I have 3 1/2 days in Rome and trying to decide if I need to buy the Roma Pass. I have tickets for the Colosseum, Vatican, and Borghese Gallery and thinking I would use a taxi more than bus or metro. Will I still find the Roma Pass useful? Second question- my travel partner has a health problem where he has trouble with climbing stairs and hills. He can manage some with stops but a day of many stairs and hills will be a problem. Any thoughts besides taking taxis?
Thank you!
I'd avoid the metro. It has only 2 lines and compared to most other major European cities is pretty useless for getting around. In addition, some stations have a lot of stairs and no escalator or elevator. When escalators are present, they are very often "out of order."
If you already have tickets for the colosseum and borghese gallery I doubt that the romapass would be worth it for you. I would consider a 3 day transport pass for 16 euros. This way you can take the bus or metro any time you wish. Donna
The other advantage to taking a bus over the subway is that you get to see more of the city that way. Go to Roninrome.com for more info on Rome transportation options. He breaks it all down in an easy-to-understand way, with loads of helpful photos.
I have no mobility restrictions, but used the Metro very little in Rome (as said above, it's just not that useful or necessary for most tourists). I used buses a lot. But be aware that you can NEVER count on getting a seat on a Roman bus. If that's going to be a problem, take a taxi. I would also strongly encourage taxis when you are going to a sight that then requires walking; you don't want your travel partner to be tired before he starts the sightseeing. Although Rome was famously built on seven hills, when I was walking around sightseeing, I only remember the Campidoglio as being a hilly area. Once you get to them, places like the Vatican, the Piazza Navona, and Trastevere are flat.
In order to be sure I got a seat on the bus, I went to the bus depot at Termini and boarded a waiting empty bus. The bus filled up quickly and was crowded within a few minutes.