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Fly in 2 hours, take the train in 10 hours via Milan, drive or coach: times, prices and getting into Rome, mode by mode.
Italy
Visiting Rome: The Essential Travel Guide
In Rome you can cover 2,700 years of history on foot, from the Forum to Baroque piazzas and the trattorias of Trastevere. This guide covers what you need to plan your trip: when to go, how long to stay, how to get there and get around, what things cost and where to stay.
Photo : Nicholas Hartmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Our guides: Rome
Why Visit Rome
Few cities layer so many eras into such a compact centre. Ancient Rome is right at its heart: the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill share one archaeological park. A short walk away, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona show the imperial and Baroque city. Across the Tiber, Vatican City holds St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
There is plenty to see between the headline sights, too. Monti has kept its narrow streets and small workshops, Trastevere's squares fill up in the evening, and Testaccio is the place for traditional Roman cooking. Rome is also a natural starting point for a longer trip. Our Italy travel guide covers the rest of the country.
When to Go to Rome
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) offer the best balance of mild weather and long days. Summer is hot and crowded. Winter is quieter, with shorter queues, but wetter. To compare temperatures, rainfall and sunshine, see our guide to Rome weather month by month.
Opening hours also change with the season. At the Colosseum, for example, last entry is 15:30 from 25 October 2026 to 28 February 2027.
How Many Days in Rome?
- 2 days: the minimum for the Colosseum and Forum, the historic centre (Pantheon, Navona, Trevi Fountain) and the Vatican, at a brisk pace.
- 3 to 4 days: ideal for a first visit, with time for Trastevere, Monti, Villa Borghese or the Appian Way.
- 5 days or more: room for day trips such as Ostia Antica or Tivoli, and a slower pace.
Getting to Rome and Getting Around
Rome has two airports: Fiumicino, the main hub, and Ciampino, used mainly by low-cost airlines. From the UK, flying is the obvious choice. If you'd rather go overland, take the Eurostar to Paris and continue by rail. There is no direct Paris–Rome train, so you'll change in Milan or Turin. Our guide on how to get to Rome from Paris by plane, train, car or coach compares the options.
From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express runs non-stop to Termini station for €14 one way. The cheaper FL1 regional train stops at other city stations. Our guide to the Rome airport trains from Fiumicino and Ciampino covers both airports in detail.
In the city, you'll explore the historic centre mostly on foot. The ATAC network (metro, buses, trams) uses the €1.50 BIT ticket, which is valid for 100 minutes and includes one metro journey. There are also Roma 24H, 48H and 72H passes, and you can tap a contactless card at the validators. City tickets don't cover the airport trains.
Entry Rules for UK Travellers
Since Brexit, British visitors can stay in the Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport must also meet the EU's validity and issue-date rules. The EU's future ETIAS travel authorisation is not yet in operation. Rules can change, so check the GOV.UK entry requirements for Italy before you travel.
Rome on a Budget: What the Top Sights Cost
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine (24-hour ticket) | €18 |
| Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel | €20 (+ €5 online booking fee) |
| Trevi Fountain (basin access) | €2 |
| BIT transport ticket (100 minutes) | €1.50 |
| Roma 24H / 48H / 72H travel pass | €8.50 / €15 / €22 |
| Leonardo Express, Fiumicino–Termini | €14 |
Since 2 February 2026, non-residents pay €2 to enter the basin area of the Trevi Fountain. Tickets are sold online, at tourist info points and on site (card only), and under-5s enter free. Vatican Museums tickets booked on the official website are non-refundable, so book early in high season.
Accommodation also carries Rome's tourist tax (contributo di soggiorno), charged per person per night. The rate depends on the type of property and reaches €10 in five-star hotels. It applies for up to 10 consecutive nights, and children aged 10 and under are exempt.
Where to Stay in Rome
- Centro Storico (Pantheon, Navona, Campo de' Fiori): the most walkable area, but also the priciest and busiest.
- Monti: between the Colosseum and Termini, full of character and well served by the metro.
- Trastevere: the liveliest evenings and picturesque lanes, but no metro.
- Prati: near the Vatican, quieter and residential, with Line A metro stations.
- Termini / Esquilino: handy for trains and airport transfers and often cheaper, though less charming.
For opening hours, events and visitor information points, see the city's official tourism site, Turismo Roma.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Rome?
Three to four days suits a first visit. That's enough for ancient Rome, the historic centre, the Vatican and a neighbourhood or two such as Trastevere or Monti.
Do you have to pay to see the Trevi Fountain?
Since 2 February 2026, non-residents pay €2 to enter the basin area. Under-5s go free. You can still see the fountain from the square.
Do British travellers need a visa or ETIAS for Rome?
No visa is needed for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. ETIAS is not yet in operation. Check GOV.UK for the current passport and entry rules.
Can I get to Rome by train from London?
Yes, but it takes a while. Take the Eurostar to Paris, then continue by rail with a change in Milan or Turin, because there is no direct Paris–Rome train.
How do I get from Fiumicino Airport to central Rome?
The Leonardo Express runs non-stop to Termini station for €14. The cheaper FL1 regional train serves other city stations.