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Rome Bus Tours - Hop-on Hop-off tour options and more!

By Elyssa Bernard

May 19, 2022

If you're visiting for the first time, taking one of the Rome bus tours around the city can be a great way to get a lay of the land and spot some famous landmarks right off the bat.

Is this the best way to spend a day in Rome ? Your first day in Rome?

Learn about the ins and outs, the pluses and minuses of taking a Rome bus tour, and whether it's right for you.

Rome bus tours - Everything you need to know

Most of the bus tours in Rome are hop-on-hop-off tours.

On this page we'll cover:

• Overview of the hop-on-hop-off tours in Rome

What route do the bus tours follow?

• What will you see on a Rome bus tour?
• What to expect on a Rome bus tour and how to decide if you should take one
• How much do the hop-on-hop-off bus tours cost?
• How and where to buy tickets for the hop-on-hop-off Rome bus

Tips for making the most of your bus tour in Rome

Are the bus tours in rome accessible, other types of rome bus tours you can take, overview of hop on hop off bus tours in rome.

Taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour can be the perfect way to get an overview of the city, especially those that offer an open air bus tour Rome option.

You can get on and off the bus as often as you like, so you can explore the sights that interest you most at your own pace. All the operators offer bus tours of Rome in English as well as other languages.

This is the most common type of bus tour in Rome and there are many companies offering this tour with pretty much the same itinerary.

So let's talk first about the itinerary of these tours and what you can see from the bus, and what you can see by getting off the bus.

The most common route for Rome Italy hop on hop off bus tours is:

• Start of route - Termini station
• Stop 2: Santa Maria Maggiore
• Stop 3: Colosseum
• Stop 4: Circus Maximus
• Stop 5: Piazza Venezia
• Stop 6: Vatican
• Stop 7: Piazza di Spagna/ Spanish Steps
• Stop 8: Piazza Barberini/Via Veneto

This route takes you to or near most of the major tourist attractions in Rome.

What tourist attractions can you see on a Rome bus tour?

The buses cannot go near some of Rome's must-see sites but they do have stops nearby.

So on the route above, besides the obvious sites listed there, you can also see:

Santa Maria Maggiore stop

Of course, you can (and should!) visit the stunning basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore . If you have time, you could also visit a hidden jewel of a church just around the corner from Santa Maria Maggiore, the basilica of Santa Prassede.

You may also wish to explore the charming Monti neighborhood .

Colosseum and Roman Forum stop

If you actually visit the Colosseum , your ticket includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill as well.

You may want to do this as part of your hop-on-hop-off ticket (you can purchase them as a combo), or you can just use the bus tour to get a quick view and then come back later for a complete walking tour of Ancient Rome.

Other sites in the area include the basilica of San Clemente, the Roman Houses at Celio, and the basilica of Saint Peter in Chains where you can see Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses.

Piazza Venezia Stop

Via dei Fori Imperiali, Via del Corso (shopping), Mamertine Prison, Capitoline Museums, and Capitoline Hill

Vatican City

If you stay on the double decker bus, you will glimpse Saint Peter's Basilica . But of course, there is so much to see in Vatican City .

If you decide to get off the bus at the Vatican stop, you can visit Castel Sant'Angelo , the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel , Saint Peter's Square , Saint Peter's Basilica , and Saint Peter's Dome . The bus ticket does not include entrance tickets to any locations, so you will need to purchase these separately, such as those for the Vatican Museums .

Piazza di Spagna/Spanish steps

The Spanish Steps are a must-see tourist attraction by themselves but there is also a lot to see nearby.

Besides being the main shopping area of Rome, you can also visit Piazza del Popolo, Trevi Fountain , the Pantheon , and Piazza Navona .

Piazza Barberini/Via Veneto

From the bus, you can spot Bernini's Triton fountain but if you get off the bus you can easily also visit the famous Capuchin Crypt, the Trevi Fountain , and the Palazzo Barberini museum.

What to expect on a Rome hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour

Most of these buses are open on top but also have a closed lower level.

The tour typically includes an audio guide in a variety of languages.

Some of the companies will also have live guides on the bus who give commentary in multiple languages.

Many of the companies say they offer free wi-fi onboard, but I would not always count on this.

You can board the bus from any of the stops and get on and off as much as you want in the time frame of the ticket you buy. (Often there are options for 24, 48, or 72 hours.)

If you stay on the bus, the entire loop takes around 1 ½ hours.

The ticket will also include a map of the city.

You can generally find discounts online if you book in advance .

Downsides of taking a hop-on-hop-off tour bus in Rome:

Is there a downside? Here are a few issues to be aware of:

• Although they say the buses come every 30 minutes, it may not always be the case and you could find yourself waiting a while for your bus. You may not be able to get on another company's bus and will have to wait for your own company's bus to come.
• The buses can get very crowded, especially in the summer. You may even find that there is no room available and you'll have to wait for the next bus to arrive.
• You may find it difficult to hear the audio guide if you are sitting on top of the bus.
• Some online comments have mentioned that it can be difficult to find the bus stop although I usually see them pretty well when I am walking around Rome.
• The bus routes do not cover all of the city, so for sights like the Appian Way (including the catacombs ), Galleria Borghese , and others further outside of the center, you will need to find an alternative route.

