Any tips we should know about using these services? I know that there are only two lines and I believe the tickets are interchangeable. Is there anything we should know in advance for Rome?
Would there timetables be the same or different?
We used the metro in Paris without any problems, but never used the bus.

A couple of tips for you.

Yes the tickets can be used on the metro, buses or trams.

You need to buy the tickets in advance. The easiest place is at tobaconists and newstands.

If you try to buy a ticket at the rail station, the machines will only accept the exact money.

You need to 'stamp' the tickets when you want to use them - a machine at the turnstyle of the metro, or machines on the trams. I didn't use a bus but I assume it is the same. No one checks your tickets as you board or get off. Instead, there are roving inspectors and if they find you travelling without a ticket, or with a ticket that hasn't been stamped, you are in trouble.
I never managed to get hold of a timetable or a map of the metro but still somehow got around. There are only a couple of lines on the metro so it is not really that complicated. I used to ask at the hotel which line to catch and they were more helpful than the metro staff.

The tickets on the buses and metro are good for 75 minutes-the expiration time will be stamped on the top after you first validate them. It is VERY easy to use the buses and electric cars in Rome along with the metro. You can purchase a 10 pack for 10 Euros at any TABAC shop and they do not expire OR buy individual ones. Do keep some in your wallet(just in case) as TABAC stores close at different hours and you may find that you need some tickets particularly at night.There are two lines for the metro in ROME(A and B)-with the Termini station being the major connection point for everything. There are some great maps that you can buy there at most souvenir shops for about 3-5 Euros that have all the bus numbers you need on all the routes to get around.When using the bus system-just enter at the back of the bus and punch your ticket in the yellow validation box.Hang onto it after it spits it back out as you can use it till the validation runs out.Bus stops on the street will have which numbers stop there and where they go reading vertically. Seriously, its very easy and inexpensive.People will help if you are polite when asking for help too!

When I was in Rome the <i>ATAC</i> bus stops, <i>Fermata</i>, were posted with the line numbers and names of a number of stops. See if you can get a system map and enjoy it. I think you buy your ticket before you get on, maybe in a nearby cafe or a news stand.

Preferred the Metro or walking to the buses. Tip if taking a bus: don't carry items you don't want to get stolen and avoid, at all costs, Bus 64.

I guess I'm the opposite of Surfergirl! I love taking the bus, there's a beautiful surprise at every turn,it's a wonderful ride in each direction. I've taken bus #64 more times than I can count,never had a single problem. Just be alert and you'll be fine.

Bus 64 is considered one of the main tour buses as it goes from Termini all the way over to one side of the Vatican by way of all the scenic stop areas.It can be jammed as all the buses are particularly at dinnertime when people are coming home. I ride this bus number quite frequently and would highly recommend to always keep your purse/packages close to you(as you would anywhere). The most exciting thing that happened to me on this bus was a big goose on my rear end with a&quot;how you doing look&quot;(aka Joey from Friends TV show) and a smile-the man was about 60 years old. My 19 year old daughter was grossed out but it was one of the highlights of my first trips to Rome!!! Seriously, I enjoy the buses and would just recommend to try and grab a seat as soon as someone gets up anytime.

As others have said, one credit-card sized ticket (biglietto BIT, 1 euro) is valid for 75 min from validation (convalida). But as it states on the ticket in English, it's valid for one metro ride only (though you can transfer lines at Termini). You can also get a day ticket (BIG) at 4 euro, weekly (CIS) at 16 euro, and a 3-day tourist ticket (BTI) at 11 euro. There are two different convalida machines at metro stations - the small yellow one (as on buses) and larger red ones. You use the yellow one for the normal ticket you buy at tabac etc. Ticket inspection is uncommon but if you are caught without ticket or with unvalidated one, the on-the-spot fine is 50 euro, though I know of some tourists who were simply told to get off at the next stop and buy a ticket (they were very lucky). You can get a free metro and bus map at ATAC offices or download from Rome transport website (with English section): http://www.atac.roma.it/