Transportation situation, Rome

They're very safe as far as violent crime, such as muggings. Pickpockets? You'll be amongst them pretty much anywhere at all in Italy where visitors go so you'll want to protect your valuables anywhere at all. Heavens, I've seen reported pickpocketing occurring in some of the churches! Anyway, protection is not difficult: these forums have a surplus of methods different of us use when we travel.

But to add to travel by Metro, Rome's system isn't extensive, and (currently) skirts a big section of the historical center. It can be useful, say, for longer hops but buses and trams have to fill in the blanks. The best form of transport whenever possible? Your own two feet. Rome is a wonderful walking city and you'll experience more of it by trotting through streets and alleys where transport can't/doesn't go. We've opted to use public transport a mere couple of times on our visits to the Eternal City.

My brother and I decided to catch the subway from the train station in Rome to the Spanish Steps( instead of a taxi). We boarded the wrong subway train - I hopped off (when I realised my mistake), but he didn’t have time and subsequently we were separated. A young couple on the subway train , got off with him at the next stop and ensured he got on the right train this time. We constantly read the horror stories about muggers, pick pockets etc, but not so much about the times when local residents are kind and very helpful as in this case. Mind you, the taxis are much easier

Mind you, the taxis are much easier

But more expensive, subject to traffic slowdowns, and can't be hailed from the street, only from taxi stands.

We have traveled to Rome three times--a 4th coming up a year from now--and I consider it my favorite city on the planet. Granted, it's not without its warts, but it has everything I need.

Transportation-wise, obviously the easiest way to get around is to walk. If you stay central--we stay in Centro Storico near Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Navona--you can walk virtually anywhere of any importance. But our most recent trip in April 2025, we utilized the FreeNow Uber-like app for 3 separate trips, and it worked great. Set it up the day before just like Uber. Prices reasonable--I think trans from Campo de' Fiori to the Vatican was 35 Euro for 4 people--not bad at all. OH--we tried FreeNow from Termini station and there were so many people--and people on their mobile phones--that the calls weren't going through so we just opted for a couple of taxis.

Last time we used buses and/or the Metro was 2017. We had gotten weekly passes at a tabacchi shop for 24 Euro per person, and used it without incident. I have heard that there are more pickpockets now than before on them, but I cannot verify. It's still great to wander using it I think.

I’m not sure I would call reasonable a taxi fare of 35€ ($40) a one mile taxi ride of less than 10 minutes from Campo dei Fiori to St. Peter’s Square. Even if it was to the Vatican museums it wouldn’t be more than 2 miles. Taxicabs are definitely safer but very expensive in Italy.

The biggest crime risk for a visitor to Rome or any large Italian cities is pickpockets, especially aboard public transportation (buses, subway trains, tramways/trolleys). They also tend to target tourists since they are more distracted and may have more valuables on them. Just keep your valuables in inside money belts or neck wallets (also under your garments). However the most priced loot for a pickpocket is your smartphone, therefore pay particular attention to your device. Don’t keep your phone in your back pocket half hanging out, as it is popular to do. Use a tactical military grade belt phone holster with buckle and Velcro and always keep a hand on it while riding a bus. This is what I use:
AH Military Grade Cell Phone... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075VBDGD8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I should have added that the taxi was easier ‘on that day’. It was 15 Euros from the train station to the Spanish Steps and it was a hot day so happy to spend the money. On previous trips to Rome, have walked everywhere, although on a previous trip, both taxi rides were unpleasant. On both occasions the drivers refused to use the metre, saying it was a flat fee and even though we knew we were being ripped off, it was raining quite heavily, so we reluctantly agreed, As for pick pockets, as Roberto and others have commented, a bit of common sense is needed when out and about

Okay. Thank you all. So it sounds like what I heard previously was the truth from both sides, IMO. Yes, pickpockets are troublesome and makes any normal way of life a nuisance, however with the know-how, forward planning, and good practice the public transportation is very useful and shouldn't be avoided.