How Does the Metro in Rome Work? Information and Tips

Published on 9 March 2025 Last updated on 20 October 2026

The metro in Rome is a convenient way to travel quickly between different parts of the city. The metro network consists of three lines: A, B and C. These lines take you to various famous attractions and neighbourhoods. However, not every tourist attraction is located close to a metro station. Sometimes walking or travelling by bus is a better option.

In this article, I share my experiences with the metro in Rome. You’ll discover which metro lines are available, how to pay for your journey and which stations are useful during a city trip. You’ll also learn how to use the metro and what to look out for. With this practical information, you can better decide when the metro is the most convenient way to explore Rome.

How Does the Metro in Rome Work?

I have been visiting Rome for over fifteen years and have regularly used the metro during my trips. Compared to the metro systems in cities such as New York and London, I find Rome’s metro network relatively straightforward. Especially if you are visiting the city for the first time, it is reassuring to quickly understand how the metro works and which line you need.

Rome has three metro lines: A, B and C. Lines A and B intersect at Termini station. You can also change lines at San Giovanni station, from line A to line C. The network is easy to navigate, but the metro does not take you everywhere in the historic centre. For example, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona do not have their own metro stations. To reach these attractions, you will need to walk some of the way or use another form of public transport.

Which Metro Lines Are There in Rome?

Rome has three metro lines: A, B and C. During a city trip, you will mainly use lines A and B to reach different parts of the city. Below, you’ll find what you need to know about each metro line.

Metro Line A (Orange Line)

Metro Line A is identified by its orange colour and has 27 stations. The line runs from Battistini in the northwest to Anagnina in the southeast of Rome. It is a useful metro line for tourists, as it provides access to several famous attractions.

Important Metro Line A stations:

Cipro: a convenient station for visiting the Vatican Museums.

Ottaviano: a good choice for visiting St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Spagna: the closest metro station to the Spanish Steps.

Barberini: a convenient station for the Trevi Fountain, which is within walking distance.

Termini: here, you can change to Metro Line B and connect to various train services.

Metro Line B (Blue Line)

Metro Line B is identified by its blue colour and runs from north to south through Rome. In the north, the line splits at Bologna station. From here, you can continue towards Rebibbia or take Line B1 towards Jonio. In the south, both routes merge again, and the trains continue to Laurentina.

For tourists, Metro Line B is particularly useful for visiting the Colosseum and the surrounding archaeological attractions. Piramide station is also worth knowing about, especially if you want to explore the Testaccio neighbourhood.

Important Metro Line B stations:

Colosseo: a convenient station for visiting the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.

Piramide: a convenient station for anyone visiting or staying overnight in the Testaccio neighbourhood.

Termini: here, you can change to Metro Line A and connect to various train services.

Testaccio is a lively neighbourhood with an authentic Roman character. You’ll find local eateries where you can sample traditional Italian dishes alongside Rome’s residents. I regularly book a hotel in this neighbourhood myself. In my experience, accommodation here is often more affordable than staying right next to the most famous attractions.

However, keep in mind that not all the major attractions are within easy walking distance of Testaccio. Visiting the Colosseum or the Vatican will involve a longer walk or a journey by public transport. Thanks to Piramide metro station, the neighbourhood is well connected to the rest of the city.

Metro Line C (Green Line)

Metro Line C is Rome’s newest metro line and can be recognised by its green colour. The line operates fully automatically, without a driver on board. The route runs from Monte Compatri/Pantano in the southeast to Colosseo/Fori Imperiali in the centre of Rome. There are currently 24 stations in operation.

Metro Line C has therefore also become interesting for tourists. At San Giovanni station, you can change to Metro Line A. At Colosseo/Fori Imperiali, the line connects to Metro Line B. This station is convenient for visiting the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

The metro line is also being extended towards the northwest of Rome. Venezia station, near Piazza Venezia, is part of this extension but has not yet opened.

Important Metro Line C stations:

Colosseo/Fori Imperiali: a convenient station for visiting the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.

San Giovanni: here, you can change to Metro Line A.

How Do You Pay for the Metro in Rome?

There are several ways to pay for the metro in Rome. You can buy a single ticket, pay contactlessly with Tap & Go, or choose a tourist pass such as the Roma Pass. The best option for you mainly depends on how long you are staying in Rome and how often you use public transport.

During my first visits to Rome, I usually bought a CIS weekly travel pass. At the time, this pass cost €24 and offered unlimited travel within Rome for seven days. I often still had to buy the pass from a ticket machine upon arrival. There were regularly long queues at these machines, especially at Termini station. Nowadays, paying has become much easier, partly thanks to Tap & Go.

Contactless Payment with Tap & Go

One of the most convenient changes, in my opinion, is the option to pay contactlessly on the Rome metro. During my city trip in June 2026, I used Tap & Go for the first time. I liked it because I didn’t have to buy a ticket from a ticket machine.

