Rome Metro/Bus Validation

Robert, AFAIK, you'll have to validate the ticket prior to first use on ANY mode of transport. The weekly Biglietto settimanale C.I.S. ticket has the same terms as the three-day B.T.I. ticket, which state: "It is valid for 3 days in a row on any public means. It has to be stamped just once when starting the travel and exhibited to the controller at the entrance of the metro line." You should be able to validate at any of the validation machines at the entrance to the Metro. You can see an excellent description of the validation process by having a look at this link from the Ron In Rome website: www.roninrome.com/%20transportation/tickets-for-the-bus-metro-trams-and-metro-trains (Scroll down until you find the appropriate section). Happy travels!

Once you validate it it's validated and doesn't need to be again. In the metro you'll see the turnstiles to go through. Just put your card through the machine and it'll spit it out the other side. Donna

Donna's right. Once you validate it on a bus, you don't have to keep validating it. The bus validation machines put a physical ink stamp on the end of the pass that shows the date and time. It expires at midnight six days later. What I can't remember is if the Metro turnstile puts a stamp on it the first time or not. That's because I prefer the buses to the Metro in Rome - you get to see more sights, and don't get turned around as easily.

The buses and trams are far better since the metro hardly goes any place. It is only two lines and ok for the outlying areas but within Rome the buses are better.

Thanks Ken. I didn't scroll to the bottom. I see that now. I'll check my ticket after the metro for the stamp. Our hotel is by Termini so for first ride to Colseo the metro should be faster then the bus.

Robert, You're very welcome! As the others mentioned, you only have to validate on the first use. Although it doesn't affect you for this trip, if you need to validate on a Bus the machine is often location onboard the Bus, behind the driver. One other important point to mention. If you're using the #64 Bus (and to a lesser extent the #40) from Termini, be extremely vigilant for pickpockets as passengers are often packed in like sardines. The #64 especially has quite a reputation. You will of course also have to be vigilant on the Metro. When you exit the Colosseo metro station, you'll see the Colosseum across the street. If staying near Termini, I'd use the Metro too. If you're using the suggestion in the Guidebook to get past the queues quickly by purchasing a combo ticket on Palatine Hill, as I recall that's a right turn at the Arch of Constantine and then head uphill (it's not far). Cheers!

Robert, If you're staying near Termini, the Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain are quite close--a 15 minute walk (at most) down via Cavour to the Colosseum, for example. Via Cavour runs perpendicular to the street in front of Termini, Via Giolitti. Much of historic Rome is within walking distance of the Termini area. best wishes