Getting Around Rome with Kids – A Family-Friendly Guide to Metro and Bus Travel in the City Center

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Getting Around Rome with Kids – A Family-Friendly Guide to Metro and Bus Travel in the City Center

Rome is a city packed with history, charm, and energy, and while it can feel overwhelming at first, navigating it with children is more manageable than you might expect. The city’s metro and bus systems can help you reach everything from ancient ruins to lively piazzas with ease. Once you understand the basics, public transport becomes a reliable and affordable way to explore the Eternal City with your little ones.

Metro Access to Rome's Top Family Attractions

Rome’s metro network may be smaller than other major cities, but it still provides quick access to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. The system includes three lines: Line A (orange), Line B (blue), and Line C (green). Trains generally run from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, with extended hours on weekends.

For family outings, Line B takes you to the Colosseum (Colosseo station), a must-see for kids and adults alike. From there, you can walk to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Line A is useful for visiting the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica (get off at Ottaviano station). If you're heading to Villa Borghese – home to a zoo, playgrounds, and bike rentals – the Flaminio stop on Line A is your gateway.

Buses and Trams: Filling in the Gaps

Rome’s bus system fills in where the metro doesn’t reach, particularly in the historic center where metro construction is limited. Buses are often the best way to get around areas like Trastevere or the Pantheon. Key routes for families include Bus 64, which travels from Termini station through many tourist sites, and Bus 75, which goes to the Colosseum and Aventine Hill.

The tram system is also convenient, though limited in reach. Tram 8 is popular and modern, running between Piazza Venezia and Trastevere – a great neighborhood for an evening gelato stroll with the kids.

Ticket Information and Travel Passes

Tickets are integrated across buses, trams, and metro. A single ride ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes, including one metro journey. For tourists, the Roma 24/48/72-hour passes or the CIS 7-day pass offer unlimited travel and are available at metro stations and tobacco shops.

Are Kids Required to Pay?

Children under 10 years of age travel for free on all public transport in Rome when accompanied by a paying adult. This makes Rome an especially budget-friendly city for families traveling with younger children.

Closest Stops to Family Hotspots

Bioparco di Roma (Rome Zoo), located in Villa Borghese, is accessible via Flaminio station and then a short tram or bus ride. Explora, the children’s museum, is near Piazza del Popolo and walkable from the Flaminio metro stop. The Time Elevator experience, a fun 5D history adventure, is just a short walk from Barberini metro station on Line A.

For families wanting a bit of greenery and space to play, buses heading to Gianicolo Hill or the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) provide a break from the busy streets, with panoramic views to enjoy.

Enjoying Rome Without the Hassle

While Rome's streets can be narrow and its traffic intense, public transport offers a relaxing alternative to long walks or expensive taxis. With a good plan and your tickets ready, exploring the city with children becomes a fun and educational part of the holiday. From gladiator arenas to fountains and parks, Rome opens its arms to families – one bus or metro ride at a time.