Extra buses and traffic-free Via dei Fori Imperiali

Rome's Via dei Fori Imperiali will be closed to all traffic during the Christmas period from 25 December until 6 January. The measure affects taxis and nine bus lines whose routes will be deviated during the traffic ban. Local retailers and business groups have criticised the plan which they claim will damage their Christmas trade.

The limited traffic zone (ZTL) applies in the city centre from 14.00 to 18.00 on 22 December and 6 January, and on weekdays until 24 December from 06.30 to 20.00. The usual ZTL night-time hours apply on Fridays and Saturdays: in the centre, Monti and Testaccio from 23.00-03.00; and in Trastevere and S. Lorenzo from 21.30 until 03.00.

There is an offer of two bus tickets for the price of one for every passenger in cars parked in the Piazzale dei Partigiani or Gianicolo car parks. Parking up to three hours will cost only €1.50 for drivers presenting a bus, tram or metro ticket stamped on the same day, or for season-ticket holders. After three hours the normal hourly rate applies. Two other car parks at Piazza Cavour and Villa Borghese are also offering reduced rates during the Christmas season.

The free “Linea Shopping” bus passes through the downtown shopping area and runs from 11.30 to 20.30 until 23 December and on Christmas Eve. Extra city centre buses will run on weekdays from 10.30 to 20.30 until 24 December while the city's metro will be more pass more frequently on the weekend of 21 and 22 December.

For full traffic details see the Muoversi a Roma website.