Travelling to Rome for the first time?

For many visitors, finding famous landmarks isn’t the hardest part.

Instead, it’s questions like:

• “How do I pay for the bus?”
• “Do I need to buy a ticket first?”
• “Can I just use my credit card?”
• “What happens if there’s a ticket inspection?”

The good news is that getting around Rome is much easier than many people expect.

If you’re mainly exploring the city centre, your phone and one contactless credit card are usually all you need.

This guide shares the same transport tips we use in our daily life in Rome, hoping to make your first trip a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

Public Transport in Rome

Rome’s public transport system mainly consists of:

🚇 Metro

🚌 Bus

🚋 Tram

All three are operated by ATAC, Rome’s public transport company.

They all use the same ticketing system, meaning one ticket can be used across buses, trams and the metro.

The Easiest Way to Pay: Tap & Go

If your credit card supports contactless payment, or you’ve already set up:

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay

you can simply tap your phone or card and board.

There’s no need to purchase a paper ticket beforehand.

It’s also how many locals travel around Rome today—and it’s our preferred way too.

It’s fast, convenient and saves you from constantly taking your wallet out.

How to Tap on Rome Buses

Every ATAC bus is equipped with contactless payment terminals.

Most newer buses have:

• One validator near the front door
• One near the rear door

Some older buses only have a validator at the front entrance.

Simply tap the same credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay device on the validator when boarding.

Always make sure the screen shows a green check mark (✅) or another successful validation message.

If not, tap again.

This step is very important.

Do I Need to Tap Again When Getting Off?

No.

Rome uses a Tap-on Only system.

Simply get off the bus without tapping again.

What If I Change to Another Bus?

You still need to tap again when boarding the next bus.

Many first-time visitors assume they don’t have to.

Even if your ticket is still within the 100-minute validity period, you must tap the same payment method every time you board a new bus.

Don’t worry—you won’t be charged twice.

The system recognises that your ticket is still valid.

The second tap simply registers your journey for ticket inspections.

What Happens During a Ticket Inspection?

No paper ticket?

No problem.

Simply show the same:

• Credit card
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay

that you used when boarding.

The inspector’s device will verify your travel record.

That’s why it’s important to use the same payment method throughout your journey.

Can I Use My Credit Card on the Metro?

Yes.

Most Metro A, Metro B, Metro B1 and Metro C stations now have Tap & Go gates.

Look for the contactless payment symbol on the ticket gate.

Simply tap your card or phone to enter.

No need to queue at the ticket machine.

Do I Need to Tap Again When Changing Metro Lines?

Usually not.

Metro A and Metro B/B1 are connected inside the stations, so you can transfer without exiting.

However, transferring between Metro C and Metro A currently requires leaving one station and entering another.

As long as you’re still within the ticket validity period, simply use the same ticket or payment method to enter again.

How Long Is a Rome Metro Ticket Valid?

The standard ticket is called:

BIT (Biglietto Integrato a Tempo)

Price:

€1.50

Validity:

100 minutes

Includes:

• One Metro journey
• Unlimited Bus rides
• Unlimited Tram rides

within the validity period.

Where Can I Buy Paper Tickets?

If you prefer physical tickets, the easiest place is a:

Tabacchi

(Tobacco Shop)

You’ll find them almost everywhere in Rome, especially:

• Near metro stations
• Around major attractions
• Residential neighbourhoods

We usually recommend buying several tickets at once so you won’t need to queue every time.

You can also purchase tickets from metro station ticket machines, although popular stations often have long lines.

How Do I Validate a Paper Ticket?

When boarding a bus or tram, insert the ticket into the validation machine following the arrow direction.

The machine will print:

• Validation time
• Expiry time

Keep your ticket until the end of your journey, as you’ll need it during inspections.

Five Common Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make

① Forgetting to Tap

Always validate your journey before sitting down.

Boarding without tapping may result in a fine.

② Not Checking for the Green Tick

Always make sure you see the green check mark (✅).

Otherwise, your payment may not have gone through.

③ Not Tapping Again on Another Bus

Although you won’t be charged again within 100 minutes, every new bus still requires another validation.

④ Showing the Wrong Card During Inspection

Always present the same payment method you originally used.

Apple Pay and the physical card may be recognised differently.

⑤ Searching for Your Wallet After Boarding

Crowded buses and metro stations are where pickpockets are most active.

We recommend setting up Apple Pay before your trip and using a phone lanyard.

It’s faster, safer and helps reduce the risk of theft.

Momento’s Travel Tip

We hope this guide helps make your first trip to Rome a little easier.

Travel shouldn’t feel stressful.

The less time you spend worrying about transport, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the city itself.

Slow down.

Leave more time for the journey.

And bring home memories that last far longer than any itinerary.

Let Roma Frame Your Momento.

Momento Roma