The Colosseum is hard to miss. With its own metro stop and a spot on one of Rome’s busiest streets, it stands out above everything nearby. Even first-time visitors will find it easy to get to.
Below you’ll find comprehensive instructions for reaching the Colosseum. This guide covers the fastest routes by metro, plus alternative options by bus, tram, or on foot. You’ll also find travel tips for families and budget visitors, advice on avoiding traffic, and why transport passes like the Roma Pass can save time and money.
Where is the Colosseum Located?
Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy · Google Maps
The Colosseum is located in the center of Rome, at Piazza del Colosseo, with the official address being Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma, Italy.
The monument is surrounded by some of Rome’s most interesting neighborhoods. To the west is the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill. Walk north and you’ll reach Monti, a lively area with vintage shops and small restaurants. To the south is Celio, where you’ll find beautiful churches and quieter streets.
How to Get to the Colosseum
The metro is the quickest and easiest way to get here. The Colosseo station is right next to the Colosseum on Line B. As soon as you step off the train, you’ll see the ancient amphitheater right in front of you.
The route from Roma Termini to Colosseo takes about 10 minutes, including the walk from station to entrance. Here are detailed directions:
From Termini Station:
- Go down to the metro platform and look for Line B (blue line signs)
- Take any Line B train heading towards Laurentina or EUR Fermi
- Travel 2 stops: Termini → Cavour → Colosseo
- Total metro journey: 3 minutes
When you arrive at Colosseo station:
- Follow the exit signs – there’s only one main exit
- Take the elevator or stairs up to street level
- Walk about 5 minutes (250 meters) to reach the main Colosseum entrance
Other useful Line B stops near major areas:
- From Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps): Take Line A to Termini, then switch to Line B
- From Vatican/Ottaviano: Take Line A to Termini, then Line B to Colosseo
- From EUR district: Direct on Line B to Colosseo
The metro runs every day from 5:30 to 23:30 (1:30 on Saturdays). Trains come every 2-4 minutes during rush hour and every 5-7 minutes during quieter times.
Several bus lines stop just outside the Colosseum. Journey times can be from 10-24 minutes depending on traffic and the route you choose:
- Line 75: This is one of the most direct options, approximately 15 minutes from Termini to the Colosseum area.
- Lines 81 and 87: Around 10-15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
- Line 117: Slightly longer at about 24 minutes, as this route connects outlying areas to the center.
The ride is just 2-3 kilometers through Rome’s historic center. You’ll pass by beautiful old neighborhoods and spot ancient buildings along the way. Buses stop on Via dei Fori Imperiali or nearby streets, so it’s only a short 2-3 minute walk to the entrance.
Tram lines 3 and 8 also stop near the Colosseum. The trams are slower than the metro, but you get a nice view of Rome’s neighborhoods along the way.
- Tram 3 runs from Villa Giulia (near Villa Borghese) down to San Giovanni, passing right by the Colosseum.
- Tram 8 connects Casaletto to Largo di Torre Argentina, with a stop at the Colosseum.
Driving to the Colosseum can be challenging. The city center has strict traffic rules, including a limited traffic zone that only certain vehicles can enter. Some visitors get fined for entering by mistake.
Parking is expensive and hard to find. If you need to drive, here are the closest parking spots:
- Roma – Parcheggio Park Colosseo: 5 minutes, 350m, via Via Claudia
- Parcheggio Roma: 5 minutes, 350m, via Via Claudia
- Garage Palatino Dino: 10 minutes, 700m, via Via degli Annibaldi
It’s much easier to park outside the city and use public transport to get in (park-and-ride lots). These lots connect directly to public transport. For example, the Anagnina lot links to Metro Line A, and Laurentina connects to Line B. This helps you avoid city traffic and save time. The best park-and-ride options are:
- Anagnina Car Park (Line A): Free parking, then transfer at Termini to Line B
- Laurentina Car Park (Line B): Paid parking, direct to Colosseo
Check out ATAC’s park-and-ride lots on the edge of the city.
The Colosseum is perfectly walkable from most central Rome locations:
- From Termini Station – 22 minutes, 1.7km, via Via Cavour, Vie del Monte Oppio, or Via Mecenate
- From Pantheon – 26 minutes, 1.9km, via Via dei Fori Imperiali
- From Spanish Steps – 30 minutes via Via dei Serpenti or Via dei Fori Imperiali
- From Trastevere – 30 minutes across Ponte Palatino
The walks are mostly flat or gently downhill, so it’s easy even if you’re with kids.
