This guide is your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about using and purchasing bus tickets in Rome. As a local, I’ve been using the bus system for years, and I’m here to share the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.
Rome’s Public Transportation: Your Key to Exploration
Rome is a sprawling city, and public transportation is a must for navigating its many attractions. While the metro system is still developing, buses offer a reliable way to reach any corner of the city. Imagine cruising from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant metropolis.
The BIT: Your Ticket to Ride
In Rome, bus tickets are known as BITs (pronounced “beat”). A single BIT costs €1.50 and allows you to ride for 100 minutes. If you’re planning a longer journey, you’ll need to purchase another BIT after your initial 100 minutes expire. Remember, the price is increasing to €2 starting July 2024, so plan accordingly!
The Importance of Validation
Once you have your BIT, you’ll need to validate it. This means inserting it into a small machine located inside the bus (usually near the front and back). The machine will print the time and date you boarded, ensuring you can enjoy your 100 minutes of travel without worry.
Where to Buy Your BIT: Your Ticket Options
There are several places to buy paper BITs in Rome:
- Newsstands (Edicola): These shops are a haven for newspapers, magazines, and books, and also sell bus tickets and monthly passes.
- Tobacco Shops: Italy has a state monopoly on tobacco sales, so you’ll find shops selling cigarettes throughout the city. They also offer BITs.
- Ticket Vending Machines: While not at every bus stop, you can find vending machines at major bus terminals like Termini Piazzale dei Cinquecento.
- Metro Stations: All metro stations have ticket machines that accept coins, banknotes, and payment cards.
The + Rome Card: A Convenient and Eco-Friendly Option
At many metro stations and bus terminals, you’ll find red vending machines selling the new reloadable + Rome card. This card costs €0.50 and starts at €2 spend. For €2, you’ll receive a card containing a 100-minute BIT (€1.50).
Purchasing a card with a minimum of three BITs or more makes the card free, saving you €0.50. This method reduces paper waste and is more environmentally friendly.
“Tap & Go” – Your Digital Ticket Solution
Many buses in Rome offer the Tap & Go system, which allows you to use your debit, prepaid, or credit card to purchase a 100-minute BIT. You can also use your smartphone, wearable device, or smartwatch.
The system will automatically update your schedule and movement, so you only get charged when your 100 minutes expire. If a conductor checks your ticket, simply show them the card you used for payment.
MooneyGo: Your App-Based Ticket Partner
The MooneyGo app allows you to purchase public transportation tickets, book and pay for taxis, and pay for parking in Italy. While it’s only available in Italian and may require some time to get used to, it offers a convenient option for digital tickets.
The app offers several ticket options:
- BIT100: Valid for 100 minutes
- BRM24: Valid for 24 hours (from the first time you validate it)
- BRM48: Valid for 48 hours
- BRM72: Valid for 72 hours
Your BIT: A Key to Exploring the City
The 100-minute BIT (€1.50) is not the only option available. Other ticket options include:
- CIS: Valid for 7 consecutive days after the first validation
- ROMA 24H: Valid for 24 hours after the first validation
- ROMA 48H: Valid for 48 hours from the first validation
- ROMA 72H: Valid for 72 hours after the first validation
Enjoy Your Bus Journey Through Rome
Rome’s public transportation system can seem confusing at first, even to locals. But with a little planning and this guide, you’ll be navigating the city like a pro.
So, remember to buy your BIT in advance and always validate it when you board the bus. The rest will take care of itself. Enjoy your bus ride and discover the hidden gems that Rome has to offer!
