Rome, the Eternal City, is known for its historical landmarks, captivating architecture, and rich culture. While most visitors explore its ancient treasures during the day, there’s something magical about discovering the city at night. And we continue describing our unforgettable adventure in Rome, continued from the previous blog post.
Bipin and Dipika, fresh off their journey from Abu Dhabi, quickly realized that Rome is a city that never truly sleeps. After arriving at the hotel and freshening up, we stepped out for dinner, setting the stage for an adventurous night.
Rome transport tickets – Tickets, travel cards & transport passes
Pleasantries were exchanged, and we had already instructed them on their way out from the airport, to buy the 24 Hrs Roma Transport Pass, so the transport bit was sorted.. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this pass is an essential tool for navigating the city with ease. It covers all modes of public transportation, including buses, metros, and trams, making it incredibly convenient for tourists.
Late Night Dining in Rome: A Race Against Time
By the time Bipin, Dipika, Aparna, and I left the hotel, it was already 10:10 PM. Despite the late hour, excitement filled the air as we headed toward Rome Termini via the Tiburtina metro. On our way, we shared our stop over stories from Abu Dhabi airport , we had even taken the same airlines (Etihad), but from different cities (Ahmedabad and Hyderabad respectively) but we had apparently different layover rules because of the amount of time gap between two flights. More on that in another blog post , it would be especially helpful if you are a traveler from India.
As we arrived at Rome Termini, we took on the role of tour guides, proudly showing Bipin and Dipika around, despite having only been in Rome for 12 hours longer, technically we were their seniors in this regard( Lol…). We shared our random musings and discoveries, which only fueled their excitement.
At around 10:45 PM, Aparna wisely suggested that we should have dinner, she had noticed that the food places had started to shutter down. Between, the two of us she is always the wiser one, keeping a look out for things, I am more of a kid in a candy store ( in a new city) , who is driven by instincts and impulses. We made our way toward a restaurant near the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where we had enjoyed our morning meal, only to find it had already closed for the night. Disappointed but still in awe of the breathtaking night view of the basilica, we decided to grab a quick bite at another nearby eatery. By 11:15 PM, we were enjoying pizza, desserts, and hot chocolate, but the clock was ticking.
The Reality of Rome’s Public Transportation Hours
It wasn’t until we were finishing up our meal that I realized we might be in trouble. Metro services in Rome stop at 11:30 PM, and it was already 11:35 PM. After a quick Google search, my worst fears were confirmed—the metro was no longer running, and bus services would cease at 12:00 AM. With only a short window left to find transportation, we hurried back to Rome Termini in a half-walk, half-jog sprint. Thanks to Citymapper and Google Maps, we found out that Bus No. 62 would take us back to Tiburtina, where our hotel was located.
Relieved, we quickly boarded the bus, which provided much-needed warmth as temperatures had dropped to a chilly 8-9°C. We settled in for the 30-minute ride, exchanging stories and admiring Rome’s nighttime views. However, our journey took an unexpected turn when the bus made a stop at Zama, and even the driver got off.
Navigating the Circular Bus Routes in Rome
Confused, Aparna and I exchanged glances, realizing we had landed at a wrong bus stop for the third time that day. A quick conversation with the new driver revealed that we were indeed on the correct bus, but it was completing the opposite leg of its circular route. In Rome, bus routes operate on circular loops, which means knowing not only the bus number but also its direction and the precise stop is essential.
As we retraced our steps, passing familiar landmarks like Rome Termini from the opposite side, we began to appreciate the complexity of Rome’s public transportation system. By 1:00 AM, we finally reached Tiburtina, but our adventure was far from over.
Pro Tip: For the locals it is an every day thing, but not for an outsider, so always double check , if you are taking the right bus and in the right direction. And yes, use Google Translate to keep the conversations flowing. we also used City Mapper App to track the bus routes.
The Perils of Late-Night Transportation
The hotel was still a 20-minute walk away, and the streets had become eerily quiet. While Rome is generally safe, the city, like many others, has its share of pickpocketing and petty crimes, especially at night. As we debated whether to risk the walk or pay for an expensive taxi, we noticed that the taxis had already disappeared. Stranded and running out of options, we spotted a few fellow travelers waiting at another bus stop, providing some comfort.
After what felt like an eternity, a private bus heading to Florence arrived and whisked away most of the remaining passengers, leaving us with dwindling hope. By 1:30 AM, we were still standing at the bus stop, frustrated and cold. A search on Google Maps showed that the next bus wasn’t scheduled until 5:00 AM. Walking back seemed inevitable.
A Last-Minute Rescue: The Night Bus Service
Just as we were about to give up, Dipika noticed a few passengers still lingering at the bus stop. We initially dismissed it, thinking they were waiting for another out-of-town bus. But then, out of nowhere, Bus No. 649 appeared, sporting a big N in front of its route number. Unsure of what the “N” meant, we hesitated, but locals began boarding, giving us hope that this was a late-running bus. With nothing to lose, we decided to wait until 1:45 AM before making a final decision.
Luck was on our side. At precisely 1:45 AM, Bus No. 409 arrived, also marked with a prominent “N.” As we boarded the packed bus, we were finally headed back to the hotel.
Discovering Rome’s Night Bus Service
Later that night, back at the hotel, I did a little more research and discovered that the “N” stood for Night Service. Rome had recently launched a trial night bus service on select routes to accommodate tourists, sanitation workers, and government employees working night shifts. The program had been a success, and plans were in place to expand the night service to more routes. This thoughtful addition to the city’s transportation network made navigating Rome at night much easier for travelers like us.
Conclusion: An Ode to Rome’s Public Transport
Reflecting on the night’s events, I couldn’t help but appreciate the efficiency and thoughtfulness behind Rome’s transportation system. Despite a few missteps, the city’s extensive network of buses, metros, and trains had enabled us to explore its charm effortlessly. While getting lost and found was part of the adventure, it was Rome’s well-planned transport system that allowed us to confidently navigate the city at any hour.
I said a little thank you to my guiding lights and dosed off peacefully, thinking of the official Colosseum visit scheduled for the next day. Little did I know , that Day 2 of Rome was going to be even more dramatic than the first . I mean we almost got pickpocketed, almost!
PRO TIP:
I would recommend to go to most of these historic places after sundown, even if you have been there in the day time , these places just vibe so differently , that no words would be enough to put the feeling across. Stay tuned for more on our Roman escapades!