The Colosseum, one of the most famous architectural marvels in the world, lies in the heart of Rome, Italy. Located near the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum, the Colosseum is a part of the Centro Storico Archeological area within the Monto district.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions on Google Maps.
Due to its prime location and the city’s advanced transportation system, getting to the Colosseum is super easy and convenient. This guide shows you all the best routes and public transport options that help in planning travel to the Colosseum, including all information about reaching the Colosseum from the main airports, train stations, and famous landmarks in Rome. We’ll also check out parking options and the best mode of transport for a quick and effortless journey.
How to reach Colosseum by Metro
- Closest Station: Colosseo Station
- Metro Lines: Line B
Metro is one of the fastest and most widely used public transport options to reach the Colosseum. It is also the cheapest way to get to the Colosseum. You can take Metro Line B (blue line) and alight at Colosseo Station, 240 meters from the Colosseum. This Line travels from the northeast to the south of Rome towards Laurentina connecting major landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Formun, Circus Maximum, and more.
Visitors coming from the Termini Station can catch Line B and ride for two stops, which takes about 2 minutes. This line is also accessible from stations like Piramide or Cavour which are just a few stops away. If you are on Line A transfer to Line B at Termini station. Visitors taking Line C need to transfer to Line A at San Giovanni Station and then to Line B at Termini Station to reach the Colosseum.
A one-way metro ticket costs €1.50 and lets you change metro lines and buses an unlimited number of times within 100 minutes. Hence, traveling by metro to the Colosseum is the fastest, cheapest and the best way to avoid traffic. It is also perfect for those who do not want to walk much.
How to reach Colosseum by Tram
- Closest Station: Piazza Del Colosseo
- Tram Line: 8 and 3
Tram lines 8 and 3 take you directly to the Colosseum from around the city. Line 3 runs through Trastevere, Pyramid, and St John while Line 8 connects the center of Rome to Trastevere. A tram ride can take 15 to 30 minutes based on distance and traffic. Though they’re a bit more time-consuming, trams should still be considered as an option if you’re in specific areas of the city.
A tram ride costs €1.80 per visitor and is valid for 100 minutes. Tram tickets can easily be purchased in Newspaper stands, Metro Station and Tobacco Shops.
How to reach Colosseum by Bus
- Closest Station: Colosseo
- Bus Number: 38, 75, 175,. 271
Public buses are an easy and convenient way to travel to the Colosseum. There are several buses that take you to this historic site.
For guests traveling from the North of Rome, bus routes 38 and 75 are the best choices and if you are traveling from the South of the city, take routes 175 and 271. There are multiple bus stops near the Colosseum at a walkable distance. Choose one among these stations depending on the direction you travel from Colosseo, Celio Vibenna, Labicana Colosseo, Claudia/Colosseo, S. Gregorio.
Other bus routes you can try include:
- Lines 3, 8, 40 and 60 go through Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
- Line 85 that passes Trastevere
- Line 87 and 117 through Largo di Torre and Piazza Venezia
How to Drive to the Colosseum
Rome’s ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) makes driving to a historical landmark like the Colosseum a tricky affair. The ZTL zone restricts vehicle access during certain hours and those driving to Colosseum are expected to park at public parking spaces outside the ZTL zones. These public spaces are hard to find and very expensive. Hence, it is not advisable to drive to the Colosseum unless you are driving from outside the city, have heavy luggage or have mobility issues.
How to reach Colosseum by Bicycle
A fun option is biking to the Colosseum if you enjoy cycling and the weather is favorable. There are lanes in Rome specifically for cycling and renting a bicycle is a fairly easy process. The best routes from central areas, such as Piazza Venezia or Termini Station, take about 10-15 minutes. The Colosseum is one of the most bike-friendly, as there are bike racks nearby where you can easily lock your bike.
