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Rome Travel Information 2026: Transport, Costs, Seasons, Hotels, and Areas to Stay

  • Writer: Thor
    Thor
  • Jan 11
  • 4 min read
Street view of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, with a bustling crowd and vehicles. Warm-colored buildings line the street. Blue sky above.

Rome travel information is primarily about planning around distances, timed tickets, and transport links between historic areas. Rome is Italy’s capital and one of Europe’s most visited city breaks, so practical planning often comes down to where you stay, how you move around, and which attractions you book in advance. If you are choosing regions and timing across the country first, start with Italy travel information.


Rome travel information for travelers: Quick overview and key details

Quick overview

Rome is a large, walkable historic core wrapped by modern districts. Most first-time visitors focus on the Centro Storico and nearby neighborhoods, using the metro and buses mainly for longer hops. Expect queues at headline sights, higher prices in the most central streets, and the best value when you combine walking with one or two planned activities per day.

Key facts

  • Country: Italy

  • Currency: EUR

  • Main airports: Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Rome Ciampino (CIA)

  • Main rail hub: Roma Termini

  • Local transport authority: ATAC

  • Typical stay for first-timers: 3 to 5 nights


Transport

Getting to Rome

Most international arrivals use Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or, for many low-cost and regional flights, Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA).

From the airports, the most predictable transfers are typically rail or official airport buses, depending on your arrival terminal and final neighborhood. For city-to-city travel inside Italy, Rome is well connected by high-speed trains. Use Trenitalia and Italo to compare timetables and fares.

Getting around the city

Rome’s central areas reward walking, but you will likely use metro, buses, and trams to reduce transit time between distant points. For routes, tickets, and service updates, use ATAC.

Taxis are a practical option late at night, with luggage, or when public transport is disrupted. Use official city taxis and check current rules and fares via Roma Capitale taxi information.

Shared e-scooters operate widely and can be efficient for short hops, but rules and parking zones vary by provider. Use in-app maps and follow marked no-ride and no-parking areas.



Costs and money

Rome’s costs vary sharply by location. The most expensive spending categories are typically accommodation, sit-down dining in central streets, and paid attractions with timed entry.

Typical planning ranges in EUR (indicative, vary by season and booking lead time):

  • Coffee at the counter: EUR 1.20 to 2.50

  • Simple lunch (pizza slice or sandwich): EUR 6 to 12

  • Sit-down main course: EUR 14 to 28

  • Hotel double room (mid-range): EUR 150 to 260 per night

  • Public transport tickets and passes: check current options on ATAC

Card payments are widely accepted. Carrying a small amount of cash can still be useful for small purchases and older venues.


Seasons and planning

Spring and early autumn are often the easiest periods for balanced sightseeing, with comfortable walking conditions and long enough daylight for outdoor areas.

Summer can bring high heat and peak crowd levels, so plan early starts, shade breaks, and pre-booked time slots. Winter is generally quieter, with shorter daylight and occasional rain, but it can be a strong value period for accommodation and museum-focused itineraries.


Areas to stay

Rome is easiest when you stay within or close to the historic core, so you can walk most days and only use transport when needed.

  • Centro Storico: Best for first-time visitors who want walking access to major sights, evening atmosphere, and the densest restaurant options.

  • Trastevere: Strong for nightlife and character streets, with good walking access to central areas but more uneven terrain.

  • Monti: Practical base between the historic core and Termini, often convenient for early trains and efficient metro access.

  • Prati: Useful if you plan significant Vatican time, calmer streets, and strong dining options, with metro links into the center.

  • Termini area: Best for budget and logistics, especially for early departures, but choose streets carefully and expect a more transit-focused feel.


Hotels

  • Hotel de Russie

  • Hassler Roma

  • The Hoxton, Rome

  • Hotel Artemide

  • Hotel Chapter Roma


Things to do

Rome’s headline sights often require timed entry, and some sites tighten access rules over time. If you plan to visit the Trevi Fountain close-up area in 2026, check the latest update on the Trevi Fountain ticket rule.

Five core attractions for first-timers:

  • Colosseum

  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

  • Pantheon

  • Vatican Museums

  • St. Peter’s Basilica


Hidden gems

These are quieter, more local-feeling stops that fit well around the main sights.

  • Aventine Keyhole and the nearby viewpoints

  • Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci)

  • Quartiere Coppedè architecture walk

  • Centrale Montemartini museum setting

  • Appia Antica walk or bike section


Visa and entry

Italy is part of the Schengen Area, so entry rules depend on your passport and the 90/180 short-stay limit for many non-EU travelers. Use your Italy visa and entry rules guide as the starting point, and keep an eye on EU-wide changes like ETIAS.


FAQ

How many days do you need in Rome?

For a first trip, 3 to 5 nights usually gives enough time for the historic core plus one or two larger-ticket sights without rushing.

Is Rome walkable?

Central Rome is highly walkable, but distances add up. Use the metro and buses for longer jumps, then walk once you are inside a neighborhood.

Do you need cash in Rome?

Cards are widely accepted, but a small cash backup can help for small purchases or venues that prefer cash.


Useful links


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