The Roma PassRoma Pass: Official City Card with Transportation review
What it does (and doesn’t)
The Roma Pass is Roma Capitale’s official card. You get free entry to the first TWO participating city sites (in 72-hour version) and discounts thereafter. You get unlimited public transport: metro A/B/C, buses, trams, urban trains. What it does NOT cover: the Vatican, Sistine Chapel (separate state), the Pantheon (paid entry since 2023), or airport transfers. The Colosseum counts as one of your free entries, but you still need to book a timed slot in advance — the pass just covers the fee. One reviewer reported the app not being simple to use and recommending to download it before arrival. Another Italian reviewer noted the app is not "semplicissima" (simple) to use but found the value exceptional. One traveller reported voucher transfer failures, ending up buying twice. Another ("What a bargain") booked slots in advance, had availability issues, and found staff helped resolve it.
What works
- It’s the official city pass — real museum network
- Unlimited public transport (metro/bus/tram) is genuinely useful if you ride daily
- Two free entries plus discounts is real value for heavy museum-goers
- Activation starts at first use, so you control timing
- Colosseum entry (timed slot) is cheaper than single ticket
Worth knowing
- App is not simple to use; download it in advance to learn it
- Voucher transfer to app fails sometimes; people report buying twice
- Colosseum still requires separate timed-slot booking in advance
- Colosseum slots run out days ahead in peak season
- 2.7 rating from only 34 reviews shows real friction
- Centre of Rome is small and walkable; many visitors don’t use transit
- Vatican, Sistine, Pantheon, airport NOT covered
If you book this pass: Download and test the app BEFORE you arrive. Understand your 72-hour window (starts at first use, runs 72 consecutive hours). Book all Colosseum slots in advance; they run out quickly in peak season. If you’re walking the centre and not using buses, the transit benefit won’t pay off. Most 2-day visitors save money and hassle by buying the Vatican (€32) and Colosseum (€26) separately — €58 total — rather than this pass. If you’re staying 3+ days and using metro daily, the pass wins. See Is the Roma Pass worth it? for the full breakdown.
Who it’s for
Visitors staying 3+ days who use metro and buses daily. Museum-goers visiting multiple city sites (Castel Sant’Angelo, Capitoline, Palazzo Altemps, etc.). People who are NOT visiting the Vatican. If you want to add the Vatican, see the OMNIA pass. If you only want the Colosseum and Vatican, two single tickets cost €58, less than this pass.
Other passes to consider
Top ratedRome: Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill Entry & Audioguide App
Includes VaticanOmnia Vatican and Rome Pass: Top Attractions and Travelcard
Best all-rounderRome City Pass: Colosseum, Vatican, Sistine & Transport
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Roma Pass rated only 2.7?
The app is not simple to use, voucher transfers fail for some people, and Colosseum availability issues are real. The pass itself works, but the digital execution frustrates users.
Is the Roma Pass worth it for a 2-day trip?
Usually not. Two single tickets (Vatican €32 + Colosseum €26 = €58) are cheaper than this pass (€40 alone), and the centre is walkable. The pass shines for 3+ day stays with heavy transit use.
Do I really need to download the app before I arrive?
Yes. The app is not intuitive. Learning it at the airport on arrival is frustrating. Download it, test it, understand how to validate it on the metro and at sites.
What if the voucher transfer fails?
Contact GetYourGuide immediately. Some travellers had to buy twice and request a refund. Confirm the terms and support contact when you book.
Can I use the metro with the Roma Pass?
Yes. The pass includes unlimited metro A, B, C, buses, and trams inside Rome city limits. Tap your phone or card at the validator. NOT included: airport train (Leonardo Express or FL1).
Why does the Colosseum still require a separate booking?
The pass covers the entry fee, but Roma Capitale caps timed slots to manage crowds. You must book the slot in advance; the pass just means you don’t pay extra at the gate.