The capital of Italy has the best and most frequent public transportation system in the whole country. Being a capital and metropolitan city has this kind of advantage. The city is very well connected from one point to another. That’s why it is easier to move around Rome. There are a lot places to see here, so the public transportation is the most important point while you are going around the city. Even if you love walking, there will be a time when you will be using the metro, bus or the tram. The system is very affordable here and you’ll have a variety of options to choose from according to your time and also to your budget. We’ve created this guide to answer questions like “where to buy bus tickets in Rome?” or “until what time does the metro run?” Read on to find out!
What are the best public transportation options in Rome
TRAM
Tramway system used to be the largest transportation system in Rome. Now, it still functions but there are less lines available. You can find modern and traditional trams. The operational hours differs according to the number of the tram. The main point of crossing is Porta Maggiore. The tickets can be bought from newspaper stands, ticket machines, tobacco shops or sometimes from coffee shops -bar in Italian- as well.
METRO
Also known as metropolitana, the metro in Rome is a life saver while traveling here. The destinations of the lines have letters and are also color-coded: Line A (light red), Line B (blue) and Line C (green). Each line has different directions. You can buy metro tickets at each stop from the ticket machines, newspaper stands or “tabaccheria” which is a tobacco shop in Italy. A single ticket costs 1,50€.
BUS
The bus goes extensively around the city. Depending on where you will go, you can check the stops and number-coded buses at the stops. The bus system starts as early as 5:30 in the morning. There are special night buses which work after midnight until the morning and they are marked with an owl – a great savior at night where the metro and tram aren’t running anymore.
How to navigate the Metro system in Rome
Buying a metro ticket in Rome
There are many possible options to buy the ticket. You can buy through a ticket machine right at the metro stop or you can grab at any tabaccheria, newspaper stand as well. If you want you can buy one-day, two-days, three-days or weekly tickets.
Figuring out the metro network in Rome
There are three major lines for now, some parts are under construction. Line A covers between Battistini-Anagnina.Line B has three end-points, it is like an Y-shaped line; between Laurentina- Jonio – Rebbibia. The newest Line C works between San Giovanni- Monte Compatri/Pantano.
Local tips for the metro system in Rome
You shouldn’t forget to get your ticket stamped before you get in. If the ticket controller catches you with an unstamped ticket, you are subjected to a fine. The controls are random and can be done anytime of the day. If you have the weekly or hourly tickets, you’ll still need to get them stamped even if they’ve previously been stamped.
Rome metro operating hours
Metropolitana starts working at 5.30 in the morning and stops around 11:30 at night.The metro comes in 5-10 minutes during these working hours. Frequency depends on the peak times of the day and lunch breaks. The metro runs until 1:30 AM on Saturdays. 
How to navigate the bus system in Rome
Buying a bus ticket in Rome
When you are buying one-time pass tickets, you can buy them through any tabaccheria, newspaper stand. That ticket is called “biglietto semplice” and once you get it stamped, it’s valid for 100 minutes. Within this time, you may use other transportation options with the same ticket – excluding the metro.
The cheapest way to use public transport in Rome
Transport pass
The transport pass in Rome suitable for travelers is called Metrebus. There are 5 types of passes. There’s BIT – one time pass valid for 100 minutes for 1,5€. There’s also CIS – weekly integrated ticket that can be used in all public transportations including some regional trains for 24€ or time-integrated tickets for 24-48-72 hours, respectively for 7€, 12.5€, and 18€.
Other tourist passes
You can buy Roma Pass for 48 hours or 72 hours. The pass will allow you to use the metro, tram, and bus as much as you want. You’ll also have free entry into 1 or 2 of the museums or archeological sites you visit. Along with this, you will have discounted tickets for exhibitions and events. The price of the ticket is 28€ and 38.5€ respectively.