Should you take a Rome bus tour?

Given the above pluses and minuses, you may be wondering if the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus is worth it.

One important thing to note is that it's not the same as using the public transport system .

The Rome bus and metro system is considerably cheaper and much more flexible in terms of schedules and routes.

So I would not consider taking the hop-on-hop-off bus as a means to just "get around Rome."

It is meant specifically to be a sightseeing tour with strategic stops that allows the visitor to get between some of the main sites in Rome .

The hop-on-hop-off bus in Rome is for you if...

I recommend a Rome hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour if it's your first time in Rome, whether you have 1 day or a week .

What I would suggest is to stay on the bus for the entire loop so you really get a lay of the land.

This is also a great option if you are jet-lagged, because you don't have to tire yourself out with a walking tour and you can absorb as much as your body and sleepy brain will allow.

Then, the second time around (or the next day), you can get off at any of the stops that interest you and explore more.

Or, if you're done with the bus tour, you can then decide to explore more on your own on foot or take some walking tours.

And, if you have limited time in Rome , this can be a great option to ensure you at least get a glimpse of all of the major sights .

The hop-on-hop-off bus in Rome tour may not be for you if...

If you love walking and want to make your own way, Rome is fairly compact and easy to walk around.

While Rome is actually hillier than you might think (7 hills of Rome!), it's still pretty easy to cover a lot of ground on foot. (Don't forget to wear super comfortable shoes!)

You may also not want to deal with the crowds on the bus or having to wait for the bus to come at the different stops.

Finally, as I mentioned above, if what you're looking for is the best Rome public transportation option , then this is not the bus for you.

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

How much do the Rome hop-on hop-off tours cost?

Most of the Rome hop-on-hop-off bus tour companies offer various ticket options depending on the number of days you want to use the pass, the age of the passenger (adult vs. child), and any add-ons or bundles you may wish to include.

Typically a 1-day adult ticket costs around 27-30€

Typically children aged 5-15 pay around 13-15 Euros.

I say "usually" and "around" because there are often discounts when you book tickets together, and when you book online in advance.

In most cases, you can purchase 1, 2, and 3-day passes. You can also get family passes.

Often you can add on a tour and/or ticket. See below for more details about bundles.

The best way to book a Rome sightseeing tour

Can you buy your hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour tickets on the bus.

Most bus companies do offer the option to purchase your ticket directly on board or at a kiosk near the stop.

However, keep in mind that during high season the Rome hop-on hop-off tours sell out quickly and you may find there is no room to board.

Can you pay with credit card? Even American Express?

For answers to these and other money-related issues, visit my comprehensive guide about Money in Rome.

Booking your hop-on-hop-off tickets online

If you can plan ahead, the best way to purchase your hop-on-hop-off tickets is by booking online in advance.

First of all, you'll often get a discount this way.

Second of all, as I mentioned above, sometimes in high season, you may find there is no room on board if you just show up.

How to book online and which tour to book

Looking for the best hop-on hop-off bus in Rome?

Some of the top companies to book with include:

• Big Bus tours
• City sightseeing tours
• Gray Line/I love Rome
• Greenline bus tours

You can also visit our partner site Get Your Guide , where you can compare the different hop-on hop-off bus tour companies, including viewing visitor ratings, the hop on bus Rome price, and more details.

There are also some hop-on hop-off bus tours that bundle other things like:

• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Vatican Museums Guided Tour
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus & Vatican Museums Ticket
• Hop-on-Hop-off Bus & Colosseum Guided Tour
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Ticket
• Guided Tour of Trastevere & 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
• Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Ticket & Eataly Roma Stop
• 24-Hour OMNIA Vatican Card and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
• 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket & Roman Ghetto Tour
• Ghosts and Mysteries Tour & 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
• Go City Explorer Pass - Choose 2 to 7 Attractions

Ready to plan your trip?

The hop-on-hop-off tour of Rome can be fun and interesting if you plan it right.

Here are some tips for getting the most out of your tour:

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes as you may be doing a lot of walking if you get off at any of the stops.

The weather in Rome can be quite hot in the summer , so definitely bring sunscreen and a hat or scarf to cover your head and shoulders.

No matter what season you visit Rome, here are 4 things never to leave at home:

Disclosure: If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

Gadgets to bring

I know I don't need to tell you to bring your smartphone and/or camera, but don't forget to also bring a spare battery for your camera, and a charger for your phone.

If you have an e-reader or tablet, consider bringing that as well so you can look up things about the sights you are seeing as you go along.

A water bottle is also a good idea , especially in the summer .

You can always refill it at one of the bus stops, from one of Rome's many drinking fountains - the ideal way to stay cool and hydrated!

Keep your valuables close to you - pickpockets do target tourists on these buses.

Better yet, travel with a pick-pocket-proof backpack.

Visit my page here about staying safe in Rome for more tips.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

If you decide to combine the bus tour with some city sightseeing on your own, i.e. you plan to actually get off and on the bus, make sure to have plenty of patience and no major time constraints , as the buses don't always run on schedule.

