Rome in 3 Days: Fiumicino and Ciampino to the City, What to Book Ahead, and Mobile Data

Three days in Rome is enough to see the highlights if you plan a little. The main thing to know: the big sights sell out, so book them before you go. Here is everything else.

Before you go

• Entry: Italy is in the Schengen area. Check the visa rules for your passport, and whether the EU's ETIAS travel authorisation has started, before you fly.
• Mobile data: If your phone plan does not include EU roaming (for example a SIM from the UK, the US, Switzerland or Turkey), data in Italy can be expensive. An Italy eSIM costs €2.29 for 3 GB and uses the TIM, Iliad and Wind networks.
• Dress code: churches, including St. Peter's, require covered shoulders and knees.

From the airport to the city

Getting around

• Metro and buses: the metro is small, but covers Termini, the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps and near the Vatican. Buses and trams fill the gaps.
• Pay by tapping your card at metro gates and on many buses, or buy tickets at machines and tobacco shops (tabacchi). A single ticket is valid for 100 minutes.
• Walk: the historic centre is best on foot. Most of the famous squares and fountains are 10 to 15 minutes apart.

What to book ahead

• The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: one combined, timed ticket. Book on the official site well before you travel.
• The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel: book a time slot. They are usually closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month.
• The Borghese Gallery: booking is required.
• Free or cheap: St. Peter's Basilica (free, expect a security queue), the Pantheon (small ticket), the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.

Prices, days and booking rules change. Always check the official sites.

A 3-day plan

1. Day 1: the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine in the morning; Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon and Piazza Navona in the afternoon; dinner in Trastevere.
2. Day 2: the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, then St. Peter's Basilica; Castel Sant'Angelo at sunset.
3. Day 3: the Trevi Fountain early before the crowds, the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gallery.

Practical tips

• Drinking water is free: the small public fountains (nasoni) all over the city have good, cold water. Bring a bottle.
• Watch your pockets on crowded buses and the metro, especially near the main sights.
• Coffee at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table, often much cheaper near the sights.

Staying connected in Rome

Prices as of October 2026. Current prices are always on the Italy eSIM page.

Your timed tickets, maps and transport all live on your phone, so data matters here. Buy the eSIM on rrugo.com/esim or in the RruGO app and install it at home with our guide.