Rome - subways - metro A and metro B

Don't. Use the buses. The metro is very limited and doesn't go many places that you want to do. The metro and buses are equally safe. There are lots of concern for pickpockets in general but we have never had a problems on either. Of course, we don't look like we have anything either.

You can get very close to some sites but not all of them. There is a metro stop right at the colosseum, circus maximus, spanish steps, termini station, and near the vatican museums. You can take the metro to the Barberini or spanish steps stops to be close to the trevi fountain,. There are no metro stops near the pantheon or piazza Navona.

If you are close to the vatican you may want to take the metro closer into the city but then you can easily walk to the sites.

I don't use the metro often as the city is so easy to walk in. I never use the buses.

Donna

Ron,

I suppose the best transportation method depends on which part of Rome you're staying, and where you want to go. Especially staying in the Termini area, the Metro is by far the easiest way to get to lots of sights, but I've never checked for Metro options from the Vatican area.

Yes, I always feel safe although one does have to be vigilant for pickpockets on the Metro or any other crowded locations (the #64 Bus has quite a "reputation").

If you're packing along a copy of the Italy 2010 Guidebook, you'll have maps so that you can plan the best transportation routes. There's a Metro stop a short walk from the Vatican, and I wouldn't hesitate to use that to get to other parts of Rome.

Happy travels!

The Metro is NOT worthless! However, it is only useful for attractions near it. If you are taking any day trips outside of Rome, the Metro is the best way to get from your hotel to Termini Train Station. Also, San Paolo fuori le Mura is best reached by Metro. I never ride the bus in Rome; the traffic is awful and it's easier to walk, usually.

However, the Pantheon is only about a ten minute walk from the Spanish Steps or five minutes from Trevi Fountain.

I highly recommend the Roma Pass. You can get it at the main train station (tourism office) or airport. It is valid for 3 days from the time of “activation” and gets you into two museums for free, other museums at a discount, and unlimited trips on buses and metros. It's about $25 EU (about cost of two museum entrances) and you get the ease of being able to hop on and off a bus or metro anytime even for just one stop without having to buy a ticket every time. Keep in mind the metro part of the card and the museum part are completely separate systems and each have their own "clock" that starts at first use (valid for 72 hours). Additionally, the Roma Pass comes with a good map of Rome and a booklet that gives you a description of each museum, their hours, cost, and major sights. The best part is you could call the customer service number and ask the English-speaking attendant anything like "I'm trying to go from to . What's the best way to get there?" and they'll tell you exactly what bus/metro to take. This saves you time and cost of cabs when the public transportation is easy when you know exactly what buses/metro to take. Check out www.romapass.it.

We used the metro a lot while we were there. It does not always drop you off right in front of the major sites (Vatican, Trevi, etc.) but they are a short (and pleasant) walk away. We always felt safe. However, during rush hour the cars can be extremely packed going into the city. (We stayed one metro stop beyond the Forum area) We would walk to the far end of the train and were always able to squeeze on. Never had a bit of trouble, but if someone wanted to pickpocket you, a packed metro car is a good opportunity. (That is true of buses as well) Overall, we loved the Metro, the Roma Pass, and Rome. Our last morning we got up extra early so that we could avoid the masses getting to the train with our suitcases. (Even our RS backpacks would have been difficult during the height of rush hour)