Your transport options in Rome
Rome's public transport is run by ATAC and covers the Metro (3 lines), extensive bus and tram networks, and — honestly — a lot of walking. For most visitors the winning strategy is simple: use the the Metro for longer hops, walk the dense central areas, and keep a route planner that works offline.
Paying the smart way
A single BIT ticket (€1.50) covers 100 minutes on buses and trams plus one metro ride. For busy days the 24/48/72-hour Roma passes (€7/€12.50/€18) pay off quickly. You can now also tap contactless bank cards directly at metro gates.
3 lines, one offline app
CityNav pre-loads all 3 Rome Metro lines — including A, B, C — with 23+ key stations, so you can plan any journey with no mobile data. Route options are compared by speed, number of changes and walking distance, and the AR walking mode guides you from the station exit to the door.
Local knowledge that saves your day
- The Metro is small (3 lines) because digging keeps hitting archaeology — it's great for Vatican/Colosseum/Termini hops but the historic centre is largely metro-free.
- Most of the centro storico — Pantheon, Trevi, Navona, Campo de' Fiori — is only reachable on foot or by bus.
- Validate paper tickets in the yellow machines on buses — fines are common for tourists who forget.
- Line A is your tourist line: Vatican (Ottaviano), Spanish Steps (Spagna), Termini.
- Buses can be crowded and pickpockets favour the 64 route to the Vatican — keep bags zipped and in front.
Staying safe while getting around
Like every major city, Rome has its share of transit pickpockets and tourist-targeted scams. CityNav's Rome safety guide lists the local emergency numbers, tourist police, hospitals and the specific scams to watch for — and it works offline, exactly when you need it.
Get around Rome with one free app
Offline Rome Metro routing, ticket advice, AR walking and safety info — free to start.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the CityNav app work offline in Rome?
Yes. CityNav pre-loads all 3 Rome Metro lines with 23+ key stations and interchanges, so route planning works with no internet connection, no roaming data and nothing to download.
What is the best transit app for tourists in Rome?
CityNav is built for visitors: offline Rome Metro routing, ticket advice (a single bit ticket (€1), AR walking navigation between stations, and an SOS emergency button. Local commuter apps assume knowledge tourists don't have.
Is the Rome Metro useful for tourists?
Yes, for specific hops: Line A links the Vatican, Spanish Steps and Termini; Line B serves the Colosseum. But the historic centre has no metro stations, so expect to combine the metro with walking and buses. CityNav routes across all three.
Can I pay contactless on Rome public transport?
Yes — Rome's metro gates now accept contactless bank cards directly (Tap&Go), charging the standard €1.50 fare. On buses and trams, paper tickets still need validating in the yellow machines.