How to Reach the Colosseum from Airports in Rome
There are two major airports in Rome – Fiumicino and Ciampino Airport. While there are no direct public transport options from the airport, there are easy shuttles and transfers available to reach Colosseum from the airport.
Here is how you can get to the Colosseum from the airport:
From Fiumicino Airport
Fiumicino Airport is the primary airport of the city, located 30 km from Colosseum. To reach the Colosseum from Fiumicino airport, take the Leonardo Express that takes you straight to the Termini station. This airport rail service is easily accessible and takes 30 minutes to reach Termini. From Termini station, you can walk to the Colosseum, which will take about 15 minutes. You can also take the Metro Line B, which will drop you straight at the Colosseum station. Bus 75 or 85 can also drop you directly at the landmark, in 10 minutes.
A taxi ride directly from the airport to the Colosseum is also a hassle-free option. The journey might last for about 35 to 40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
From Ciampino Airport
Ciampino Airporta is 14 km from Colosseum. You can take TerraVision or the SIT Bus Shuttle that connects Ciampino Airport to Termini Station. The bus ride takes 40 minutes and costs €6 per person. You can also take bus route 720 from the airport to Laurentina metro station and transfer to Line B and get off at Colosseo station.
Taxis are also available from the airport. On average, it takes 30-35 min to get from Ciampino Airport to the Colosseum by taxi, depending on the traffic.
How to get to the Colosseum from Railway stations
Trains are often the mode of transport for tourists planning to visit the Colosseum from various parts of the world. Rome has three main railway stations that you will come across based on the direction you travel from. Hence, it is essential to understand how to reach Colosseum from the railway stations.
From Termini Station
Roma Termini is the central station of Rome, located 6 km from the city center. It is the biggest station with 29 platforms and offers daily services connecting all the Italian cities and other European countries.
The Colosseum is 15 minutes from Termini station. You can walk from the station by following the Via Cavour or metro line B from the station and get off at the Colosseo station. Bus 75 and 85 also run from Termini station to the Colosseum and the journey will hardly take 10 minutes depending on the traffic.
From Roma Tiburtina Station
Rome Tiburtina Station is the second-largest station, located in the north-eastern part of Rome. The station is 6 km from Colosseum. The best way to travel from this station is to take the Metro line B to the Termini station. Once at Termini, switch to line B again and continue riding until you reach the Colosseum station. The total time should be about 20 minutes for the whole journey.
Buses are also available from the Tiburtina station. Bus 409 and 492 take you to the Termini. From there you will have to change the bus and get on Bus 75 or 85, both these buses will take you to the Colosseum. This whole trip will last approximately 30 minutes.
From Roma Trastevere Station
Located 12 km from Colosseum, the Roma Trastevere offers connection to all over Rome. To reach the Colosseum from Roma Trastevere Station, take the Metro Line B, heading for the Colosseo station, which will take you approximately 15 minutes to reach.
Another option will be to take Bus 8 from the station to Termini from where you will have to switch to Bus 75 or 85 and get to the Colosseum. This will take you approximately 25 minutes.
How to Reach the Colosseum from Popular Attractions in Rome:
From Pantheon
The Colosseum is approximately 1.5 km away from Pantheon. It’s a 20-minute walk between the two landmarks. You can also choose to take a bus, 51 or 87, from the nearest bus stop. This will take 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the traffic.
For a more direct alternative, you can book a taxi. This is the fastest mode of transport and you will reach the Colosseum in less than 10 minutes.
From Trevi Fountain
It is roughly a walking distance of about 15 to 20 minutes from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum with the distance between the two being about 1.5 km.
Bus 85 will drop you directly to the Colosseum in a ride that will last for about 10 minutes. You could also utilize the Metro. Take a short walk from the Trevi fountain to the Barberini metro Station. From there catch Line A to the Termini station. Change to Line B and then straight to the Colosseum station.
