How to pay for buses in Rome
Rome ATAC buses, trams, trolleybuses and metro support Tap & Go with contactless cards and NFC wallets; tap the reader and keep the same card/device for inspection.
Best option for tourists
Use ATAC Tap & Go with one contactless card or phone wallet for simple city journeys, or buy a normal ticket/pass if you need a product Tap & Go does not cover.
| Transport | Card | Apple Pay | Google Pay | Cash | Onboard | Advance ticket | Front door | Tap off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome busATAC Tap & Go works on buses, trams, trolleybuses and metro with contactless cards and NFC devices. | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Unknown | No |
Can you pay by card on the bus?
Yes. ATAC says Tap & Go works with contactless credit, debit and prepaid cards, and with digital cards on NFC-enabled phones, watches and wearables.
Do you need to buy a ticket before boarding?
You do not need to pre-buy a paper ticket for standard ATAC journeys if you use Tap & Go correctly. You still need the right separate ticket for services outside the ATAC product rules.
Cash, boarding doors and tap-off rules
Do not plan around paying cash to the driver. Use Tap & Go or buy a ticket/pass through ATAC's normal sales channels before travel.
Common questions
Can I pay with card on the bus in Rome?
Yes. ATAC says Tap & Go works with contactless credit, debit and prepaid cards, and with digital cards on NFC-enabled phones, watches and wearables.
Do I need cash for buses in Rome?
Do not plan around paying cash to the driver. Use Tap & Go or buy a ticket/pass through ATAC's normal sales channels before travel.
Nearby and similar guides
Amalfi
Amalfi sits on the SITA Sud (EAV) Amalfi Coast bus network, where tickets are not sold on board and bank cards are not accepted on the bus, so visitors need to buy and validate the right ticket before boarding.
Positano
Positano sits on the SITA Sud (EAV) Amalfi Coast bus network, where tickets are not sold on board and bank cards are not accepted on the bus, so visitors need to buy and validate the right ticket before boarding.
Sorrento
Sorrento sits on the SITA Sud (EAV) Amalfi Coast bus network, where tickets are not sold on board and bank cards are not accepted on the bus, so visitors need to buy and validate the right ticket before boarding.