Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport is 26km (16mi) southwest
of the city. One of the most convenient ways to get into town is
by the Stazione Termini direct train, which usually runs hourly
from the airport. You can also get a train from the airport to Trastevere,
Ostiense and Tiburtina. A night bus runs to Stazione Tiburtina.
If you're driving, an autostrada runs from the airport to the city
via EUR - it's a 45-minute drive and will cost you a small fortune
by taxi.
Rome's other airport is Ciampino, about 20km (12mi) southeast of
the city. From there you can catch a COTRAL bus that connects with
a subway to Stazione Termini, or you can drive down the Via Appia
Nuova.
The city bus company is ATAC, and most of the main buses terminate
at the bus station outside Stazione Termini where you can get a
map of the bus routes. Buses run from around 6am to 12am, with some
services running throughout the night. The city's Metro service
(which is convenient for many of Rome's sights) has two lines, both
of which go through Termini.
A bus ticket is also valid for the city's Metro and train services.
You need to buy your ticket from a tobacconist, news stand or vending
machine before you get on the train or bus - there are hefty fines
for travelling without a ticket, even if you are a dumb foreigner.
Driving in Rome is the next best thing to suicide - especially
on a motorbike. Most of the historic centre of Rome is closed to
normal traffic, although you will be allowed to drive to your hotel.
You'll need to get a parking permit from the traffic police if you
wish to park anywhere in the centre, or you'll risk being towed.
To rent a car you'll need to be at least 21 years old. If you organise
your car in advance it will cost you less. There are several rental
agencies for cars, motorbikes, mopeds and bicycles. If you'd rather
leave the driving to someone else, you can pick up a cab from one
of the city's many taxi ranks or phone one any time of day. If you
call a cab, the meter is turned on as soon as you call, rather than
when you are picked up.
There's also a private network of J buses. Most of the main buses
terminate at the bus station outside Stazione Termini (where you
can get a map of the bus routes).
You can pick up a cab from one of the city's many taxi ranks or
phone one any time of day. Be warned though, taxis are notoriously
expensive, and if you call a cab, the meter is turned on as soon
as you call, rather than when you are picked up.
Driving in Rome is the next best thing to suicide - especially
on a motorbike or moped. Most of the historic centre of Rome is
closed to normal traffic, although you will be allowed to drive
to your hotel, and parking is a nightmare. It's probably a better
idea to leave the driving to someone else.
The city's Metro service (which is convenient for many of Rome's
sights) has two lines, both of which go through Termini. The above-ground
rail network isn't much use to most visitors.
Sometimes, in Rome, it pays to just get off the roads. The historic
centre is relatively small and quite manageable on foot. Wear your
comfortable shoes.
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