All transportation in Rome centers around the Termini rail station — it’s the transfer point for the tram lines, most of the bus lines and the 2 subway lines. It’s also the hub for much of the transportation to/from both airports and for the intercity buses.

You’ll have no trouble getting around on the subway. There isn’t a huge subway system, so it’s easy to navigate but you’ll have to do a fair amount of walking. We stayed near Termini and took the subway to the most distant place we wanted to visit that day. Then we walked from place to place, generally heading back toward Termini — sometimes walking all the way back and sometimes taking the subway. Walking is really the best way to see Rome, anyway. Navigating around the bus and tram system is a little more difficult.

There’s a tourist information office in Termini as well as offices and kiosks in tourist areas all over Rome. They’ll give you a good map with all the "sights" identifed and answer any questions.

Man, the rome metro is soooo packed! Sometimes after several overcrowded (i.e. there’s no way in hell i’m fitting in there) trains passed, i just gave up and walked to wherever i needed to go.

Yup, packed, crammed, smashed — also a haven for pickpockets as we unfortunately found out.

yeah, a girl I was with got pickpocketed on the metro in Rome too…. I’m saying this not to deter you- but be very careful with your valubles on the train, and always keep your hands on your purse. If any of the dodgy gypsies get to close, shout at them or swear at them to leave you alone, because they can be pretty in your face (on the train, once outside in the city, it wasn’t so bad).

I also had an unfortunate incident in Rome with pickpockets around the Coliseum. Keep all important documents as well as credit cards, ATM cards and cash in your money belt. Also, just try to be aware of everything that is going on around you and keep your eyes and hands on your stuff and you should be fine.

Walk!
Seriously – Rome is so beautiful and not "that" big, for example if you plan on visiting all of your usual sights…you can easily walk it and see so much else at the same time, that you never knew existed!
I never used the metro once in Rome, it was too beautiful, I came across Museums, ruins and churches that Id not read in any guidebooks!
It was hot, and we stopped for breaks often…but walked everywhere.
To give you an example, we stayed just by Termini and walked to the Vatican – leisurely including regular breaks in 40minutes….Hope this helps!

Jen 100,
Please do not worry about Rome. Rome is a big city and yes you must be careful of pickpocketers, buy you will be fine. Although be ware of the hostels, I believe Rome has the wost hostels, but you will survive. You will love the culture and history because there is so much to see. Oh and also please, pack light Rome in the summer is awful its so hot and keep in mind that mamy places in Europe do not have air condition. Finally, do not worry have fun enjoy it, and when you are there be confident. You will have a chance to meet different people from all over the world.