Rome is a beautiful city full of history, but walking everywhere can make your feet tired. The good news? Rome has a great public transport system with metro, buses, trams, and some trains. You can go from the Colosseum to the Vatican or Trastevere without stress.
The best part in 2026? You can buy tickets right on your phone with apps. No need to hunt for ticket machines, tobacco shops (tabaccherie), or cash. This makes travel fast, easy, and modern.
In this guide, we explain everything about Rome public transport tickets apps. We show the top apps, how to use them, what tickets cost, and tips to avoid problems. Let’s start!
Why Use a Rome Public Transport Tickets App?
Using an app to buy tickets is smart for many reasons:
- Buy anytime, even seconds before you board.
- No cash or paper tickets needed – just your phone.
- See real-time bus or metro arrivals.
- Plan your route from A to B.
- Avoid fines – tickets are digital and easy to show.
- Save time – skip long lines at machines.
Many tourists get fined because they forget to validate tickets or buy the wrong one. Apps help you do it right.
Rome’s transport is run by ATAC. They offer official ways to buy digital tickets.
The Official ATAC Roma App – The Best Starting Point
The ATAC Roma App is the official app from ATAC. It is free on Apple App Store and Google Play.
This app helps you in many ways:
- Check real-time arrivals for buses, trams, and metro.
- Plan your full journey step by step.
- Buy and manage digital tickets and passes.
- See service updates, like delays or changes.
- Ask for refunds if your bus or metro is late more than 15 minutes.
- Join the “+Ricicli +Viaggi” program – recycle and get cashback on travel.
How to get started:
- Download “ATAC Roma” from your app store.
- Open it and choose English if needed.
- Set up your account (quick and simple).
- Add your payment card for buying tickets.
You can buy popular tickets like:
- BIT (100 minutes) – good for one journey or many short ones in 100 minutes.
- ROMA 24H, 48H, or 72H – unlimited travel for 1, 2, or 3 days.
- Monthly pass (if you stay long).
After you buy, validate (activate) the ticket in the app when you start your trip. Show the QR code if an inspector asks.
This app is great because it is official. You get accurate info directly from ATAC.
Moovit – The New Star for Buying and Planning
Since September 2025, Moovit works with ATAC to let you buy tickets inside the app. Moovit is very popular around the world – over 1.5 billion users!
Why people love Moovit for Rome:
- Plan routes with real-time info.
- Buy tickets directly – no need for another app.
- Validate tickets easily.
- Available in many languages, perfect for tourists.
- See the best way to go, with bus, metro, tram, or walk options.
How to use it:
- Download Moovit (free).
- Search for your start and end point in Rome.
- See route options.
- Choose “Buy Ticket” when needed.
- Pay with card.
- Validate when you board.
Moovit is accurate for arrival times. It is one of the easiest for visitors who already use it in their home city.
Other Great Apps for Rome Public Transport Tickets
ATAC uses a system called Bpiù. This lets many partner apps sell tickets. All are safe and official.
Here are the top ones:
MooneyGo (was called MyCicero before)
- Very popular with tourists.
- Buy BIT, 24H/48H/72H, and monthly passes.
- Validate with QR code.
- Also good for parking or other travel.
TicketAppy
- Simple app to buy metro and bus tickets.
- Easy for phone users.
- Download free and buy fast.
Other partners: Wetaxi, Trenitalia, Tabnet, Dropticket, Urbi, Telepass Pay.
All these let you buy the same tickets: 100-minute BIT (€1.50 or current price), tourist ROMA passes, etc.
Steps are similar in most:
- Download the app.
- Add your card.
- Choose ATAC – Roma.
- Pick your ticket.
- Pay.
- Activate/validate when you start travel.
Tip: Try one or two apps before your trip. Add your card early so it works fast.
Tap & Go – The Easiest No-App Way
Not everyone wants an app. Rome now has Tap & Go.
You use your contactless credit/debit card, phone (Apple Pay, Google Pay), or watch.
How it works:
- At metro gates – tap your card.
- On some buses/trams – tap when you board.
- It charges the right fare automatically.
- No need to buy ticket first.
This is great for short trips. It rolled out more in recent years. By 2026, it covers most metro and many buses.
Pros:
- Super fast.
- No validation worry.
- Good for tourists with foreign cards.
Cons:
- Not on all buses yet.
- For unlimited passes, apps are better.
Many visitors say Tap & Go is the simplest now.
Types of Tickets You Can Buy in Apps
Here are the main tickets:
- BIT (Biglietto Integrato a Tempo): 100 minutes. Use metro once, unlimited buses/trams. Costs around €1.50–€2 (check current price in app).
- ROMA 24H: Unlimited for 24 hours. Around €8.50.
- ROMA 48H: 48 hours. Around €15.
- ROMA 72H: 72 hours. Around €22.
- CIS Weekly: For longer stays. Around €29.
- Monthly personal pass.
Tourist passes are best if you visit many places in a few days.
Children under 10 travel free with an adult.
How to Validate Your Digital Ticket
This is very important – or you get a fine!
In apps:
- Open the app.
- Go to your ticket.
- Press “Validate” or “Activate” when you start your trip (on bus/tram) or before entering metro gate.
- Show the screen with QR code or timer if inspector comes.
For Tap & Go: Just tap – it validates itself.
Always keep your phone charged. Take a screenshot just in case.
Tips for Easy Travel in Rome with Apps
- Download apps before you arrive. Use hotel Wi-Fi.
- Buy a ROMA pass if you plan 3+ trips per day.
- Check for updates – Rome transport changes sometimes.
- Use apps like Citymapper too for planning (it does not sell tickets but shows routes well).
- Avoid rush hours (morning 7-9 AM, evening 5-7 PM) – crowded!
- Watch for pickpockets on buses and metro.
- If lost, ask locals or use app chat/help.
- For airport (Fiumicino or Ciampino), use train apps like Trenitalia.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to validate – big fine!
- Buying paper ticket but not stamping it.
- Using old info – prices change, check apps.
- Not having data or battery – download offline maps.
- Thinking all buses have Tap & Go – some still need ticket.
Final Thoughts
Using a Rome public transport tickets app makes your trip much easier. Start with the official ATAC Roma App or Moovit for buying and planning. If you like partners, try MooneyGo or TicketAppy. For no-app, use Tap & Go.
With these tools, you save time, money, and stress. You can focus on enjoying Rome – the food, history, and views.
Safe travels! Download your app today and get ready for easy rides in the Eternal City.
Disclaimer:
This article is only for basic information. We are not connected with ATAC S.p.A., Moovit, or any other app mentioned. This is not a promotional or affiliate article, and we do not make money from any links or downloads. App features, ticket prices, and services may change at any time, so always check the official apps for the latest details. We are not responsible for any fines, losses, delays, or problems. You use this information at your own risk.
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