But how do you do that and still have enough left over for that amazing Italian gelato everyone talks about? Because yes, gelato is as much of a must-try as visiting the Colosseum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the easiest ways to save money in Rome is with the Roma Pass or the Vatican & Rome Card. And in this guide, we\u2019ll take a closer look at what each of them offers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you dive in, I recommend checking the entrance fees<\/a> from the previous article and comparing them with the prices of these passes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Roma Pass is a handy contactless card that gives you free or discounted entry to more than 45 museums and monuments across the city. With it, you can visit major landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum or Castel Sant\u2019Angelo for free \u2014 and you also get unlimited travel on Rome\u2019s public transport network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 72-hour Roma Pass gives you free entry to two selected attractions and reduced admission to more than 45 sites for a full 72 hours. The countdown starts the moment you activate it \u2014 either by entering your first attraction or taking your first ride on public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The price for 2026 is \u20ac58.50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You get free entry to any two museums or archaeological sites<\/strong>. You can choose from Rome\u2019s most famous places, including the Colosseum<\/a>, the Roman Forum, Castel Sant\u2019Angelo, the Capitoline Museums, the Borghese Gallery, and many more. The two free entries apply to the first two attractions you visit. I recommend choosing the more expensive ones to make the most of your savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also combined tickets,<\/strong> which count as one entry even though they include several sites. These are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve used your two free entries, you\u2019ll get reduced admission to all other participating sites.<\/strong> Just show your card at the ticket office and you can buy a discounted ticket \u2014 sometimes up to 50% off. The reduced rate also applies to temporary exhibitions, events and services across Rome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a full comparison of regular and reduced prices, check the entrance-fee overview here<\/a>. Just keep in mind that the list isn\u2019t always up to date, so some prices may already be higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another big advantage is unlimited use of public transport for the entire validity of the pass. What exactly is included?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Important:<\/strong> the Roma Pass does not cover special ATAC TPL services. It also does not apply to any transport to or from Fiumicino Airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A slightly unusual \u2014 but genuinely useful \u2014 bonus is free access to P.STOP information points<\/a>, which include underground public restrooms, Wi-Fi and water dispensers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 48-hour Roma Pass gives you free entry to one selected attraction and reduced admission to many others for a full 48 hours. <\/strong>The countdown starts with your first activation \u2014 either when you enter your first site or take your first public-transport ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The price for 2026 is \u20ac36.50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefits are the same as with the 72-hour version, with just one difference: you get one free entry instead of two.<\/strong> I recommend using your free entry for the Colosseum \u2014 it\u2019s where you save the most. And the ticket also includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (without the museum).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For all other attractions, simply show your card at the ticket office to buy a discounted ticket, which can often be more than 50% off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Roma Pass includes access to more than 45 sites across Rome, such as:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At the moment, several major sites require a reservation \u2014 even if you already have the Roma Pass. <\/strong>Below you\u2019ll find the steps for the most visited places. Whether you have the pass or not, always book at least 10 days in advance, especially if you\u2019re visiting on a weekend, during holidays or in peak season (April\u2013October).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before buying the Roma Pass, check availability through the links below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The easiest way to get the Roma Pass is to order it online<\/a> \u2014 all you need is a payment card. <\/strong>You can pick up your pass(es) at any tourist information point in Rome at least 24 hours after purchase (locations are listed below \u2014 this applies only to purchases made through the link above). The same link also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> Several different sellers offer the Roma Pass, but not all of them allow pickup at the airport. When you order through the link above, you can pick up your pass directly at the airport or at multiple locations throughout Rome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All locations are well signposted, so you won\u2019t miss them. Your Roma Pass also comes with a detailed map of Rome.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rome & Vatican Pass combines two tourist cards \u2014 the Roma Pass and the Omnia Card.<\/strong> You\u2019ll receive two separate cards: the Omnia Card covers your free entry to Vatican attractions, while the Roma Pass provides all the other benefits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, the Rome & Vatican Pass offers a lot more advantages than the Roma Pass on its own \u2014 and we\u2019ll go through them in a moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The biggest advantage over the Roma Pass is free entry to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.