We will be in Rome later in May. Since we have about 2-1/2 days there, it is important to use time effectively. So, I had 2 questions:
(1) Is it worth buying the Roma pass card that could get us entry into various places, and use for transportation? I assume that will have to be bought in Rome?
(2) I read in Rick Steves’ book on Rome that for Borghese Gallery, I need to reserve in advance. I assume that means buying the ticket in advance? Is this recommended or required? If I have to buy the ticket from here, then I would not be able to use any Rome pass to cover it, right?
Thanks for your advice.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11852 posts
If you are going to both the Colosseo/Foro Romano complex and the Galleria Borghese, the Roma Pass probably makes sense. Any of the other sites you visit will give you a small discount, but the first two are free. So to maximize the value, you must go first to these two sites which are the most expensive. You will also get free transportation -- Metro, tram and bus -- for the duration of the pass. Note the 3-day pass is the only one that allows free admission to two museums/sites.
You must call the Galleria Borghese (they speak English) and mkae a reservation. Tell them you will be using the Roma Pass and they will hold tickets for you. You pay a small reservation fee when you collect the tickets 30 minutes prior to the admittance time. Call soon! They do sell out in high season!
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
711 posts
You can buy the Roma Pass at Termini train station and at kiosks in the city. We used ours for the Borghese Gallery as mentioned above.
Posted by
Chicago
8703 posts
We also used it for the Borghese with no problem. OUrs never did work on public transport although we rode anyway -- I suspect we would have had huge fines if checked as the card never rang the validation thing on the trams. It is a terribly inconvenient product -- instead of like a museum pass just letting you enter, you get some free entries and then some reduced entries etc etc.
Posted by
Houston, TX
116 posts
I just called the Borghese Gallery a couple of days ago and reserved tickets for April 21. You just tell them that you plan to use the Roma Pass. They will give you a Reservation Number to use to pick up your ticket when you show your Roma Pass. The only stress was calling Italy! You have to use 011 before the number that they give you. I had to call about 5 times before I could get connected properly. One time I was "on hold" for 7 minutes! Fortunately, we have a Comcast land line with almost free international calling. I think the line I finally got through on was - 011-39-06-32810. Good Luck!
Posted by
OP
Potomac, MD
17 posts
Thank you all. You guys are great. I had a few more thoughts and questions:
Based on what I heard from you, I will have to make sure that the expensive places are done first. Since I have already been to Colissuem and Forum, I want to use it to visit Galleria Borghese, and the Pantheon and other sights such as Capitoline Museum (time permitting of course). So do you think that given my needs, the pass is still worth the price?
Also, does it offer expedited entry into these places (with a separate line), or no? The time benefit needs to be considered as well as the money benefit. Thanks a lot.