Travel to Rome

About Rome

Rome, the Eternal City, is world famous center of history, fashion, art and cuisine even three millennia after its mythical creation. From the Colosseum to the Villa Borghese to the Spanish Steps, Rome's timeless splendor will be sure to captivate travelers from around the world. No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to Vatican City, which located entirely within the city of Rome. Vatican City is the home of the Pope, St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

How to Get to Rome

Flights to Rome

Rome Fiumicino is located 35 km south-west of the city. From the airport there are several bus, train and taxi options for those wishing to access the center. The Leonardo Express and the FL1 train can be caught from the airport - both of which are provided by Trenitalia. There are also several buses available which are powered by ASTRAL and Cotral. Taxi services are also available from outside the terminals that can take you anywhere in the city.

Rome Ciampino is the second largest airport in Rome and is only 12 km from the city center. Accessing the city center can be achieved by a bus service going to Anagnina underground station and from there passengers can catch a direct train to Termini Station in just 15 minutes with Line 1 of the metro.

Trains to Rome

Rome Termini is the busiest train station in Italy and the second busiest in Europe. The station has connections to all major cities in Italy, with journeys operated by the major Italian providers Trenitalia and Italo. The city center is accessible by metro, tram, bus and taxi. By metro, the A or B lines will take you to the center and by tram the 5 or 14 line. There are 22 bus lines connecting Termini to the city center and a taxi rank outside the station, some taxi companies also provide a women's only service.

Tiburtina is the second train station of Rome in terms of traffic volumes and size. Tiburtina is one of the stations on the B line of the metro which opens up the entire city including the center. Tiburtina is also the last stop on urban and long distance bus lines, which are provided by Atac and Cotral.

Buses to Rome

Tiburtina bus station is located just in front of the railway station of the same name. It is the terminus of several bus lines and more than 50 carriers operate from here. From the station, there are buses to the north and south of the country as well as several international destinations. Some of the bus companies operating from the station include Eurolines, Sita, and Baltour. Tirburtina is located just next door to metro line B and like the train station is the last stop of urban, and long distance bus lines of Atac and Cotral public providers.

Getting Around Rome

The public transport system of buses, trams and metro lines is the most popular way to get around in the city, but most people still prefer to use their own car - especially if they live in the suburbs that are not well connected by public transport. Cycling is an increasingly popular way to get around in Rome, especially during the weekends. However, there are not many paths available in Rome and most are located in parks, near the Tevere river or the Appian Way. The inner city is cycle friendly and your bike may accompany you on certain trains, which mostly fall on line A and B of the Metro. All the main sites and attractions are found within walking distance of one another in Rome's city center. Additionally, there are a number small, quaint streets that cannot be accessed by public transport or driving; therefore, exploring by foot is often the best option.

Walking Around in Rome

The city center of Rome is home to some of the most iconic and beautiful buildings in the world. A walk around the city is the perfect way to take in the grandeur of Rome while enjoying delicious food found along the way. Start your walk in Monti, a small neighborhood in the heart of the city that is home to La Bottega del Caffè, where you can sit and people-watch while enjoying a coffee and pastry for breakfast. Just down the street, you will find the Colosseum. You can view this famous building from the outside or take one of the many guided tours to learn about its gory history. Then make your way down the Via dei Fori Imperiali to the Trevi district, where you can toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain which guarantees you will return to Rome. Near the fountain, you will find the Spanish Steps, where you can stop and enjoy a delicious gelato. A short distance away, you will find the Parthenon. This is another site where you can take an interesting guided tour if you have the time. Otherwise, head to a local restaurant on the piazza for lunch. 

Eating in Rome

Roman cuisine is known for its dishes made with simple but fresh ingredients that somehow strike a perfect balance between rich and savory. Start your day eating like a Rome local by visiting pastry shops in the Esquilino district, where you'll find countless deep-fried goodies. You can't go wrong with the maritozzi, an oblong bun split open and stuffed with enormous amounts of whipped cream. Delicious and light, it's perfect for preparing your appetite for the day ahead - especially when paired with a cappuccino. You can also try supplì, a fried rice ball mixed with the cheesy goodness of ragu and mozzarella. For lunch, wander down to the neighborhood just north of the Vatican, where you'll find Pizzarium, the perfect joint to grab pizza by the slice. With simple but flavorful pairings like tomato and oregano, and some unusual but still artisanal toppings like potato and mozzarella, there's something for every kind of pizza lover. For dessert, wander to the Trevi fountain to check out Gelateria, one of the most popular gelato places in town, where the custard gelato spiked in Marsala wine is comforting, tasty, and so, so satisfying.

Public Transport in Rome

The city of Rome has a good public transport system that is very easy to understand and navigate. Strikes and delays are frequent on the buses and trains so it is best to check the news before going on a trip using public transport to learn of potential alternative routes and detours. There are a number of public transport options available in the city of Rome, including buses, trams, and the subway. To access the public transport system in Rome, visitors will need to purchase an ATAC ticket from a machine at any of the Metro stations. ATAC is the company that runs all of the public transport in Rome and visitors will only need to purchase one ticket to use any of the public transport options. Tickets are available for a single ride, daily pass, and weekly pass. One point to note is that the machines do not accept credit cards so it is important to carry enough cash to purchase the required ticket. An ATAC ticket will give access to all lines in Rome including the train to the nearby beachside town of Ostia for those wanting a day trip away from the city. There are maps available at all Metro and Tram stations.

Best Time to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is during spring and fall. Spring stretches from late March to May, while fall is between September and mid-November. It is probably best to avoid touring Rome in summer, as it can get very hot in the city. If you can bear the cold, visit Rome in winter between December and February. If visiting Rome closer to Christmas, visitors will be able to view the city's festive holiday fairs as well as nativity scenes that are held in public open spaces. Winter season is also the best time to see the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel and the Trevi Fountain. The peak season is still nonetheless during summer. If you plan to tour Rome in summer, it is strongly suggested that you visit from April to June or September to October as the temperatures during these times aren't so extreme. Summer in Rome offers a fantastic variety of outdoor activities, including biking, museum hopping, and open-air events. During July and August, you can relish the delicious food of Rome at many cafes on the beach, as the weather is pleasant during these months. For shopping lovers, however, July is the best sale season so it's best to visit then.