Rome Buses

Since the metro lines of Rome are rather limited, visitors will most likely need the bus public transport system to get to certain parts of the city. It may not be the most comfortable or punctual form of transportation. Nevertheless, to get to certain monuments and museums it is essential to use the bus.

Currently, Rome has 338 bus lines that run throughout the day, 22 night buses and 8,260 stops. While the size is impressive based on the numbers alone, delays and long waits are also worth mentioning as quite common occurrences.

Presently, Rome has introduced a fleet of electric vehicles.

Types of buses

In Rome there are various types of lines, these are the most popular:

• Urban lines (U): The large majority. They start between 5 am and 6:30 am and finish at midnight. It's important to note that the frequency varies.
• Night buses (N): These lines operate while the urban lines "rest", that is to say, between midnight and 5:00-6:00 am. They operate with very little frequency but are very punctual.
• Express (X): These lines are for the outskirts of Rome, for longer journeys.
• Exact (E): These lines link the centre with the surrounding neighbourhoods. They run on fixed timetables.

How to catch a bus?

Are the bus lines in Rome the most complex in Europe? They might just be. Fortunately, each stop provides detailed information about the bus lines that serve it.

This includes the route, operating days, and the schedule for the first and last buses. While this information seems straightforward, the reality on the ground can be different. When you've been waiting for half an hour without seeing a bus, you'll understand the challenge.

Luckily, many bus stops are being upgraded with electronic displays showing the time until the next bus arrives. Buses also transmit their location to dispatchers, who notify passengers in three different ways

• In arrivo: the bus is arriving
• 3 Fer 2': 3 stops away (fermate), arriving in 2 minutes
• A capolinea: the bus is at the first stop along its route

Where to buy a bus ticket?

Bus tickets can be bought in any metro station, newsstand or convenience store. If you are planning on using the bus regularly, we recommend you buy a few at a time or get a travel card, which might be a better option.  

Always validate your ticket

Although at first you may think that everyone sneaks on the buses, the reason no one validates the ticket is because they have monthly passes. Remember that you can enter through any door, but don't forget to insert the ticket in the machines or you may be fined even if you have the ticket.