Yes, but with a caveat.

All the major companies who run the Rome hop-on hop off bus tours state on their websites that 'most' of their buses are accessible .

Most of the buses I see around the city are modern vehicles with wheelchair and step-free access available, but some do appear older.

I would recommend contacting your preferred bus company in advance to check they can accommodate your needs.

If you're looking for a walking tour of Rome, you'll find those on many other pages on this site.

And while this page is mostly about taking the hop-on-hop-off bus in Rome, there are a few other types of bus tours you may find useful/interesting, including trips further afield, like bus tours from Rome to Pompeii :

• Catacombs & Crypts Tour with Roman Aqueducts half-day small-group bus tour
• Civitavecchia Port: Shuttle Bus to and from Vatican City
• Panoramic Bus Tour of Rome from Civitavecchia Port
• Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius Volcano Full-Day Trip
• Day Tour of Villa D'Este & Hadrian's Villa Tivoli
• Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip
• Florence and Pisa Full-Day Tour

Get your 100%  free  Rome trip planner now!

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Comments? Questions? Suggestions?

Please come over to the private Romewise Facebook group and join in the conversation.

You will often find me there, happy to answer your questions / comments!

You will also meet other Rome lovers and experts, too.

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Top attractions and tours

• Colosseum - Don't miss visiting Rome's most iconic monument
• Vatican Museums - This is where the Sistine Chapel is
• Pantheon - Book ahead and skip the line
• Galleria Borghese - You'll need to book ahead for one of Rome's best museums
• Castel Sant'Angelo - See Rome's history through its architecture
• Rome City Pass - A great way to make your Rome visits easier

Disclosure : If you make a purchase through a link on this page, I may receive a small commission - at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my site!

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Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Line Tours The best way to discover Rome

One Ticket, 3 Routes, More Fun! Hop-On Hop-Off Panoramic Rome Bus Tour

Explore Rome at your own pace on our Hop-on Hop-off bus tour  with multiple stops at your own leisure! Plan your day as you want and jumpn on or off our buses at any stops. You can change your itinerary without limits with just one ticket . 

3 Routes, 15 Stops, 16 Languages! 

Experience Rome like never before on our Hop-on Hop-off bus routes . Choose where to start your tour and admire all the best landmarks and top sights of the Eternal City on our Green Route , explore the Italian tastes on our Orange Route , and enjoy off-the-beaten-path sites of Rome on our Blue Route .

We speak your language : audio guides available in 16 languages and multilingual assistance on board.

Green Route Discover Rome

The perfect Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour to explore the Eternal City!

Orange Route Destination Eataly

Treat yourself to an unforgettable food experience!

Blue Route Explore Museums

Enjoy an unforgettable off-the-beaten-path experience!

Explore Rome at 360 degrees and discover all the 'must-sees' of the Eternal City from the top of our double-decker bus. Make your day effortless and enjoyable! Discover Rome is the perfect Hop-on Hop-off bus tour to explore the top landmarks of Rome, jump off to walk through the highlights of the Eternal City.

The Green Route is operational every day and you can board it at any of the following stops: 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Check the itinerary and interactive map for the path and track our buses in real time.

Destination Eataly Bus Route Connection

Explore Museums Bus Route Connection

Enjoy your trip to Eataly Market throughout the Testaccio quarter. Live a complete Italian experience walking through the market and discovering a large variety of food and other typical products. Eataly Market is the world's largest Italian food and beverage marketplace with more than 40 locations throughout Italy and the world. Show your barcode at Eataly and take 2 special benefits!

The Orange Route is operational every day with a frequency of every 2 hours . You can board it at any of the following stops: 1B, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.  Check the itinerary and interactive map for the path and track our buses in real time.

Discover Rome Bus Route Connection

With our specially curated route designed for art enthusiasts , this tour unveils the city's artistic heritage at every stop, from the contemporary art of the MAXXI to the greatest classic masterpieces of the Galleria Borghese. We haven't forgotten the little ones! Enjoy a special stop at the city zoo for a fun-filled family adventure.

The Blue Route operates daily during midday hourswith a frequency of every 2 hours . You can board it at any of the following stops: 1B, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 11-bis, 12, 13, 13-bis, 14, 15. Check the itinerary and interactive map for the path and track our buses in real time.

Audio-Guide available in 16 languages:

Hourly ticket.

Enjoy a ride on any of our bus routes as many times for the specified time period since the first validation

Daily Ticket

Enjoy a ride on any of our bus routes as many times in the same day, between morning and evening

3 Pass Ticket

3 Pass Ticket is valid for one day on any of our bus routes and allows you to get on and off at 3 different stops of your choice!

Ticket + Lunch

Enjoy a ride on any of our bus routes as many times for the specified time period since the first validation.

Your ticket is valid from the first boarding on the bus not refundable once tour started.

1A Terminal

Piazza dei Cinquecento (corner Via Cavour) stop info

Piazza dei Cinquecento (corner Via Cavour)

If you are in the Termini Station area, you can start your tour here by boarding the Green route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to visit Termini Station, the pulsating heart of the city where ancient meets modern. Explore iconic monuments in the nearby Piazza della Repubblica, visit the Baths of Diocletian, or take a stroll along Via Nazionale.

