I'm sure this has been asked before so apologies in advance but I couldn't find another post on it. Anyway here goes...
Whats the best way to buy tickets for the coliseum. We're going in July and I've horror stories of five hour queues(or did I imagine that)
As ever all help is much appreciated.
Jen, just go to the Forum box office, or Palatine Hill. We went in May and there was no one in line at the Forum. Walked right up, bought our combo ticket, then walked to the Colleseum. Everyone has to go thru security...moves fast...then slide to the extreme left, walking past all the people waiting to buy their ticket at the Colleseum and go straight to the automatic turnstyles where there is never a line up. And you're in....
If you use the Roma Pass, you can bypass the long line. Stay to the left of the line and keep going toward the entrance.
I'm all for purchasing in advance, if you know when you'll be there. Tickets for the Colosseum are good for two days, with no specific entrance times. They're also good for the Forum (just recently added this, since they just recently started charging admission) and Palatine Hill.
Jen..
We're in Italy right now. As soon as you can, get a Roma Pass. It's a Godsend. You walk right by the que.
If you won't use enough to benefit from the Roma Pass, you can still purchase the tickets in advance and go right by the queue.
We were there in May and bought the Roma Pass at the Gallery Borghese and then used it the next day at the Colleseum and avoided the lines...also went to teh Colleseum when it opened..before 9 am and no lines and it was great as it was very quiet inside
Jen,
The story of 5-hr lines at the coliseum is an urban legend. This year the Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Coliseum are all bundled on one ticket. You can purchase the tickets specifically for those locations at each of their entry points - and use on your first day and THROUGH 1:30 PM the next day. (It's not exactly a 2-day period as some vendors advertise... )
The shortest lines if you Purchase the three-pack tickets are at the Palatine Hill entrance on Via Di San Gregorio. The tickets are €11. Once you have these tickets when you go to the coliseum entrance, get into the shortest security line (there are two metal detectors, thus two lines - the left line usually moves quicker as that's where groups head!).
Once you clear the metal detectors, GO LEFT - as far left as you can go and walk on the outside of any line you see. You'll come to signage that says Groups or Pre-Purchased tickets --- continue to GO LEFT through this area until you reach the turn-style where you ENTER the Coliseum. I just did this last week with David and his family from Rochester, MN and we walked right in - NO WAITING once we passed security!
You can also purchase a Roma Pass for €20 (a great deal if you're going to Villa Borghese which is now €13.50). Follow the same entry steps and slide your Roma Pass into the turn-style and in you go!
Ciao,
Ron
Thank you for everyones helpful tips. One less thing to stress about now :)
Hi, Jen. In addition to the much-beloved Roma Pass, consider the Archeologia Card. Compare the Card with the Pass here at Rick's or through the internet and decide which is best for you. I used the Archeologia Card for my week in Rome and it worked great. I saved money and passed the long lines at many of the sights. Hope this helps! ~Joseph~
