As of April 2025, over 1.3 million pilgrims have already passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican since the Jubilee’s opening on December 24, 2024 . With an estimated 35 million visitors expected throughout the year, Rome will be more vibrant—but also more crowded—than ever. Moving between key sites demands planning, patience, and smart strategies. Avoid peak hours (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM) and stay alert to pickpockets, especially on public transport and at Termini Station.
Public Transport: The Best Option
Rome’s transit system is being reinforced for the Jubilee, with infrastructure upgrades and more frequent service.
Metro: Fastest and Most Reliable
- Line A (Red): San Giovanni → Ottaviano (St. Peter’s)
- Line B (Blue): San Paolo fuori le Mura → Termini
- Line C (Green): Now fully operational, connecting remote areas to central Rome
Operating Hours:
🕠 5:30 AM–11:30 PM (Mon–Thu)
🌙 Extended to 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays
Tips:
✔ Use less crowded stops like Cavour or Manzoni instead of Termini.
✔ Use Tap&Go (contactless payment with Visa/Mastercard).
✔ Consider a Roma Pass for unlimited access and museum discounts.
Buses & Trams: Extended Coverage
Buses and trams are essential where the metro doesn’t reach. ATAC has added more night buses and real-time info boards.
🚏 Key Routes for Pilgrims:
- Bus 64: Termini → Vatican (watch for pickpockets)
- Bus 40: Express to St. Peter’s
- Bus 81: Colosseum → Piazza Venezia → Vatican
⏰ Hours: 5:00 AM–Midnight
🌙 Night buses (N-lines) operate every 30 minutes from 12:00–5:00 AM
Tips:
✔ Use the Roma Mobilità app for live updates and route planning.
✔ Try early morning or late evening rides to avoid congestion.
Solo Travel: Flexible but Tricky
Bikes & E-Scooters
Rome’s shared mobility services like Dott, Lime, and Bird are available, but:
- ⚠ Limited bike lanes
- ⚠ Heavy traffic makes scooters risky in central areas
Tip: Stick to pedestrian-friendly areas like Villa Borghese or Via Appia Antica.
Car & Scooter Rentals: Only for Specific Needs
🚫 Rome’s ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is strictly enforced from 6:30 AM–6:00 PM.
Use rentals only if:
✔ You’re visiting remote sites like Santuario del Divino Amore
✔ You’re traveling late at night or very early
Tips:
✔ Rent an electric vehicle (EVs are allowed in ZTL)
✔ Use park-and-ride lots (like Ponte Mammolo or Anagnina)
Group Travel: Organized and Efficient
🚍 Tourist Buses & Private Coaches
- Special permits are available for Jubilee pilgrim groups.
- Use authorized coach parking zones (e.g., Gianicolo, Terminal Anagnina).
Best Options:
✔ Pre-arranged private buses with Jubilee access permits
✔ Hop-On Hop-Off buses (multiple companies, multilingual guides)
Tips:
✔ Book early—competition is fierce
✔ Avoid 8:00–10:00 AM departures
Walking: The Pilgrim’s Path
🚶♂️ Recommended Routes:
- Colosseum → St. Peter’s Basilica (4 km): A sacred walk through centuries.
- Via Appia Antica: Peaceful and historical, perfect for reflection.
- The Seven-Church Route: St. Peter’s, San Paolo, San Sebastiano, San Giovanni, Santa Croce, San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Maggiore.
Tips:
✔ Wear comfortable shoes—Rome’s cobblestones are unforgiving.
✔ Carry water and a map to navigate side streets.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Journey
The 2025 Jubilee will be extraordinary, but navigating Rome requires strategy. Choose alternative transport, avoid peak times, and plan ahead for a stress-free experience.
Safe travels!
How to survive the Jubilee crowds in Rome: A pilgrim’s guide
