Rome Metro

Yes.

There are a lot of signs telling you where to go for the train and they all mention the name of the final stop. Know that and you can't get lost. But if you do, remember that while there may be a (VERY) few dishonest people, almost anyone will tell you which train to take.

Lamont,
The Roman Metro is a great system, easy to navigate, and it has stops located by all of the many sites. If you are only in town for a few days and want to see "everything" take the metro. However, if you have time, walk through the streets, "get lost" (with your map), and soak up the atmosphere

I don't share Scott's enthusiasm for the Rome's subway system. Compared to most other European systems it is very inadequate. Only two lines and neither goes though the main tourist attractions. One line runs a few blocks north of the Vatican and behind the Spanish steps and the other line runs to the SW pass the Colosseum. The systems tends to be crowd and dirty especially at peak times. You will be far better served by using the buses as they will take you through the heart of the old city. The metro is useful for some of the outlaying areas such as Ostia Antica but we never use it within the city. Also the taxis can be very reasonable if there are two of you.

I also dont care for the metro.However I dont like some of the buses either so I just walk.

Another recommendation to find other transportation in Rome.

You will be far better off to avoid the Rome Metro

Lamont,

The Rome metro system is certainly a minor player compared to other metros throughout Europe. Unfortunately there are only 2 lines... the A & B lines. The A line is cleaner and runs to many popular attractions. The B Line runs to the Coloseum and Circo Massimo. They meet and cross at Termini, which is also the primary train station.

While the metro is probably inferior to other cities, the bus system is very effective and works in conjuncion with the metro. There is also the light rail system that supports both!

Here's a link that shows all: www.eair.nl/Rome/images/metro.gif

Rome is building a line "C" and you'll see the work being done, especially at Piazza Venezia near the forum. Unfortunately they keep hitting artificats and the work stops... and stops... and that's where we are now!

For many of us this system is our only method of getting around town. While it's nothing compared to Madrid, Paris, London, etc. coupled with the busses, the metro can be very useful! It's not clean, the trains are crowded - but it is consistent and the trains come regularly. And for many of us who live here, it beats walking!

When friends come over we use the Metro to get to our starting point for the day (Vatican, for example (Ottaviano Station)). Then we usually walk from there. Rome is an easy town to walk in.

For the best EXIT VIEW of ANY metro station in Europe, take the B line and get off at Colosseo Station... When you walk up the steps and exit the station, especially at night, the view is stunning!

Ciao,
Ron

Thanks for the info. If I can follow-up: how does a Metro passenger handle ticket validation when using the Roma Pass?

When you buy the Roma Pass you actually get two things: a credit card type card to use at the museums/sites, and paper card that is your transportation pass. You just put the transportation card into the validation machines at the metro stations and on the buses.

Lamont-as far as validation, it's kind of like a rail pass. The first day you use it, before (or as) you get on the train/bus you have to write in your name & the date. If you're caught without the date written in, you are subject to the same fines as if you do not have a valid - or stamped - metro/bus ticket. The fine is 50 Euro on the spot.. or 100-500 Euros if you choose not to pay "on the spot!"

The site for Roma pass is: http://www.romapass.it/english/lecard.html

Here's what is says regarding validation:

Free admission to ATAC urban buses and trans, Underground lines A and B, Met.Ro trains: Roma - Lido, Roma - Viterbo (in the Roma - Sacrofano section), Roma - Pantano railways lines.

It is validated on the first trip by filling out the overleaf form with your name, surname and validation date;

It must be produced on public transport along with Roma Pass and your identity papers when required by the staff in charge;

It expires at midnight of the third day...

Ciao,
Ron