Getting around in Rome

Hey Guys - Because cabs are expensive the best way to see Rome is by the open air buses you can pick up on The Via Veneto - they allow you to get off at any point and back on another bus - A Great value.

Enjoy Roma , Greg

Rome has a great subway system (as long as you keep everything important to you in a money belt...lots of pickpockets). The subway will get you close to most places you'd want to go.

I find both of the prior postings interesting in that I have always thought that the cab were reasonable in Rome. Just be sure the meter is running and not broken. And second, seldom use the metro because it doesn't go any where near many of the major sites. We always stay in the Termini area and walk nearly everywhere. You could walk to the Vatican around an hour and fifteen. However, the bus system works well and hop on/off buses are good for at least the first day.

The hop-on/hop-off bus is a good way to get an orientation of Rome and a way to see the city and its major sights if you have limited time. You can pick it up at any of the 17 scheduled stops and you can get a 1 or 2 day ticket. After that, it's an expensive way to get around and public transportation or cabs (making sure they are legit with medallions and that the meter is running or you pre-arrange a fee.)

Here's a link to the HOHO bus:

Rome
s Hop on, Hop Off, Open Top Bus

Public buses, metro and walking are the bet ways to get around. I buy a daily or multi-day transit pass and it pays for itself after 4 uses per day. If seeing a lot of sights, many have recommended buying the Roma Pass which includes public transportation.

I normally use the Metro or other public transit, and only use Taxi's for occasional trips where necessary. Even if the Metro doesn't go to every attraction, the routes cover some of the main sights (Colosseum) and it will usually get you close enough to walk.

The Buses are also good, however be especially careful of the No. 64 Bus, which has a bit of a "reputation" for pickpockets. Don't forget to pack your Money Belt!

Cheers!

My first day in Rome I took the Metro at Termini to the Circus Maximus exit. From there I walked to the Colosseum and thru central Rome. I crossed the river and walked to the Vatican. From there I walked back to my hotel. I could have walked over to the nearest Metro stop and taken the Metro back to Termini. When I get tired I hop on a bus or get on the Metro to get back to my hotel area. Buy a few Metro tickets when you first arrive so you don't have to find a tabacchi shop when you are ready to travel.

As stated, the Metro system is limited in Rome - we only have two line. Line C is currently (and probably permanently) under construction. Yet, coupling the metro, bus, and tram lines together you can get excellent coverage in Rome using public transportation. And since you're near Termini, you have the advantage of being close to train, metro, and bus connections.

That said, there are a few buses that can go directly to where you want. The 40 and 64 head to the Vatican area. The 910 will take you to Villa Borghese. The H bus will run to Trastevere - All these start at Termini... and there are far more options on the bus!

These links must help you in your transportation quest:

Riding buses in Rome - CLICK HERE

Bus & Metro Tickets - CLICK HERE

Kiosks for Bus and Metro Tickets - CLICK HERE

The Metro in Rome - CLICK HERE

We get around fine in Rome with a combination of walking, metro busses and the occasional taxi. We've had mostly postive experiences with taxis there, but did have a driver try to rip us off this past May. Do be aware that when you call a taxi the fare starts when they come to get you NOT when they arrive to get you.