Cheapest mode of transport: Metro/Subway
Approx. Metro/Subway Price: €1.5
Tickets + Transport: Rome Explorer Pass
Distance from Rome’s Historical Centre: 2 kilometers (1.2 miles)
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions
Colosseum is located in Central Rome, Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions. The metro station near the Colosseum is Colosseo station, and the bus station is Piazza del Colosseo, Colosseum Square.
It resides in the archaeological area known as Centro Storico and falls within the archaeological district Rione Monti. The Colosseum is near Palatine Hill and adjacent to the Roman Forum. So, it is well connected to public transit, with many bus routes and the Rome Metro.
By Metro

For most travelers, the quickest, most affordable, and most accessible method to reach the Colosseum is via the Rome Metro, also called Metropolitana di Roma. Line B’s Colosseo stop, which is fittingly named after the monument, is a designated stop. It takes you to the Colosseo station, which is 260 meters away from the Colosseum. You must walk for four minutes to reach your destination.
You can buy a Roma Pass if you plan on visiting multiple attractions, as it includes free public transportation within the validity period. It costs €33 per person. Get a time-based ticket called BIT (Biglietto Integrato a Tempo) ticket, which is good for all public transportation for a set period of time like 24, 48, or 72 hours.
You can buy BIT tickets at newsstands, tabaccherie (tobacco stores), and ticket machines in Metro stations.
Metro Lines
Rome’s metro system is easy to operate and has three distinct lines: Line A (red), Line B (blue), and Line C (green). Line B is the most direct route, but if you’re already on Lines A or C, you can make a transfer to get to Colosseum:
Line B (Blue Line): If you arrive at Rome Termini, the main rail station, take a Line B train toward Laurentina. The trip takes only a few stations and lasts two to four minutes.
Line A (Red line): Get off at Termini Station, a transfer point between lines. Follow the signs for Line B towards Laurentina and get off at Colosseo. You can walk for 15 to 20 minutes from Termini on Line A to the Colosseum.
Line C (Green Line): Take Line C to the San Giovanni Station. Switch to Line A and head towards Termini. Once at Termini, take Line B to Colosseo Station.
Line B (Blue Line):
If you arrive at Rome Termini, the main rail station, take a Line B train toward Laurentina. The trip takes only a few stations and lasts two to four minutes.
Line A (Red line)
Get off at Termini Station, a transfer point between lines. Follow the signs for Line B towards Laurentina and get off at Colosseo. You can walk for 15 to 20 minutes from Termini on Line A to the Colosseum.
Line C (Green Line)
Take Line C to the San Giovanni Station. Switch to Line A and head towards Termini. Once at Termini, take Line B to Colosseo Station.
By Tram
Tram 3 and Tram 8 are the two tram lines that stop directly outside the Colosseum. They usually run for every 10 to 15 minutes. A single ticket costs €1.5 and is good for transfers during its 100-minute validity period.
Tram 3
This tram line travels a picturesque path that provides views of Rome’s colorful mosaic. Piazzale Flaminio, a busy square close to Piazza del Popolo, a well-known landmark, is where Tram 3 starts.
Key Stops: Via del Tritone, Barberini, Largo di Torre Argentina
Tram 8
Tram 8 offers an alternative viewpoint of Rome by traveling more southerly. Tram 8 leaves at Piazza Venezia and ends at Piazza del Colosseo, which provides convenient access to the Colosseum.
Key Stops: Termini Station, Largo di Torre Argentina
By Train
Rome has two major train stations: Termini Station and Tiburtina Station. The distance from Termini Station to the Colosseum is 3.3 kilometers, while the distance from Tiburtina Station to the Colosseum is 6.4 kilometers. Major Italian towns such as Milan, Florence, Naples, and Venice have regular trains to Rome. Most trains from major Italian cities will arrive at Termini Station, which serves as the principal hub.
You can take a metro or a bus from Termini Station. Depending on your origin city, different stations such as Roma Ostiense and Roma Tiburtina may serve as your arrival point.
