If you're planning to move to Rome to study, work, or start a new chapter in your life, you'll quickly realize that living in the "Eternal City" can be as exciting as it is challenging. One of the first things you’ll notice upon arrival is the traffic. Navigating the streets can be tricky, with constant congestion and an organizational style that doesn’t always meet the pace of city life. For those who need to get around efficiently, the Rome Metro is one of the best ways to bypass the chaos and get to your daily destinations on time.

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Although the metro doesn't cover the entire city, its straightforward operation and connectivity with other modes of transport make it easy to get around both the city center and more distant neighborhoods. Before diving in, it’s helpful to know a bit about its history, how it’s organized today, and the types of tickets available.

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The history of the Rome Metro

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The Rome Metro has a unique history. Although it’s one of the oldest metro systems in Italy (it began operating in 1955), its development has been slower than you might expect from a major European capital. The reason? Rome is built on centuries of history, and excavating to expand the metro often uncovers archaeological ruins that require preservation and study.

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This challenge has significantly delayed the metro’s expansion, but it also makes the system unique, with some stations surrounded by historical elements. Despite these hurdles, the metro continues to grow and adapt to the needs of locals and visitors, with ongoing projects aimed at connecting more outlying areas to the heart of the city.

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How it works and where it goes

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Today, the Rome Metro has three main lines that form a limited but very functional network:

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• Line A (Orange): probably the most useful for tourists and new residents, it connects landmarks such as Piazza di Spagna, the Vatican Museums, and Termini Station, the city’s main train hub.
• Line B (Blue): passes through iconic spots like the Colosseum and reaches residential areas such as EUR, a modern financial and residential district.
• Line C (Green): the newest line, still under construction, connects some outer neighborhoods to the historic center.

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The metro operates daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 1:30 a.m. Trains run every 5–10 minutes during peak hours, making it a fast and reliable way to navigate the city.

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Types of tickets and prices

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One of the reasons the metro is so accessible is its clear and straightforward ticketing system, offering options for various needs:

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• BIT (Integrated Time Ticket): the most common ticket, valid for 100 minutes from validation. You can switch between metro, bus, and tram, but re-entry into the metro is not allowed with the same ticket.
  💰 Price: €1.50
• Roma 24H: unlimited travel on all public transport in the city for 24 hours.
  💰 Price: €7.00
• Roma 48H and 72H: ideal for longer stays, offering unlimited travel for 48 hours or 72 hours.
  💰 Price: 48 hours (€12.50) and 72 hours (€18.00)
• CIS (Weekly Pass): perfect for longer visits, allowing unlimited travel for 7 days.
  💰 Price: €24.00

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Tickets can be purchased at vending machines in metro stations, kiosks, and authorized shops across the city. Always remember to validate your ticket before entering the metro area or boarding buses, as ticket inspections are frequent, and fines for traveling without a valid ticket can be high.

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Tips for using the Rome Metro

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While the metro is fast and simple to use, here are a few practical tips to make your experience smoother:

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• During rush hours, especially from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., trains can be very crowded. If possible, try to avoid traveling at these times.
• Not all neighborhoods are directly connected to the metro. In some cases, you may need to combine it with buses or trams to reach your destination.
• Use transportation apps to plan your routes. Some of the most recommended ones are ATAC Roma or Google Maps with public transit options enabled.

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The Rome Metro may not be the largest or most modern in Europe, but it’s an essential tool for anyone living in the city who needs a practical and cost-effective way to get around. By choosing the right ticket for your needs and combining the metro with other public transport options, you can make the most of what Rome has to offer without worrying about traffic or delays.

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