The transit operator in Rome is Azienda per la Mobilita di Roma Capitale. It's abbreviated as the ATAC because their old name is the Azienda Tramvie x Autobus del Comune di Roma.
When I travel I usual rely on public transportation when possible to save on cost. I did my research and was happy to learn that they take tap forms of payment like apply pay. However my apple pay didn't work multiple times so I used my credit card for payment. Less convenient since I have to take it in and out, and be mindful not to lose it.
In addition my research showed that they automatically cap their public transportation for the buses, tram, metro, urban trains within Rome. It sounds great in theory.
2025 caps at the time of our visit:
Single ticket valid for 100 minutes - 1,50€
24 hours unlimited - 7€
48 hours unlimited - 12,50€
72 hours unlimited - 18€
7-day pass unlimited - 24€
The ATAC was the primary cause of my suffering in Rome. Their time estimates were off and there were frequent delays.
There was one route that was suppose to be a 20 minute commute that turned into a 40 minute commute due to all the delays and waiting. That wasn't even a bad one. There was one day a 30 minute commute turned into 2 hours of tedious waiting and navigating and suffering waiting for their bus.
Taking the bus is a main method of travelling transportation since they do not have as many subway/metro lines as other European countries I've been to.
One day we had an early start and the multiple buses that never came put us at risk for missing our timed tickets to the St. Peter's Basilica so I just called a Taxi.
And known their system sucked and I didn't want to risk missing my flight, I also called a Taxi to get a ride to the train station to get to their airport.
Every... single... day... their bus routes would somehow mess up my plans... EVERY... DAY... IN... ROME.
And LITERALLY the #1 reason why I don't consider coming back unless they somehow drastically improve their infrastructure. Cause I can't drive here either. Crazy multidirectional driving with absolute disregard for the lines on the road. Barely any lights, no stop signs. Absolute chaos. read more