From Vespas to Vans: Understanding the Expenses of Getting Around Rome

Cost of living in Rome – Transportation

How to get around Rome by public transport?

Rome has a public transport system that consists of buses, metro, tram, and trains. You can use these modes of transport to get around Rome by buying tickets or passes. These are valid for different durations and zones.

The tickets and passes are available at vending machines, kiosks, newsstands, or online. You need to validate your ticket or pass before boarding or entering the transport vehicle or station. You also need to keep your ticket or pass with you until you exit or leave the transport vehicle or station.

The prices of the tickets

The prices of the tickets and passes vary depending on the duration and zone. For example:

• A single ticket (BIT) costs €1.50. Validity for 100 minutes on any bus or tram or for one metro ride.
• A daily ticket (BIG) costs €6. Validity for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 24 hours.
• A 48-hour ticket (BTI) costs €12.50. Validity is for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 48 hours.
• A 72-hour ticket (CIS) costs €18. Validity for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 72 hours.
• A weekly ticket (CIS) costs €24. Validity for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 7 days.
• A monthly ticket (Mensile) costs €35. Validity is valid for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 30 days.
• A yearly ticket (Annuale) costs €250. Validity is valid for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 365 days.

Public transport system

The zones of the public transport system are divided into:

• Zone A: This covers the urban area of Rome within the GRA ring road.
• Zone B: This covers the suburban area of Rome outside the GRA ring road up to 10 km.
• Zone C: This covers the extra-urban area of Rome beyond 10 km from the GRA ring road.

You can use the same tickets or passes for zones A and B, but you need to buy extra tickets or passes for zone C.

The public transport system operates from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm on weekdays, and from 5:30 am to 1:30 am on weekends. There are also some night buses that run from midnight to 5:30 am.

The public transport system has some advantages and disadvantages, such as:

• Advantages: It is cheaper than using private transport. It is more eco-friendly than using cars or motorcycles, it is more convenient than walking long distances. It is more accessible than using alternative transportation, and it is more flexible than using taxis or car rentals.
• Disadvantages: It is often crowded, unreliable, or inefficient, it is sometimes dirty, unsafe, or uncomfortable, it is sometimes affected by strikes, delays, or disruptions, it is sometimes limited by routes, schedules, or zones, it is sometimes incompatible with other modes of transport.

How much does it cost to use public transport in Rome?

The cost of using public transport in Rome depends on how often

and how far you travel within or outside the city. You can use different types of tickets or passes that are valid for different durations and zones.

The prices of the tickets and passes vary depending on the duration and zone. For example:

• A single ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes on any bus or tram, or for one metro ride.
• A daily ticket (BIG) costs €6 and is valid for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 24 hours.
• A 48-hour ticket (BTI) costs €12.50 and is valid for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 48 hours.
• A 72-hour ticket (CIS) costs €18 and is valid for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 72 hours.
• A weekly ticket (CIS) costs €24 and is valid for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 7 days.
• A monthly ticket (Mensile) costs €35 and is valid for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 30 days.
• A yearly ticket (Annuale) costs €250 and is valid for unlimited rides on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for 365 days.

Zones of the public transport system

The zones of the public transport system are divided into:

• Zone A: This covers the urban area of Rome within the GRA ring road.
• Zone B: This covers the suburban area of Rome outside the GRA ring road up to 10 km.
• Zone C: This covers the extra-urban area of Rome beyond 10 km from the GRA ring road.

You can use the same tickets or passes for zones A and B. But you need to buy extra tickets or passes for zone C.

The prices of the extra tickets or passes vary depending on the destination and distance. For example:

• A single ticket (BIRG) costs from €3 to €14 and is valid for one day on any bus, tram, metro, or train within Rome and its surrounding regions.
• A monthly ticket (Mensile Metrebus) costs from €47 to €63 and is valid for 30 days on any bus, tram, metro, or train within Rome and its surrounding regions.

You can also buy special tickets or passes that offer discounts or benefits for certain categories of users, Those are students, seniors, tourists, etc. For example:

• A student ticket (Student) costs €18 and is valid for one month on any bus, tram, or metro within Rome for students under 26 years old who are enrolled in a school or university in Rome.
• A senior ticket (Anziani) costs €42 and is valid for one year on any bus, tram, metro, or train within Rome and its surrounding regions for seniors over 65 years old who are residents in Rome.
• A tourist ticket (Roma Pass) costs €28 or €38.50 and is valid for 48 hours or 72 hours respectively on any bus, tram, metro, or train within Rome and also offers free or discounted entry to some museums and attractions in Rome.