With Tap & Go, you simply hold a compatible contactless bank card, credit card or payment method on your smartphone or smartwatch against the reader at the ticket barrier. Wait for the barrier to open, then walk through. You don’t need to register in advance to use the service.

There are a few important things to keep in mind:

Use the same payment method for every journey. If you start with your bank card, use that same card throughout your journey rather than switching to your phone or smartwatch, even if it has the same card stored on it.

Hold only the card or device you want to pay with against the reader. If necessary, take it out of your wallet to prevent multiple cards from being read at the same time.

Tap whenever you change between different modes of transport. A new tap within your ticket’s validity period does not automatically result in a new payment.

Tap & Go is personal. You cannot use one payment method to pay for several people travelling together.

A standard ticket purchased through Tap & Go currently costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes. On the metro, the ticket covers one journey, with transfers between metro lines permitted under certain conditions without passing through the ticket barriers again. The transport operator also applies a cheaper daily fare when you make enough journeys. Check ATAC’s current terms and conditions before you travel.

Travelling with the Roma Pass

Are you planning to visit several museums and attractions and also use public transport regularly? Then the Roma Pass may be worth considering. This tourist card combines admission to certain museums and archaeological sites with public transport within Rome.

I have used the Roma Pass myself several times. In my experience, this card is particularly worth considering if you are staying outside the historic centre and travel by metro, tram or bus several times a day. In that case, the Roma Pass may work out cheaper than paying for each journey separately. Whether you actually save money depends on the length of your stay, the attractions you visit and the number of journeys you make.

The Roma Pass is available for 48 or 72 hours. Check in advance which museums and transport options are included, as well as the current prices and conditions. This will help you decide whether the card suits your travel plans.

My advice for a city trip of three to four days: if you mainly plan to visit attractions in the historic centre and Vatican City, I would usually recommend paying contactlessly with Tap & Go for your metro and bus journeys. Book your tickets for the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums in advance through their official websites. This allows you to plan your visits more effectively and avoid unnecessary queues or disappointment if a time slot is fully booked.

How Do You Travel by Metro in Rome?

Travelling by metro in Rome is fairly straightforward, even if you are visiting the city for the first time. Once you know which metro line you need and which direction to travel in, you can make most journeys without much difficulty. Follow these steps to reach your destination more easily.

1. Find the nearest metro station

You can usually recognise metro station entrances by a sign with a large M. Check in advance which station is most convenient for your destination. Keep in mind that you may still need to walk a little way from the station.

2. Check the correct metro line and direction

At the stations, signs indicate which line to take and the direction in which the metro is travelling. Look at the name of the final station to make sure you are heading in the right direction. If you are unsure, check your route in advance using an up-to-date metro map or a navigation app.

3. Go through the ticket barriers

If you are using a paper ticket or another travel pass, follow the instructions for validating it. If you are travelling with Tap & Go, hold the same contactless payment card or device against the reader. Wait for the barrier to open before walking through. Keep your ticket or use the same payment method throughout your journey so you can present it during a ticket inspection.

4. Follow the signs to the correct platform

Once inside, follow the signs to the correct line and direction. Pay close attention to the information on the platforms, especially if you need to change lines. At busy stations, it may take a little while to find the right platform.

5. Get off at the correct station

Keep track of the upcoming stops during your journey. Information boards and announcements on the metro indicate where you are. If you are unsure when to get off, check in advance how many stops you need to travel.

6. Change to another metro line

If you need to change lines, follow the signs to the other line. At Termini station, you can change between Lines A and B. At San Giovanni, you can change between Lines A and C. Please note that when changing between Lines A and C, you must use the designated ticket barriers. Always follow the signs inside the station.

One final tip: don’t plan your route based on the metro alone. Some famous attractions are not located directly next to a metro station. Sometimes, walking the final part of the journey or taking a bus is quicker or more convenient.

Is the Metro in Rome Safe?

Yes, the metro in Rome is generally a safe way to travel around the city. I have been visiting Rome for over fifteen years and have regularly taken the metro during both the day and the evening. I have almost always felt safe doing so. However, I was a victim of pickpocketing during one of my visits. That is why I recommend keeping a close eye on your belongings while travelling, especially at busy stations and on crowded metro trains.

What Should You Look Out For?

Pickpockets on crowded metro trains and at Termini station

In busy places, such as Metro Line A and Termini station, you should be extra alert to pickpockets. These locations attract many tourists and can therefore be appealing to thieves. Especially when boarding a metro train with lots of other passengers, it is wise to keep a close eye on your bag and valuables.

Crowds when boarding and getting off

Pickpockets may take advantage of the crowds around metro doors. When people are standing close together or trying to pass each other, you may not notice someone reaching into your bag or pockets. Keep your belongings close to you when boarding, getting off or standing in a crowded carriage.