<\/strong> In addition, you also get free access to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Carcer Tullianum, and Santa Maria in Via Lata. The pass also includes an audio guide for St. Peter\u2019s Basilica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides Vatican entry, you still have two free entries to museums or archaeological sites in Rome<\/strong> \u2014 just like with the Roma Pass. You can choose from the most iconic landmarks in the city, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Castel Sant\u2019Angelo, the Capitoline Museums, the Borghese Gallery and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve ever seen the queues for the Vatican, you\u2019ll appreciate the skip-the-line access<\/strong> (you\u2019ll enter through the middle entrance reserved for advance reservations).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For three days, you can also enjoy unlimited rides on the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus<\/strong>, which normally costs \u20ac46. The route takes you past the major landmarks and includes an audio guide in several languages. (More details on the sightseeing bus below.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The pass also includes unlimited public transport within Rome<\/strong> (saving you \u20ac18), covering all modes of transport except the airport connection to\/from Fiumicino. If you’re flying into Ciampino, you can save money right away \u2014 simply take buses 520 or 720, which connect to the metro lines heading into the city center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public transport is valid for 72 hours from the moment you activate the Roma Pass<\/strong> (not the Omnia Card), meaning you can use both cards independently of each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the Rome & Vatican Pass, you receive two cards:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll use the Roma Pass for your two free entries. Once you\u2019ve used those, simply present the card at any other participating attraction to buy a discounted ticket \u2014 often up to 50% off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reduced rate also applies to temporary exhibitions, events and various services across Rome. For a clear overview of regular vs. reduced prices, check the entrance-fee comparison here<\/a> (in English).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For easier planning, the pass includes a detailed guidebook and a map of Rome. You can also use the P.STOP information points<\/a>, which offer underground public restrooms, Wi-Fi and water dispensers \u2014 free of charge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each card is valid for 72 hours (3 days) from the moment you first activate it<\/strong> (either by entering an attraction or using public transport). You can activate the cards up to one year after purchase. Since the two cards are independent, you can activate them at different times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong> You\u2019re in Rome for 5 days. You activate the Roma Pass on the first day, so it\u2019s valid for your first 72 hours. You decide to activate the Omnia Card on the third day \u2014 it will then be valid from day 3 to day 5. Just keep in mind that from day 3 to day 5, public transport is no longer included, since that benefit applies only to the Roma Pass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The OMNIA Card costs \u20ac149 for adults and \u20ac69 for children aged 5\u201315. It\u2019s worth keeping an eye out for promotions throughout the year \u2014 you can often get the pass at a reduced price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The easiest way is to order the Rome & Vatican Pass online<\/a><\/strong>. You\u2019ll then receive a confirmation email with all the instructions, and you can pick up your pass for free in Rome at one of the following locations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your first stop is St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, you can pick up the Omnia Card right at the edge of St. Peter\u2019s Square on the left-hand side \u2014 look for the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll receive both the Omnia Card and the Roma Pass at the same pickup location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> When filling out your details, you\u2019ll be asked to enter the date of your visit to Rome. If you don\u2019t know the exact date yet, don\u2019t worry \u2014 just choose an approximate one. The date is required for informational purposes only, so the staff can contact you if anything changes (this applies to the Roma Pass as well).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rome & Vatican Pass includes unlimited access to the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. The route covers 12 stops across Rome, including major landmarks such as the Colosseum, St. Peter\u2019s Basilica and Piazza Navona.<\/p>\n\n\n\n English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, Japanese and Russian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Rome Tourist Card<\/a><\/strong> includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest advantages is that you reserve all your entry times at once, directly when purchasing the card. You immediately see which time slots are available,<\/strong> so your itinerary won\u2019t clash \u2014 and you avoid situations where one attraction sells out while you’re booking another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another benefit is convenience: your tickets are stored right on your phone, and at each attraction you can simply head to the skip-the-line entrance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find more details and read visitor reviews at this link \u2014 Rome Tourist Card<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For us, it definitely was \u2014 but it depends on what you plan to see.