Just a few steps away

1B Terminal

Viale Enrico De Nicola stop info

Viale Enrico De Nicola

From here, you can take the Orange route or the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to admire the Fountain of the Naiads that dominates the center of Piazza della Repubblica, visit the incredible Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri or the Palazzo delle Esposizioni and the Church of San Vitale on Via Nazionale.

2 Santa Maria Maggiore

Piazza dell’Esquilino, 12 stop info

Piazza dell’Esquilino, 12

From here, you can board the Green route or the Orange route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to visit the splendid Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, explore the Monti district, and admire the marvelous Moses by Michelangelo in the Church of Saint Peter in Chains.

This stop will also be operated by the Blue route on Sundays and holidays and from 3.30 p.m. on Saturdays and pre-holiday.

3 Colosseum

Via di San Gregorio stop info

Via di San Gregorio

From here, you can board the Green route , the Orange route , and the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to visit some of the most famous landmarks of the city and immerse yourself in the magnificence of Ancient Rome. Walk through history along the Imperial Fora. Visit the interior of the Colosseum and the Colle Oppio Park with the Baths of Trajan and the Domus Aurea, built by Nero one of the most famous Roman emperors.

4 Circus Maximus

Via del Circo Massimo, Belvedere di Romolo e Remo stop info

Via del Circo Massimo, Belvedere di Romolo e Remo

From here, you can board the Green route , the Orange route , and the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to visit the Circus Maximus, the largest amphitheater in Rome, and the Mouth of Truth embedded in the wall of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Immerse yourself in the greenery of the Orange Garden, from where you can admire a spectacular view of St. Peter's Dome. Explore the ancient ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, one of the largest thermal complexes of antiquity.

5 Piazza Venezia

Via del Teatro Marcello (in front of civic numbers 32-34) stop info

Via del Teatro Marcello (in front of civic numbers 32-34)

From here, you can board the Green route , the Orange route , and the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to reach the magnificent Piazza Venezia just a few meters away, with the iconic Vittoriano and the Altar of the Fatherland. Climb the steps to the Capitoline Hill and visit the incredible Capitoline Museums. From here, you can head towards Trastevere, visit the Jewish ghetto, and the famous Campo de' Fiori square.

6 Vatican City

Lungotevere Tor di Nona, n. 7 stop info

Lungotevere Tor di Nona, n. 7

From here, you can board the Green route , the Orange route , and the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to visit Vatican City. Admire the imposing architecture of St. Peter's Basilica with its enormous colonnade embracing the entire square. Enter the Vatican Museums, among the largest and the richest in the world, and visit the splendid Sistine Chapel. Just a few meters from the stop, you can reach Castel Sant'Angelo and Piazza Navona, dominated by the Fountain of the Four Rivers, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and sculpture by Bernini.

7 Villa Borghese

Via Ludovisi, n. 48 stop info

Via Ludovisi, n. 48

From here, you can board the Green route , the Orange route , and the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to reach the famous Spanish Steps and Piazza di Spagna with the Barcaccia Fountain. Take a stroll through the most famous shopping streets and make your way to Piazza del Popolo, where you can admire some of Caravaggio's most famous masterpieces in the Cerasi Chapel. From this stop, you can also reach Villa Borghese and visit the Borghese Gallery or the Rome Zoo.

8 Barberini Square

Via Barberini, n. 14 stop info

Via Barberini, n. 14

From here, you can board the Green route , the Orange route , and the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to explore Piazza Barberini and visit Palazzo Barberini, the headquarters of the important National Gallery of Ancient Art. From here, you can reach the Quirinal and admire a breathtakingview of Rome from the square. Head towards Via del Tritone and make your way to the Trevi Fountain, one of the city's most iconic monumental works.

9 Pyramid-Testaccio Quarter

Via della Piramide Cestia stop info

Via della Piramide Cestia

From here, you can board the Orange route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to explore the fascinating Testaccio neighborhood, with the Pyramid of Cestius, the only pyramid in Rome, and the Non-Catholic Cemetery near Porta San Paolo. From this stop, you can also reach the splendid Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, which houses the new Holy Door.

10 Destination Eataly

Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492 stop info

Piazzale XII Ottobre 1492

From here, you can board the Orange route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here for a break at Eataly. Savor the authentic flavors of Italian and Roman cuisine at one of the restaurants or purchase typical products from the Italian enogastronomic tradition. Visit the Garbatella, one of the most popular districts in Rome, rich in history and street art. Reach the Gazometro, a symbol of early 20th-century industrial architecture, and the Centrale Montemartini, a former thermal power plant now converted into a museum where classical and industrial archaeology meet.

11 Borghese Gallery

Via Pinciana, n. 33 stop info

Via Pinciana, n. 33

From here, you can board the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here for a stroll in the magnificent Villa Borghese park, famous for its lush vegetation, beautiful gardens, and picturesque paths. Visit the wonderful Galleria Borghese, a must-see destination for art lovers. The gallery, located within a 17th-century villa, houses an impressive collection of artworks of all kinds, such as Bernini's "The Rape of Proserpina" or Caravaggio's "David with the Head of Goliath."

