Roma Pass: Make the Most of Your Time In Rome!

If you’re spending a few days in Rome, the Roma Pass is an easy way to make the most of your time in the Eternal City — it’s simple to get, simple to use, and worth every Euro. 

Rome is the second-most visited city in Europe, and in an average (non-pandemic) year, this city also hosts upwards of 9 million travelers. 

If you’re one of those visitors, especially at peak times, that can add up to lots of long ticket lines. And I hate to break it to you, but every hour you spend in line is an hour you’re not eating gelato. So let’s make sure that doesn’t happen.

What is the Roma Pass?

The Roma Pass is a tourist card the size and shape of a credit card. It works on a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system — which means you scan it at participating sites or stations. 

It gives you free access to your first two museums/sites (with the 72-hour Roma pass) or your first museum/site (for the 48-hour Roma pass). After that, you can enjoy reduced-price tickets to main city highlights, and unlimited use of the public transportation for either two or three days (depending on which version you buy).

Where Can I Purchase the Roma Pass?

You can buy a Roma pass online for up to 4 people and then pick it up 24 hours after purchase at any Tourist Information Office in Rome. Note that the cards must be picked up in person, so there is no particular advantage to ordering them online. They cannot be mailed. 

Additionally, you can buy one at any museum or attraction that participates in the Roma Pass program. This includes most tobacco shops, newspaper stands, and several of the main subway stations.  

Once you have made your purchase, you have 6 months to collect the card and initiate the first use. It’s automatically activated the first time you use it. At that point, you have either 48 or 72 hours to take advantage of all its perks.

How Much Does a Roma Pass Cost and What’s Included?

The 48 Hours Roma Pass is € 32.00, and it includes: 

• Free entry to first museum/archaeological site/experience 
• Free use of the city’s public transport network for an entire 48 hours from first validation
• Discounts and special prices for exhibitions, attractions, and tourist services
• Easy discounted access for museums/archaeological sites
• Free access to bathrooms in participating P.Stop network (in a city with very few public restrooms, this can be a lifesaver!)

The 72 Hours Roma Pass is € 52.00, and it includes:

• Free entry to first 2 museums/archaeological sites/experiences 
• Free use of the city’s public transport network for an entire 72 hours from first validation
• Discounts and special prices for exhibitions, attractions, and tourist services
• Easy discounted access for museums/archaeological sites
• Free access to bathrooms in participating P.Stop network

And here’s a fun bonus: If a museum has a special exhibition, that is included with your Roma Pass! Usually museums charge extra for access to these exhibitions. 

Are there any sites or transport not included in the Roma Pass?

Yes — the pass does not cover the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel, transportation to or from the airport, or the Domus Aurea. 

How Can I Get the Most Value Out of My Roma Pass?

If you play it right, your Roma Pass can save some money and lots of time. Here’s how:

1. Don’t buy your pass at crowded sites like the Colosseum — that’s just more time in line. Instead, opt for less-busy Tourist Information sites or newsstands that have the Roma Pass sign. 
2. Note that there’s just one price for each type of card, no matter where you buy them. 
3. Make your first 1 or 2 free visits to the most expensive sites. For example, the Colosseum/Roman Forum/Palatine Hill is considered one site and a skip-the-line ticket is €18. The Capitoline Museums tickets are €15. Add the discounts at other sites plus the free transportation, and a pass can easily pay for itself and then some. 
4. Pre-plan your days so you’re making the most of transportation and reservations, and bypassing as many lines as possible. (This is where working with me makes a HUGE difference!)

Make the Roma Pass A Part of Your Next Rome Adventure!

Although Rome is a city you could potentially explore for months, there is still so much you can see in a few days! 

And a Roma Pass can definitely help you experience more wonders, spend less time waiting, and spend more time enjoying gelato (and coffee, art, history, pasta, wine … ). 

With a custom-designed itinerary, I can help you with every aspect of your time in Rome; whether it’s three days or three weeks. From lodging and transportation to meal reservations and special tours, I can help you see the sights in Rome in a way that works for everyone in your group and that allows you to tap into the true magic of this most extraordinary city.