Fast Tracks to Adventure: Unlocking Rome’s Inter-City Train Network
Discovering Rome’s Metropolitana: A Guide for Tourists
Behold, the Eternal City of Rome, with its multifaceted identity that oscillates between a treasure trove of history, culture, and art and a sprawling metropolis teeming with over 4 million inhabitants and countless attractions. The question that arises is: how can one navigate through this majestic city without getting lost or squandering a fortune on taxis? Fear not, for the answer is the Metro (Metropolitana), Rome’s rapid transit system that runs on three lines and connects the most important landmarks and neighborhoods.
The Metro in Rome
How to Travel Around Rome by Metro
Fun fact: The Metro in Rome was inaugurated in 1955, making it the oldest in Italy. Nevertheless, it is one of the smallest in Europe, with only 60 km (37 mi) of route and 73 stations. Alas, the cause of this limited expansion is that every time a new tunnel is dug, more archaeological remains are unearthed, leading to costly delays in construction. Yet, despite these challenges, the Metro remains a speedy and convenient mode of transportation, especially during peak hours when traffic can be chaotic.
The Metro consists of three lines: A (orange), B (blue), and C (green). Lines A and B intersect at Termini station, the main train station in Rome, and form an X shape. Termini is also a hub for other transportation options. Line C is the newest and smallest line, still under development, that mainly serves the suburbs. Each line has its own operating hours, fares, and accessibility options.
Line A – The orange metro line
Line B connects the northeast to the south of Rome, from Rebibbia or Jonio to Laurentina. It splits into two branches at Bologna station. It is less touristy than Line A but still has some important stops, such as:
Line A runs from northwest to southeast, from Battistini to Anagnina. It is the most useful line for tourists, as it stops near some of the most famous attractions in Rome. For instance, the Cipro-MMusei Vaticani station is the closest one to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, where you can marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece and other priceless artworks. Meanwhile, Ottaviano-San Pietro station is a few minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica, the heart of Christianity and a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. The Spagna station is convenient for visiting Piazza di Spagna and Villa Borghese, two of the most elegant and romantic spots in Rome. Piazza di Spagna is famous for its monumental staircase, the Spanish Steps, while Villa Borghese is a vast park with museums, gardens, and fountains. Lastly, the Barberini-Fontana di Trevi station is five minutes away from the Trevi Fountain, one of the most iconic symbols of Rome. Don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to the city!
Line A operates from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when it runs until 1:30 a.m. The fare for a single ride is €1.50 ($1.70), valid for 100 minutes on any public transport within Rome. You can also buy different types of tickets and passes depending on your needs and length of stay.
| Line A Stations | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Cipro – Musei Vaticani | Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, and other priceless artworks |
| Ottaviano – San Pietro | St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, heart of Christianity, and a stunning example of Renaissance architecture |
| Spagna | Piazza di Spagna, Villa Borghese, monumental staircase, Spanish Steps, vast park with museums, gardens, and fountains |
| Barberini – Fontana di Trevi | Trevi Fountain, one of the most iconic symbols of Rome. |
| Termini | Connects with Line B, regional trains, buses, and Leonardo Express to Fiumicino Airport. |
| Operating Hours | Line A operates from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm every day, except on Fridays and Saturdays when it runs until 1:30 am. |
| Fare | Single ride fare is €1.50 ($1.70), valid for 100 minutes on any public transport within Rome. Different tickets available. |
Line B – The green metro line
Line B, on the other hand, connects the northeast to the south of Rome, from Rebibbia or Jonio to Laurentina. It splits into two branches at Bologna Station. Although less touristy than Line A, it still stops at some significant landmarks, such as the Termini station, which connects with Line A and with several regional trains and buses. Here, you can also take the Leonardo Express to get to Fiumicino Airport. Furthermore, the Colosseo station is located near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, two of the most impressive ancient monuments in Rome. You can walk among the ruins of the imperial city and marvel at its grandeur and glory.
| Station | Nearby Attractions | Services | Ticket Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Termini | Line A, Regional Trains, Buses | Leonardo Express to Fiumicino Airport | Single Ride, Daily, 48-Hour, 72-Hour, Weekly, Monthly |
| Colosseo | Colosseum, Roman Forum | Metro, Tickets & Passes available at Metro stations, newsstands, tobacco shops, and ATAC offices | Single Ride, Daily, 48-Hour, 72-Hour, Weekly, Monthly. Tickets must be validated before use. |
Note: Tickets and passes are valid for 100 minutes on any public transport within Rome.
Line C – The green metro line
Line C operates from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. every day, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when it runs until 1:30 a.m. The fare for a single ride is €1.50 ($1.70), valid for 100 minutes on any public transport within Rome.
As for Line C, it is the newest and smallest line of the Metro, still under development, and serves mainly the suburbs. It runs from the northeast to the southwest, from Monte Compatri-Pantano to San Giovanni. Line C has some interesting stops, such as:
San Giovanni: This station is located near the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest and highest-ranking of the four papal major basilicas. It is also close to the ancient Appian Way, one of the earliest and most important Roman roads.
Lodi: This station is in the Pigneto district, a trendy and lively neighborhood known for its street art, bars, and restaurants. It is a great place to experience the alternative side of Rome.
Mirti: This station is near the Cinecittà Studios, the largest film and television production facility in Europe. Many famous movies and TV series have been shot here, such as “Ben-Hur,” “La Dolce Vita,” and “Game of Thrones.”
| Station | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Lodi | Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the cathedral of Rome and the seat of the Pope as the Bishop of Rome |
| Malatesta | Catacombs of St. Marcellinus and Peter, an ancient underground cemetery where early Christians buried their dead |
| Alessandrino | Aqueduct Park, a green area where you can see the remains of several ancient aqueducts that supplied water to Rome |
When using the Metro, it is important to keep in mind some practical tips to make your trip smoother and safer.
Tips on Safety
- First of all, always validate your ticket before entering the platform using the yellow machines available at the entrance. Failure to do so can result in a fine of €50 ($57).
- Secondly, beware of pickpockets, especially on crowded trains and stations. Keep your valuables close to you and your bags zipped or closed.
- Thirdly, be aware of the schedule and operating hours of the Metro, as they may vary on holidays and special occasions.
- Finally, respect the rules and etiquette of the Metro, such as not smoking, eating, or drinking on the trains, not blocking the doors, and giving up your seat to elderly, disabled, or pregnant passengers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Metro in Rome is a reliable, efficient, and affordable way to explore the city and reach its main attractions. By using the three lines of the Metro, visitors can save time, money, and energy and have a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience of the Eternal City. So, next time you plan your trip to Rome, don’t forget to include the Metro in your itinerary!
