How to Save Money on a Rome Layover

Rome guide: transit hacks. Real, specific, no fluff.

Getting to Rome from Ciampino Airport

Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) is a smaller airport located about 15 kilometers southeast of Rome's city center. While it's not as large as Rome's main Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), it still receives a significant number of international flights.

The fastest way to get to Rome from Ciampino Airport is by taxi, but it's also the most expensive option. A taxi ride from the airport to the city center will cost you around €40-50, depending on traffic.

If you're on a budget, you can take the Terravision bus, which runs every 30 minutes from 8:30 AM to 12:30 AM. The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs €5 one way. You can buy tickets online or at the airport.

Another option is to take the Shuttle Direct bus, which runs every 30 minutes from 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM. The journey takes around 40 minutes and costs €6 one way. You can book tickets online in advance.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can take the ATAC bus (number 560), which runs every 30 minutes from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM. The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs €1 one way. You can buy tickets on the bus using cash or a contactless payment method.

Free Things to Do in Rome

Explore the Ancient Ruins

Rome is home to some of the world's most incredible ancient ruins, and many of them are free to visit. The Colosseum is one of the most famous landmarks in Rome, and while you can pay to go inside, you can still explore the outside and take in the stunning views of the city.

Another must-see is the Pantheon, a magnificently preserved ancient temple that's still in use today. You can visit the Pantheon for free, but be sure to dress modestly and respect the worshippers who attend services here.

Finally, be sure to check out the Roman Forum, a sprawling archaeological site that's home to ancient ruins, temples, and basilicas. While some areas of the forum are closed for restoration, you can still explore many of the free areas and get a glimpse into ancient Roman life.

Best Neighborhoods to Explore

Trastevere

Trastevere is one of Rome's most charming neighborhoods, known for its narrow streets, charming piazzas, and lively nightlife. This is the perfect place to get lost and explore, and you'll find plenty of free things to do here, from wandering the streets to people-watching in the piazzas.

Be sure to check out the Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, a beautiful square surrounded by ancient buildings and filled with lively street performers. You can also visit the Trastevere Basilica, a stunning church that's home to some of the most beautiful mosaics in Rome.

Monti

Monti is another charming neighborhood in Rome, known for its narrow streets, charming shops, and lively nightlife. This is the perfect place to explore on foot, and you'll find plenty of free things to do here, from wandering the streets to visiting the Monti Basilica, a stunning church that's home to some of the most beautiful mosaics in Rome.

Be sure to check out the Piazza di Pietra, a beautiful square surrounded by ancient buildings and filled with lively street performers. You can also visit the Monti Museum, a small museum that's home to some of the most interesting artifacts in Rome.

Best Places to Eat in Rome

Try the Pizza at Pizzeria La Montecarlo

Pizzeria La Montecarlo is a small pizzeria in the heart of Rome that serves some of the best pizza in the city. You can grab a quick bite here for around €10-15 per person, and be sure to try the classic margherita pizza or the more adventurous options like the Quattro Formaggi or Prosciutto e Funghi.

Be sure to try the Supplì, a classic Roman street food that's essentially a fried risotto ball filled with mozzarella cheese. You can find Supplì at many restaurants and food stands throughout the city, but Pizzeria La Montecarlo is one of the best places to try it.

Transit Hacks

Use the Metro

The metro is one of the best ways to get around Rome, and it's relatively affordable. A single ticket costs €1.50, but you can also buy a daily pass for €6.50 or a weekly pass for €24. You can buy tickets at the metro stations or at newsstands throughout the city.

Be sure to use the ATAC website to plan your route and check for any service disruptions before you head out. You can also use the Moovit app to get real-time updates on bus and metro schedules.

Money Matters

Exchange Your Money at the Airport

When you arrive at Rome Ciampino Airport, you'll have plenty of options for exchanging your money. The Travelex currency exchange office is located in the arrivals area and offers a range of currencies, including euros, dollars, and pounds. You can exchange your money here for a fee of around 8-15%, depending on the currency.

However, if you want to get the best exchange rate, consider using a currency exchange service like Portability, which offers a fee of just 0.2% and allows you to lock in your exchange rate in advance. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you're exchanging a large amount of currency.