How to Reach the Colosseum Underground, Rome — Directions & Tips (2025)

Navigate Rome like a local: compare Metro B, buses, walking paths, taxi/ride-share and airport links to the Colosseum Underground entry. Save time, clear security smoothly and enjoy your ancient adventure.

Plan Your Visit

Quick Overview

Main entrance: Piazza del Colosseo, on the east side of the arena. Underground access: through pre-booked small-group tours only; meet guides outside the security gate. Fastest way: Metro Line B → Colosseo (station exit faces the monument).

Fastest Connection

Metro B from Termini or Cavour → Colosseo stop → 2-minute walk to security.

From Historic Center

Walk (15–20 min) via Via dei Fori Imperiali or take bus 51 / 75 / 85 to Colosseo.

Option 1 — Metro Line B (Fast & Direct)

Best choice from Termini, EUR and Tiburtina areas.

  • Board Metro B (blue line) toward Laurentina or Rebibbia/Jonio.
  • Alight at Colosseo; escalators bring you to street level opposite the amphitheatre.
  • Follow signs to security; tour guides meet beside the Stern entrance at the outer perimeter.
  • Travel time: 5 min from Termini, 15 min from Tiburtina, plus security queue.

Tip

Use Metro Contactless tap-in for quick payment (Visa/Mastercard) or a Rome 24/48/72 h pass.

Option 2 — Metro Alternatives & Regional Trains

Metro A + Walk

Take Metro A to Manzoni or San Giovanni, then walk 12–15 min along Via Labicana.

Tram 3

Scenic loop past Aventine & Testaccio; stop Colosseo/Parco Celio on Via Celio Vibenna.

Regional Trains

From Fiumicino airport or northern suburbs, connect at Termini → Metro B.

Wayfinding

Look for brown tourist signs: Colosseo, then white arrows for Ingresso Sotterranei (Underground Entry).

Tickets

BIT €1.50 (100 min) covers metro+bus; or choose 24/48/72-h passes for unlimited rides.

Option 3 — Bus & Scenic Walks

Central buses like 51, 75, 85, 87 stop on Via dei Fori Imperiali or Via Labicana—steps from the entrance. Expect traffic delays at peak times; walking from Piazza Venezia (10 min) or the Pantheon area (20 min) can be quicker while soaking in Roman ruins.

  • Validate tickets on board; exits are announced as Colosseo or Celio Vibenna.
  • Cross pedestrian crossings to the security queue lanes.

Tip

Evening light along Via dei Fori Imperiali offers stellar photos of the Colosseum without crowds.

From Fiumicino & Ciampino Airports

Leonardo Express

Non-stop train to Termini (32 min), then Metro B to Colosseo.

Terravision / SIT Bus

Budget coach to Termini or Piazza Cavour; transfer to metro or bus 85.

Ciampino Bus + Metro A

Shuttle to Anagnina, Metro A to Manzoni, 15 min walk to the Colosseum.

Taxi / NCC

Fixed €50–55 airport taxi to city center; request drop at “Colosseo ingresso gruppi”.

With Luggage?

Lockers are not available at the Colosseum; store bags at Termini (KiPoint) before touring.

Driving & Ride-Share

ZTL Restrictions

Historic center limited-traffic zone (ZTL) blocks most private cars 6 am–6 pm (Mon–Fri).

Parking

Use garages at Villa Borghese or Terminal Gianicolo, then bus/metro to the site.

Taxi / Ride-Share

Set drop to “Piazza del Colosseo – varco gruppi” for easiest guide meet-up.

Cycling

Bikes on Via dei Fori Imperiali from Piazza Venezia—bike racks near Metro exit.

Practical Tips

Pre-Book

Underground entries sell out weeks ahead—reserve online to choose your time slot.

Security

No large backpacks (>40×35×15 cm), knives or glass bottles; water fountains inside for refills.

Peak Hours

Arrive before 10 am or after 4 pm for shorter queues and cooler temperatures.

Accessibility

Elevators connect levels; notify staff at entry for accessible routes to the arena and underground.

Getting There Cheatsheet

Closest Stops

Metro B — Colosseo • Bus 51 / 75 / 85 • Tram 3

Typical Times

From Termini: 5 min Metro + 5 min walk/security • From Pantheon: 20 min walk/bus.

Entry Gates

Groups/Underground gate beside Via delle Terme di Tito; look for guide banners.

Apps

Use ATAC, Moovit or Google Maps for live metro/bus times and ZTL alerts.

Best Photos

Golden hour (sunset) from Via Nicola Salvi terrace above Metro exit.

Weather Watch

Summer heat is intense; carry water and a hat, and book earlier morning slots.

Ready to Descend Beneath the Arena?

Secure your underground tickets now and pick the route that fits your schedule—Metro B, bus, or scenic walk through Roman ruins.

Book Colosseum Underground Tickets