What You Need to Know About Using Public Transportation in Rome

Using Public Transportation in Rome can be challenging, as complaining about it is almost a favorite pastime for Romans, and they are not always wrong. However, the network of buses, trams, and subways remains an excellent way to get around the city. Almost every place in the city center, and therefore all major tourist areas, is easily accessible by public transportation.

Here are the main rules to use them comfortably and safely.

How to Validate Your Bus or Metro Ticket?

You can buy your ticket from vending machines in all metro stations or at various bars and newsstands near bus and tram stops. As of 2025, a standard ticket costs €1.50, is valid for 100 minutes, and allows one metro ride (even when changing lines). There are also specific solutions for tourists—on the Atac website (Rome’s public transport company), you can find various ticket and pass options. You’ll also find different ways to pay for your ticket using your mobile phone through dedicated apps. Another option is to pay directly at the metro turnstiles or on many buses and trams with your credit card.

How to Validate Your Ticket

If you have a traditional paper ticket, you need to validate it. In metro stations, you must use it to pass through the turnstiles, after which it will be considered validated. On buses and trams, you must stamp the ticket using the designated machines on board.
At some bus or tram stops, Atac inspectors may board and ask all passengers to show their validated tickets. Remember, your ticket must always be validated as soon as you get on board. Having an unstamped ticket is the same as not having one! In this case, inspectors will have no choice but to fine you, just as if you had never bought a ticket at all.
There are no inspectors inside the metro cars because, in theory, if you passed through the turnstiles, you have a ticket. However, inspectors may check your ticket when you exit the station. So, even if you find an open turnstile giving access to the platform (sometimes due to a malfunction or staff oversight), keep in mind that skipping validation is a risk. In any case, always follow the rules and respect the city you are visiting—this way, everything will go smoothly!

But don’t forget the other brilliant way to explore the capital on a fun and stylish ride: on a Vespa with Sidecar Tour in Rome!

Are There Unwritten Rules for Using Public Transport in Rome?

More than official regulations, there are behaviors that every courteous and educated traveler should know and follow.

Let Others Exit Before Boarding

If you are waiting for a bus, tram, or metro at a stop, don’t rush to get on as soon as the doors open. First, let the people getting off at that stop exit. Passengers waiting to board should stand to the side of the doors instead of blocking the exit, making it easier for people to get off.
Once on board, don’t stop immediately in the first available space if there are still many people trying to board behind you. Move forward if there is space to help optimize capacity, especially during peak hours.
You’ll notice that some seats are reserved for elderly people, individuals with disabilities, or pregnant women. While you can sit in them if they are unoccupied, be ready to give up your seat if needed. Regardless of where you sit, it is always polite to offer your seat to someone who might have difficulty standing. The same applies to designated spaces for strollers and wheelchairs—anyone can use them, but priority must be given to those who truly need them.

Keep Your Voice and Phone Volume Down

Like in any public space, good manners dictate that you should not disturb others. Unfortunately, you’ll notice that many passengers ignore this simple rule, speaking loudly on the phone or using the speaker function. Some even watch videos or listen to music at full volume.
To avoid being inconsiderate, use headphones or earbuds when listening to media, or at least keep the volume low so as not to disturb those around you.

Avoid Pushing Other Passengers

If you are on a bus or tram, remember to press the red stop button well in advance when your destination is approaching. Move towards the exit doors in time to avoid pushing other passengers at the last moment.
Basic etiquette (not pushing, not shouting, respecting the queue) also applies when using metro escalators. In Rome, as in many other countries, the rule is to stand on the right if you are not moving and leave the left side free for those in a hurry who want to walk up or down the escalator.

Stay Patient, Even When Others Don’t

In a city like Rome, especially during peak commuting hours, public transport can get very crowded. Fatigue, stress, and hurry often make people irritable and short-tempered. Minor arguments or heated discussions are not uncommon (fortunately, they rarely escalate). Most of the time, they happen over trivial reasons.
Your calm and politeness can help maintain a peaceful atmosphere, even in these situations.

How Can I Avoid Pickpocketing?

Unfortunately, there is always a risk of theft in crowded places. Be mindful of your wallet, documents, phone, camera, and any valuable items.
Pickpockets often operate in metro stations and on public transport. While waiting for the metro, you might hear announcements warning passengers about the risk of theft.
On buses, trams, and metro trains, people are often packed closely together, making it easy for skilled thieves to discreetly steal wallets or phones from pockets and bags. Even locals sometimes fall victim to this.

Keep Your Valuables Safe

Always store valuables in secure places, such as inner jacket pockets rather than outer ones. Avoid keeping your wallet or phone in your pants pockets, especially the back pocket.
If you carry a handbag, keep it close and in sight. If you have a backpack, wear it in front of you instead of on your back when in crowded places.
Be cautious if someone approaches you asking for directions or money. While you don’t need to be rude or distrustful, stay alert.
Don’t judge people by their appearance—many pickpockets dress well to blend in and avoid suspicion.
Also, be careful when sitting at an outdoor café or restaurant. Leaving wallets and phones on the table, or hanging jackets and bags on the back of your chair, makes you an easy target.
Avoid wearing expensive watches or flashy jewelry in public. If possible, leave them in your hotel safe, or wear them discreetly without drawing attention.
This doesn’t mean you should spend your trip to Rome constantly worrying about theft. A little caution is enough to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation.

Do Mobile Phones Work Well on Public Transport in Rome?

On surface transport, you won’t usually have any issues using your phone. Almost all bus and tram routes have good network coverage. In many areas of the city center, you’ll also find 5G service.
You might experience slower service in some suburban areas, but complete disconnection is rare.

Metro Network Coverage

In the underground metro, coverage depends on the line. On lines A and B, you can use your phone, but don’t expect a perfect connection. If you’re watching a video or making a video call, you may experience occasional disruptions.
Network speed may also be affected by the number of people using their phones, especially during peak hours when many locals are commuting.
As of now, metro line C (which runs from the eastern outskirts to San Giovanni in Laterano) still lacks mobile coverage.
If you need to use online maps or read about a destination while riding the metro, it’s a good idea to load the pages or download documents before going underground. This way, you’ll have access to the information even if you lose signal.

Is It Considered Rude to Talk on the Phone on Public Transport?

As we have already mentioned, public transportation follows the same behavioral principles that should apply in any shared space, such as cafés, restaurants, and museums. This means you can do whatever you want as long as it does not disturb other people.

Keep in mind that public transportation is often crowded, with passengers in close proximity. If everyone started speaking loudly on a packed bus or metro car, the environment would become unbearable. You will notice that some people (actually, quite a few) do this anyway, without caring about disturbing other passengers.

If you want to be a polite and respectful tourist (you do, don’t you? 😊), make sure to be discreet when talking on the phone, watching a video, or listening to an audio recording. Speak at a moderate volume, lower your ringtone and media sound, or better yet—as already suggested—use earphones or headphones.

A more civilized, pleasant, and safe way to experience the city, both for residents and tourists, also depends on small gestures like these.

If you have any doubts about the appropriate behavior in different places and situations in Rome, remember that the Sidecar Tour in Rome guides are not only expert Vespa riders but also great travel companions and wise advisors.

So… enjoy your vacation and have a great tour in Rome!