Otium

We will be in Rome for the first time the end of May. We plan to take the bus or underground when the site is too far to walk. We ain't kids any more. Is it worth it buying a week or ten day pass? How much do the bus and underground cost? And while we're on the subject of cash, will my credit union debit card work in the ATMs?.

nytraveler

If its linked to a bunch of the ATM networks and can be used at all ATMs here it should work there as well. It's not the original source of the card - its the networks - that determine usefulness.

Mara

Otium - I would definitely call your credit union before you go. Mine - a large one in NYC - even with PLUS on the back cannot be used internationally. I was just thinking of taking it as a backup in addition to my regular bank card. Better safe than sorry as they say. There are ATMs all over Rome though if you have a working card. Concerning a pass, I was in Rome for five days and walked all over. I just bought the single tickets for the few times I took the Metro or bus.
Mara

Otium

Thanks for your advice. I have called my credit union and they said, without conviction that it may work with some but not with others. The credit union is very large. What will the bus accept for fare? Coins or bills?

Nikki

You can not pay for bus tickets on the bus. You have to buy them ahead of time. They are for sale everywhere at tabacchi (tobacco stores) and news stands and cost one euro per ticket.

We were there for a week and did not buy a pass because we did not know how many times a day we would be using the bus or metro. We averaged two or three trips a day, and single tickets worked out best for us.

JonJon

When using the Metro in Rome it will be easier to buy your tickets in the tobacco stores than using the MACHINES in the Metro stations which often require you to put the coins in in a particular order...if they are working.

ira

Hi ot,

After purchasing your ticket ta the tobacco shop, you stamp it in a little machine on the bus.

Riding with an unvalidated ticket is a NONO.

ellenem

The ticket machines in the metro have become easier to use since the fare was raised to 1 euro in November--no more fimbling for weird amounts of change.

Steve_James

If you plan on catching more than 2 buses/trains per day, definitely buy the one week CIS pass (Carta Integrata Settimanale).

It covers all buses/metros/trams and costs € 16.00.
Soon pays for itself ...

Steve

nanb

Do not buy a "single" ticket for the bus, it is only good for a 75 min.period,
buy a daily- 24 hr. ticket at the very least.