Celebrating Jubilee 2025

With over 4 million people expected to visit, Rome has added a whole new metro line to its transport system. The public transportation system in Rome, including the metro, buses, trams, and urban trains, is managed by ATAC. All services use the same type of ticket, making it easy to get around. You can purchase tickets at tobacco shops, automated kiosks, and newsstands. A single-ride ticket costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes across the entire network. For more convenience, consider getting a Roma Pass.

• By metro: Rome has a comprehensive metro system with 3 main lines (A, B, B1 and C) that connect the city's major attractions, including the Vatican. It runs from 5:30am - 11:30pm, every 3 min. 
• By bus: The city’s bus network is extensive with 350+ lines and 22 night buses. There are four types - Urban (U), Night (N), Express (X), Exact (E). Day buses run from 5:30am - Midnight & night buses from 12:30am - 5:30am. 
• By tram: There are 6 main lines (#2, #3, #5, #8, #14, #19). Lines #3 & #8 are newer with amenities like Wi-Fi and AC. They run from 5:30am - Midnight. 
• By trains: There is a limited network (3 lines) connecting the outskirts to the city center. The Roma-Lido line connects Testaccio with Ostia Antica, while the Roma-Nord line runs from the city center to Parioli district and beyond to Viterbo. Roma-Centocelle connects the city center to Porta Maggiore. Runs from 5:30am - 11:30pm, every 10-20 min.
• By taxi: At designated taxi stands throughout the city (cannot be hailed from the street)

• December 24, 2024: The Jubilee year kicks off with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by Pope Francis.

Upcoming themed celebrations:

• January 24-26: Jubilee of the World of Communication 
• February 8-9: Jubilee of the Armed Forces, Police, and Security Forces 
• February 16-18: Jubilee of Artists
• February 21-23: Jubilee of Deacons 
• March 8-9: Jubilee of the World of Volunteering 
• March 28: 24 Hours for the Lord 
• March 28-30: Jubilee of Missionaries of Mercy
• April 5-6: Jubilee of the Sick and the World of Health 
• April 25-27: Jubilee of Adolescents 
• April 28-30: Jubilee of Persons with Disabilities 

• Country Code: +39 (for calling Italy from abroad). Also, get a data plan since WiFi isn’t available everywhere.
• Emergency Services: Police - 112 (general emergency) or 113 (police hotline); Ambulance - 118, Fire Department - 115
• Currency: Euro (€). While ATMs are widely available, exchanging some currency beforehand can be helpful. 
• Language: Official language is Italian. Although English is spoken in some tourist areas, a translation app can be a lifesaver for navigating menus, signs, or basic communication with locals. Also, learning a few basic phrases could go a long way, few examples:

Hello - Ciao (Chow); Please - Per favore (Per fa-voh-reh); Thank you - Grazie (Grat-see-eh), Excuse me - Scusi (Shoo-see); Yes - Si (See); Do you speak English? - Parli inglese? (Par-lee in-gleh-seh?); Where is...?: Dov'è...?; How much does it cost?: Quanto costa?

• St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and other major sites have ramps, elevators, and designated wheelchair-accessible entrances.
• The metro, buses, and trams in Rome have accessibility features like ramps and designated seating.
• Audio guides with descriptive narration are available at many sites to assist visually impaired. 
• Induction loops and sign language interpretation will be provided for select Jubilee ceremonies and events for visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Quiet rooms and sensory-friendly spaces will be set up at key pilgrimage locations to provide a calmer environment.
• Service animals are welcome at the Vatican and other Jubilee sites, though they may be subject to security screening.
• Dedicated accessibility desks will be set up at major Jubilee sites to provide information and assistance.

• While not everything will require registration, some special Masses and ceremonies, like the Holy Door opening, do, and these fill up fast. Registrations are already open, so get this done as soon as your trip is finalized. Staying updated with the Jubilee calendar and pre-booking can eliminate last-minute frustration. 
• Expect higher accommodation prices, especially for budget options, and limited availability due to the influx of pilgrims. Book your stay early! 
• Ticket reservations are also recommended for major attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, and Borghese Gallery.
• December to January will see the highest density of crowds in Rome. If you don’t mind missing the opening of the Holy Doors ceremony, it’s better to wait till crowds start thinning from late February until the week before Easter.
• Explore lesser-known holy sites like Rome's smaller churches or catacombs, which have rich histories and might even offer Jubilee indulgences with smaller crowds.
• Rome's weather can be unpredictable, especially during the Jubilee shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November). Pack light layers that you can easily adjust to  temperature changes. An umbrella and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Use the Omnia Vatican and Rome Card which includes skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, free entry to top Rome attractions, and free public transport, saving time and money.
• Attend Vespers at Sant'Anselmo. This evening prayer service, sung in Latin by Benedictine monks, is a peaceful and spiritual experience away from the busiest Jubilee sites.