How to Reach the Colosseum – Bus, Metro, Train, and the Cheapest Option

Like the popular saying, “All roads lead to Rome,” all roads lead you to the Colosseum from anywhere in Rome.

The Italian government has provided multiple transportation options to facilitate easy commutes for all. 

Where is the Colosseum located?

The Colosseum is located within the complex of the Domus Aurea, the center of the Roman city. Get Directions

The Colosseum opens at 8.30 am and closes at 7.15 pm. There are some differences in the timing during the off-season, and the wait times change according to that. Read more about the Colosseum’s opening and closing times.

By public transportation

Bus, tram, and metro services are the available public transport to reach the Colosseum.

Make sure to validate your ticket once you board the bus or metro on the validation machine.

Passengers with unvalidated tickets may face fines ranging from €50 to €110.

In Rome, public transport tickets cost between €1 and €2.

Children under the age of ten can ride public transportation for free.

Bus

Bus travelling to colosseum to pick and drop the tourist
Image: Cuddlynest.com

There are six bus stops around the Colosseum – Colosseo (4 points), Labicana-Colosseo, and Celio Vibenna.

Lines 38 and 75 can be boarded to reach the Colosseum from the northern regions of Rome. Buses 175 and 271 take you to the Colosseum from the South.

Apart from them, Bus Nos. 3, 23, 30, 51, 60, 81, 85, 87, 117, 118, 204, 673, 810, 840, 870, nMB, n3s, nMC, C3, 3L, stop at the Colosseum’s bus stop.

You can buy tickets for €1.50 from newsstands, tabaccaio (cigarette shops), or ticket dispensing machines at bus and metro stations which are valid for about 75 minutes.

Note: The urban lines (U) function from 5.30 am to 12 pm, while the night buses (N) take over when the urban ones rest, from 12 pm to 5 am.

Visiting a massive monument like the Colosseum requires a few hours, and knowing how long it will take to cover this attraction is necessary to plan your Roman holiday. The best time to visit this attraction is when it is less crowded, and there are tips and tricks to beat the crowds at the Colosseum.

Tram

Tram taking the passengers to colosseum
Image: Live.staticflickr.com

Rome has six active tram routes, with Lines 3, 8, and 19 being the most significant.

They run frequently on weekdays, with one arriving every five to ten minutes, though the frequency decreases on Sundays.

A tram ticket is valid for the next 100 minutes after validation.

To reach the Colosseum by tram, take Line 3. 

This line runs from Trastevere Station to Valle Giulia, making 41 stops along the way. 

Starting from Trastevere Station, you need to get off at the 13th stop to reach the Colosseum.

Note: In Rome, trams operate from 5:30 am until 12 pm. 

Metro

Tourist are getting ready to catch the metro to reach colosseum
Image: Upload.wikimedia.org

Colosseum is easily accessible via its own metro station, Colosseo, which takes visitors across the city to the attraction every day.

Rome’s metro system comprises three lines: A (orange), B (Blue), and C (green). The Colosseo station can be accessed on Line B.

Upon exiting the Colosseo station, you will find yourself directly opposite the amphitheater, near the group entrance on the north side.

Note: The metro functions every day from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm.

The nearest entrance to the Colosseo metro is the Main Entrance. There are two other entrances to the Colosseum for different groups of visitors to ease the crowds better. Read to find out which entrance is best for you!

By car

The attraction does not have parking for personal vehicles.

Although many parking garages are available all around the Colosseum, these limited parking spaces might fill up during peak seasons.

Three roads encircle the Colosseum, and these recommended routes are filled with many historical sites and ruins, giving you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Roman city.

The cheapest way to get to the Colosseum

The most budget-friendly way to reach the Colosseum is by bus or tram, which costs only €1.50. These options are significantly cheaper than taking a private car and offer the benefit of immersing yourself in the authentic Roman atmosphere.

If you’re in a hurry, the fastest way to the Colosseum is by metro. While it may not offer the same sightseeing experience, it is the quickest and most economical option.

Where is the Colosseum located?

What is the easiest way to the Colosseum?

Are there parking facilities at the Colosseum?

Which metro is best for the Colosseum?

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Researched & Written by
Akshaya Rajkumar is a distinguished travel writer passionate about road trips, tourist attractions, and discovering local cuisines. Her travel ethos is rooted in the belief that the joy of a journey lies not just in the destination but in the experiences along the way. Her extensive travels have enriched her writing with authenticity and insightful commentary. Akshaya’s work captures the essence of each destination and serves as a valuable guide for those looking to discover new places. Her articles are a treasure trove of tips for locals and tourists, making her a trusted voice in the travel community. Favorite travel movie: Into The Wild. Next destination: Cape Town.