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How to Buy Tickets on Public Transport in Rome
Written by: Kate Zusmann
Public transport in Rome is well-connected to all parts of the city. Tickets for the metro/subway, tram, and bus are interchangeable, and you can buy them at one of the stations, at a news kiosk, at a Tabbacchi, on an app, take a ride using Roma Pass or purchase a monthly or yearly pass.
Where to Buy Tickets
There are many options to buy a ticket for public transport, so it won’t be a problem for you, especially if you are in the city center. However, you should always purchase them in advance for your assurance.
At a Tabbacchi
Tabbacherias have multi-functions in Italy. Here, you can buy cigarettes, souvenirs, postcards, upgrade your mobile balance, or buy a ticket for public transport. Moreover, you can reload your monthly pass (abbonamento) at most Tabbachi.
On the Bus
Technically, you can buy a ticket on the bus. However, it is a risk because there are quite a few buses that contain machines, so better to buy a ticket in advance.
At an Edicola
Edicola is simply a news kiosk. You will find many news kiosks in the city, which are open on average until 9 pm and you can easily purchase a ticket there.
At a Metro Station
Since the ticket used on the metro is the same used for buses, you can easily buy a ticket at a metro station. The feature is that there are self-service ticket machines where you have to choose which kind of ticket you want.
Don’t forget that your ticket is valid for 100 minutes after you validated it in a special machine
From ATAC for a Yearly Pass
This option is suitable for those living in Rome and planning to use public transport. You will have to apply in person or by email to buy a pass. The price is 250 euro for 12 months.
From ATAC for a Monthly Pass
You can also buy a monthly pass every month in ATAC and its website or tabaccheria, at least, most of them. The price is 35 euro, and the card will allow you to ride local buses, metros, and some regional trains, as well as trams.
On an App
One of the examples of mobile phone apps where you can purchase a ticket is myCicero. Of course, you have to connect your account to PayPal or a credit card before you can buy tickets, but this app makes life easier. However, sometimes it doesn’t work well.
Roma Pass
One of the main features of the Roma Pass is the possibility to use public transport without spending money on it.
Prices
The price for a standard ticket is 1.50 euro, and it is valid for 100 minutes for metro, bus, and tram. However, each ticket is valid for only one metro trip, even if you want to use it again within 100 minutes.
- A 24-hour ticket is available for 7 euro;
- A 48-hour ticket is available for 12.50 euro;
- A 72-hour ticket is available for 18 euros;
- A one-week ticket is available for 24 euros.
Don’t forget to validate your ticket before the ride
The public transport system in Rome is well-connected to all parts of the city. However, be ready that the bus may be late or crowded, the tram will not take you to all points you need, while the metro is not convenient enough to use in the historic city center.
