metro in rome

How does the metro in Rome work?

March 9, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

The metro in Rome is a quick and easy way to explore the city, especially if you only have a few days. The network is not huge, but it gets you easily to the main sights in Rome. Since its opening in 1955, the Rome Metro has three lines and 60 kilometers of track. It is managed by ATAC, the company that also runs the city’s other public transportation. The expansion of Rome’s metro is slow, however, due to frequent archaeological discoveries when new tunnels are built.

Despite its limited expansion, the metro in Rome remains a convenient choice for getting around the Eternal City. Want to use the metro in Rome during your stay? Find everything you need to know in this article!

What metro lines are there in Rome?

metro in rome

Rome has three subway lines, but as a tourist you mainly use lines A and B.

Subway line A (orange line)

Metro Line A can be identified by its orange color. This line has 27 stations and runs from the northwest to the southeast of the city, from Battistini to Anagnina. This is the ideal line to explore Rome’s historic center!

Key stops:

1. Cipro – nearest stop to the Vatican Museums
2. Spagna – nearest stop for the Spanish Steps
3. Barberini – nearest stop for the Trevi Fountain
4. Termini – transfer to subway line B

Metro Line B (blue line)

Metro Line B can be recognized by its blue color. This line has 26 stations and runs from north to south. What is special about line B is the branch line B1, which allows the line to run to Jonio and Rebibbia in the north, while the southern terminus is Laurentina.

This line takes you past Termini, Rome’s main train station, and Colosseo, the stop near the Colosseum. From there you can easily walk to the Roman Forum and the Palatine.

Key stops:

1. Colosseo – nearest stop to the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine
2.Pyramid – convenient for visiting the Testaccio district
3.Termini – transfer option to subway line A

Subway line C (green line)

Subway line C is the newest line from Rome and is still being expanded. The special feature of this line is that it runs fully automatically, without a driver. The line has 25 stations and currently runs from San Giovanni to Montecompatri/Pantano in the southeast. In the future, the line will be extended to the northwest to better connect with Rome’s historic center. As a tourist, however, you won’t use this line very often because it mainly connects the outskirts of the city.

Key stops:

1. Colosseo – nearest stop for the Colosseum and Roman Forum
2.Venezia – nearest stop for Piazza Venezia

How do you buy a metro ticket in Rome?

Buying tickets for the metro in Rome is easy. There is one type of ticket you can use for the bus, train and metro in Rome.

You can buy a ticket at a ticket machine at the metro station or at tobacco stores (identified by a big T on the facade).

What metro tickets are available in Rome? Discover options and prices!

1. BIT Ticket – €1.50 per person, valid for 100 minutes with unlimited transfers.
2.Day Ticket (BIG Ticket) – €7 per person.
3. 48-hour Ticket (BTI Ticket) – €12.50, valid 48 hours from first activation for unlimited travel within Rome.
4. 3-Day Ticket (BTI Ticket) – €18, valid 72 hours from first activation for unlimited travel within the city.
5.Weekly Ticket (CIS Ticket) – €24 per person.

Tickets can be purchased in several places in Rome. The easiest way is to go directly to the vending machines in the metro stations. There are different types of vending machines: the yellow machines accept debit card payments, while the red machines accept cash only.

In addition, tobacco stores and kiosks sell tickets at the same price as the vending machines. You can find them all over the city, so there is always one nearby!

Travel times for the metro in Rome

The metro in Rome runs from 05:30 to 21:00. On Fridays and Saturdays, the Rome Metro stays available longer and runs until 01:30. During the day, Rome Metro trains depart fairly regularly, usually every 3 to 5 minutes. In the late evening, however, it can sometimes take up to 15 minutes for the next Rome Metro train to depart.

Is the metro in Rome safe?

In general, the metro in Rome and public transportation in the city is quite safe. However, it is advisable not to linger too long at Termini station in the evening, as it is often a meeting place for people you would rather not run into. Also, be alert to pickpockets and make sure you always keep your belongings close to you.

Do you need to take public transportation in Rome?

A common question is, “Should you take public transportation in Rome?” This depends on your situation. If your accommodation is far from the tourist spots, it is convenient to take the subway or bus to save time. But if you stay longer, you can also do a lot of walking. This way you will discover more of the city and pass by places you might not otherwise see. In Rome, you can explore a lot on foot, if you are willing and able. So it depends on your wishes, time and shoes!

Roma Pass: Unlimited free travel on public transport in Rome

Roma pass Metro in Rome

The Roma Pass allows unlimited free travel on Rome’s metro, buses and streetcars. So you don’t have to worry about loose tickets. Note, however, that the pass does not apply to airport transfers or regional trains.

In addition to unlimited travel on public transportation in Rome, the Roma Pass also offers free admission to various sights and discounts on other attractions.

Special offers for a city trip to Rome

Are you going on a city trip to Rome and would like to visit some of the sights in Rome, take advantage of the offers below!

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