Rome Tickets

Rome bus tours

All top attractions covered
All top attractions covered
Regular schedule. Unlimited rides
Regular schedule. Unlimited rides
Last minute availability. Instant confirmation
Last minute availability. Instant confirmation
Rome bus tours
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The ultimate guide to bus tours in Rome

Bus tours in Rome are popular amongst first-time visitors and seasoned travelers to discover the Eternal City’s most iconic landmarks. With access to strategically planned routes, multilingual audio guides, and local hotspots, you also get to eliminate the hassle of navigating public transportation and walking long distances.

Why choose bus tours in Rome

Comprehensive
Convenient
Hop-on Hop-off flexibility
Cost-effective
Comfort
Live commentary
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Comprehensive

You can examine a variety of famous landmarks in a short amount of time, making the most of your trip.

Convenient

Bus tours can simplify your logistics planning, especially when traveling with kids or in big groups.

Hop-on Hop-off flexibility

The ability to hop on and off at different stops enables you to explore at your own pace.

Cost-effective

A single ticket gives you access to popular destinations spread across the city. You can book your tickets in advance and opt for flexible cancellation, in case your plans change.

Comfort

Traveling in air-conditioned or open-top buses can offer much-needed respite from the city’s hot and crowded streets. These buses also accommodate travelers with mobility issues.

Live commentary

Most tours feature audio guides that provide interesting insights into Rome’s rich history in a language of your choice.

Types of bus tours in Rome

Bus tours offer a perfect blend of comfort, education and adventure. There are different types of bus tours that you can choose while planning your Roman itinerary:

Hop-on Hop-off tours

Hop-on Hop-off tours

A flexible option, you can hop off the bus at any designated stop and simply hop back onto the next bus. Passing by key attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican City, Spanish Steps, and Pantheon, common ticket choices include the 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour passes. Typically operating on continuous loops, a Rome Hop-on Hop-off bus tour full circuit can take about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Hop-on Hop-off tickets
Day trips

Day trips

Day trips can offer a fresh contrast to the hustle and bustle of Rome. Whether you’re drawn to ancient ruins, medieval towns, or natural scenery, there's a destination to suit every interest. The Renaissance architecture of Florence, archaeological site of Pompeii, Tivoli’s thermal springs and authentic Neapolitan pizza at Naples make for some great daytime adventures.

Day trips
Guided tours

Guided tours

Upgrade your visits with guided tours, where local experts will spark your curiosity through anecdotal insights and lesser-known facts. Allowing for an intimate expedition, these tours are often conducted in small groups and may last between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the itinerary and stops included. The guided tour of Catacombs with Capuchin Crypt entry is a top choice.

Roman Catacombs tickets
Night tours

Night tours

For a one-of-a-kind experience, soak in Rome’s beauty under the glow of its illuminated monuments. Enjoy an unobstructed and serene view of the iconic Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Piazza Navona. These night tours are a great choice for couples or anyone seeking a peaceful escape.

  • Big Bus (Red Route): Ideal for history buffs, the Red Route allows you to survey the heart of the city. Given its demand, this route has the most frequent buses that allow you to dive deep into Rome’s celebrated legacy. There is also a panoramic bus tour to witness the magic of Rome at night, that doesn’t include any stops.
    Popular stops: The Colosseum, The Vatican and Spanish Steps
  • Green Line (Green Route): The Green Route champions lush landscapes and art galleries, for those looking to take a break from the busy city center. It showcases Rome’s contemporary side, perfect for art lovers and families.
    Popular stops: Circus Maximus and Villa Borghese
  • Big Bus (Purple Route): The Purple Route was designed to uncover Rome’s spiritual and religious landmarks. A highly educational and reflective experience, you also get to explore various unusual spots.
    Popular stops: Fosse Ardeatine and Baths of Caracalla
  • I Love Rome (Pink Route): The Pink Route offers a well-rounded tour of famous attractions and local neighborhoods. With many hidden gems along the way, the Pink Route is compact and efficient, enabling quicker exploration. 
    Popular stops: Piazza Venezia and Barberini & Trevi Fountain

Top bus tour operators in Rome

Each bus tour operator in Rome features different routes, experiences, and ticket options, allowing visitors to explore the Eternal City based on their travel itineraries and varied interests:

Big Bus

Big Bus

With open-top double-decker buses, free Wi-Fi and pre-recorded commentary onboard, Big Bus is one of the leading operators in Rome. They primarily focus on the Red Route (8 stops) and Purple Route (7 stops). Given its popularity, the Red Route buses operate from 9am to 7pm, every 15 minutes.

Big Bus tours
I Love Rome

I Love Rome

With special audio guides available for children, climb aboard their pink double-decker buses that run every 10-15 minutes. The Pink Route gives a broad overview of Rome’s top attractions.

I Love Rome tours
City Sightseeing

City Sightseeing

Along with complimentary Wi-Fi and an audio guide in 8 languages, you can access various walking tours on the City Sightseeing app. If you’re traveling from June to October, their 72-hour pass also includes a free night tour.

City Sightseeing tours
Green Line

Green Line

Get access to 3 different routes: Green Route (popular sights), Orange Route (local food markets) Blue Route (museums & art galleries); and 15 stops all at once. Choose any of their flexible passes and experience the city from a new perspective.

Green Line Tours

Tips for your Rome bus tours

  • Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes, as there is a significant amount of walking involved across monuments. Ensure your shoulders, back, and knees are covered while visiting religious sites.
  • Keep your camera, smartphone & energy levels recharged at all times for an unforgettable experience. Carry a water bottle and refill it at public drinking fountains scattered throughout the city.
  • As is the case with any major destination, keep an eye on your belongings amidst crowds and on public transportation. If you have a backpack, wear it on the front in crowded areas.
  • Save on time and money by booking your tickets at least 4-6 weeks in advance. Opt for flexible tickets in case your travel plans change.
  • Make sure you check out Rome’s novel experiences like the Panoramic Night Bus Tour and Hop-on Hop-off Boat Tour.

Frequently asked questions about Rome bus tours

How frequently do the Hop-on Hop-off buses arrive at each stop?

Buses generally arrive every 10-15 minutes, though this can vary depending on the type of ticket, operator, traffic conditions, and season.

Can I start my Hop-on Hop-off bus tour at any stop?

Yes, most operators allow you to board at any stop on the route. However, some operators could have specific guidelines and instructions to follow before beginning the tour.

What happens if I miss the last Hop-on Hop-off bus of the day?

If you miss the last Hop-on Hop-off bus, you will need to find your own way back to your accommodation. It's a good idea to check the last bus timings when you start your tour to avoid any inconvenience.

Can I use the Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket on consecutive days?

Yes, the validity of your ticket is typically counted in hours, for example, a 24-hour ticket purchased at noon would be valid until noon the next day.

Can I use the bus tours as a means of transportation around the city?

While these bus tours are primarily designed for sightseeing, Hop-on Hop-off tours can be used as a convenient way to get around the city. You won’t be stopped if you choose to hop off at something and carry on elsewhere!

Are the buses in Rome accessible to people with disabilities?

Most buses in Rome are wheelchair accessible, but it's advisable to confirm accessibility options with the tour operator before booking.

Can I bring luggage or strollers on the bus?

Small luggage and foldable strollers are usually allowed, but space is limited. Large bags or non-foldable strollers may not be permitted, so it's best to travel light. It is ideal to check with your operator beforehand.

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