What are the alternatives to public transport in Rome?

The alternatives to public transport in Rome are:

Private transport

This includes using your own car or motorcycle to get around Rome. This option may offer more comfort, speed, and flexibility than using public transport, but it also has some drawbacks, such as high costs (fuel, parking, insurance, maintenance, etc.), traffic and congestion, pollution and noise, and limited parking spaces. You also need to have a valid driving license and registration for your vehicle and follow the traffic rules and regulations in Rome. You also need to be aware of some restricted areas in Rome, such as the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), where you need a special permit to enter or park.

Alternative transport

• This includes using other modes of transport that are more eco-friendly, healthy, or fun than using public transport or private transport. Some examples are:
  • Bike: You can use your own bike or rent a bike from one of the many bike-sharing services in Rome, such as Biciroma, Mobike, or Helbiz. You can use the bike lanes or the regular roads to cycle around Rome. This option may offer more exercise, freedom, and enjoyment than using other modes of transport, but it also has some challenges, such as safety (traffic accidents, thefts, etc.), weather (rain, heat, etc.), and terrain (hills, cobblestones, etc.). You also need to have a helmet and a lock for your bike, and follow the traffic rules and regulations in Rome.
  • Scooter: You can use your own scooter or rent a scooter from one of the many scooter-sharing services in Rome, such as eCooltra, ZigZag, or Cityscoot. You can use the scooter lanes or the regular roads to scoot around Rome. This option may offer more convenience, speed, and fun than using other modes of transport, but it also has some risks, such as safety (traffic accidents, thefts, etc.), cost (fuel, parking, insurance, etc.), and pollution (noise, emissions, etc.). You also need to have a valid driving license and registration for your scooter and follow the traffic rules and regulations in Rome.
  • Walking: You can use your own feet to walk around Rome. This option may offer more exercise, sightseeing, and discovery than using other modes of transport, but it also has some limitations, such as distance (Rome is a big city), time (walking can be slow), and fatigue (walking can be tiring). You also need to have comfortable shoes and clothes for walking and be careful of the traffic and the pavement in Rome.

FAQ – Cost of Transportation in Rome

Here are 15 FAQs about the cost of living in Rome – Transportation:

What is the cost of public transportation in Rome?

The cost of public transportation in Rome is €1.50 for a single ticket. You can also purchase a 24-hour ticket for €7.00 or a 48-hour ticket for €12.50.

What types of public transportation are available in Rome?

Public transportation options in Rome include buses, trams, and the metro.

How often do buses and trams run in Rome?

Buses and trams in Rome typically run every 10-20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.

How often does the metro run in Rome?

The metro in Rome typically runs every 7-10 minutes during the day and every 15-20 minutes at night.

What is the cost of a taxi ride in Rome?

The cost of a taxi ride in Rome is €3.00 for the initial fee plus €1.10 per kilometer.

Is it safe to use public transportation in Rome?

Yes, it is generally safe to use public transportation in Rome. However, you should be aware of pickpockets and keep an eye on your belongings.

Are there any discounts available for public transportation in Rome?

Yes, there are discounts available for students and seniors. You can also purchase a monthly pass for €35.00.

How do I purchase tickets for public transportation in Rome?

You can purchase tickets for public transportation at metro stations, newsstands, or tobacco shops.

What is the best way to get around Rome?

The best way to get around Rome is by public transportation or by walking. Driving can be difficult due to traffic congestion and limited parking.

Are there bike lanes in Rome?

Yes, there are bike lanes in Rome. However, they are not as common as they are in other European cities.

Can I rent a bike in Rome?

Yes, you can rent a bike in Rome from companies such as Bike Rental Roma or TopBike Rental & Tours.

How much does it cost to rent a bike in Rome?

The cost of renting a bike in Rome varies depending on the company and the length of time you want to rent it for. However, you can expect to pay around €10-€15 per day.

What is the speed limit in Rome?

The speed limit in residential areas of Rome is typically 30 km/h (18 mph). The speed limit on major roads is typically 50 km/h (31 mph).

What are some tips for driving in Rome?

To drive safely in Rome, you should be aware of traffic congestion and limited parking. You should also be prepared to navigate narrow streets and roundabouts.

Is it easy to find parking in Rome?

No, it can be difficult to find parking in Rome due to limited space and high demand.