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A comprehensive guide on getting to Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica

Where is Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica located?

Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, 42, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Santa Maria Maggiore is located in the Esquilino district of Rome, near Termini Station, making it easily accessible from the city center.

Nearest landmark: Basilica di Santa Prassede, Via di Santa Prassede, 00184 Roma RM, Italy (180 m)

Nearest airport: Rome Fiumicino Airport – Leonardo da Vinci (32 km)

Getting to Santa Maria Maggiore by public transport

Best for: Quick travel from anywhere in central Rome
Metro line: B (blue line)
Closest station: Cavour, 5-min walk
Timings: 5:30am – 11:30pm

  • The Cavour station on Line B is the nearest metro stop to Santa Maria Maggiore. From here, it’s a short walk to the basilica.
  • Other nearby metro stations include Termini (10-min walk), which also connects Lines A and B, offering easy access from both airports and other parts of Rome.

Best for: Budget-friendly, scenic route through the city
Bus lines: 40, 64, 310, 360
Closest bus stop: Santa Maria Maggiore, 2-min walk
Timings: Buses run from early morning (~5:30am) to late evening (~11:30pm), depending on the line.

  • The “Santa Maria Maggiore” bus stop is right in front of the basilica. Lines 40 and 64 run frequently and are popular with tourists.
  • Other nearby stops include Piazza dell’Esquilino (3-min walk) and Via Cavour (5-min walk), served by lines 310 and 360.

Best for: Visitors arriving from nearby cities or airports
Train lines: Regional and high-speed trains
Closest station: Roma Termini, 8-min walk
Timings: 5:00am – 11:30pm

  • Rome Termini is the main railway hub for the city and the closest station to Santa Maria Maggiore. From Termini, you can either walk, take a short taxi ride, or hop on buses or metro to reach the basilica.

Getting there by car

You can use the GPS coordinates 41.8972° N, 12.4985° E to navigate directly to Santa Maria Maggiore.

Aerial view of Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Esquilino in Rome.

Driving routes

  • From Fiumicino airport: Take the A91 motorway toward Rome city center. Continue on Via del Foro Italico and then follow signs to Termini Station / Santa Maria Maggiore. The basilica is located in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.
  • From Ciampino airport: Take the SS217 toward Rome, then merge onto the A24 toward the city center. Continue along Via Merulana and follow signs to Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.
  • From Roma Termini station: If you’re coming from the train station, head east on Via Cavour for about 5 minutes. The basilica will be visible on the square.
Underground parking area with parked cars.

Parking

  • Parking Piazza Vittorio: A large public lot about a 7-minute walk from the basilica. Open 24/7.
  • Terminal Station Garage: Near Roma Termini, approximately 10 minutes on foot. Open 24/7.
  • Via Cavour Parking: Smaller city-center option, roughly 5–8 minutes on foot to Santa Maria Maggiore. Open daily.

Tips for driving in Rome:

  • Santa Maria Maggiore is located within Rome’s ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). Only authorized vehicles can enter without a fine. Visitors are advised to park outside the ZTL and walk a few minutes to the basilica.
  • Use GPS navigation and plan extra time for traffic, especially during mornings and late afternoons.

Walking to Santa Maria Maggiore

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome with its ornate facade and bell tower.

Travel time: 5–15 minutes from nearby landmarks
Ideal for: Experiencing the charm of central Rome on foot.

  • Route 1: From Roma Termini Station, walk east along Via Cavour for about 8 minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass historic buildings, quaint cafés, and boutique shops—perfect for a short sightseeing stroll.
  • Route 2: From Piazza Venezia, head northeast via Via Nazionale. This route takes you past iconic landmarks like Palazzo delle Assicurazioni Generali and the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto, offering a glimpse of Rome’s historic city center.
  • Route 3: From Piazza della Repubblica, take Via delle Terme di Diocleziano and then Via Merulana. This route passes through interesting streets lined with artisan shops and local eateries before reaching Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Frequently asked questions about Santa Maria Maggiore location

How do I get to Santa Maria Maggiore?

Santa Maria Maggiore can be reached by public transport, including metro, buses, and trains, as well as by foot or car. There are several parking areas nearby for those who choose to drive.

Which is the closest metro station to Santa Maria Maggiore?

The closest metro station is Cavour (Line B), located about a 5-minute walk from the basilica.

Which is the closest bus stop to Santa Maria Maggiore?

The nearest bus stop is called Santa Maria Maggiore, right in front of the basilica. Lines 40, 64, 310, and 360 serve this stop frequently.

Which is the closest train station to Santa Maria Maggiore?

Roma Termini is the closest major train station, approximately an 8-minute walk to the basilica.

Can I park at Santa Maria Maggiore?

There is no parking directly at the basilica. However, there are nearby parking options, including Parking Piazza Vittorio, Terminal Station Garage, and Via Cavour Parking.

Is there parking for disabled persons near Santa Maria Maggiore?

Yes, most nearby garages, such as Terminal Station Garage, offer designated spaces for disabled visitors.

Can I walk to Santa Maria Maggiore?

Yes. The basilica is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from landmarks such as Termini Station (8 min), Piazza Venezia (15 min), or Piazza della Repubblica (10 min). Walking also gives you the chance to explore Rome’s historic streets and architecture.