Walking from Roma Termini to the Colosseum is totally doable and lets you soak up Rome’s incredible street life and architecture at your own pace.
Book Transport Passes
Getting to the Colosseum is easier and more affordable with Rome’s transport passes, which combine metro, bus, and tram access with attraction discounts. Here are the best options for visitors:
Roma Pass
Enjoy free rides on metro, bus, and tram rides within Rome’s city limits.
Rome Hop‑On Hop‑Off Bus Tours
See Rome at your own pace from the comfort of open‑top buses.
Travel Tips
For Budget Travelers
You can skip the expensive tourist buses. Rome’s regular public transport will get you everywhere you need to go for much less.
A single metro or bus ticket costs €1.50 and lasts for 100 minutes. If you plan to take more than a few rides, a 24-hour pass for €8.50 is a good deal. You can buy public transport tickets in several convenient ways:
- ATAC ticket offices and vending machines in metro stations
- Authorized shops like newsstands and tobacconists
- Partner apps or SMS ticketing
- Even by tapping your contactless card directly at turnstiles and on buses.
For a full overview of where to purchase and recharge tickets, see the official sales channels.
For Families with Kids
The metro elevator at Colosseo station can get crowded. If you have a stroller, it’s easier to take the bus, which drops you right at street level. There are baby-changing facilities and family restrooms at the Colosseum, and most of the pathways are stroller-friendly, so visiting with kids is pretty straightforward.
Bring sun hats and sunscreen for kids because the Roman sun can be strong. There are shaded spots and benches around the Colosseum where you can take a break.
Pack your own snacks and water because food at the Colosseum is limited and expensive. Some affordable options nearby:
- Try Cafe Cafe for sandwiches and coffee, just five minutes away.
- Ristorante Roma is good for classic pasta dishes, about ten minutes on foot.
- If you want gelato, Gelateria del Teatro is a local favorite.
- Forno Bakery has great pastries and pizza at reasonable prices.
- There’s also a supermarket on Via Cavour where you can get water and snacks.
Fastest Way
Metro Line B to Colosseo station is always the fastest way. Even at busy times, trains come every 2-7 minutes. Total travel time is about 10 minutes, including the walk from station to entrance.
Bus line 75 is almost as fast, taking approximately 15 minutes from Termini Station.
Avoiding Crowds
Try to arrive before 09:00 or after 15:30 to avoid the busiest times on public transport. The morning rush (07:30-09:30) and evening rush (17:30-19:30) pack the metro cars.
Getting Around the Colosseum Area
Once you arrive, the Colosseum entrance is about 2-3 minutes walk from the metro exit. Look for the crowds and follow the pedestrian signs. The area is well-signposted in multiple languages.
FAQs
What is the easiest way to get to the Colosseum?
Metro Line B is generally the easiest and also fastest option since it runs frequently, just 2-4 minutes to Colosseo station, which puts you right at the entrance.
I’m at Fiumicino Airport, what’s the fastest way to the Colosseum?
Take the Leonardo Express train to Termini (32 minutes, €17.9), then Metro Line B to Colosseo (3 minutes). Total journey: about 50 minutes. Don’t take a taxi, it’s probably over €50 and takes longer in traffic.
💡 Tip: You can book the Roma Pass online to get unlimited use of public transport, including metro.
What’s the closest metro station?
Colosseo station on Line B (blue line) is literally next to the monument. You can’t get any closer by public transport.
Can I walk from Termini Station?
Absolutely. It’s a short 20-minute walk mostly downhill via Via Cavour. You’ll pass the Santa Maria Maggiore along the way. Use this Google Maps for directions.
Is it safe to walk to the Colosseum at night?
The area around the Colosseum is well-lit and patrolled, but the Colosseum itself closes at sunset. If you’re walking back to your hotel after an evening in the area, stick to main streets like Via dei Fori Imperiali or Via Cavour.
Is there anywhere to leave a rental car near the Colosseum?
We don’t recommend driving to the Colosseum. But if you needed to, here are the closest parking lots:
Roma – Parcheggio Park Colosseo: 5 minutes, 350m, via Via Claudia
Parcheggio Roma: 5 minutes, 350m, via Via Claudia
Garage Palatino Dino: 10 minutes, 700m, via Via degli Annibaldi
Check our complete Colosseum FAQ guide »