How to Get from Trevi Fountain to Colosseum by Foot and Bus

In this post, I will discuss the best ways to get from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum. The Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum are the two most popular historical landmarks in Rome.

Both monuments are located in Rome’s historic center, which is a UNESCO heritage site covering about 20 km of territory.

Fortunately, the Roman Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain are relatively close to each other. Even if you stay in Rome for a day or just a few hours you will have enough time to visit these two monuments.

This article also covers other interesting information such as the distance between Trevi Fountain and Colosseum and other interesting sites to see along the way. You will also learn how to move between the two landmarks by bus and whether it is convenient to take the metro.

I know what I’m talking about because I’m a local Roman who loves walking I have also worked for several years as a tour guide.

How to get from Trevi Fountain to Colosseum

If you have decided to see Rome on foot, the first thing you want to know is the distance from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum. The answer is 1.6 km or, about 1 mile.
Most travelers cover this distance on foot. This is the most beautiful part of the historic center of Rome and everyone wants to savor it step by step, filling their eyes with wonder, without missing anything.
However, there may be reasons why you will want to get from one point to another by public transportation, for example:

  • the weather is too hot because you are visiting Rome in the summer
  • it is raining hard (but in this part of the world it rains less often than in other places)
  • you have difficulty walking
  • you like walking, but you have already walked too much and are very tired

In this case, there are buses that will take you from one point to another in about 20 minutes. By walking, it will take you about 15 minutes. Let’s first see how to cover the route by bus.

1. By bus – public transportation

There are 5 buses you can take to reach the Colosseum from the Trevi Fountain: numbers 5185117118.

Bus 51

From Piazza di Trevi, where the Trevi Fountain is located, walk along Via dei Crociferi and Via di Santa Maria in Via until you reach Largo Chigi.
Here you will find the stop for bus 51. You must take it in the direction of San Giovanni. There is a run every 10 minutes or so.
The Colosseum is the fourth stop.
Remember to purchase Rome bus tickets before boarding the bus.

Taking bus 51, the walking distance to cover is about 400 mt.

Bus 85

From the Trevi Fountain, walk down Via della Stamperia until you reach Via Del Tritone, which is one of Rome’s shopping streets.
Here is the stop for bus 85. Take the bus in the direction of Arco di Travertino and get off after 6 stops.
Even using this bus, the walking distance is about 400mt.

Bus 117

Walk along Via del Lavatore and Via in Arcione to the intersection with Via del Traforo. Here board bus 117 bound for Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano.

The Colosseum is the sixth stop.
Taking this bus, you’ll have about 400 mt to walk.

Bus 118

I put this bus in last place because the distance to walk is 850 mt.
This means that you will cover about half the distance between the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum with public transportation.
To catch the 118 bus, walk along Via di San Vincenzo, Via dei Lucchesi, Via della Pilotta, Via Quattro Novembre, and Via dei Fornari.
When you arrive at Via dei Fori Imperiali, board the bus 118 towards Colosseum and get off after 4 stops.

2. On foot

We have already seen how far the Trevi Fountain is from the Colosseum, which is 1.6 km. The distance can be covered in about 25-30 minutes.
The best thing to do if you are healthy and the weather is clement is to walk.
But know: although the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum are close by each other, there are so many attractions along the short route that it may take you hours to get there.

I will reveal some of them to you.
What I do, when I accompany travelers on visits, in a nutshell, is this:

  • I reach Via Del Corso. Here are some clothing stores you might want to visit.
  • I pass through Piazza Venezia
  • I walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali, from which you can admire the magnificent ruins of the Roman Forum (from here you will already see the Colosseum on the horizon)
  • From Via dei Fori Imperiali straight ahead to the Colosseum, and you will remember why you came to Rome.
  • Visit the Colosseum (remember to book your ticket to skip the line!). It would be even better, to book a guided tour with a local guide that includes a visit to the arena and the interesting underground passages. You can check out the tour here.
  • Pop into the nearby Monti neighborhood, where you can enjoy local street food, some great gelato or sit down to eat.

READ ALSO: What to do in Rome’s picturesque Monti district.

3. By metro. Is that doable?

If you do a search for metro stops in Rome, you will notice that the closest stop to the Trevi Fountain is Piazza di Spagna-Spenish Steps.
There is also a stop right in front of the Colosseum.
But should you take the metro to go from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum?