11BIS Borghese Gallery

Via Pinciana, n. 4 stop info

Via Pinciana, n. 4

From here, you can board the Blue route. If you started your tour from another stop, get off here for a stroll in the magnificent Villa Borghese park, famous for its lush vegetation, beautiful gardens, and picturesque paths. Visit the wonderful Galleria Borghese, a must-see destination for art lovers. The gallery, located within a 17th-century villa, houses an impressive collection of artworks of all kinds, such as Bernini's "The Rape of Proserpina" or Caravaggio's "David with the Head of Goliath."

12 Bioparco/Zoo

Via Mercadante, n. 34-36 (lato Villa Borghese) stop info

Via Mercadante, n. 34-36 (lato Villa Borghese)

From here, you can board the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here for a visit to the renowned Bioparco di Roma, the city's oldest zoo. It is one of the most enchanting and thrilling places in Rome, home to over 1,100 animals of different species. From here, you can venture into a stroll amidst the lush greenery of Villa Borghese and visit the famous Galleria Borghese.

13 Villa Giulia National Etruscan Museum

Piazza Thorvaldsen stop info

Piazza Thorvaldsen

From here, you can board the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here for a walk along Viale delle Belle Arti, where historical buildings, embassies, academies, and museums are located, including the Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia and the National Gallery of Modern Art (GNAM).

13BIS Villa Giulia National Etruscan Museum

14 Auditorium Parco della Musica

Via di Coubertin stop info

Via di Coubertin

From here, you can board the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to visit the Auditorium Parco della Musica, the Villaggio Olimpico, one of the symbolic neighborhoods of Rome with its sculptural groups celebrating major sports disciplines, and the Olympic Stadium. Take a stroll in Villa Ada Park, one of the largest public parks in Rome, or visit Villa Glori, where you can admire the Memorial Oak Grove dedicated to the fallen of World War I and the permanent exhibition "Crossing the Threshold," a pathway of contemporary sculpture integrating art and nature.

15 MAXXI Museum

Via Guido Reni, n. 4a stop info

Via Guido Reni, n. 4a

From here, you can board the Blue route . If you started your tour from another stop, get off here to visit the MAXXI, the first national museum dedicated to contemporary art. Take a walk on the Ponte della Musica, dedicated to Armando Trovajoli, one of the greatest Italian composers. Visit the Villaggio Olimpico, one of the symbolic neighborhoods of Rome with its sculptural groups celebrating major sports disciplines, and the Olympic Stadium.

What's included in the price?

Contact us for more information and timetables

Do you have any questions, why visit rome with the hop-on hop-off tour, can i start the hop-on hop-off tour from any stop, is the service guaranteed every day, what is the difference between daily tickets and 24-hours, if i purchase a hourly ticket, do the usage days need to be consecutive, are the discounts on the website applicable even if i purchase the ticket on board, i made an online reservation, do i have to start my hop-on hop-off tour at the indicated time, i haven't received the voucher to present onboard, what can i do, can i change routes with the same ticket, how many languages are available onboard, do i have to return my earphones, is the hop-on hop-off tour available for people with reduced mobility, are pets allowed on the hop-on hop-off bus, do children have special discounts, can i reserve seats on the bus, tour reviews.

Excelentes autobuses. Servicio muy organizado y profesional. Sin duda una excelente manera de recorrer Roma.

Il servizio è ottimo, riesci a vedere molto della città, sono stata tre gg a Roma con mia figlia e siamo riuscite a vedere cose che a piedi in pochi giorni non avremmo potuto osservare. Personale gentile e professionale. Controllano a tutti biglietto, green pass e uso della mascherina! Lo riprenderei sicuramente!

Ottimo servizio, bus puntuali e puliti. Norme covid rispettate e personale a bordo gentile ed educato. Domenica c'era una ragazza di nome Chiara ed è stata veramente disponibile e ci ha fornito delle indicazioni sulla città, insomma una perfetta cicerona. Sicuramente replicheremo

Service status

Panoramic Open Bus Hop-On Hop-Off service  active every day with 3 routes!

Green Route - Discover Rome:  departures from 9:00 am at 6:00 pm - Terminal 1A. End of service 7.20 pm.

Green Route - Discover Rome Terminal 1C : 9:05 am -10:45 am - 12:30 am - 2:15 pm - 3:55 pm 

Blue Route - Explore Museums:    11:20 am and 1:40 pm - Terminal 1B

Orange Route - Destination Eataly:    11:55 pm and 2:05 pm - Terminal 1B 

For events, demonstrations and daily service operations, please consult the Interactive Map.

Cancellation policy

Hop-on Hop-off Buses in Rome

Enjoy 360° views of the Eternal City from the comfort of a bus.

Spend up to three days hopping around Rome on one of the city’s double-decker sightseeing buses. Below is a complete guide to the five different tour bus companies that operate in Rome, so you can find out exactly which option is the best one for you.

What Is A Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

A Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour (ho-ho for short) is a great way to explore a new destination, especially a city as historical and jam-packed full of attractions such as Rome. Ho-Ho bus tours enable you to get on or off their buses as many times as you please and at any of the stops along their routes for the duration of your ticket – which can last up to 72 hours.

