see, then hop on and hop off. You won't be able to travel to too many attractions in the historic area of the city, but it is still a convenient way to get around.

Buses

You will also find plenty of buses to catch when you arrive in the city after travelling in from Fiumicino airport. Maps are also available from tourist information offices and they show the points where you can alight to explore the different city sights. Buses run all through the day up to midnight and there are also night buses available in case you stay out late.

Rent a Moped

If you don't want to travel by public transport, you could always rent a moped. This is a very popular way to get around in Rome. You may not need one if you are staying in the centre, but if you want to get further, this could be a great option.

Go on Foot

Of course, you could always just rely on your own two feet. The historic centre of the city is actually quite small, and therefore very easy to get around. In fact, walking is the best way to discover the heart of the city, as you can take in the atmosphere as you explore.

See the Highlights

From the moment you pick up your Fiumicino airport map upon arrival to the moment you leave, you'll have an amazing time in Rome. Getting around to see all of the highlights is easy, whether you travel by bus, metro or just on foot.

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct. If you’re travelling from Fiumicino airport, map your itinerary around a convenient shuttle transfer in to the centre of Rome. Shuttle Direct provide pre-booked shuttles to major destinations all over Europe. Wherever you travel, Shuttle Direct can make sure that you don’t miss your car on your holiday abroad.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.