Absolutely not, unless you plan to visit the Spanish Steps as well. In that case (and only in that case) you might consider using the metro to go from the Spanish Steps to the Colosseum. But I would advise against that!
In fact, the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum are located along two different metro lines.
You have to make the change at the Termini stop, which is the busiest in Rome. Also, to make the change, you have to walk for several minutes in the underpasses of the metro.
This is very inconvenient and I recommend you walk or take the bus instead.

4. By cab

Walk 3 minutes from the Trevi Fountain to Largo Chigi. There is a cab stand here.

What to see on the way from Trevi Fountain to Colosseum

There is a plethora of historic landmarks to discover along this route in the heart of Rome’s historic center. I have collected what I think are the most interesting ones. Some are very famous, others are hidden gems in Rome.

Vicus Caprarius

If you’d love to know some interesting facts about the Trevi Fountain and its history, hold on. Vicus Caprarius or the “City of Water” is an archaeological site and underground museum located a stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain. 

It showcases the remains of an ancient Roman house and an aqueduct that once supplied water to the city. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome and the functioning of the aqueduct.

Excavations in 1999-2000 unearthed an ancient Roman residence, a cistern, and pools. The water that fed the villa is the same water that feeds the Trevi fountain. 

We are here about 9 meters underground.

You should visit Vicus Caprarius to explore the ruins and learn about the history and engineering prowess of the Roman Empire. The underground museum features informative displays, including multimedia presentations and artifacts found at the site. 

Among the finds are amphorae, marbles, mosaics, and the valuable “head of Alexander Helios.” 

The entrance fee is €4. The archaeological site is small but worth a visit. I definitely recommend reservations at +39 339 7786192.

Galleria Sciarra

Galleria Sciarra is a historic shopping gallery renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture. It dates back to the late 19th century and it features intricate frescoes and decorative elements by painter Giuseppe Cellini. 

The gallery’s main attraction is the ceiling adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting mythological scenes and allegorical figures.

You should visit Galleria Sciarra for its unique blend of art and architecture, offering a delightful visual experience. It provides a glimpse into the Art Nouveau style that was prevalent during the period, and the exquisite frescoes add a touch of beauty and charm to the space. It’s a hidden gem in Rome that offers a quieter and less crowded alternative to other popular attractions.

To access Galleria Sciarra, head to Via Marco Minghetti. The gallery is nestled within a courtyard, so you’ll need to enter through an archway to find it.

The entrance is free of charge. Galleria Sciarra is one of the best places to visit for free in Rome.

La Rinascente

La Rinascente is a famous Italian department store chain, and it has a location in Rome. Situated in Via del Tritone, near the Trevi Fountain, La Rinascente offers a wide range of luxury and designer brands, fashion, cosmetics, home decor, and gourmet food. It is a popular shopping destination for both locals and travelers.

You should visit La Rinascente for its extensive selection of high-end products and the opportunity to indulge in a luxury shopping experience. The department store showcases Italian and international fashion brands, allowing visitors to explore the latest trends and discover unique items. Additionally, the store’s rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of Rome, making it a perfect spot for a coffee break or a meal.

Altar of the Fatherland

The Altar of the Fatherland, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II or Vittoriano, is a massive monument located in Rome, Italy. It was built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. 

The massive construction work (and demolition of pre-existing buildings) lasted from 1885 to 1935.

The monument serves as a symbol of Italian unity and patriotism.

The monument features impressive architecture, including Corinthian columns, statues, and a central equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II. You can explore the museum inside, which showcases exhibits related to Italian history.

TIP: If you are looking for the best panoramic views in Rome, know that one is located right on the terrace of the monument. To access, take one of the panoramic elevators from Piazza San Marco, on the side of the monument (€14).

Capitoline Hill

The Capitoline Hill, known as Campidoglio in Italian, is one of the seven hills of Rome and an essential historical and cultural site. As a first-time traveler to Rome, visiting the Capitoline Hill is highly recommended.

The hill offers a stunning view of the Roman Forum and houses several notable Roman monuments. The Capitoline Museums, located on the hill, showcase a vast collection of ancient Roman art and artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and archaeological treasures. Notable masterpieces such as the iconic Capitoline Wolf, the colossal statue of Emperor Constantine, and the Dying Gaul can be found here.

At the center of the Capitoline Hill stands the magnificent Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by renowned Renaissance artist Michelangelo. The piazza features a grand staircase and an equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius at its center. The Capitoline Hill is also home to the Palazzo Senatorio, the seat of Rome’s city government, with its distinctive facade and impressive architecture.

