Using public transportation in a new city can be a stressful experience no matter where you are. And in a city as busy as Rome, trying to get from A to B can certainly be confusing at times.Here are a few tips to help you use the public buses in Rome which will help you successfully get from start to finish!

 Buying your bus ticket in Rome

When riding a bus in the United States, typically you pay for your ride once you are on the bus. However, what may come as a surprise to many travelers is that in Rome you must to buy your ticket before you get on the bus. A ticket can be purchased at any of the newsstands (pictured below) on the street. They are around almost every corner so finding one should not be a problem. Once you are at the newsstand simply ask the vendor for a ticket (or biglietto in Italian). A tickets costs only 1.50€ and lasts for 100 minutes of travel after being validated.

How to get on public transport in Rome

Rome is a big city, so keep in mind that the buses tend to get crowded and that you may have to squeeze if you want to hitch a ride. With that it mind it is always important to keep an eye out for pickpockets when riding on crowded public transportation. Finally, do not forget to validate your ticket once you get on the bus. As mentioned before, once a ticket is validated it will last for 100 minutes of travel, so even if you change buses you only need to validate your ticket once and then keep if with you for the rest of your journey.

Finding your bus stop in Rome

Unfortunately most Roman buses will not announce the names of the stops. For this reason it is important to pay close attention when you are riding and look out the windows to see when you need to get off. It also may be a good idea to check how many stops you need to travel before getting on the bus and then count while you ride. But if you do find yourself lost and confused on the bus, don’t be afraid to ask a stranger for help because more often than not there will be a friendly Italian who can help you get to where you’re going.

Getting off the bus in Rome

As I have said, at times the buses can get quite crowded, so when it is finally time for you to get off it may be difficult to get around others and out the door. So just make sure to be polite and say “permeso” which means excuse me and is a way to let people know that you are trying to get off. And last, but not least…

Stay Calm

It is easy to quickly become stressed and overwhelmed if you are feeling lost in an unfamiliar city. However when using the public buses in Rome, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm because Rome is a very safe city and even if it takes a little longer than you had hoped, you will eventually find your way.