I am about to visit Rome on a short break and was wondering how easy it is to navigate the italian underground

Question

Also does anyone know if the taxis are expensive?
any any different places to visit other than the obvious whilst there?

Thanks

Answer 1

The underground in Rome is very easy to use. As some people have mentioned, it doesn't go everywhere, but it does have decent coverage of a lot of the attractions in Rome. Walking is also a good option most places in Italy - you'll see a lot of interesting things that aren't in the guidebooks.

A good option for public transportation in Rome is the Roma Pass http://www.romapass.it/english/lecard.html It includes free access to the underground, the bus system, some trains for a three day period and includes maps of the transportation. You also get free admission to a couple of attractions and discounts to others.

Taxis can be very expensive.

There are tons of lesser known, but interesting things in Rome. San Pietro in Vincoli displays the chains that St Peter was brought to Rome and the Moses of Michelangelo. Santa Maria Sopra Minervanear the Pantheon is worth a visit.

Some of the more obscure, but interesting, things are:

The view through the keyhole at the Consiglio di Malta on Aventine Hill. There's a picture here: http://www.theculturedtraveler.com/Archi... and others:
http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/photo23...
http://www.troise.net/photonikblog/2005/...

This is worth the effort to find (close to Circus Maximus) - relatively few do. This site give directions on how to find it: http://wikitravel.org/en/Rome/Aventino

The Crypt at Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is also worth a visit if you're interested in seeing works of art made from the bones of .more than 4000 monks. http://www.cappucciniviaveneto.it/cappuc...

The Museum of the Souls of Purgatory is essentially a ghost museum.

Or you could go to the Pasta Museum or the Presepi (nativity scene) museum across the street from the forum. There's also a 2000+ year old pyramid but it's a little more out of the way.

Answer 2

Oh, I just came back last week. It is super easy. They are well signposted. There are only two lines on the underground. Just make sure you are going in the right direction. Tickets are just €1 and are valid for 75 minutes and can be used for a bus ride also within that time.
About taxis, make sure you use the ones from taxi ranks only. They are usually white coloured. If getting one at the airport, other drivers will come into the arrivals hall to get you to take their taxi. they all rip you off though. You will also be charged extra if you call one to your hotel. Most hotels also arrange a taxi service to the airport on request but it can be dear. The fixed price for a registered white taxi between the airport and the city is €40 and it takes about 30 minutes. Have a great time. It is an amazing city.

Answer 3

I went at the start of the month. There is an underground, and it's very easy to use. You can get tickets that last the whole day (until 12am) or one that lasts 3days and another which i can't remember how long it lasts. You can buy the tickets at a machine in most stations (there's an option to read the info in English!) The trains run very regually, and at all the stations there are signs showing which way the train on the platform runs and when the next one arrives The direction / platform names are also on the trains.

There is a Line A and a Line B, one runs horizontal and one vertical (sort of!)

If you've ever been on the London Underground it's pretty much the same.

Beware those, the Line B trains are abit dogy looking (covered in graffiti on the outside) and slightly basic on the inside, but they're fine. Line A is much more up-to-date and nicer to travel on!

Answer 4

It is very easy to navigate Rome's underground metro.

The Rome Metro (often simply called Metropolitana by residents) is an underground public transportation system that operates in Rome, Italy. It was opened in 1955. There are currently two functional lines, the "line A" (identified by the orange color) and "line B" (blue). A third service, the green "line C", and a new branch of line B ("B1") are under construction. Plans have been revealed even for a fourth line ("D"). The current network (38km) has an X-shape with the two currently existing line intersecting at Stazione Termini, the main train station in Rome.

Enjoy your trip, you will leave wanting to return.

Ciao

Answer 5

I found the underground very easy to navigate, but it doesn't cover very much of the city. It kind of makes an "X" symbol through the city, so it leaves out a lot of areas. Buses stunk when I was there - not very regular service at all. We waited for long periods of time 30 minutes or more, and finally gave up and started walking. We tried it a few times and only actually rode one bus. So walking is the big way to go. Traffic was pretty scary, so we decided to walk instead of try a taxi.

Answer 6

There is an underground in Rome, but there are only 2 lines (yes, I know. I was surprised too. I thought there would have been more) and a whole plethora of buses.

I imagine that taxis are expensive.

I found the DK Eyewitness Guide for Rome very helpful, you might like to invest in a copy.

Answer 7

The underground is super easy. Just keep in mind it closes earlier than the above ground train. However there is a bus line that will start when the underground closes that follows the same line.

Taxis are expensive. Trains and buses are the way to go.

Answer 8

I've been to Rome 3 or 4 times and I can't say the Underground really featured!! Get on your toes and walk or get the bus - there's so much to see.

The obvious are the best...for obvious reasons and if you haven't been before, I expect your time will be taken up with them.

Make sure you spend some time in a local (non-tourist) pizzaria - shared tables with antipasti and bread set out already - get way to meet people.

Answer 9

well I have to say Rome its very easy to get around if you get a map and if you have the right spirit, nothing can beat you.
You dont need the subway I'd say because everything is pretty much connected and near by at least the major things to see.Taxis are expensive but not if you want to go to one place to another to visit in the center.
If you're going before Jan 6th I suggest you to go to Piazza Navona its beautiful and they have hundreds of bancarelle selling all the stuocking stuffing for the befana that we celebrate the 6th, dont miss Fontana di Trevi or Il Pantheon or Vatican city. Have fun!! I am from Italy and i love it

Answer 10

I wouldnt use the underground - there are loads of busses and taxis really are not that expensive - but the thing to do is to walk.. and walk.. and walk... but while you are walking remember to 'look up' because there are all kinds of things that you will miss by looking down. The DK books are great I agree - I always use them when I travel somewhere for the first time... Have a great time - it's almost impossible not to in that great city!