Best Time to Visit

Rome is a great city to visit year-round, though the experience varies by season. Summer (June–August) brings hot weather and large crowds, with outdoor concerts, open-air film screenings, and Ferragosto celebrations on 15 August, when many locals leave the city. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are quieter, with milder temperatures, blooming gardens, wine and food festivals, and events like the Rome Film Festival in October. Winter (December–February) is cooler and less crowded, but festive lights, Christmas markets in Piazza Navona, and New Year’s Eve fireworks at Circo Massimo create a memorable atmosphere. For fewer tourists and lower accommodation costs, October to April is generally the best period to visit.

Passport & Visa

Citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries do not need a visa to enter Italy, only a valid ID. Many other countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, United Arab Emirates, Australia, and New Zealand, benefit from visa-free entry for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must hold a valid passport and, starting in late 2025, will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) authorisation online before travelling. For those requiring a visa, such as travellers from some Middle-East, African or Asian nations, a Schengen visa must be obtained prior to arrival. All travellers should ensure their passport is valid for at least three months beyond their intended stay.

• Web:

  https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen/visa-policy_en

Ciampino Airport (CIA)

The city’s second airport, Ciampino (CIA), is situated 12km southeast of central Rome and is mainly served by low-cost and charter airlines. Some of these airlines have their own buses. The regular buses depart from the nearby underground station, Anagnina. A taxi ride from the airport and central Rome takes 20 minutes.

• Web:

  www.adr.it/ciampino

• Address:

  Aeroporto Internazionale di Roma–Ciampino "G. B. Pastine"

Fiumicino International Airport (FCO)

Rome’s main airport, Leonardo da Vinci (FCO), is located in Fiumicino, 30 km from central Rome, roughly a 30–40 minute drive depending on traffic. One of the most convenient ways to reach town is the non‑stop Leonardo Express train from the airport station to Roma Termini, which takes 32 minutes and runs every 15–30 minutes. A cheaper alternative is the regional train (FL1) to stations like Trastevere, Ostiense or Tiburtina, useful if your accommodation is outside the historic centre (ticket fares are lower, but you may need a connecting ride). For budget travellers, shuttle‑bus services such as Terravision or similar companies link FCO with central Rome in around 50–70 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Web:

  www.adr.it/fiumicino

• Address:

  Aeroporto Internazionale di Roma–Fiumicino "Leonardo da Vinci"

• Phone:

  +39 06 65951

• More info:

  www.trenitalia.com/it.html

Public Transport

Getting around Rome is straightforward and affordable using public transport, though much of the historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot. The network includes three metro lines (A, B and C), buses, trams and urban/regional rail, all run by ATAC. Tickets and passes, from 24‑hour to weekly, are available at machines, newsagents and ATAC offices. The metro runs until around 23:30 (later on weekends), while night buses (marked “N”) cover key routes after hours. For information on fares, routes and timetables, visit ATAC's official website.

• Web:

  www.atac.roma.it/en

Taxi

Official taxis in Rome are all white, with a “TAXI” sign on the roof and the City of Rome emblem plus licence number clearly displayed. You’ll find them at taxi stands near major squares, train stations, and tourist sites; street‑hailing is possible but less common, so using a stand or booking ahead is usually more reliable. App-based booking services like FreeNow and IT Taxi connect you with licensed taxis, while Uber operates only through premium or taxi-based services.