The buses follow a looped circuit with stops at many major tourist attractions. Most of them also provide free wifi on the buses, a complimentary app, multi-language assistants, and audio commentary providing information about the history of the sites and landmarks you’ll see.

With five different tour companies to choose from – each offering various ticket options – it can be hard to know which one to pick. To make that choice more manageable, we’ve put together a detailed guide that explains and compares the different tickets so that you can spend more time sightseeing and less time planning.

Big Bus Tours Rome

Big Bus Tours is the largest operator of open-top sightseeing tours and is one of the more popular bus tour operators in Rome. They offer three different ticket options with adult, child (5-15 years of age), and family (2 adults & 2 children) prices for each: the Classic (24 hours), Premium (48 hours), and Deluxe (72 hours). They also provide combo experiences – Classic tickets with entrance to either the Vatican Museums or the Colosseum.

To redeem your ticket, simply show your printed ticket or e-voucher to a staff member aboard the bus. Onboard you’ll be able to enjoy free wifi, and you’ll be provided with complimentary headphones to listen to the informative pre-recorded commentary about the sites of Rome in one of nine different languages.

To make your journey even smoother, don’t forget to download the free mobile app that comes with detailed maps, directions to your nearest Big Bus stop, and real-time tracking of the buses. 

Each ticket also comes with four digitally-guided walking tours in a variety of languages that you can download onto your smartphone and enjoy at your own leisure.

The buses operate from 9:00 am to 6:40 pm and run every 13 minutes. The duration of the tour is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Route Info:

The bus has eight stops within reach of around 40 unmissable Roman landmarks and attractions. You can hop on or off at any of these stops for the duration of your ticket. The stops are:

• Termini Railway Station
• Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore
• Circus Maximus
• Piazza Venezia
• Vatican City
• Trevi Fountain / Spanish Steps
• Piazza Barberini

Green Line Tours

Enjoy panoramic views of Rome from the open-top double-decker Green Line bus. Though quite a similar experience to the Big Bus Tours, Green Line has more flexible ticket options, offering a Daily Ticket (allows you as many rides as you want during one day, morning to evening) and a 3 Pass Ticket (allows you to get on and off at three different stops of your choice over the course of one day) as well as the usual 24, 48, and 72 hours tickets.

They also offer a reduced price for youths (13-20 years of age), with children under 12 going free.

Once you’ve booked your ticket, you can present it aboard the bus in either printed or e-voucher format. Each bus is equipped with free wifi, single-use earphones to listen to the audio guides available in 13 different languages, and a multilingual assistant who can answer your questions.

Included in the ticket is a map of the city of Rome and a free app that you can use to monitor your route and learn more about selected points of interest.

Buses run between 9:00 am to 6:30 pm every 10-30 minutes. A complete loop takes approximately one hour and a half.

There are eight stops included in one loop. All of them are close to major sites and attractions.

• Villa Borghese

Gray Line I Love Rome

Gray Line buses are hard to miss because of their hot pink color. They offer the standard 24, 48, and 72-hour tickets, but they also have a selection of cheaper, single-day tickets. They have a choice between a Daily ticket (valid for one day of travel selected at the time of booking – discounted in the afternoon); a 5-hour ticket (valid for 5 hours from first use); and a One Run ticket (valid for one entire bus run, no hop-offs – discounted in the afternoon).

Children between 6 and 11 pay a reduced price.

You can enjoy free wifi onboard, a pre-recorded audio guide available in 13 different languages, and a detailed route map. Both printed tickets and e-vouchers are accepted. Walking tours are available from stops 4, 5, and 6. If you’re interested, ask a staff member on board to reserve you a spot.

Buses run between 8:30 am to 6:50 pm every 15-20 minutes. An entire run takes approximately one hour and a half.

Like its competitors, Gray Line also stops at eight major tourist hotspots.

• Circus Maximus & Mouth of Truth
• Vatican City & Castel Sant’Angelo
• Spanish Steps
• Piazza Barberini & Trevi Fountain

City Sightseeing Roma

City Sightseeing tours are famous worldwide. Their buses have the most ‘classic’ look: red double-decker, and in Rome, decorated with famous Roman sites. They offer Classic (24 hours), Premium (48 hours), and Deluxe (72 hours) tickets that can be used on both the City Sightseeing and Big Bus Tours buses when purchased on their website.

Children (between 5 and 15) pay a reduced price, and they also have a family ticket (2 adults, 2 kids) option available.

Your ticket gives you access to free wifi onboard the bus and an audioguide available in 8 different languages. Don’t forget to download the nifty app that comes with an interactive map featuring real-time updates about the location of the buses. It also contains a digitally-guided walking tour of the city center in 5 languages.

Buses run from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm every 10-30 minutes. An entire run takes approximately one hour and a half.

• Piazza di Spagna

Vatican & Rome Open Bus Service

This bus tour operator offers the most unique route out of the five, its focus being on religious sites. It’s run by the Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi, a branch of the Vicariate of Rome. Their buses are bright yellow, a color representing the Vatican.

