If you are planning a vacation and are looking for some Rome, Italy travel tips, our comprehensive guides will give you the confidence you’re looking for.
Rome is known as the Eternal City and it is a breathtaking mix of ancient history and modern vibrancy. With its world-famous landmarks, bustling restaurants, and charming cobblestone streets that shake you to your core, Rome is a dream destination for first-time and repeat travelers.
However, navigating the city requires some planning and we are here to help. From selecting your transportation options to maintaining safety and making sure that you have connectivity to the rest of the world, this guide provides essential advice to help you make the most of your Roman adventure.
Whether you’re arriving at the airport or the train station, exploring the most iconic sites in human history, and ensuring you stay connected, this article will ensure a seamless experience.
Tips For Arriving In Rome: Airports And Train Stations
Rome has two main airports: Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino – FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA). Fiumicino is the main international gateway and the busiest in Italy. Ciampino handles budget airlines mostly for domestic and Schengen zone travel. In both airports, once you land, you have several options for reaching the city center:
- Leonardo Express Train: The fastest way from Fiumicino to Termini Station (Rome’s central railway hub). The journey takes about 32 minutes and there are no stops between the two endpoints, making it simple, assuming you are on the right train.
- Airport Shuttle Buses: Various bus services connect both airports to Termini at lower costs. You should be able to find a ticket booth inside, but if there is any problem, the driver should be able to help.
- Taxis: Outside both airports are lively taxi stands. You may have to wait in a pretty long line, but the good news is that it moves quickly. A fixed rate of €55 from Fiumicino and €40 from Ciampino to the city center, specifically within the Aurelian Walls. Be cautious of unauthorized taxi drivers. They do not follow the fixed fare rates and you could be ripped off. Be sure all the signs and lights on the taxi are the same as the others.
- Car Rentals & Ride-Sharing: Options like UberBlack and FreeNow are available. Regular Uber is not available, except that you can use the app to call a regular taxi cab.
After Arriving In Termini Station
Depending on your choice of travel and the traffic, the trip to Termini Station shouldn’t last more than an hour. Once at Roma Termini Stazione, you’ll find the central hub for trains, buses, subways and some tram services.
The station also offers shops, restaurants, pharmacies and other essential services for tourists. Before leaving the train station, if you didn’t take care of this at the airport, consider getting a local SIM card for easy navigation and communication. This will be your best opportunity to get online at a pretty reasonable price. If you don’t, navigating around the city will be a challenge until you do.
For more details, please check out these related articles:
Tips For Safely Getting Around: Public Transportation & Walking
When you are traveling around Rome, you have many options. One of the deciding factors on how best to get around on your visit is to factor in the best ways to maintain your safety. Public transportation is a great way to get around, but here are some things to think about:
Public Transportation
Rome’s public transit system is generally a safe way to travel and it includes metro, buses, and trams. There is a growing concern about groups of pickpockets on the subways, so you will want to be careful if it seems crowded. There are also pickpocket concerns on the Bus, and the #64 in particular.
Some things to consider:
- Metropolitano (Subway): This is the quickest way to travel long distances, with three lines (A, B, and C) covering key attractions. You can transfer to a bus to be able to reach almost any spot in the city.
- Buses & Trams: Operated by ATAC, these can take you to areas not served by the metro. They run frequently but can be slow due to traffic.
- Tickets & Passes: A single ticket costs €1.50, is valid for 100 minutes and is transferable. Tourists may consider a Roma Pass, which includes tickets for public transport and some of the most important museum entries. The value of the Roma Pass is generally considered a good option, unless your travel plans are kind of unique. For more information on the Roman Pass, check out this article: “Is the Roma Pass Worth It? This Guide Will Help You Decide”
Taxis
While taxis are definitely safe and convenient, they are expensive and sometimes unreliable. Be sure to find a Taxi stand and do not try to hail a cab. Avoid cabs that do not have the signs and lights of a normal cab as these might be illegal. Illegal cabs should be avoided because they overcharge and prey on the unknowing.
Walking In Rome
Rome’s beauty is best discovered on foot. Getting lost in Trastevere and stumbling into what turns out to be a restaurant serving the best food you’ve ever had is possible, but only if you walk around. Walking allows you to appreciate historic streets, charming piazzas, and hidden gems.
However, some areas can be tricky at night, so exercise caution. There are scammers in Rome just waiting for you, and while violent crime is rare in Italy, it still exists.
Tips For Staying Connected: Getting A SIM Card In Rome
You might not immediately think of your cell phone, or even buying a SIM card, but I assure you it needs to be tops on your TODO list. Here are just a few reasons:
- Google Maps – You can easily get lost in Rome, or not know how to get to your dinner reservations, so make sure you have plenty of data.
- WhatsApp – This communication app is everywhere in Rome (and Italy) so you will want to be ready to use it for reservations, simple communication or leaving messages.
- Audio Guide Books – Depending on what sites you plan on visiting, there is probably a free audio guide by Rick Steves that you will want to listen to and without a data plan, there will be no downloading.
- Transportation Apps – Buying train tickets, finding bus route maps and hailing a cab can all be done with the recommended apps, but not without a data plan.
- Email Alerts – Receiving email, and especially travel related alerts from the State Department can keep you safe, but only with a data plan.
A local SIM card helps with everything I mentioned above, but also translation and keeping in touch with family back home. The biggest providers are TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre. You can purchase SIM cards with plans specific for travelers at the Airport, at Termini Station, and at their local Stores.
Tips For Navigating Major Tourist Attractions
Rome is packed with must-see landmarks, but careful planning is required to avoid the crowds and natural (or unnatural) obstacles. For all the major attractions, like: The Colosseum & Roman Forum, Vatican City, The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain & The Spanish Steps, you will want to be aware of any obstacles to enjoying yourself.
Due to regular construction, ongoing restoration as well as the improvement work being done for the Jubilee 2025, there are construction and traffic issues all over the city. While the Jubilee sponsored work should be done sooner, the ongoing construction work, like the expansion of the C-Line of the Metro will be going on for years.
Currently, this has impacted Piazza Venezia greatly, and this is considered the center of Rome, surrounded by amazing buildings, history and transportation. This has made traveling by foot or bus difficult and has led to re-routing of buses, which you should be aware of. Following ATAC online and following their social media is your best bet.
For a better understanding, check out: “The Piazza Venezia Construction Is an Obstacle for Visitors”
The Influence Of Rome’s Geography
Rome was built on seven hills, each with unique historical significance and it is possible, depending on how long you will be visiting, that you will want to see them all. Some of these hills are quite a climb and should be considered for those that are mobility impaired. In order to help plan your trip, please review: “The 7 Hills of Rome Hold the Secrets of the Ancient City”
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