How to get to Rome

Rome is the legendary capital of Italy and a true open-air museum located in the picturesque Lazio region. If you are planning to travel to this majestic metropolis, it will be useful to know how to get to Rome to choose the most convenient route. Thanks to its status as a major transport hub, you can reach the city in various ways: by plane, international train, bus, or car.

The main hub for arriving tourists is the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino). This is the primary air gateway receiving regular flights from leading world airlines and intercontinental connections. The airport features developed infrastructure and convenient connections to the city: you can reach the centre by high-speed train, bus, or taxi.

The second important airport is Ciampino, located closer to the city limits. It primarily serves low-cost carriers and charter flights, making it a popular choice for budget travellers flying from other European countries. Shuttle buses regularly run from here to the main districts of the capital.

Rome is the country's key railway junction, ensuring excellent connections with both various regions of Italy and major European cities. Travelling by train is not only convenient but also a scenic way to reach the "Eternal City," enjoying views of Italian landscapes from the carriage window.

Most long-distance services arrive at the main central station — Termini (Roma Termini). This is the huge transport heart of the city, located in immediate proximity to the historical centre. From here, it is easy to continue your journey by metro or bus. Another important transport hub is the Tiburtina station (Roma Tiburtina), which is often used as a stop for transit routes and some international services.

For rapid movement between cities, travellers actively use high-speed trains, such as Frecciarossa and Italo. These modern express trains connect the capital with Florence, Milan, Venice, and Naples, allowing you to cover the distance in a matter of hours with maximum comfort.

Travelling by bus is an excellent way to reach the capital while enjoying panoramic views of Italian regions and saving your budget. Most intercity services arrive at the Tiburtina bus station, from where it is convenient to continue by metro. For example, a trip from nearby Latina will take only about an hour and a half, covering a distance of 70 kilometres.

Routes from more remote corners of the country are no less comfortable and picturesque. The road from historic Perugia takes approximately 2.5 hours (170 km), passing through the green hills of Umbria. Travellers from the Adriatic coast often choose a direct route from Pescara: covering 210 kilometres across the Apennines will take about three hours.

Driving to Rome offers freedom of movement and a chance to see the picturesque landscapes of the Lazio region. The main arterial road leading to the capital is the famous "Autostrada del Sole" (A1). Travellers heading from the north (for example, from Florence) will cover about 275 kilometres in approximately 3 hours. The route from the south, from the Naples side, is shorter — about 220 kilometres and 2.5 hours of travel. For those driving along the Tyrrhenian coast, the scenic A12 highway is suitable.

It is important to remember that driving within the city itself has its peculiarities. The historical centre is protected by limited traffic zones (ZTL — Zona a Traffico Limitato). Entry there without a special permit is prohibited during certain hours (usually during the day and on Friday/Saturday evenings), and violations are recorded by cameras, which threatens serious fines.

Experienced tourists recommend not attempting to drive to landmarks by car, but rather using "Park and Ride" facilities. Convenient parking lots are located at metro terminuses and entrances from the Great Ring Road (GRA). By leaving your car there, you can easily reach the city centre by public transport, avoiding traffic jams and parking issues.

Preparing for your trip to Rome will help you avoid unnecessary hassle and focus on the beauty of the Eternal City. We have compiled a list of important recommendations that will be useful for every traveller in Italy.

1. Clothing and Essentials: It can be very hot here in summer, so choose clothing made from natural fabrics and be sure to wear a head covering. The main rule for any season is comfortable flat shoes, as walking on ancient cobblestones in heels is extremely tiring and can lead to injury.
2. Transport: The historical centre is best explored on foot so as not to miss hidden attractions. For longer trips, use the metro or buses, but remember: tickets must be purchased in advance at tobacco shops (Tabacchi) or machines and must be validated upon entering the transport.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Euro. Although bank cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops, always carry some cash (small denomination notes and coins). You will need them to pay the city tax in hotels, buy souvenirs, or purchase coffee in small cafés.
4. Health and Safety: The city is quite safe, but in crowded places (especially at Termini station, near the Colosseum, and in the metro), pickpockets may operate — keep your bags closed and in front of you. It is not necessary to buy water: you can safely drink for free from special street fountains known as "nasoni".
5. Communication: In tourist areas, hotel and restaurant staff usually speak English well. However, locals greatly appreciate respect for their culture, so it will be useful to learn a couple of basic words: "Buongiorno" (Good day) and "Grazie" (Thank you).
6. Local Etiquette: When visiting active churches and cathedrals, strictly observe the dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered. Also, consider the gastronomic tradition: cappuccino is customarily drunk only at breakfast, while after 11:00 AM, Italians prefer espresso.
7. What to Avoid: It is strictly forbidden to bathe in fountains, sit on the steps of the Spanish Steps, or have picnics on architectural monuments. For violating these rules, the police issue substantial fines. Also, avoid restaurants where touts on the street actively invite you to enter — this is often a sign of a "tourist trap" with inflated prices.
8. Extra Tip: Tickets to the most popular places, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums, are strongly recommended to be purchased online 2–3 weeks before your visit. This is the only guaranteed way to avoid exhausting, multi-hour queues.

By following these simple tips, you will feel confident and comfortable in any situation. May your Roman journey go smoothly and leave only the warmest and most vivid memories!