Stay alert in the evening too

You can generally use public transport as usual when travelling by metro in the evening. However, pay attention to your surroundings when leaving a large station, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. Know where you are going in advance and keep your phone and other valuables safely stored away.

My Tips for Avoiding Pickpocketing

1. Keep your valuables safe

Don’t keep your phone or wallet in an easily accessible back pocket or an outer pocket of your backpack. Store them somewhere others cannot easily reach.

2. Carry your bag at the front

When standing in a crowded metro or getting on and off the train, wear your backpack on the front of your body or keep a firm hold on your handbag. Pay particular attention to the zips and compartments of your bag.

3. Avoid unnecessary distractions

Stay alert if someone unexpectedly approaches you, tries to distract you or engages with you in a crowded situation. Not everyone who approaches you has bad intentions, but make sure you keep an eye on your belongings in the meantime.

4. Use Tap & Go if it suits you

With Tap & Go, you can pay contactlessly at the ticket barriers. This means you don’t have to open your wallet to buy a single ticket first. It is particularly convenient at busy stations. However, it does not protect your belongings from theft, so remain alert even when using this payment method.

My most important advice is not to worry unnecessarily. You can use the metro in Rome perfectly well to explore the city. By staying reasonably alert and keeping your valuables safely stored away, you make life much harder for pickpockets.

Practical Tips for the Metro in Rome

The metro can save you a lot of time during your city trip, but it helps to know a few things in advance. With these five tips, you can travel around Rome more easily and avoid unnecessary detours.

1. Check in advance which metro station is most convenient

Not every attraction in Rome is located close to a metro station. Check in advance where you need to get off and how far you will still need to walk. For example, you can get off at Colosseo for the Colosseum. The metro is less convenient for reaching the Pantheon or Piazza Navona directly at the entrance.

2. Pay attention to the direction of the metro

Before heading to the platform, check which direction you need to travel in. The signs usually indicate the final station on the line in question. This is useful if you are unsure which of the two directions to take. It helps you avoid boarding the wrong train and having to travel back.

3. Plan your visits to popular attractions wisely

Would you like to visit several attractions in one day? Check which locations are close to each other and combine them where possible. For example, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill can easily be combined into one visit. This means you won’t need to take the metro again for each attraction.

4. Check for engineering works before travelling

Engineering works or disruptions can affect your journey. Before setting off, check the latest travel information from transport operator ATAC, especially if you have an important reservation or need to arrive somewhere at a specific time. Allow extra travel time on busy days as well.

5. Allow for the final walk

The metro takes you quickly to different parts of Rome, but you will often need to walk the final part of your route. Wear comfortable shoes and take into account the distance between the metro station and your destination. Sometimes, walking a few stops or taking the bus is more convenient than making a detour by metro.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Metro in Rome

What time does the metro in Rome run?

The metro in Rome generally starts operating at around 5:30 AM. From Sunday to Thursday, the last metro trains depart at around 11:30 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, they generally run until around 1:30 AM. Exact times vary by line and may change due to engineering works or disruptions. Check the latest timetable before travelling.

How much does a metro ride in Rome cost?

A standard ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes from the first validation. On the metro, the ticket covers one journey, with transfers between metro lines permitted under certain conditions. If you travel several times in one day, a day ticket or contactless payment with Tap & Go may be more economical. Compare the options based on your travel plans.

Is the metro in Rome safe for tourists?

The metro in Rome is generally a safe way to get around. However, keep a close eye on your belongings on crowded trains and at stations such as Termini, where pickpockets may operate. Keep your phone and wallet secure, and be extra alert when boarding or getting off a crowded train.

Do children travel for free on the metro in Rome?

Children up to and including 10 years old travel free on ATAC public transport within Rome, provided they are accompanied by a paying adult. Exceptions apply to certain services. If you are travelling with a pushchair, keep in mind that it must be folded on ATAC buses and trams.

Can you travel from Fiumicino Airport to Rome by metro?

No, Fiumicino Airport does not have a direct metro connection. However, you can take the Leonardo Express to Termini station. From there, you can change to Metro Line A or B. Another option is the regional FL1 train, which stops at stations including Trastevere, Ostiense and Tiburtina. Please note that standard metro tickets are not valid on the Leonardo Express. Check in advance which train is most convenient for reaching your accommodation.

Which metro station is most convenient for the Colosseum?

Colosseo station on Metro Line B is a convenient stop for the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. Metro Line C also stops at Colosseo/Fori Imperiali. Check in advance which line is most convenient from your starting point, and allow for possible queues at the entrances to the attractions.

More Travel Tips for a City Trip to Rome

Planning your city trip to Rome? In the articles below, you’ll find additional tips and practical information to help you prepare for your trip to Rome.