Ready to See the Colosseum? Here's Everything You Need to Know!

Are you planning a trip to Rome and eager to witness the majestic Colosseum? You’re in luck! The Colosseum is conveniently located in the heart of the city, making it easily accessible no matter where you’re staying.

Table of Contents

Getting to the Colosseum: Your Journey Begins

Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a swift journey on public transport, reaching the Colosseum is a breeze.

Walking: Embark on a Scenic Adventure

Imagine yourself strolling down the historic Imperial Forum Road, the Colosseum gradually emerging in the distance. Walking is an excellent way to soak in the city’s charm, letting you experience the grandeur of Rome at your own pace. From the Historic Center, allot yourself around 30-45 minutes to reach the Colosseum. Remember, walking allows you to savor the journey, so enjoy the meander through the city streets!

Public Transportation: Quick and Efficient

Rome boasts a robust public transportation network, including buses, trams, and a metro system. With a little planning, you’ll easily navigate to the Colosseum.

By Bus

Colosseo MB* (Colosseum Metro): Catch buses #51, 87, 75, 117, or 118.
San Gregorio or Celio Vibenna (Palatine Entrance): Take bus #81 or 75.
Colosseo (for Trams): Hop on tram #3 from the Trastevere/Ostiense direction.
Colosseo/Salvi N. (for Trams): Catch tram #3 from the Valle Giulia/San Giovanni direction.

Important Note: On Sundays, buses will operate on a slightly different route and won’t stop at the metro station bus stop. Instead, they’ll stop behind the Colosseum, making it easy to alight at either San Gregorio or Celio Vibenna.

By Metro

Rome’s metro system consists of three lines: A, B, and C. The Colosseum stop is conveniently located on line “B.”

From line “B”: Ensure you’re traveling in the correct direction and disembark at the Colosseo stop.
From line “A”: Take the metro to Termini station, switch to line “B” (follow the signs), and travel in the direction of Laurentina. Get off at the Colosseo stop. Walkable “A” line stops include Manzoni and San Giovanni.
From line “C”: Take the metro to San Giovanni, switch to line “A,” and travel towards Battistini. Get off at Termini station (stay within the metro system), switch to line “B” in the direction of Laurentina, and get off at the Colosseo stop. A walkable “C” line stop is San Giovanni.

Important Tip: If you’re comfortable with a 15-20 minute walk, consider getting off at nearby stops instead of changing metro lines. Always remember to avoid exiting the metro system when switching lines, as this requires purchasing a new ticket.

Colosseum Entrance: Planning Your Visit

While the Colosseum might seem straightforward, allowing yourself extra time to arrive is crucial, especially if you have a pre-booked ticket. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your reserved time to find the correct entrance, grab a refreshment, or use the restrooms.

Remember to check the list of allowed items before leaving your accommodation. If you’re planning to visit the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill before the Colosseum, factor in an additional 30 minutes to exit that area and make your way to the Colosseum entrance and security checkpoint.

Generally, security staff will allow visitors to enter the security line about 5-10 minutes before their reservation time. The time spent in the security line can vary depending on the number of visitors. During peak season, the security check can take over 30 minutes even with a pre-booked ticket, and those without reservations will face much longer wait times.

Once the Colosseum reaches its maximum capacity of 3,000 visitors, the entrance will be temporarily closed to allow visitors to exit. This can occur multiple times throughout the day during peak season, so check the list of tours and tickets to find options for avoiding these lines.

Ticket Time: Validating Your Travel

A single ticket is valid for 100 consecutive minutes from the moment it’s first validated. This allows you to use it for unlimited bus and tram rides within that timeframe, but only for one metro trip.

To activate your ticket, look for the small yellow and black validation boxes located on buses and metro stations. Remember, the 100-minute countdown starts the moment you validate your ticket, so make sure to plan your journey accordingly.