Public Transport

Termini station is the main hub of Rome's transport system. The city transport authority, ATAC (tel: 06 57003 or 06 4695 2087; www.atac.roma.it), operates the city's large fleet of buses and trams. The network consists of over 300 bus lines and six tram lines, which cover the entire city and run daily 0530-2400. After 2400, there are plentiful night bus routes.

Taxis

Taxi ranks are located at various points around the city centre, though there are notoriously never any when you most need them. Visitors are advised to use only the yellow and white official taxis. Surcharges are applied for each item of luggage, night service (2200-0700), on Sundays, public holidays, and for out-of-town journeys, except for airport transfers, which now have fixed rates whatever the time of day. While taxis may be called by telephone, the meter is turned on immediately after the call and not on pick-up. Tipping of 5-10% is gratefully received, although Italians often do not bother. Companies include Radio Taxi 3570 (tel: 06 3570; www.3570.it), Radio Taxi Samarcanda (tel: 06 5551; www.samarcanda.it), and Pronto Taxi (tel: 06 6645)

Rent a car

 Most car hire companies require drivers to be over 25, though some accept drivers aged 21 and up (with a per day surcharge for drivers aged under 25). A valid EU licence or an International Driving Permit, and credit card number or cash deposit are requested. Full insurance is advised. Providers include Avis (tel: 06 452 108 391; www.avisautonoleggio.it), Europcar (tel: 199 307 030; www.europcar.it), Hertz (tel: 02 6943 0006; www.hertz.it), Sixt (tel: 06 659 651 or 199 100 666 ; www.e-sixt.it), and the locally based Maggiore (tel: 199 151 120 or 06 2245 6060; www.maggiore.it), which also rents environmentally friendly electricity-operated cars.