Learn, Improve, Explore…

Carlos wrote:
Hola desde Mexico. I’m Carlos from Monterrey. I’m looking forward to not only learn Italian in Rome, but also have the chance to travel throughout Italy during my time there. I was wondering if you have any tips regarding Roman transportation system and low cost flights or trains that I can buy before hand and plan my traveling expenses.

I know I’m asking a lot but the information is everywhere and it’s in Italian. Any tips will be very helpful.

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Hey Carlos, greetings from Rome. How is the weather in Mexico? Winter has just begun here and there has been lots of rain, but finally the sun is starting to show in the usual Roman winter fashion!

I’ll be happy to answer to your question! I’m not sure how long you are planning on staying in Rome, but if you are staying for a month or more, you can buy a Transport Card called “Abbonamento integrato mensile”. The card is 30 euros, is valid for one calendar month, and entitles you to unlimited use on all transport (buses, trams, trains and metro) within the “Comune di Roma” area. It’s probably one of the most economical purchases in Rome when you consider one ride is 1 euro… so well worth the purchase.

If you are only staying for a short period, you can also buy a CIS Weekly Ticket, which at 16 euros is still great value!!

Tickets for the metro can be bought at all metro stations (including monthly, weekly and single passes) however, take note, tickets for bus and tram CAN NOT be bought on board the bus or tram. You can buy these tickets at Tobacconist (Tabacchi). Do be careful, if you are caught on a bus or tram (or metro for that matter) without a ticket, you face a 50 euro fine.

For more information on travel buses and transport routes simply visit the official transport website for Rome: www.atac.roma.it (but it is of course only in Italian)

For more information on general travel to and from Italy, as well as travel within Italy, take a look at the following websites…. these were really helpful to me when I began traveling within Italy and Europe. (all the websites below are in English, or have English language options except www.asfly.it but this is still easy to navigate)

• • European Rail Networks: www.raileurope.co.uk
  • Italian State Railways: www.ferroviedellostato.it
  • Low Cost Italian Flights: www.azfly.it
  • Italian Tourist Board Official Site: www.italiantourism.com

I hope I’ve managed to answer your question! Remember also that making your travel arrangements as far in advance as possible usually secures you the best prices.

You can always ask more questions. Your queries were my queries before I came to Rome.

Carlie

P.S. @Everyone! Leave comments if you know more about low cost traveling or have any particular tips on Roman transportation.