By Bus
Using Rome’s public transportation system to get to the Colosseum can be intimidating at first. However, this guide will give you the information you need to navigate the Colosseum by bus. Get your tickets in advance at newsstands, tobacconists, or ATAC kiosks (Rome’s public transport organization).
All buses, trams, and metro lines can be used for travel for 75 minutes with a single €1.50 ticket. If you intend to do a lot of sightseeing, consider getting a day pass that costs €6. Piazza del Colosseo is the nearest bus stop to the Colosseum, which is 200 meters away and will take three minutes on foot.
Direct Bus Routes to Colosseum
Rome’s bus system is a marvel thanks to its vast network. The bus routes that go to and from the Colosseum are listed below, arranged according to direction:
From the North (Termini Station and Above)
Lines 38 and 75: These expressways are your best bet for quickly getting from northern Rome to other parts of the city. Both end precisely at Piazza del Colosseo, the plaza that faces the main entrance of the Colosseum.
From the South:
Lines 175 and 271: If you’re traveling from the southern parts of Rome, these lines will be your reliable guides. Like the paths to the north, they come to an end in Piazza del Colosseo.
Indirect Bus Routes to Colosseum
The indirect bus will take you close to the Colosseum. You can reach the attraction by walking for a few minutes.
Lines 3, 8, 40, and 60: These routes offer a beautiful drive alongside busy thoroughfares, with stops at famous sites like the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Make sure the routes pass close to the Colosseum by consulting the route charts.
Line 85: This route passes through the Trastevere, well-known for its cobblestone streets and traditional trattorias. After getting off close to the Colosseum, you can discover Trastevere’s lesser-known attractions.
Lines 87 and 117: These lines take you right into the center of Rome, passing via busy plazas, including Largo di Torre Argentina and Piazza Venezia. Along the journey, look for the Colosseum stop.
Night and Day Buses
Night buses run from approximately midnight until 5.30 am. They are identified by an N before their route number, for example, N3S. Day buses are identified as U before the bus number and start at 5.30 am.
By Car
Driving around Rome provides a different viewpoint for daring tourists who prefer to move at their leisure. To drive a car in Italy, you need a driving license from your home country and an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). You can get IDP from the local automobile association.
You need to avoid Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL Zones), as these zones stop vehicles during specific hours every day. The Colosseum is in the ZTL zone. So, plan your trip outside these hours; otherwise, you will have to pay fines. Parking near the Colosseum is expensive, and parking spots may not be available, especially during peak season.
By Taxi
If you want to relax and enjoy the view, you can take a taxi to the Colosseum. In Rome, taxis are widely accessible. You can book a cab using ride-hailing applications such as Uber or Free Now or by hailing one on the street at marked taxi ranks.
Look for the white taxi sign on top of the car. If its dome light is on, the cab is available for hire. Metered fares usually consist of a basic price, distance costs, and extra surcharges for travel during the night or on holidays. Depending on traffic, a cab ride from central Rome to the Colosseum often takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Taxi Fares:
- Base Fare: €3
- Per Kilometer Rate: €1.10 per kilometer
- Additional Charges: Include night surcharge (about €3.50), luggage fee (around €1 per bag), and booking fee (if applicable, usually around €3).
Rental Cars
Renting a car for your trip from Rome’s airports (Fiumicino Airport (FCO) or Ciampino Airport (CIA) to the Colosseum could be the ideal solution, but expensive. You can also rent a car from different parts of the city. On the rental website, you just have to fill in the place where you want to pick up the vehicle. The price varies depending on the type of car you book, mini, economy, or compact. It will cost you between €70 and €120.
By Bicycle
There are plenty of places to rent bikes in Rome. Look for stores near Termini Station, a major transportation hub, or near your lodging. Prices normally range from €20 to €30 per day, depending on the kind of bike and length of the rental.
