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Metro (Subway) in Rome

The metro is usually much faster than the bus system since there is no traffic, but it has some disadvantages too. In Rome there are only 2 lines and at times they run a bit parallel so they don't cover much ground. Many of Rome's major sites are not that convenient to metro stations. The exceptions are the Spanish steps and the Colosseum. It's also a bit noisy and you don't get to see any sights as you travel.

With that said, the metro can still get you around Rome.

Rome Metro Lines

The 2 lines are the Linea A, or red line and the Linea B, or blue line and you can change from one line to the other at the main train station, Termini. The red line runs from Battistini to Anagnina and includes stops near the Vatican Museums (Cipro), the Vatican (Ottaviano), the Cola di Rienzo shopping area (Lepanto), Piazza del Popolo (Flaminia), the Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna), via Veneto (Barberini) and San Giovanni.

The blue lines runs from Rebibbia to Laurentina and includes stops near Eur, St. Pauls Outside the Walls (Basilica S. Paolo), Piramide (also the Ostiense train station), Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo), the Colosseum (Colosseo) and the Tiburtina train station.

You need to know the last stop of the direction you're going to get to the right platform. There will be signs in the station showing the stops along the way and also onboard the metro.

Getting On and Off the Metro Train

On the blue line, you'll have to push a button to get the doors to open. On the red line, the doors open automatically.

There are sometime many exits to a stations and there will be signs showing where each one goes.

Validating Your Ticket

If you have a ticket, you'll have to stamp it to get through the turnstiles. If you have a pass, there is an open passage you can walk through. Flash your pass at the station staff, if they're looking. At times there may be someone checking passes carefully.

NOTE: Work Being Done on A Line December 2004 - 2007

Work is slated to start December 27, 2004 on the A line of the subway in Rome, which is in need of renovation. During the work, which is estimated to last three years, the A line will close earlier than usual, at 9pm. The work on the subway regards primarily the stretch from the main train station, Termini, to the end of the line at Anagnina, however all stations on the Line A will close daily at 9pm.

Subway service will be substituted by special bus service from 9pm to midnight. Buses will run parallel to the route of the subway and pass every 6-7 minutes, 2-4 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays. Buses will stop at or near all subway stations on the Line A. There will be two new buses covering the route, the MA1 and MA2. After midnight, the usual night buses may be used.

The subway line B will be running on a normal schedule.

Rome Transportation

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