Exploring the Capitoline Hill allows you to immerse yourself in Rome’s rich history, experience breathtaking views, and appreciate magnificent artworks.

TIP: For a great coffee in Rome with a view, make a stop at Terrazza Caffarelli, on the side of Capitoline Museum.

Via dei Fori Imperiali St.

To travel from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum, you will pass through Via dei Fori Imperiali. You will immediately notice the size of this street, which is 30 meters wide and 900 meters long.

The street connects Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Colosseo, and as you walk along it, you will witness the majestic rise of the Colosseum at the end.

Via dei Fori Imperiali is a panoramic terraced street that offers breathtaking views of the Imperial Forum and the Roman Forum on both sides. It becomes apparent that Rome is an open-air museum, conquering travelers with its rich historical heritage.

This street was constructed during the 1930s under the fascist regime, involving the participation of 1,500 workers. Unfortunately, the construction of Via dei Fori Imperiali resulted in the displacement of numerous people, forcing them to leave their homes and relocate to the city’s outskirts.

Overall, this route presents a remarkable journey, allowing travelers to appreciate the grandeur of Rome’s ancient architecture and witness the significant impact of historical developments on the city’s landscape.

Imperial Forum

The Imperial Forum hosts the Forum of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva, and Trajan. Each section of the Imperial Forum was constructed by different emperors and served as a showcase of their power and achievements.

You can explore remnants of grand structures, such as the Temple of Caesar, the Temple of Mars Ultor, the Basilica Ulpia, and Trajan’s Column. These monuments provide insights into the religious, political, and cultural aspects of Roman society.

The centerpiece of the complex is the Trajan Column, at the base of which are buried the remains of Emperor Trajan and his wife. The structure that once housed the Trajan Markets now hosts temporary exhibits.

Trajan’s Column

From Via dei Fori Imperiali you can admire Trajan’s Column. Trajan’s Column, standing 42 meters tall in Rome’s Forum of Trajan, is a monumental structure dating back to 113 AD. Architect Apollodorus of Damascus designed it to honor Emperor Trajan‘s victories in Dacia, today’s Romania. The column is famous for its spiral bas-relief stretching over 180 meters. 

The frieze showcases over 2,000 figures in 60 scenes, depicting Trajan’s military campaigns against the Dacians with meticulous detail.

Trajan’s Column is a masterpiece of sculptural art and exemplifies the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Today, a statue of St. Peter stands atop the column, added by Pope Sixtus V in 1587.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is an ancient archaeological site in Rome that was once the heart of the city’s political, religious, and commercial activities. 

The Forum features the ruins of various structures that once stood here, including temples, government buildings, basilicas, and public squares. Some notable sites of historical interest within the Roman Forum include the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Vesta, the Basilica of Maxentius, and the Curia Julia, which served as the Senate House.

The Via Sacra, the main road that traverses the Forum, allows you to walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans. You can imagine the bustling activity that took place in this vibrant hub centuries ago.

To make the most of your visit, consider hiring a knowledgeable guide or joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the historical significance of each structure and its role in ancient Roman society.

Situated adjacent to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient parts of Rome and offers breathtaking views of the city. As you explore its ruins and gardens, you will step into the birthplace of Rome’s legendary founding and witness the remnants of luxurious palaces belonging to emperors and nobles. 

Colosseum

You have finally arrived at your destination: the most famous historical landmark in Rome. One of the things I love to do when I arrive here is to take a leisurely stroll around the Colosseum and marvel at its magnificence.

To construct the Colosseum, the Romans drew inspiration from the Etruscan technique of the arch and replicated it hundreds of times.

Emperor Titus Flavius Vespasian commissioned the construction of the Flavian Amphitheater soon after assuming power to solidify public support. The building process lasted for 10 years, from 70 to 80 AD. The Colosseum served as the venue for various games, including gruesome battles between gladiators and between men and animals. With a capacity of up to 50,000 spectators, admission to the games was free.

However, today, to visit this iconic monument, you need to purchase an €18 ticket, which also grants access to the Roman Forum.

To delve deeper into the history of the Colosseum, I highly recommend joining a guided tour. It offers a wealth of information and insights that will enhance your understanding of this remarkable structure.

Conclusion

The two best ways to get from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum are to walk 1.6 km or take a bus and then take a short walk.
It doesn’t matter if you are in Rome for 3 days or a few hours. You will still manage to visit these masterpieces of architecture and art.

Further Readings