Hi,
What is it like getting in and out of the Metro stops? Are there a lot of steps? Is there an elevator or escalator? I ask because someone with a slight disability is planning on visiting Rome and using the Metro to get around the city.
Thanks.

NYCGirl,

The couple stops I used did have LOTS of stairs.

However, the Rome Metro is not really the best way to get around the city. There are only two lines and they don't go very near to the places that tourists visit.

Your friend will do better with buses and taxis if unable to walk a lot. Rome is a very walkable city!

Others with more experience in this area can answer better than I can. There have been threads here on this topic. Try putting in "Rome with a disability" or "Rome accessibility" in the search box above.

Buona fortuna

The Rome metro is next to useless, so it's pointless to worry about stairs (yes, there are lots). In Rome, you walk, take buses, and use the tram. You might have occasion to use the metro, but you certainly don't want to plan to use it as your primary means of transport.

I'd agree that the Metro is next to worthless unless you happen to be staying out somewhere that is near a stop, but we've taken the Metro from Termini to both Colosseum and to Flaminio, by Popolo a number of times. Maybe my memory isn't so good, but I honestly don't remember stairs at any of those three stops. Didn't they all have escalators and perhaps even elevators (perhaps for disabled)?

We did use the Metro in Rome and there are quite a few stairs. The other problem is that during rush hours the crowds rush in trying to get into the cars and everyone is squeezed in tightly. Would not want to do it with a disability.

I find the metro reasonably useful, but I can't see that it would be good for a disabled person. He/she would probably have to stand for a good part of the trip, at best.

We experienced quite a few stairs too. The Metro can be useful depending on where you are going and it's cheap. But, be mindful of pick pockets - they are relentless and travel the metro all day often in groups targeting tourists. They particularly look for you waiting to exit a crowded car while they stay behind on the metro with your wallet.

Had a knee that gave me trouble when in Rome. We found take a taxi to an area you want to visit. Ex. The Vatican one day. A day around the Pantheon-Plaza Navona. Travestere area a day. Borghese Gallery area. Spanish step area-many shops down the stree from there. Rome's historical area is not so large that one cannot walk around depending on the disability. Of course, this depends on how many days you have to spend, and what you want to see. Don't try to do too much in a day. Just enjoy the city.
I agree about the metro. Only took it this past trip as the taxis were on strike that day which does happen. We were going to Aventine Hill that day. Never took the bus,but this would be my 2nd choice if you find the taxis too expensive.

Some of the Rome metro was closed last week when we were there. I don't know for how long, but the stop by the Spanish Steps was closed, while the stop by the colosseum was open.

We used buses, mini buses and the tram. The buses didn't run as scheduled after 10:30, so we had to take taxis then. Some lines ran, but not the ones we were waiting for.