My family is heading to Rome in June and I am looking to purchase advanced tickets for the Colosseum. There seems to be a new option that lets individuals (not just groups) choose days and times for entry. First, has anyone purchased a last minute ticket with an advanced time? I'm talking about the hour or two ahead of when you want to enter? Also, I don't see an option to "buy" tickets for those that are free (under 18). This $2 reservation ticket is available to purchase online for the open ticket option, but doesn't seem to be for the timed option. Anyone know if this is true or if I'm missing something? We are planning on visiting the Colosseum on the day we arrive so I can't give much notice (otherwise I'd just easily pick a time and be there). I guess I could pick a time and choose it late in the day to compensate for any travel delays but then I still have the problem of the "free" ticket for my daughters. Has anyone traveled to Rome recently and found that the lines were very long even with an online ticket, now that timed tickets are available to individuals (hence, get a timed one)? I just want to avoid the lines as much as possible so we can see the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Please don't suggest we see them on a different day as I plan out an itinerary and this truly works best (and it is not our first time in Europe so we know what we are capable of that first day). Thanks for any help!
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You can purchase a last minute timed ticket if they are still available. There is no option to purchase free timed tickets. This is because you need to show proof of age for the discount. You'll need to purchase the "open" tickets if you want advanced purchase tickets.
There is no way to judge how long the security lines will be. With pre-purchased entry tickets you will not wait in the ticket lines but will still go through security. No one can skip that regardless of the tickets/tours they buy.
I suggest buying the "open" tickets. You'll go through security then stop at the desk to get all of your tickets. Bring your passports to show proof for the free ticket. There may be two or three people in front of you at the desk but I've never waited more than 3 minutes.
Donna
Posted by
Nashville, TN, USA
444 posts
I love Rome! We were there last summer and used a kid-specific tour at the Colosseum (a great tour!), so we didn't wait in line, but there were very long lines to get in. I don't know the answer to your question but I do know that later in the day (close to closing time), the lines are shorter, so you may be fine just walking up. However, I would be wary of pre-purchasing anything for day 1 (arrival day) because what if your plane is cancelled/delayed? This happened to us (cancelled flight) and we missed a tour that we had arranged-we lost an entire day and it was awful. Luckily we did not pay in advance and they allowed us to cancel but it was still a huge bummer. I have learned that plans on day 1 are great, but only if they can be cancelled without penalty. I hope it works out and you have an amazing trip! Rome is magical!
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Purchase at the Palatine Hill entrance, never more than a few in line, then walk the 2 blocks back to the Colosseum.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
June is high season so lines at the forum can get quite long. I've waited over half an hour at the forum entrance in the blazing sun before and that was in the off season. If you can buy "open" tickets that will give you the best flexibility.
Donna
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Donna, I'm referring to the Palatine entrance on the south side of the Forum on Via di San Gregorio.
This is very seldom busy and there is some shade. It's also very close to where the city busses and ho ho buses line up.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Gerri, I've tried this as well as the forum entrance. It can get backed up because it's so close to the colosseum entry point. I've waited there well over half an hour and that was during the off season in both January and February. This is why I buy tickets online now.
Donna
Posted by
141 posts
Where are you purchasing these tickets? I need to do the same. I have a 10 year old and a 12 year old? Are they considered discounted?
Posted by
OP
24 posts
kath27_99 - Go to www.coopculture.it to purchase the tickets. Change the language to English and follow the "online ticket" prompts. Children under 18 are actually now free; however, if you want to buy tickets in advance and skip the ticket line, you need to pay the 2Euro reservation fee for them as well. That part kinda stinks but oh well -- at least it should save time. Have fun while in Italy! Sounds like you have the same as me -- though my daughters are now 15 and 13. They should all love it! I've been there before and it is quite a wonderful city.
Posted by
Hermitage, TN - USA
33 posts
Do you still need a reserved time if you are entering on a Roma Pass? I was under the impression you didn't need the time if it was a self-guided tour (Rick Steves Audio Tour). Still have to go through security, but you get to skip the ticket line.
Posted by
OP
24 posts
No reserved time needed with a Roma Pass. You get to skip the ticket line but will have to wait in line for security. Honestly, I don't know how the reserved time tickets really work since, I believe, everyone has to wait in line for security. Maybe they get preference going in (skip to the front of the security line)? Whatever it is, if you have a Roma Pass or buy "open" tickets online (the only option, besides a Roma Pass for those who want to buy tickets ahead of time but have children under 18) you get to skip ticket buying lines only but will still have to wait in security check lines.