From Piazza Navona
Piazza Novana is a famous open square in the city known for its fountains. The Colosseum is 2 km from Piazza Navona and takes 25 to 30 minutes to walk. The walk through the picturesque historic Rome is pleasing and relaxing.
Bus 87 passing the Corso Rinascimanto, will take you directly to the Colosseum in 15 minutes. The fastest option would be to take a cab which will drop you at the Colosseum in about 10 minutes.
From the Vatican to the Colosseum
All tourists visiting Rome visit both the Vatican and the Colosseum. Located 5 km apart, it is very easy to travel between these iconic sites.
The easiest way to reach the Colosseum from the Vatican is by Metro. Take the Metro Line A from Ottaviano Station to Termini Station. Change to Line B and get off at the Colosseo station. This journey will take 30 minutes.
You can also take Bus 64 from the Vatican to the Termini station and then change to Bus 75 or 85 for the Colosseum. This will take about 35 to 40 minutes, depending on the traffic.
For a more direct option, you can choose to book a cab from the Vatican to the Colosseum, which will take about 20 to 25 minutes.
Which is the best way to reach the Colosseum
The best way to reach the Colosseum is undoubtedly the metro. Metro Line B directly connects to the Colosseum station, making it a fast and feasible option for most visitors.
For those preferring buses or trams, routes like 75, 81, and tram Line 3 stop nearby.
Walking is another delightful option if you’re staying in central Rome, allowing you to soak in the charm of the Eternal City and pass by historic landmarks like the Roman Forum.
Parking in Colosseum
There’s no parking available at the Colosseum. However, nearby parking facilities such as the Parcheggio Colosseo or Piazza Venezia Parking can be utilized. Both of these are a short walk from the site.
The slots available in these places are limited, hence it is advised to arrive early or reserve a spot in advance if possible.
Make sure you check out the best parking options near the Colosseum before you visit for a smooth experience.
FAQs
1. What is the cheapest way to go to the Colosseum?
The cheapest way to get to the Colosseum is to use public transport. The ticket for both, the metro and bus, costs €1.5 for a one-way trip.
2. What is the fastest way to get to the Colosseum?
The fastest way to get to the Colosseum is via a metro. The Metro line B takes you straight to the Colosseum station which is located right next to the Colosseum.
3. Is there a direct bus to the Colosseum?
Yes, there are several buses, like 38, 75, 175, 85 and 271, that drop you off straight at the Colosseum bus stop, which is at Piazza del Colosseo.
4. How do I travel to the Colosseum without a car?
Traveling to the Colosseum without a car is an easy process. You can choose from various public transports or even cycle to the historic venue if you live close by.
5. Is public transport a good option to visit the Colosseum?
Using public transport to visit the Colosseum is an efficient and budget-friendly alternative.
6. What metro line goes to the Colosseum?
The Metro line B (Blue Line) leads directly to the Colosseum station, which is right in front of the Flavio’s Amphitheatre.
7. Which is the best way to reach the Colosseum?
The best way to reach the Colosseum is via the metro. The Metro Line B stops right at the Colosseum station.
8. When is the first metro to the Colosseum?
The first metro for the Colosseum starts at 5:30 a.m
9. When is the first bus to the Colosseum?
The buses in Rome start as early as 5:30 a.m.
10. Which bus route will go to the Colosseum?
Many bus routes travel to the Colosseum and drop at Piazza del Colosseo. These include 38, 60, 75, 87, 175 and 810.
11. Are there direct buses from the airport to the Colosseum?
No, there are no direct buses that connect the airport to the Colosseum. The best option is to take a shuttle to Termini station and transfer to Metro Line B to reach the Colosseum.
12. How long does it take to walk from the city center to the Colosseum?
From the Rome city center, to reach the Colosseum, it takes about 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.
13. Are there night buses to visit the Colosseum?
Yes, multiple buses run at night, which can take you to the Colosseum.
14. Are there parking facilities at the Colosseum?
No, there is no provision for parking at the Colosseum.