rome metro tickets

You can purchase tickets in advance. They become active when the ticket is validated upon the first ride.

Jason, I normally buy the B.I.G. (daily) ticket, which is good for all modes of transportation within the city (Bus, Metro, etc.). The B.I.G. ticket expires at midnight on the day that it's validated. You can certainly buy tickets in advance but you MUST validate on the first use or risk a hefty fine, which will be collected on the spot! If you're not able to pay the fine on the spot, it doubles and increases from there. If you're travelling by Bus, the Validation machine is often ON the Bus. Cheers!

Ken, first of all, I think I saw a post saying you were departing to Europe Thursday, so have a great trip! You've given excellent reminders many times to people about the important need to validate train tickets before boarding to avoid hefty fines. Did that happen to you once and that's why it's so prevalent in your thoughts? Just curious. Also, what happens if a person is caught out and fined but doesn't have the funds on hand to pay the fine?

what happens if a person is caught out and fined but doesn't have the funds on hand to pay the fine? I have seen somebody marched away from off a bus outside the Felterelli (spelling?) bookshop at Largo Argentina to the ATM across the tram tracks. I have heard of others but only have actually seen the one above. It wasn't pretty. His female friend wasn't happy.

They have zero tolerance for anyone who violates this rule. I saw them force a nun to pay the fine. Seriously.

I second the recommendation of the Roma Pass. I bought 1 my last 3 trips to Rome and they were will worth the cost.

A great value is THE ROMA PASS, available everywhere in Rome ( newsstands, tabacs, bars ) not only does it give you 3 days of unlimited train/bus travel* in Rome, you get 2 free museum entrances & discounts on others. * 3 days begins when activated on first use.