Roma Pass or Pass?

Ahhh the Roma Pass and the golden question:  Is it worth it?  The answer:  maybe.  Let’s explore the world’s most annoying answer of “maybe”, shall we?

What is the Roma Pass?  It’s a card which allows you Free entry into the first 2 Museums or Archaeological Sites you visit, reduced prices for all other museums/sites, unlimited use of public transport (buses, metro, and some of the urban trains), plus some other discounts on exhibitions etc.  It’s valid for 3 days, from validation, and costs 25 Euros.  It also comes with some information such as a guide to the public transport system and maps, and also Met Travel contact numbers for medical questions both emergency and non-emergency (don’t get too excited, they give discounts for Medical assistance, it’s not as though 25 Euros will buy you full travel insurance).

Pro:  It’s extremely cost effective for those planning on visiting at least a few sites or museums, and using some public transportation.  It will also allow you to skip the line at the Colosseum, provided you are using one of your 2 first entries on the Ancient Sites.  Consider  what you’ll spend alone on admission to the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine (12 Euros), the Borghese Gallery (from 5.25 Euros to 8.50 Euros), etc.  Throw in the costs of public transport at 4 Euros for a day of unlimited use, or 11 Euros for 3 days of unlimited use.

Con: It does not include the Vatican Museums…because afterall, the discounts and free entries only are valid for Italy, and the Vatican is its own Sovereign State!  Tricky!  This means it will not save you from any lines at the Museums or the cost of the ticket (without reservations 15 Euros per adult and 8 per child/student, and with reservations 19 Euros per adult and 12 Euros per child/student).  Also, you’ll have to plan your schedule accordingly if you are planning on visiting more than 2 sites/museums, as it’s free entry for the first two things that you visit, as opposed to 2 things you visit in which ever order you want.  Also, does not include any TrenItalia trains or Cotral Buses.

So, who should get a Roma Pass? Anyone planning on visiting at least a few museums or sites (that will have to pay admission to enter).  Do the math and see if it’s worth it.  Even if you’ll be in town a bit longer or a bit shorter than 3 days, just concentrate on how much you will be spending regardless on Entrance fees, and that will tell you right there if it’s worth it.

Who might pass on the Roma Pass?  People who will be in town less than 3 days and won’t be spending much on entrance fees for museums or sites (ie: people visiting only one place, people with good discounts such as students, children eligible for discounts in both transportation and museums, senior citizens).  If your sole cost will be using public transport, there’s good enough deals on tickets good for a certain period of time, so in this respect it’s not worth getting the Pass solely for public transport use.  As a note- in most museums, including the Vatican, children 5 and under have free admission.  For all ATAC buses and metro children 9 and under are allowed to ride for free.

For any other information, visit the Roma Pass Site, they have a pretty thorough FAQ section.