Best Hop on Hop off Bus Rome (Tickets, Comparison & Maps)

Looking for the best hop on hop off bus Rome tour to explore the Eternal City? A few months ago, I took a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Rome and did my homework beforehand—probably more than needed! After the experience, I found out about even more great options that I’m excited to try next time.

If you’re planning to see Rome’s famous landmarks at your own pace while enjoying the comfort of a guided bus tour, then a hop-on hop-off bus is just what you need.

In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about the best Rome bus tours, list prices, hours, as well as a few alternative routes, to make your visit both memorable and stress-free.

Are Hop on Hop off Tours Worth It? – Our Opinion About Rome Bus Tours

A Rome bus tour may not be everyone’s cup of tea on initial thought. Many prefer to do their own thing whilst on vacation, and are not interested in following the crowd or having their time managed tightly at every attraction.

But read on – a hop on hop off Rome bus tour is completely different to a standard organized coach tour. And the benefits are endless for both the budget conscious traveler and those interested in exploring all the sights on offer.

Yes, you will be on bus with other tourists (but like in Rome public transport) ! But the Rome bus tours featured here offer you excellent freedom to stay at attractions as long as you wish. Plus the benefit of an experienced Rome tour guide to talk you through an overview of each attraction.

In our humble opinion a hop on hop off Rome city sightseeing tour (like this one) offers you the best of both worlds – freedom to explore and the knowledge that you are covering as many key sights as possible.

Operating Hours – Hop On Hop Off Bus Rome

Rome hop-on hop-off bus services operate daily and boast extended hours during peak tourist seasons. Most companies start their first tours around 8:30 AM or 9:00 AM and run until early evening, usually between 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM.

The hop-on hop-off Rome panoramic bus tours offer frequent service: buses arrive at stops every 10-15 minutes in high season. During off-peak months (November to mid-March), Rome hop on hop off bus hours may end slightly earlier, around 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

3 Best Hop-On Hop-Off Buses in Rome

Wondering is there a hop on hop off bus in Rome? Well yes, there is! Rome boasts several excellent hop on hop off bus tour Rome options to explore the Eternal City's best sights.

After extensive research and personal experience, I've compiled a list of the best open top bus Rome Italy tours to help you make your decision.

My Top Pick: City Sightseeing Rome

I personally took this tour, and it's my top recommendation. City Sightseeing (check availability here) comes with a comprehensive hop on and off bus Rome experience with 8 well-placed stops covering all the major attractions.

The buses run every 15 minutes so you’ll never have to wait long. You’ll have the choice between 1 to 3 days and it's flexible enough to suit any itinerary.

What I loved most was the audio guide available in multiple languages as well as the open top bus Rome and its beautiful views. This is not the cheapest option, but it is actually excellent value for money.

Runner-up with Night Tour Option: Big Bus Rome

If you're keen to experience Rome after dark, then Big Bus (check availability here) is probably the best choice for you. Their tour includes 11 stops and an optional night tour to behold the city's illuminated monuments.

The buses run every 14 minutes during peak hours, and the 1 to 3-day passes provide the maximum flexibility. The night tour is a standout feature. This tour is slightly pricier than City Sightseeing, but the added night tour option makes it worth considering!

Most Affordable: I Love Rome Pink Bus

If you’re traveling to Rome on a budget, then this is the best option for you, as I Love Rome (check availability here) offers a great hop on hop off tour Rome at a more affordable price. The tour boasts 8 stops at all the main attractions and buses run every 10-15 minutes.

This one doesn't include a night tour but it remains a top choice if you wish to visit Rome during the day without breaking the bank. The pink buses are easy to spot and the tour provides a good overview of Rome's highlights.

No matter what your plans are, here are the best hop-on hop-off bus Rome tickets >>

Those three are my top picks, but there also are other operators, like Green Line Tours and IOBUS for example. If you want to visit the Vatican, there's also a specialized Vatican hop-on hop-off bus tour available. Anyways, whichever tour you choose, you’ll get access to an exciting and convenient way to visit Rome!

