Transportation within Rome

Yes, you have to buy a ticket before boarding the metro or bus. I suggest getting at least as many tickets as you know you'll need all at the same time. You can get them at news stands or the metro stations. Then, you'll have them when you need them. Here's a website about public transport in Rome that may be helpful.

And you must validate your tickets upon entering the bus. See the link that Kathy sent - it has a picture of the little yellow machine to use to validate your tickets. Hefty on the spot fines if you don't.

Just to emphasize something Kathy wrote. You can NOT buy tickets on board the bus, but must buy them BEFORE boarding; you then stamp (validate) them on the bus. Hold on to your validated ticket until you get off the bus, in case an inspector wants to see it.

If you board without a ticket, or do not validate your ticket, you are in violation of the rules, and will be fined if caught by an inspector.

I am emphasizing this because there are regular posts by people who did not do their research and then complain about how "unfair" it is that they were fined, when they were breaking the rules. And you will see lots of people not validating tickets upon boarding, but that doesn't mean they don't have valid tickets. Passes (day, week, month, etc) only have to validated the first time they're used. So, they can be kept out of sight the rest of the time, until an inspector needs to see them.

It's wise to buy a few single-use tickets in advance of when you need to use them as there may not be a place selling them right by the stop where you want to board a bus or the vendor may be sold out. Metro stops generally have a machine (sometimes also a ticket window) where you can buy tickets just before entering the turnstiles.

Watch out for pickpockets on the METRO.

This is all so very helpful, and I can't thank you all enough. In looking at the link that Kathy sent, the only information that I didn't see was the method of payment. Since there are 5 of us, I'll probably buy about 25-30 tickets for our 3 day visit to Rome, and, if possible I would like to charge this amount on a credit card. Does anyone know if this is an acceptable method of payment? If not, do I need to put euros in the machine? Again, many thanks!

Hi lindah,

Here's a link to read for some handy info https://www.rometoolkit.com/transport/rome_bus.htm

Check into the pros and cons of buying Bus/metro passes (per person) - they have 24- 48- and 72- hour ones. If you and your family will be riding the buses a lot per day, it may be more cost efficient(?) You may be able to use one or two tix a day and be okay.

Although, Rome is a very walkable city. Many attractions are within 10- to 15-minutes of each other. Just "map out" your sites to maximize time efficiency with your shorter stay. Sometimes, a bus wait can be 10-minutes.

Rome bus, tram & Metro ticket prices

Ticket options are:
B.I.T. standard ticket, valid for one Metro ride or 100 minutes on all buses allowing transfers. €1.50
24 hour ticket - valid for unlimited metro, bus, and train travel within Rome for 24 hours from validation. €7.00
48 hour ticket - valid for unlimited metro, bus, and train travel within Rome for 48 hours from validation. €12.50
72 hour ticket - valid for unlimited metro, bus, and train travel within Rome for 72 hours from validation. €18.00
C.I.S. €24.00. Weekly ticket - valid for 7 calendar days

Some additional info:

In the last two years, there has been an increase in transit inspectors stopping and boarding a bus to look at valid tickets or passes. It can be intimidating yes, but, they are doing a job - they are nice but serious.

It's good to make sure to keep your ticket in the same place (some humor >) so you are not fumbling with nervousness wondering "which pocket in my bag did I put it in."

Tickets can be bought at Termini, at Tabacchi shops (look for a big T) and at most gift shops as well as "corner markets." I always paid in Euro, but, perhaps the larger shops accept credit cards; especially if you buy a large amount all at once. Of course, being stores, they can make change for you.

Neighborhood/corner marts may prefer Euro only. But, some may accept cards.

No tickets are sold on the bus. You can buy metro tickets at "window service" where the clerk can make change.

Once you and your family board the bus, look the validation machines. Before the bus takes off, validate the tickets. You may or may not find a seat. At peak times, the popular buses will be very crowded.

If you can't reach the machine, have one designated person make their way with the tickets and validate them. Once or twice, some kind bus riders were validating tickets for people out of reach and passing them back to the owner.

There may be a time you fine the machines "invalid," (I speak from experience) It happened that I got on a bus, the bus was ready to move. Myself and a few others tried to validate our tickets - machine was not working.

A few stops down, Transit inspectors stopped the bus. When my turn came, I explained what happened in a calm manner. A couple of us tried to ask the driver, but perhaps he did not speak English or had no solution himself.

Note: I have found a lot of bus drivers and metro guys speak some English.

Here is what the Inspector told me to do if that happened again:

*Write the time / date / stop / Bus # you boarded on the back of the ticket. There is not much room to let you know.

*If you can, write the actual Bus # (example Bus 5678) that can found on the outside of the bus at the rear. I don't recall if it's posted inside the bus near the driver. The Inspector (after showing me how to write on the ticket) said it would be helpful so they can check the machines at service stops. He acknowledged the machines not working, plus a few of the other passengers who got on with me, had the same experience. So, none of us got a fine. Phew!

It's good to familiarize yourself with what the Euro dollar and coin look like; some look similar

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/pdf/other/euroleafleten.pdf?c3b62449c42a5811541b40fc8ac06e68

*updated

Lindah,

More thoughts about "riding the buses." Not to be fearful but "keep a big city awareness" when on the buses or metro.

Bus #64 will be very crowded most times. But, within a few minutes, another one is coming down, less crowded.

Bus #40 is an Express bus - most take it right to St. Peter's Square. The bus does stop at some key attractions but, hence the "express" will by pass other stops.

For women, it's always good to carry a cross body bag that has durable material and a strong strap. Keep it in front of you on the buses and trains. Sort of keep a casual hand on the top where the zipper may be.

Out in Piazzas, don't hang it on the back of a chair or put bags or phones on a table. For the men, don't put wallet in the back pocket (as is customary in the States.) Some men, locals and travelers use a "messenger style" bag designed with a more masculine look.

B.I.T. standard ticket, valid for one Metro ride or 100 minutes on all buses allowing transfers. €1.50

This is not clear. First it's not one Metro ride, if you don't exit the underground system you can transfer from one line to the other on the same ticket.

Second, You can exit the metro and ride buses and trams if the ticket hasn't expired. Obviously you can also enter the metro system with the same ticket after riding buses and trams.

Information that some don't know, okay then.

Perhaps you need to send the correction to https://www.rometoolkit.com/transport/rome_bus.htm

It's on their website.