Getting around Rome Using Public Transportation by ringleader
We're staying in Velletri, a small town on the outskirts of Rome. We plan to use the Rome PIU Pass, which gives free transportation to and around Rome on the public trasportation, free access to two locations (AHH! Walk right by the long ticket lines at the Colosseo!), and many half price admissions on the great collection of museums and sites of interest. It lasts for a 3-day duration.Link to the Rome Passes (two different versions - PIU is 25 EUR, ROMA is 23 EUR): http://www.romapass.it
Locations the pass includes (discounted rates): http://www.romapass.it/doc/sitiAderentiCostoBiglietti.pdf
To figure which towns are in which zones, you'll need this map by ATAC: http://www.atac.roma.it/docunet/file.asp?mid=3&rid=511
Train lines map: http://www.atac.roma.it/docunet/file.asp?mid=3&rid=385
Map of Metro lines A and B: http://www.atac.roma.it/index.asp?p=1&i=675&o=3&a=3&tpg=2&lingua=ENG
For other options, like a one-day pass (B.I.R.G.), take a look here: http://www.atac.roma.it/index.asp?p=1&i=673&o=3&m=1&a=3&ci=55&tpg=2&lingua=ENG
For public transportation bus lines that are geared for tourists: http://infopoint.atac.roma.it/gru.asp?lingua=eng
We're thinking about using a hop-on-off tourist bus to get our bearings and to listen to a guided tour from the top deck of a double-decker bus. As of 2009, the cost is $18 EUR for one day. There are several different options, but this is the one we like so far. They have a good map of the city and free printable guide: http://www.romeopentour.com/
