Rome rewards walking and punishes rushing. The centre is small enough to cross on foot, and the main practical questions are how to get in from the airport and how to buy transport tickets correctly.
From the airport
- Fiumicino: the Leonardo Express train to Termini, around 32 minutes and non stop.
- Fiumicino: regional trains to Trastevere and Ostiense are cheaper and slower.
- Fiumicino: shuttle buses to Termini cost less again and take about an hour depending on traffic.
- Ciampino: buses to Termini, roughly 40 minutes, used mainly by low cost carriers.
- Official white taxis charge a fixed fare into the historic centre, posted at the rank.
Confirm the fixed taxi fare before setting off and make sure you are in an official white taxi with the Roma Capitale marking. Fixed fares apply to destinations inside the Aurelian walls, not beyond them.
Tickets and validation
Metro, bus and tram tickets are sold at machines, tobacconists and newsstands. Metro tickets are validated at the barrier, but on buses and trams you must validate in the small machine on board. An unvalidated ticket is treated as fare evasion and inspectors do check.
Getting around
The metro has limited coverage because of the archaeology beneath the city, so buses and walking fill the gaps. Most of the historic centre is walkable in 20 to 30 minutes end to end, and the streets are far more interesting than the underground.
Where to stay
- Monti for a central location with a neighbourhood atmosphere.
- Trastevere for evening life and restaurants, a short walk over the river.
- Prati for quieter streets near the Vatican and good transport.
- Near Termini for transport convenience, though the immediate area is less charming.
Practical notes
Book major sites online in advance, particularly the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, since walk up queues can be hours long in season. Dress codes apply at churches, meaning covered shoulders and knees, and this is enforced at St Peter's.
Summer heat is serious. Plan indoor visits for the middle of the day, carry water and refill at the public fountains, which run continuously and are safe to drink from. Many are marked on city maps.
Common questions
- Is the Leonardo Express worth it over the bus?
- Usually yes if you value time and land in daylight. The bus is cheaper and fine if you are not in a hurry.
- Do restaurants charge a cover?
- Many add a small per person cover charge, called coperto. It is normal and should be listed on the menu.
- Can I drive in the centre?
- Not without a permit. The historic centre is a restricted traffic zone with cameras, and fines arrive months later.
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