Essential Apps to Download Before a Trip to Rome

Knowledge is power, and the right piece of information at the right time can have a big impact – as anyone who’s ever been lost in a new city or baffled by a foreign language while on holiday can attest to. Thanks to mobile apps, travelers now have a wealth of information at their fingertips to help them get the most out of a trip. With these apps in your pocket, you’ll be able to navigate Rome like a local, deal with a temperamental public transport system, find an English-speaking doctor, and more.

MooneyGo (Previously MyCicero)

ATAC, who run most of Rome’s public transport services, have recently made it possible to use the metro by tapping a credit or debit card at the barrier – so much more convenient than buying single paper tickets. The system is not yet rolled out across buses and trams, however, so we recommend using MooneyGo to purchase digital tickets to get where you need to go. With MooneyGo you can purchase ATAC tickets to use on the bus, subway, trams, and local trains, which you validate in the app. You can also buy Trenitalia train tickets, private bus company tickets (Itabus), and even pay for parking. The app is quick, easy, and convenient, and you’ll never need to look for an open ticket office or tabaccheria to buy paper tickets again.

Citymapper

There are lots of map apps available that give you access to pretty much the same information. The reason we like Citymapper is because of its super user-friendly interface and the way it presents a lot of data in a smart way. Type in where you want to go and Citymapper gives you a list of transport options all on one screen, so you can easily assess which route is quickest, cheaper, or easiest. As well as buses, metro, and trains, it also includes short-term rental options like Cooltra (mopeds) and Lime (electric scooters and bikes). We also love the option to pre-program commonly used locations for transport options in one tap.

Moovit

Moovit has similar functionality to Citymapper, though its interface is a bit less user-friendly and the ads make the display cluttered. However, the feature to track buses in real-time seems slightly more reliable than on Citymapper. When trying to navigate a city with such a temperamental transport system, it’s probably worth having more than one app to stay informed as best you can. Even the digital displays at physical bus stops are not always accurate in their timings.

FREE NOW

If all other public transport options fail, or you simply want to get from A to B the easiest way possible, take a taxi. You could hail a cab in the street or look for a taxi rank in person, but availability can be spotty in Rome. With FREE NOW, you can request a ride and get an estimated journey cost in the app. Choose to pay through the app or in person at the end of your journey.

Duolingo

Yes, we think back wistfully to the days when Duolingo was ad-free but this app is still the best all-rounder for language learning. With the help of the wise green owl (called Duo, don’t you know?), users practice vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and listening skills in manageable bite-sized lessons. You’ll be conversing about la dolce vita before you know it!

MedinAction

Though many travelers organize short-term health insurance before going on vacation, the reality of finding medical care during a trip can be tricky, especially if you require an English-speaking doctor or healthcare professional. With MedinAction you can book a home visit from a doctor, schedule a video call, or simply chat via the app for free. If you need further assistance, they can recommend exactly where to go to book a test, fill a prescription, or get a specialized consultation. MedinAction can also bill selected insurance companies directly.

Downloaded the best Rome apps and looking for more practical travel info? Read How to Travel Sustainability in Rome.