The Omnia Card is a sightseeing pass that offers visitors access to some of the top attractions in Rome and Vatican City.
What is the Omnia Card?
It is a comprehensive Rome tourist card that includes free admission to over 30 attractions, skip-the-line access to some of the most popular sites, and unlimited use of the helpful and easy-to-get around hop-on, hop-off buses.
The card also includes a pass for public transportation in Rome, allowing visitors to easily explore the city on the bus or metro.
There are two formats of the card, from 24 hours to 72 hours, depending on your needs. I have detailed and highlighted the most important points below to help you decide if the card is worth purchasing.
How to Use the Omnia Card and the Key Benefits
- Free Admission: Using the Omnia Card is simple. Once purchased, the card can be used for admission to over 30 attractions; look at all of them here.
- No waiting in line: A bonus is that you can also skip the lines at some of the busiest sites, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Catacombs of San Callisto, Vatican Museums, and Sistine Chapel.
- Unlimited use of the hop-on, hop-off buses: This makes it easy to get around the city and see all the top attractions. You can use three of the city bus tours to get around. Download the map of the route of the buses here.
- Free public transportation: The card also includes a travel card for the public transportation system in Rome when purchasing the 72-hour pass, which allows visitors to use the buses, trams, and the metro.
- Convenience: With the card in hand, you can bypass the long lines at some of the popular attractions and save time. This means more time to explore the sites and less time wasted in queues, not to mention saving yourself from standing in a long line under the Roman heat.
- Audioguide: Download the app and gain access to audio guides for various popular locations.
- Significant cost savings: By purchasing the card, you can save money on admission fees and transportation costs. The cost of the card is more or less the same as a skip-the-line/tour ticket at any popular attraction. In addition, the card comes with a guidebook and map with useful information and tips to make the most of the visit.
Top Attractions Covered by the Omnia Card
The Omnia Card offers free tickets for Rome attractions in Rome and Vatican City, including some of the most iconic and popular sites. Here are some of the top attractions covered by the card:
- Skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
- The Colosseum: One of the most impressive ancient structures in the world, while the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill offer a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Rome.
- St. Peter’s Basilica: This stunning church is located in Vatican City and is one of the largest in the world. The Omnia Card offers skip-the-line access to the basilica.
- The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel: The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world’s most famous art collections, including the Sistine Chapel. The Omnia Card offers skip-the-line access to both the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. I recommend booking this attraction in advance, especially during the high season.
- Castel Sant’Angelo: This impressive fortress is located a few steps away from the Vatican and was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman emperor Hadrian. You can also enjoy a drink and relax in the middle row of the “windows” of the castle; they have a nice little cafe.
- The Pantheon: This ancient temple is one of the best-preserved structures from ancient Rome.
Why Get the Omnia Card and How to Purchase It
Although there are several reasons why you should consider getting the Omnia Card, some of the most evident are the convenience it offers and the cost-effective way to see the most recognized attractions. By purchasing the card, you can save money on admission fees and transportation costs. While still getting to visit all the attractions.
Any of the Omnia Cards can be purchased online or at various locations throughout the city, including the airport, train stations, and other booths near popular attractions. The card is available for various durations, from 24 hours to 72 hours, depending on your needs and the length of your stay.
Once you purchase the card, you can pick it up at one of their many pickup points, or you can easily print the QR code sent to your email.
Comparisons to Other Tourist Cards
There are several other tourist cards and package tours available in Rome, including the Roma Pass and the Vatican Pass. While each card offers different benefits and advantages, the Omnia Card stands out for its extensive coverage, convenient pricing, and strategic options.
- The Roma Pass offers free admission to two attractions, skip-the-line access to some sites, and discounts on additional attractions. It also includes free public transportation for the first two days. However, the card does not offer free admission to some of the most popular attractions in Rome, such as the Colosseum and Vatican Museums. I would say that this card is convenient if you aren’t interested in visiting many attractions; otherwise, you would have to spend extra.
- The Vatican Pass offers skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, as well as free admission to other Vatican attractions. However, it does not include access to any attractions in Rome outside of Vatican City. I once again don’t recommend this if you are coming to Rome for a full experience; this pass is convenient if you are looking only to visit everything Vatican-related.
Compared to these cards, the Omnia Card offers the largest range of attractions, giving you more flexibility and options during the day. The skip-the-line access to some of the busiest sites and unlimited use of the hop-on, hop-off buses are also huge pluses. In my opinion, with high temperatures and crowded streets, the buses alone are already a great bargain.
Tips On How To Use Rome Tourist Card
The most talked-about factor of the Omnia Card is its convenience and cost savings. I would say that this is a must, especially if you’re in the city for only a few days. It gives you flexibility and allows you to see all the main attractions in just a few days.
- Before starting your Rome tour, download the Vatican&Rome App, and don’t forget a comfy pair of headphones. The app is available for Apple and Android, and with it, you can use the Vox City Guide audio guide.
- Check the pricing; children and young adults under the age of 17 obtain a reduced rate.
- Some of the locations request a booking fee; this is not covered by the card. Make sure you read which locations and book ahead of time.
- When you first get onto the bus, you will be given a piece of paper to use every time you get on; don’t throw it away because you won’t be able to get on the bus without it.