They offer five different ticket options: Daily tickets, 24h, 48h, 72h tickets, or a One Round ticket (non-stop panoramic tour, no hop-offs). Children between the ages of 6 to 17 enjoy a reduced price. An app where you can download your tickets is also available.

Each bus is staffed with multilingual assistants, has free wifi, and provides an audioguide available in eight languages. This bus is also unique because stops scheduled along the itinerary will be on request.

The buses operate from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and run every 45 minutes. The duration of the tour is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

This tour contains 14 different stops, though some are quite close together.

• Vatican City – Castel Sant’Angelo
• San Giovanni dei Fiorentini
• Santa Agnese in Agone – Piazza Navona
• Torre Argentina
• Santa Maria in Ara Coeli
• Santi Apostoli
• Santa Maria degli Angeli
• Termini Station
• Santa Maria Maggiore
• San Giovanni in Laterano
• Colosseum – San Gregorio al Celio
• Circus Maximus – Santa Sabina all’Aventino
• Teatro Marcello – Santa Maria in Campitelli
• Largo Argentina – Santa Maria ad Martyres

All the tour operators, with the exception of Vatican and Rome Open Bus Service, offer very similar bus routes. They follow similar circuits of the historic center and stop near or at most of the major tourist hotspots, including the Colosseum , Vatican City , Circus Maximus , and the Spanish Steps / Trevi Fountain .

The Vatican and Rome Open Bus Service also stops at many major sites, but its main focus is on churches and other religious sites. It’s also the only tour operator that goes to San Giovanni in Laterano Basilica , south of the city center. However, it doesn’t stop at either Piazza di Spagna or the Trevi Fountain.

Most of the buses operate from approximately 9 am to around 6:30-7:00 at night, and run every 10-30 minutes. The Vatican & Rome buses have a shorter schedule, running from 10 am to 4 pm every 45 minutes. Each route takes roughly one hour and a half to complete the entire circuit.

The main stops are at Termini station and the Vatican, which is where most of the operators have staff and their offices.

Tour Offerings 

Is a hop-on hop-off bus tour worth it in rome.

Rome can be a daunting city to visit. With so much to see and do, many visitors to the Eternal City feel like they just didn’t have enough time to see as much as they wanted to. Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours are a great option for first-time visitors who don’t know where to begin or visitors who want to see a lot in a small amount of time.

Rome, however, is also a great city to walk around . For visitors who enjoy taking things slow and getting a feel for the city, tour buses are not the way to go. If you want to have a more authentic and local experience, far from the crowds of tourists, then ho-ho buses may not be the best choice for you.

Hop-on Hop-off buses are a great choice if you want to:

• See a lot of major attractions in a short amount of time.
• Not get lost in the maze that is Rome.
• Make the most of a limited amount of time.
• See the city without dealing with public transport in a foreign language.
• See the city but have mobility issues.
• Enjoy arriving at destinations hassle-free.
• Learn interesting facts and stories about the sites with an audio guide.

Hop-on Hop-off buses are not for you if you want to:

• Avoid crowds of tourists.
• Get to one specific destination quickly.
• See the city early in the morning or later in the evening.
• Immerse yourself in the Italian culture and see the city like a local.
• Walk around.
• See lesser-known attractions and sites.
• Get off the beaten track.

THE 10 BEST Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in Rome, Italy

Hop-on hop-off tours in rome.

• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Skip-the-Line Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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Gray Line I Love Rome: Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus

Activity schedule, key highlights.

• Inclusions & Exclusions

Daily 

24 hours // 48 hours // 72 hours // Half Day // 1 Day // One Run

You can choose your preferred option

• Meeting Point Just hop on to the bus from any of the stops. The favored stops are  Termini Station  (stop1), Santa Maria Maggiore  and Colosseum 

You can hop off at any of the stops

• Discover the Eternal City with this budget-friendly hop-on hop-off tour
• Explore the city’s biggest attractions, from the Capitoline Hill to Colosseum
• Enjoy a convenient sightseeing experience with strategically located stops
• Savour an immersive experience with audio commentary and free WiFi on-board
• Define your own travel experience with our range of validity options
• Both smartphones and paper vouchers accepted!

See the best of Rome with this hop-on, hop-off bus tour that gets you up close with the city’s most important monuments and cultural venues aboard the distinctive pink  ‘I Love Rome’ buses. Informative audio guides are available on the bus, illustrating the unique history behind Rome’s famous monuments and attractions for a truly immersive experience. 

Your I Love Rome Hop-On, Hop-Off ticket comes with a range of validity options which means, no matter what your schedule or how much time you have, we have the perfect ticket for you!

• 24/48/72 hours : Validity starts from the time you first board the bus
• 1 Day Ticket (Daily): Valid only for the calendar day of travel selected at the time of booking
• Half Day Ticket:  Valid only for the calendar day of travel selected at the time of booking for 4 hours of use from the time of the first stamping .
• One Run Ticket: The ticket includes a single loop run around the city at any time of the day (one run only; no hop off)

STOPS COVERED

• Stazione Termini
• Santa Maria Maggiore
• Colosseum Archaeological Area
• Circo Massimo - The Mouth of Truth
• Piazza Venezia - Shopping Area
• Vatican City, Sistine Chapel & Castel Sant'Angelo
• Spanish Steps
• Piazza Barberini and Trevi Fountain

… and more!

