The network of buses, trams, metro and trains covers the whole city from 5.30am to around midnight, and night buses take over until about 5am, covering the main routes. The metro only has two lines, but is the easiest and fastest way to get around. The bus service is cheap and reliable, albeit slow due to traffic congestion. Tickets cover all forms of transport and must be pre-purchased and validated at the start of every journey; there are daily tickets valid for unlimited rides, or standard tickets that allow for any bus or metro ride within a 75 minute time frame. Taxis are notoriously expensive and display a list of surcharges. The historic centre of Rome is compact and manageable on foot, and most of it is closed to normal traffic. Driving in Rome is an experience to be avoided.
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM or bureau de change. ATMs are widespread. Credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than foreign exchange houses.
The international access code for Italy is +39. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 02 for Milan and 06 for Rome. There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
112 (General Emergencies), 113 (Police), 118 (Ambulance)
2020 | 2021 | |
New Years Day | 1 Jan | 1 Jan |
Epiphany | 6 Jan | 6 Jan |
Easter Day | 12 Apr | 4 Apr |
Easter Monday | 13 Apr | 5 Apr |
Liberation Day | 25 Apr | 25 Apr |
Labour Day | 1 May | 1 May |
Anniversary of the Republic | 2 Jun | 2 Jun |
Assumption of Mary | 15 Aug | 15 Aug |
All Saints’ Day | 1 Nov | 1 Nov |
Day of Immaculate Conception | 8 Dec | 8 Dec |
Christmas Day | 25 Dec | 25 Dec |
Santo Stefano | 26 Dec | 26 Dec |
Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers. January is the coldest month in Rome, and July and August the warmest. The weather in Rome during summer (June to August) can be uncomfortably hot, with temperatures often exceeding 95°F (35°C) at midday, and locals tend to close up their businesses during August. Winter (December to February) is mild, with the average temperature in December hovering around 55°F (13°C). Heavy snowfall is rare but almost every winter there are light snow flurries in the city. Rain showers are possible any time of year but the drizzle is seldom very disruptive to visitors. The best time to travel to Rome is in the springtime, between March and May, when skies are blue and the weather warm. Autumn is also considered peak tourist season, as the months of September and October are very pleasant.
The train station is across the road from Terminal 3, near car park D. There are two trains to the city. The Leonardo Express travels directly to Roma Termini, the station in the city centre, every half hour from 6.30am to 11.30pm. Buy a ticket at the ticketing counter in the station and then validate it at one of the machines (the ticket will then be valid for an hour and a half). A cheaper option is the slightly slower Regional FL1 train, which runs to major stations (Tiburtina, Tuscolana, Ostiense and Trastevere) every 15 minutes, or every half hour on Sundays and holidays. Cotral buses leave from Roma Tiburtina railway station and stop at Piazza dei Cinquecento in front of the national museum.
The car rental desks are in the multi-level car park lots C and B, directly in front of the terminal and connected via passenger walkways. Simply follow the signs from the arrivals area. There are several major companies represented, including Hertz, Avis, Sixt and Budget, as well as a few local operators.
Authorised taxis can usually be found in the arrivals areas.
A free shuttle bus operates between the terminals and car parks every 15 minutes.
Airport facilities include ATMs and currency exchange, information desks, travel agents, pharmacies, massage parlours, a beauty parlour, a hairdresser, as well as slot machines and laundry facilities. There are business facilities, and there are myriad shopping and dining options.
Parking spaces are available in front of the terminal, and there is a variety of options within the garages and long-term lots. All parking options are connected to the terminals via walkways or shuttle buses.
Free wifi is available.