Traveling in Rome can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to navigating a large city. Thankfully, I did not have that problem as much because I am used to traveling in places like Philadelphia and New York quite easily. However, I am aware that many people come from more rural or suburban areas where public transportation may not be as prevalent. So here are some things to know about traveling with Rome that I wish I knew.
The Metro will be your best friend and worst enemy
Catching the bus or train in Italy during rush hour is a feat in itself. Unlike in Philly, Romans don’t stop entering the vehicle when it gets crowded. So, if you’re claustrophobic or scared of getting sick like me, try planning your commute for the day before 8:30. I got caught in the rush many times and ended up sick for my first weeks in Italy because I did not think to bring a mask with me. The most time you will have to wait for the A line metro is five minutes, so missing the first few trains won’t make you late if you allocate enough time I your commute. This is especially important during rush hour because trains seem to move slower between stops when you’re in a rush. Line A is the metro that gets you to Temple Rome’s campus the easiest if you don’t live directly in the Prati neighborhood. However, Rome’s C and B lines only run every 15 minutes, so if you must utilize those lines, it’s best to plan your commute meticulously with their schedule. However, if you commute to campus, it is important to note that trains like the A line don’t run after 9:00 on weekdays. This is important to keep in mind for those days that you’re on campus studying late or out with friends.
With buses you’re either lucky or you’re patient
Most buses in Rome do not follow a consistent schedule, so while your move- it or transit app may say 5 minutes, you can wait up to an hour. So, if you choose to roll the dice and depend on the bus, make sure you have enough time to wait because it could be a while. For me, taking the bus is less convenient to get to campus or my internship because it must loop around the whole city to get there. The trains are more direct and don’t have to navigate other Romans trying to drive to work. However, if you find yourself out late at night, the buses run later than the metro and will get you home. It is also important to note that you do have to pay for the bus even though there is no one there to enforce it all the time. I will be honest, you can probably get away with not paying for a few times, but as soon as you get comfortable doing it, you get caught. The fine is honestly not worth it. The way I get around the city without having to pay aa\ lot every week is by buying a monthly transit pass. For $35 you get unlimited access to all metros, trams, and buses in Rome. That way you can explore various parts of the city, get to classes and internships without having to worry about paying €2 for each transfer. If you are curious about other ways to save money while abroad check out the Education abroad budgeting tips page .