What I Liked/Disliked about Best Rome Bus Tour

After experiencing myself the hop on hop off bus tour Rome, I found several aspects to appreciate and a few drawbacks.

Here's my take on what I liked and disliked about the Rome bus tour:

My Experience with Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour Rome

During my recent trip to Rome, I decided to try the hop on hop off bus Rome tour provided by City Sightseeing (check price here). I opted for the 48-hour pass, which turned out to be an excellent choice to visit at my own pace. From the moment I boarded the red double-decker bus, I knew I was in for a very good time.

The Rome Italy hop on off bus experience began with a friendly welcome from the staff, who provided me with a map and headphones for the audio guide. The upper deck unveils panoramic views of Rome's architecture and streets, which was perfect for photography enthusiasts like myself.

Available in eight languages, the audio guide was informative and engaging. I particularly enjoyed learning about the lesser-known facts of famous landmarks.

My favorite feature about my hop on hop off bus Rome experience? Probably the huge flexibility! Buses arrive every 15 minutes at each of the eight located stops, so I never felt rushed and could explore each attraction thoroughly.

The free Wi-Fi onboard was a nice touch. It allowed me to share my experiences in real-time with friends and family back home. I had initially hoped to take the evening tour, but unfortunately it was fully booked.

A word of advice: if you're interested in the night tour, book well in advance as they tend to sell out quickly!

Book Your Rome Hop on Hop off Bus Tickets

All the big European hop on hop off bus companies provide a tour service in Rome. Here is a list of some of our favourites from which to book your tickets.

1. Rome City Sightseeing Bus

A well-known favourite across the globe, City Sightseeing (check it here) is a big player in the city tour market. With free Wi-Fi, audio guides in multiple languages and 8 stops at Rome’s major attractions, this is a good contender for a bus tour.

Frequency every 10-15 minutes in peak season ensures you will never be waiting long, and tickets ranging from 24hours to 72hours cover most holiday durations.

Skip the queue when in Rome and book online to ensure availability.

City Sightseeing Rome also offers their tour through Headout. Prepare yourself for an excellent city sightseeing rome hop-on hop-off bus experience.

This tour includes:

• Unlimited hop-on hop-off access for 24, 48, or 72 hours
• Audio guide in 8 languages
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Mobile app with live bus tracking
• Complimentary night tour (with 72-hour pass, June to October)
• Free audio-guided walking tours
• Access to the red hop on hop off bus Rome route

The Rome sightseeing hop on hop off bus follows a carefully planned Red Route with 8 Rome hop on hop off bus stops. The red hop on hop off bus Rome covers major attractions: the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps… Buses arrive every 15 minutes and represent a comprehensive and flexible way to explore the Eternal City. Be ready to customize your sightseeing experience!

2. I Love Rome Panoramic Rome Tour Bus

Gray Line I Love Rome (check offer here) offers standard hop on hop off fayre with an added free extra – free walking tours at various locations within Rome. This option is great value for those who wish to explore the attractions in more detail with an experienced guide.

8 stops are included in the tour as well as Wi-Fi and an audio guide in several major global languages.

Again, it’s better to book online to beat the queues at the ticket office. With Big Bus Rome you also save 10% off the ticket price.

The I Love Rome hop on hop off open bus tour is also available through Headout.

It includes:

• Flexible 1-run, 1-day, or 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off access
• Audio guide in 12 languages, including kid-friendly commentary
• Free Wi-Fi onboard Walking tours from select stops
• Mobile app with live bus tracking
• Access to the pink hop on hop off bus Rome route

The pink hop on hop off bus Rome follows a carefully designed Pink Route with 8 strategic stops. You’ll be able to stop at the Vatican, Piazza Venezia, the Colosseum… Approved by the Municipality of Rome, this route ensures stops are within comfortable walking distance of key monuments. The first departure is at 8:30 AM from Termini Station and the last at 6:40 PM (5:40 PM from November to mid-March).

3. Big Bus Rome Tour

The Big Bus Rome hop on hop off tour (see tickets here) is another excellent option to visit Rome. This tour gives you a comprehensive sightseeing experience with its red double-decker buses.

