Rome Metro
How to get around using Rome's underground subway system

The Rome metro (Metropolitana) can be a convenient and fast way to get around Rome. 

rome metro trainI took this photo in a rare moment. The Rome Metro is usually not this empty!

Everything You Need to Know About Using Rome's Subway

The metro system in Rome is really easy to use, and a great way to get around between the sites. Find out:

Quick Things to Know

big red M signifying a metro stationLook for the big "M" to find Rome's metro


  • The metro runs from 5:30am to 11:30pm Sunday to Thursday, and until 1:30am on Friday and Saturday.
  • Like any big city with a metro system, this is prime pickpocket territory. Always hold on tight to your stuff, and keep wallets and money out of reach.
  • Trains come along about every 3-4 minutes.
  • During typical rush hours, and very busy tourist seasons, the trains can be very crowded. I always try to go to the very end of the platform to get on the last (or first) car, in hopes of it being less crowded.
  • Most Metro stations may be accessed from multiple street corners. Look for the big M.

Rome Metro Map - Stations

Below is a map of the subway (underground) system in Rome.

The red line (shown kind of orange here), crosses the blue line at Termini.

The green line is the new line C, which is coming along nicely. Where it's dashed, it means it's still under construction.

metro map of romeMap of Rome's metro system, showing lines A, B, and C. Courtesy of metropolitanadiroma.it.

Rome Metro - Where Can it Take you?

The Metro can be very useful for getting to and from certain major tourist attractions in Rome. 

The most common use of the Rome Metro is to get from Termini station (the main train station in Rome), to the Colosseum (blue line B, 2 stops) or the Vatican (red line A to Ottaviano, 6 stops.) 

But if you look at a map of the Metro superimposed on a Rome city map (below), you will notice that there is a huge section of the center of historic Rome where the Rome Metro does not go. Can you guess why? 

Looking for places to stay near the Colosseum? Visit our dedicated page here.

official Rome city map, with metro lines A and B superimposed

It's full of ruins! Every time they try to dig, they find more ancient stuff. 

That said, they are working on a long-term project to add a third line, C, which, among other conveniences, will (one day) take people from the Basilica of San Giovanni to the Coliseum to the Vatican.

For more information, visit the official site of the Rome Metro (Italian only, but there are specific maps of each line if you like.)

Red Line A

From Termini, the red line A also takes you to common stops such as:

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Blue Line B

From Termini, the blue line B also takes you to common stops such as:

  • Tiburtina to the northeast (where the newest Rome train station is).
  • Circo Massimo to the southwest (the stop after the Colosseum, where you can visit the Palatine Hill, the Aventine Hill and the Caracalla Baths).
  • Piramide to the southwest (so-called because of the nearby Pyramid of Cestius, and from where you may visit Eataly, or get on another local train to Ostia to visit either the ruins there, or the beach).
  • Basilica San Paolo to the southwest (one of the four major basilicas, this one is worth a visit just to see the images of every pope since Saint Peter, lining the walls all around the interior).

Where the Rome Metro does not go

You will not be able to use the metro in Rome to easily access the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Largo Argentina or Campi di Fiori, among other important tourist attractions.

It also does not go to Trastevere.

But there are buses and trams so you can use those, alone or combined with the metro...or walk!

If you want to take a taxi, find out all about how to get one and what they cost here.

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Rome Metro and Bus - Passes and Ticket Types

rome metro ticket

The Rome Metro system (lines A, B and C) is run by ATAC and the Metromare line to Ostia is run by Cotral.

They use the same tickets and you may combine the two systems. For example, you may decide to take the metro from Rome Termini station to Piramide, and from there, take the overground line to Ostia Antica.

  • BIT ticket (one-time use) - The most basic one-way metro ticket costs 1.50€. For this ticket, you are allowed to change train or bus once (same direction, not round-trip.) It's valid for 100 minutes from the moment you validate it.
  • Roma24  - You may also buy a 7€ pass, which is valid for unlimited use for 24 hours from the moment you validate it. So if you will use the bus/metro more than 4 times in one day, this could be worthwhile.
  • Roma48 - You may also buy a 12.50€ pass, which is valid for unlimited use for 48 hours from the moment you validate it. 
  • Roma72 - If you want a 3-day metro/bus pass, it costs 18€. It's good for unlimited bus/metro use around Rome from and including the day you validate it, for 72 hours from the moment you validate it.
  • CIS ticket (7-day use) A 7-day pass costs 24€, and is good for unlimited travel on the buses and metro in Rome from and including the day you validate it, until midnight of the 7th day.
  • Roma Pass (tourist package) - You may also consider getting the Roma Pass, which allows for unlimited travel on Rome's bus and metro system for a 2 or 3 day period, depending on the pass. It also gives you discounted rates to many of Rome's museums and archaeological sites. Click here to visit my Roma Pass page.

For more information, visit the ATAC website, Rome's official public transportation portal. Unfortunately the site does not work well in English.


The perfect 3-day itinerary in Rome

Trying to figure out how to organize your visit to Rome? I've got the perfect 3-day itinerary for first-time visitors (or those who have not been here in a while.) It works for a 2.5 day visit as well.

In my 3-day itinerary, you'll see all the major must-see Rome attractions like the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo, and much more.

And if you have more time, or want suggestions for extra/other things to do, you'll find that there too.

Visit my page with the best 3-day itinerary in Rome for first-timers.


Who is eligible for discounts and free entry

Children 10 and younger may use Rome's public transportation free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

There are no discounts for the elderly or for the disabled (unless you are a Rome resident, and purchase an annual ticket).

How to travel for free in Rome:

At the end of 2023, ATAC and Cotral, in conjuction with city hall, announced for that a select number of dates, all buses would be free in Rome.

This is part of a initative to reduce car use in the city, and is likely be repeated.

When planning your trip here, do some research and find out if you can travel for free, and spend the money you save on some extra gelato or spritzes!

Rome Metro - Where to Get Tickets

You may buy several tickets at once. They last for months if not years, until the moment of validation. So if you know you want to have, say, 4 tickets for your stay in Rome, you can just get them all at the same time.

You can buy metro/bus tickets from tabacchi (tobacco shops), or at the green newsstand kiosks you see around Rome, however, since the end of 2023 this has become difficult at times.

This is because of the introduction of new rechargeable/reloadable tickets, designed to reduce the amount of single-use tickets being issued.

You will find machines offering these rechargeable tickets at all metro stations and major bus stops.

Select the type you want (instructions are available in clear English) and follow the on screen info. 

To use your ticket, just place it on the little yellow circle on the metro platform barriers. This will deduct a use from your ticket - once you have used up your ticket, return to a machine to recharge it. 

You must purchase your tickets before you board any type of public transportation in Rome as it is not possible buy tickets on board.

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 things never to leave at home:

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How to Validate Tickets on the Rome Metro

If you have a single-use ticket, insert it into the machine, with the stripe facing up and the arrow facing into the machine. 

you must validate your ticket for the subway doors to open

This part is just as important: when the ticket is validated, it pops back up. You must take the ticket with you, and keep it with you until you have fully exited the metro system!

Never enter the metro or bus system of Rome without a validated ticket. You will risk a hefty (60€ minimum) fine. And playing the ignorant tourist will get you nowhere. Trust me I have witnessed this in action. 

If you have one of the new rechargeable tickets, place it on the yellow circle at the top of the barrier (you can see this in the photo) above which will validate it. 

hang on to your validated ticket!

If you have a Roma Pass, press it against the yellow dot also. The gates will open.


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