About the Supplier: I Love Rome is a part of Gray Line Rome and are known for their distinct pink hop-on, hop-off buses. Fulfilling the globetrotting dreams of wide-eyed travellers for over a 100 years, Gray Line is one of the leading travel and tours services in the world.

• Hop-On, Hop-Off or Panoramic Bus Ticket (as per option chosen)
• Free Walking Tours available (ask our staff onboard)
• Audio headset guide in 12 languages (Italian, English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Arabic)
• Kids Audio Commentary in 2 languages (English, Italian)
• FREE WiFi onboard
• Entrance fees to attractions

Useful downloads

Please note.

Voucher information: You can show your voucher on your smartphone (But if you’d rather print a copy – that’s fine too!

Wheelchair accessibility:  No

Rome is a functioning city and weather, traffic and events may occasionally cause disruption. 

Timings and stops are subject to change. The updated map will be available on the bus.

Rome is a busy city, especially during special events, summer holidays and at weekends. Traffic congestion and road closures -may cause delays, reduced frequency and changes to the route. We’ll do we all we can to provide a smooth and frequent service.

Customer Reviews

Back jongkwan.

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All online, very easy and cheaper than other companies . . .

Neat operation that works effectively - easy to get on and commentary accurate as one passes the sites of interest.

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• Map & Hours

Map, schedule and other Rome bus tour services

Roma City Tour is the official tourist bus service of Rome with a panoramic upper deck that offers the best way of getting to know the city’s most fascinating sights.

• 1 round trip ticket , closed circuit without hop on hop off option so you can visit the most emblematic areas and monuments from the comfort of the Roma City Tour.
• Half Day Ticket with 5 hours durability, usable without time restriction in low season (until March 14) and with the possibility of use from 13h in high season from March 15.
• Ticket 24 hours ticket to get on and off as many times as you wish or require and enjoy the City of Love.
• 48 hours ticket for a maximum enjoyment of all the possibilities of this city with unlimited tours during the service of 2 consecutive days.

Plus, while onboard the Roma City Tour you’ll receive an information brochure with information about the itinerary and about the city.

Map & Information brochure

When you board the bus, you’ll be given a brochure with a plan of the city and details of the routes with a description of the stops.

Hop On Hop Off Rome hours

• We offer an uninterrupted service throughout the year.
• The estimated time for the route is around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• From March 15th to October the service starts at 8.30am and finishes at 8.30pm (Monday to Sunday). Last departure at 18.45h. Frequency: 10-15 min.
• From November to March 14th the service starts at 8:30 and ends at 19:30 (Monday to Sunday). Last departure at 17:45h. Frequency: 10-15 min. Ticket office at Termini Station: from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

✔ Guaranteed frequency every 10-15 minutes

✔ 12h of guaranteed NON-Stop operation

Pre-recorded audio guide in 12 languages

Each bus has an automatic audio guide system in 12 languages providing information on each point of interest of the trip. All you have to do is plug in the free headphones and enjoy finding out about the city. the available languages are:

⭐ Exclusive new audio commentary for all language audio guides with updated information so you don’t miss a single detail of your visit.

⭐ New “Kids audio guide” with child-friendly content in English and Italian.

Hop-On Hop-Off experience

Let yourself fall in love with Rome with Roma City Tour.

Discover the city with  Roma City Tour  and enjoy the trip with the  Hop-on Hop-off service , with which you will be able to get on and off the bus as many times as you want at any of the 8 stops. Take the most of this service to discover the most important points of interest of the city with City Tour Worldwide.

Aboard our buses you will be able to visit this city in detail.  Roma City Tour  will take you near to the most well-known points of interest, such as the Città del Vaticano, the Fontana di Trevi or the Colisseum.

You can also download  Roma City Tour free mobile app  and have the information with you at all times. 

Bus Tour Rome Services

Roma City Tour boasts a fleet of pink buses with a  panoramic upper deck  affording a unique panoramic view of the city. The lower deck is air-conditioned and all our vehicles are equipped with  anatomical seats  to make your trip more comfortable. 

All our buses are equipped with a  ramp accessing the rear door  and a  space set aside for wheelchairs , a continuous low floor platform and a quick kneeling system that tilts the vehicle to the right.

To ensure a smooth service, all passengers should enter by the front door and exit from the rear. Also, our buses have two sets of stairs linking the two levels: the front one should be used to go up and the rear one to go down.

All our buses feature a free Wi-Fi Internet connection, allowing you to go online as you travel with us.

Sliding roof

In the case of rain, our staff will cover the upper deck so you can continue to enjoy the route, even when the weather turns nasty.

Audio guide in 12 languages

Our pre-recorded audio guide system, available in 12 languages, will provide you with information on the points of interests along our routes and at their stops. Just plug in the headphones and choose your language!

Accessible vehicles

Space designed for persons with reduced mobility

Brochure and app

Brochure and free mobile app designed to improve your hop on hop off experience.

Real time bus location on our App

Get the City Tour Worldwide app to find our buses and trains in real time, locate the stops and find out what’s around you.