If you are under the age of 18 years, you should wear a helmet, although it’s a good idea for everyone’s safety. Many rental shops will provide them at a few extra euros. If you intend to ride through any hills, consider hiring a bike with gears. You can also reserve your bike beforehand for a perfect, hassle-free journey. It would cost €25 per person.
Electric Bike Rental
Renting an electric bike allows you to explore Rome at your own leisure. If you want to get off the usual route, you can cycle straight up to Rome’s biggest landmarks for convenient sightseeing.
Choose from three settings to discover a tempo that works for you. Travel quickly to your favorite sights, from the Pantheon to the Spanish Steps and all in between.
- Electric bicycle
- Helmet
- Bicycle lock
- City map
- Valid for a day
- Adult (up to 99 years) Ticket: €25
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
How to get from the Colosseum to the Vatican?
The metro is the fastest and most effective form of public transportation. From Colosseo station, take Line B (blue line) to Ottaviano station. With one transfer at Termini station, the trip takes about twenty-two minutes. If you want to take the bus, bus line 64 departs from Via del Teatro Marcello, which is close to St. Peter’s Square and the Colosseum. It takes 40 minutes to get to the Vatican, depending on traffic.
Bus line 81 travels to Crescenzio/Risorgimento from Claudia/Colosseo. You may reach St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums with a short stroll or another bus journey using lines 40 or 64. The entire journey may take 45 minutes to an hour.
Connecting From Roman Airports
The airports in Rome won’t connect you to the Colosseum directly via public transport. Instead, you should take private transport that offers transport to Termini Station at the airports. Once at Termini Station, you can take Metro Line B or bus lines 3, 8, 40, 60, 75, 85, 87, 117, 175, 271, 810, or 870.
Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
This is Rome’s primary international airport, which handles the majority of passenger traffic. It is located around 30 kilometers from the Colosseum. The Leonardo Express is a nonstop service that takes you directly from FCO to Termini Station, Rome’s central station, in just 32 minutes.
Once at FCO, follow the signs to the Leonardo Express rail station. It is located within the airport, with easy access from the arrivals terminal. Tickets for the Leonardo Express can be purchased online on the Trenitalia website, at self-service machines, or at ticket offices in the train station. From FCO you can also reserve your ride to Termini Station for just €6 per person.
Ciampino Airport (CIA)
This little airport mostly handles cheap carriers and domestic flights. It is located around 19 kilometers southeast of center Rome. Ciampino Airport relies on public transportation to connect with central Rome.
Several bus companies run trips from the CIA to Rome. Look for departures run by TerraVision or SIT Bus Shuttle. These companies provide direct service to Termini Station, Rome’s main transit hub. Locate the bus stops outside Ciampino Airport’s arrivals facility. Look for signs identifying the companies and destinations.
The bus ride from CIA to Termini Station takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic circumstances. You can also pre-book your private ride to avoid the hassle of planning your transfer from CIA airport to Termini Station for just €6 per person.
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FAQs
1. Are there direct buses from the airports to the Colosseum?
The Fiumicino and Ciampino airports in Rome are not directly connected to the Colosseum by bus. But it’s simple to take a private transfer to the city center, from where you can change to a metro or another bus to reach the Colosseum.
2. How long does it take to walk to the Colosseum from the city center?
The Colosseum is located in Rome’s historic center and it is a walkable distance. A leisurely stroll could take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your starting place and pace, with stops along the way to take in the sights.
3. Are there night buses that go to the Colosseum?
Yes, night buses run from midnight to 5.30 am with an alphabet N before the bus number.
4. Can I use the same ticket for the bus and metro?
A single bus or tram ticket is valid for 100 minutes, but only for one metro trip. Consider purchasing a day pass if you want to use both frequently.
5. Which bus lines go to the Colosseum?
You can choose from bus lines 3, 8, 40, 60, 75, 85, 87, 117, 175, 271, 810, and 870. All arrive easily at Piazza del Colosseo, directly in front of the entrance.
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