Does Rome Have a Metro?

Planning to explore Rome? Learn everything about the metro: how to use it, where to find stations, when it runs, and how to reach top sights quickly. Simple tips for smooth travel underground!

Does Rome Have a Metro?
Photo by Mauricio Artieda / Unsplash

First time in Rome and wondering — wait, does Rome even have a metro?

Short answer: yes, it does. Good enough to get you across the city fast without killing your feet. It’s not as big or fancy as in Paris or London, but hey, it works just fine.

Locals call it "la metropolitana," but don’t worry, say "metro" or even "subway" — people will get you.

If you're thinking about using it to hit all the big sights, smart move.

Rome Metro System: What’s the Deal?

Rome’s metro is pretty straightforward.
It’s not huge, but it covers the basics.

There are three lines:

  • Line A (orange)
  • Line B (blue)
  • Line C (green, newer and still growing)

Lines A and B meet at Termini Station — the main train station, and kind of the heart of the city transport system.

Line C? Honestly, tourists don’t use it much yet. Maybe in a few years, it’ll be more interesting.

The thing is, every time they dig to expand the system... they find ancient ruins.
So yeah, that's why the rome metro system isn’t massive. History literally gets in the way.

Still, it connects a lot of must-see places. You’ll use it way more than you think.

How to Use Rome Metro

Using the metro in Rome is easy once you know the basics.

First step: get a ticket. You can buy metro tickets from machines at stations, little tobacco shops (called tabaccherias), newsstands, or bars.
If you’ve seen the word "metrokaartjes Rome" somewhere — that’s Dutch for "metro tickets Rome."

Ticket options:

  • Single ride? Good for 100 minutes.
  • 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour passes? Great if you plan a lot of hopping around.

Make sure you validate your ticket before jumping on. Look for the small yellow or green machines at the entrance.
Slide the ticket in. Beep. Done.

How to use Rome metro summed up:
Buy it. Validate it. Ride it.

Metro Stations in Rome

Metro stations are everywhere in the center, you just have to spot the big red "M" signs.

Key metro station Rome Italy names you’ll probably use:

  • Termini (A and B): The grand hub.
  • Spagna (A): Steps away from Spanish Steps.
  • Ottaviano (A): For Vatican lovers.
  • Colosseo (B): Straight to the Colosseum.

Stations aren't fancy. Some are even a bit old and scruffy. But they work.

Pro tip: during rush hour, stations like Spagna and Termini can get packed.
Like sardine-packed.

Rome Metro Map with Sights

Looking for a rome metro map with tourist attractions?
Easy to find.

Tourist maps usually include metro lines + major sights. Hotels hand them out too.

Also, most stations have giant maps on the wall near the ticket machines. Super helpful.

Some practical combos:

  • Spagna stop: Spanish Steps and Via Condotti (shopping heaven).
  • Barberini stop: Trevi Fountain nearby.
  • Colosseo stop: Straight into ancient history.

The metro won't take you everywhere, but it covers a big chunk of sightseeing.

Rome Metro Hours and Timetable

Rome metro hours are simple:

  • Opens around 5:30 AM.
  • Closes around 11:30 PM on weekdays.
  • Fridays and Saturdays? Later — about 1:30 AM.

Rome subway hours are good enough for early risers and late diners.

Just double-check during holidays; Italy loves a random schedule change.

Rome Metro Schedule and Train Frequency

On most days, you’ll wait maybe 5 minutes between trains.

At night, that can stretch to 10–15 minutes. Nothing crazy.

Rome metro timetable and rome subway schedule info online is usually reliable, but honestly? You probably won’t even need it. Just show up and hop on.

Is It Easy for Tourists?

Yes. Totally.

Even if you speak zero Italian, it’s simple to figure out.

Stations are marked clearly, announcements are frequent (ok, mostly in Italian, but screens help), and people are used to tourists.

If you were worried about how to use the metro in Rome Italy — don’t sweat it. You’ll be fine after the first ride.

Safety in the Rome Metro

The metro is generally safe.

But. (Big but.)

Pickpockets love crowded metro stations, especially Termini and Colosseo.
Keep your bag close, zipped, and maybe even hugged in front of you when it’s crowded.

Also, late at night some smaller stations can feel a little deserted. Nothing usually happens, but stay aware.

Tips for Using Rome’s Metro Like a Local

  • Validate your ticket every time.
  • Save your ticket until the end — sometimes you’ll need it to exit.
  • Get a day pass if you’re making 4+ trips in one day.
  • Avoid crazy rush hours (8–9:30 AM and 5–7 PM).
  • If you’re lost, look for the big red "M" signs — they’re your friends.

Apps like Moovit or Google Maps also show rome metro times in real time. Handy if you’re planning a tight day.

Walking vs Metro in Rome

Some places are better reached on foot.

Centro Storico (Historic Center)? Skip the metro.
Colosseum to Vatican? Definitely metro.

A smart mix of walking + metro saves energy and lets you see more without feeling dead by 3 PM.

Final Thoughts: Subway Rome

Rome has a metro.
It’s small, sometimes scruffy, but super helpful.

Learning how to use it saves time, energy, and helps you squeeze even more into your Roman holiday.

Grab that metrokaartjes Rome, jump into the underground, and go discover those piazzas, fountains, ruins and, yeah, the best gelato in the city.

Because under the streets of Rome, a whole faster city waits.