Transportation

1. Air

The main airport of Rome is the Leonardo da Vinci Airport, which is also called by its old name, Fiumicino. The airport operates with three terminals. While Terminal A is used only for domestic flights, Terminal B is used both for domestic and international flights and Terminal C is used for major international flights. FCO is the code of the airport and is located around 16 miles (26 km) southwest of the city. The other operating airport is the Rome Ciampino Airport, located southeast of the city at distance of 10 miles.

2. Bus

The major bus service that operates in Rome is ATAC and is considered to be a good and cheap option to get around the city. It is advisable to enter the bus through the rear door and get the tickets punched after boarding the bus. A ‘BIT' is the basic ticket required for the bus, which is valid for seventy-five minutes. Once this period expires, you will have to buy another one. Thus, it is advisable to buy these tickets in numbers or else opt for passes. One BIT costs 1 euro. Passes are available in 4 euros for one day, 11 euros for three days and 30 euros for seven days.

Cotral is the other bus service agency that operates mostly in the outlying regional areas and the suburbs. 110 Open and the Archeobus provide services such as special tourist routes, covering the major attractions of the city.

3. Car

Driving a car is not recommended in Rome and can be considered only for planning trips outside the city. It is quite difficult to drive in Rome as most of the streets are heavily clogged with traffic. Also the heavy volume of traffic occupies the limited parking space, leading to illegal parking and towing of vehicles. The minimum age for renting a car is 21. Most of the filling stations are closed on Sundays.

4. Ferry

Tourists may travel on the famous Tiber River on riverboats. These boats ply from Tiberina Island to Duca d'Aosta Bridge. Tourists may also try the two-hour trips such as a visit to the historic Ostia Antica. Tickets are available at the Termini Rail Station and at the airports' sales point at Batteli di Roma. Longer cruises are also available.

5. Ship

Night cruises are available and include live music, dance and dinner while sailing along the Tiber River. These cruises provide a spectacular view of the city with all its famous monuments and architectural masterpieces. The average duration of these cruises is around an hour and forty minutes to two hours and can be a delightful experience for all. Tourists may also rent individual motorboats if not interested in sharing the cruise with other passengers.

6. Taxi

Taxis in Rome are very expensive. They can be found easily at the nearest taxi stands, known locally as ‘fermata dei taxi'. Some of the major taxi stands include Piazza Barberini, Termini, Piazza San Silvestro, Piazza Venezia and Piazza di Spagna. The taxis in Rome can also be called or radio paged (Tel 06.3570, 06.4994, 06.4157 or 06.555). However, it is important to remember that the meter would start running as soon as the call comes in and would not wait till you enter the taxi. It is advisable to take only white or yellow licensed taxis rather than the metered ones that charge a higher rate. It is important to check whether the meter is switched on once you board the taxi. A chart rate is usually available in all licensed taxis providing information about the additional charges for airport journeys, holiday rates and extra luggage. Taxi fares in Rome cannot be negotiated in advance and meters keep running if you stop the taxi somewhere in between.