<\/strong> Here\u2019s a simple example using the 72-hour Roma Pass (\u20ac58.50). With this card, you get free entry to two selected attractions. One of them will almost certainly be the Colosseum, which includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (\u20ac16). From there, it\u2019s just a short walk to the Capitoline Museums (\u20ac16.50).<\/p>\n\n\n\n With these two visits, your free entries are used \u2014 and from now on, everything is at a reduced price. At this point, you\u2019ve already saved \u20ac32.50 on entry fees plus \u20ac18 on public transport for 3 days. Then you can explore the free sights like the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon and simply wander through the charming alleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next day, you might head toward the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo before visiting the Borghese Gallery, where you save \u20ac6.50 with the reduced admission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, the Roma Pass is already paying off \u2014 and you\u2019ve only visited three paid attractions. From there, stroll through the gardens around the Borghese Gallery, enjoy the views over Rome and continue to Castel Sant\u2019Angelo, where you save another \u20ac6. The rest of the day is for wandering through the streets and enjoying good food in Trastevere across the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the last day, head south of the Colosseum to the Baths of Caracalla and the ancient Circus Maximus, where you save \u20ac7 in total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even at a relaxed pace, the 72-hour Roma Pass can save you a significant amount \u2014 so from our experience, it\u2019s definitely worth considering.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Children under 18 get free entry to most museums and archaeological sites in Rome.<\/strong> Kids under 10 who are accompanied by an adult can also use public transport for free. Because of this, a tourist pass usually doesn\u2019t bring the same level of savings for children as it does for adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just keep in mind that even though entry is free, some attractions still require a reservation for children, usually costing \u20ac2. This applies to places like the Colosseum, the Baths of Caracalla, the Vatican Museums or the Borghese Gallery. You\u2019ll find the exact steps and details in the previous article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wondering which pass will work better for your trip? It mainly depends on whether you want to visit the Vatican. If the Vatican isn\u2019t on your list, the Roma Pass<\/a><\/strong> on its own is the best choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019d like to experience Rome to the fullest \u2014 no stress about transportation, a visit to the Vatican and a chance to see the historic center from the hop-on hop-off bus \u2014 then the OMNIA Card<\/a><\/strong> (included in the Rome & Vatican Pass) is the ideal option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A comparison table below highlights the main advantages of each pass.<\/p>\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/20190606_212742-768x1024-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Save Money in Rome: The Roma Pass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
You can buy the Roma Pass in two versions:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
1. Option: ROMA PASS \u2013 72 Hours<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Roma Pass 72h Price for 2026<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of the Roma Pass 72h<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
(Just note that the Vatican is not included \u2014 we\u2019ll get to that later.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/sangiovanni222-2048x1024-2-1.jpg\")
<\/a>2. Option: ROMA PASS \u2013 48 Hours<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Roma Pass 48h Price for 2026<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of the Roma Pass 48h<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/andelsky-hrad.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhich Attractions Are Included in the Roma Pass?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Where Do You Need a Reservation Even With the Roma Pass?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Where to Buy the Roma Pass<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where to Pick Up the Roma Pass<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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How to Save Money in Rome: The Rome & Vatican Pass<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Benefits of the Rome & Vatican Pass?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/clay-banks-VH5T-OGbNDQ-unsplash-1-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/melissa-askew-bGGyGVKboqo-unsplash-1-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/anna-church-GZVCCkoLtig-unsplash-1-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSummary<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Rome & Vatican Pass Price for 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/forum-romanum-7.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow to Buy the Rome & Vatican Pass<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus in Rome<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Departures<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Available Audio Guide Languages<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Alternative: The Rome Tourist Card<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Roma](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Vatikanska-muzea-Rim-6.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIs the Roma Pass or the Rome & Vatican Pass Worth It?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Spanelske-schody.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Trastevere.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Rim-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIs a Tourist Pass Worth It for Children Under 18?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Which Pass Should You Choose? Roma Pass or the Rome & Vatican Pass?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n