In Rick's book on Rome, he talks about a Roma pass. It sounds like it can only be purchased in Rome. But I kind of wanted to make reservations for the Colosseum/Forum and the Vatican before we left home. Anybody have suggestions on what would be better - get the Roma pass while there and just show up early before the lines start or pay extra and reserve times before we get there? We are going in mid-December. Thanks.
Posted by
Beaverton
20 posts
We were just in Rome first part of October, had a very difficult time finding a Roma Pass. Ended up getting one at the National Museum, located by the train station. No lines for it and they had plenty of passes. We went through the museum, but didn't have to and they were very helpful. We used it when we went to the Colosseum and the Forum, they count as one venue. We bypassed the massive lines, that in itself was well worth the price. When time is a concern and waiting in line for an hour or more is a pain, the pass was well worth it. We also used the public transportation pass that is part of the Roma Pass
Posted by
Northern California
118 posts
Hi Tracy,
it's true you can't get the pass outside of Rome, but you can PURCHASE it online before you go (unless that has changed since we did it last year). When you pay, you specify your pickup date and location, so you know they won't run out of passes. We picked ours up at termini and it was a breeze.
Lines at the colosseum weren't bad at all, but you're wise to reserve at the Vatican! Note that the pass does not include the Vatican, so getting it shouldn't interfere with your plans to reserve.
Just my two cents -- have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Tracy, I'd wait till I got here as the Roma Pass is sold at the airport, in Termini, at newstands, tourist info booths, and many other places... This link may give you more info and help you determine whether you should buy a Roma Pass: CLICK HERE
And this link will tell you about other discount passes in Rome and also how to "get around" the lines at the Colosseo: CLICK HERE
Ciao, Ron in Rome
Posted by
Charlotte
50 posts
Tracy,
we were just in Italy in September and the Roma Pass was one of the best things we bought. We bought it at a newstand right outside Termini and didn't have to make a line at all at the Colosseum. If you have the Roma Pass you just go straight to the entrance and swipe your card. Also, we took a tour of the Vatican with Through Eternity and LOVED it. Brandon Greene was our guide and he was fantastic. We are not tour people - always like to do it on own but this was incredible. Glad we did it.