Rome Public Transport Guide
Rome's public bus network is operated by ATAC (Azienda per i Trasporti Autoferrotranviari del Comune di Roma) and covers the entire city with over 350 bus and tram lines. While the metro system has only three lines, the bus network reaches every neighborhood and tourist destination. Our Rome bus map highlights the most useful routes for visitors, helping you get around the city efficiently and affordably.
Key Bus Routes for Tourists
Bus 40 — Express: Termini to Vatican
The fast express bus connecting Termini Station directly to the Vatican area. This is the quickest bus route to St. Peter's Basilica, running via Piazza della Repubblica, Via Nazionale, Piazza Venezia, Largo Argentina, and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II before terminating at Piazza Pia near Castel Sant'Angelo. Limited stops make the journey faster than the parallel Bus 64. Runs frequently throughout the day.
Route: Termini Station (41.9010, 12.5020) to Piazza Pia/Vatican (41.9025, 12.4635)
Bus 64 — Termini to Vatican (All Stops)
The most popular tourist bus in Rome, running the same corridor as Bus 40 but with all stops. Connects Termini Station to the Vatican via Piazza Venezia and the historic center. Extremely frequent service but often very crowded, especially in summer. Be alert for pickpockets on this route. A convenient way to reach Piazza Venezia, Largo Argentina, and the Vatican from the station area.
Route: Termini Station (41.9010, 12.5020) to St. Peter's Station (41.9002, 12.4610)
Bus 118 / 218 — Appian Way
The essential routes for reaching the Via Appia Antica and its catacombs. Bus 118 runs from Piramide metro station along the Appian Way, passing the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano, the Circus of Maxentius, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. Bus 218 departs from San Giovanni in Laterano and reaches the catacombs area. Both routes run with reduced frequency on Sundays.
Route: Piramide (41.8761, 12.4816) to Via Appia Antica (41.8537, 12.5228)
Bus H — Termini to Trastevere
A direct connection from Termini Station to the Trastevere neighborhood, running via Piazza Venezia and across the Tiber. This is the most convenient bus for reaching Trastevere from the main station area. The route continues south to Monteverde. Frequent service throughout the day and early evening, making it ideal for dinner trips to Trastevere's famous restaurants.
Route: Termini Station (41.9010, 12.5020) to Trastevere (41.8830, 12.4700)
Tram 8 — Trastevere to Largo Argentina
A modern tram line connecting Trastevere with the historic center at Largo Argentina, near the Pantheon and Campo de' Fiori. The tram crosses the Tiber over Ponte Garibaldi and runs along Viale di Trastevere, the main avenue through the neighborhood. Fast and frequent service makes this the easiest way to reach Trastevere from the city center, or vice versa.
Route: Largo Argentina (41.8954, 12.4762) to Trastevere/Casaletto (41.8720, 12.4530)
Bus 910 — Circular Route
A useful circular route connecting Termini Station with the Villa Borghese area, passing through the modern Parioli neighborhood and along Via Flaminia. Convenient for reaching the Galleria Borghese museum and the MAXXI contemporary art museum. The route offers a scenic ride through some of Rome's leafier residential neighborhoods north of the historic center.
Route: Termini Station (41.9010, 12.5020) via Villa Borghese (41.9140, 12.4920)
Electric Minibus 117 / 119 — Historic Center
Small electric minibuses that navigate the narrow streets of Rome's historic center where regular buses cannot go. Bus 117 runs through the area between Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, and the Colosseum via Via del Corso. Bus 119 loops around Piazza del Popolo, the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Barberini. These quiet, eco-friendly buses are perfect for covering short distances in the pedestrian-heavy old town.
Route: Historic center loop via Piazza del Popolo (41.9106, 12.4764) and Piazza Barberini (41.9037, 12.4886)
Practical Information
ATAC — Rome's Transport Authority
ATAC operates all public buses, trams, and metro lines within Rome. The official ATAC website and app provide real-time bus tracking, route planning, and service updates. Bus stops display route maps and schedules, though service can sometimes be irregular. Most buses run from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight, after which night bus services take over.
Ticket Types and Prices
- BIT (single ticket) — 1.50 EUR: Valid for 100 minutes from first validation. Includes unlimited bus and tram transfers, plus one metro ride within the time window
- Roma 24h — 7.00 EUR: Unlimited travel on all buses, trams, and metro for 24 hours from first validation
- Roma 48h — 12.50 EUR: Unlimited travel for 48 hours
- Roma 72h — 18.00 EUR: Unlimited travel for 72 hours
- CIS (weekly pass) — 24.00 EUR: Unlimited travel for 7 calendar days
How to Validate Your Ticket
You must validate your ticket by inserting it into the yellow or green validation machines on board the bus or tram, or at metro station gates. Failure to validate can result in a fine of 54.90 EUR if checked by ATAC inspectors. Tickets can be purchased at tabacchi (tobacco shops) identified by a "T" sign, newsstands, metro station machines, and through the ATAC app. Always carry a validated ticket — inspections are random but increasingly frequent.
Night Buses (N Lines)
After the regular bus service ends around midnight, Rome's night bus network takes over. Night buses are identified by the letter "N" before the route number and generally run from midnight to 5:30 AM. Key night routes include:
- N1: Follows Metro Line A route from east to west
- N2: Follows Metro Line B route from north to south
- N8: Replaces Tram 8 between Largo Argentina and Trastevere
- N40: Night service along the Termini to Vatican corridor
- Night buses run every 20-30 minutes and use the same tickets as daytime services
Tips for Using Rome Buses
- Board from any door: Unlike some cities, you can enter Rome buses from any door — front, middle, or rear
- Signal your stop: Press the red button near the door before your stop. The "Fermata Prenotata" sign will light up
- Watch your belongings: Crowded buses, especially Bus 64, are known for pickpockets. Keep bags closed and in front of you
- Check for strikes: Italian transport workers occasionally strike (sciopero). Check the ATAC website for scheduled disruptions
- Google Maps: Google Maps provides reasonably accurate real-time bus information for Rome, including arrival times and route planning
- Buy tickets in advance: You cannot buy tickets on the bus. Stock up at any tabacchi or newsstand, especially for evenings and weekends when shops may be closed