The Big Bus Rome hop-on hop-off open top tour includes:

• Flexible 24, 48, or 72-hour hop-on hop-off access
• Audio guide in 7 languages
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Complimentary headphones
• Optional 60-minute night sightseeing tour
• 4 self-guided walking tours via mobile app
• Access to the Red Route with 11 strategic stops

The Red Route covers the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps amongst other major attractions. Buses run frequently. They arrive every 10 to 20 minutes at each stop. Also, it comes with optional night tours and self-guided walking tours for popular areas like the Vatican and Roman Forum.

4. IOBUS Rome

The IOBUS Roma tour provides a panoramic open-top bus experience (see the price here). It’s a great way to see Rome's most renowned landmarks from a different perspective.

The tour includes:

• Flexible hop-on hop-off access with various ticket durations
• Audio guide in 8 languages, including a special children's commentary
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Real-time bus tracking and wait times at each stop
• POP GUIDE App with additional walking routes
• Onboard earphones for the audio guide

The IOBUS Rome stops are cleverly placed near major attractions. You’ll find one at the Colosseum, another at Circus Maximus, and another at Piazza Venezia. Buses operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and you’ll be able to start your tour from any stop.

IOBUS provides a user-friendly experience with its POP GUIDE App. In there you’ll find different additional walking routes to enhance your exploration.

Of course, like any other, this tour doesn't include entrance fees to attractions or food and drink, but it provides a comprehensive overview of Rome's main sights.

5. Greenline

The Green Line hop on hop off bus Rome tour (see available tickets here) provides an extensive network of routes and stops so you’ll be able to customize your experience.

This tour includes:

• Flexible 3-stop, 1-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour hop-on hop-off access
• Audio guide in 16 languages
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Access to Orange, Green and Blue Routes
• Mobile app with live bus tracking and detailed maps

The Green Line hop on hop off Rome service boasts three different routes for a total of 15 stops across the city. The Orange Route focuses on ancient Rome, the Green Route covers the city center and the Blue Route extends to the outskirts, with stops at Borghese Gallery and Bioparco Zoo.

This tour is very interesting for its 3-stop pass option. It’s great if you are time-constrained and want to prioritize some specific landmarks.

Greenline routes Rome provide excellent vantage points for photography and sightseeing and come with a mobile app with real-time bus tracking.

6. Vatican Hop On Hop Off

The Vatican City sightseeing tour (check availability here) focuses on the Vatican and its surroundings.

This Roma Christiana hop on hop off bus service is operated by Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi and provides a comprehensive experience if you want to visit both the Vatican and Rome's historic center.

The tour includes:

• Access to Big Bus and Citysightseeing Roma Open Buses
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Multilingual audio guide in eight languages
• Welcome from multilingual staff

Available with the Omnia Card, the Omnia hop on hop off bus Rome comes with extended benefits:

• 24 or 72-hour access to hop-on hop-off buses
• Entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Access to additional attractions (Carcer Tullianum and San Giovanni in Laterano for example)
• Vox City Guide app for self-guided exploration

The Roma Cristiana hop on hop off bus route takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes for a complete loop that covers the most important Vatican and Rome attractions. This service is interesting if you wish to focus on religious and historical sites.

How Do You Save Money with Hop-on-Hop-off in Rome

Here are some tips to save money with hop on hop off bus Rome Italy tours:

• Book in advance online – many operators offer discounts for early bookings compared to buying tickets on the day.
• Look for combo tickets that bundle the hop on and off bus Rome with entry to the Colosseum or Vatican Museums. These packages are more economical than purchasing separately.
• Consider multi-day passes if you stay in Rome for several days. 48 or 72-hour tickets offer better value than single day passes.
• Travel during the off-season (November to March) when ticket prices tend to be lower.
• Check for student, senior or family discounts if applicable. Many operators provide reduced rates for some special groups.
• Use promo codes from travel websites or apps to get additional discounts on bookings.
• Compare prices across different hop-on hop-off companies. Rates vary a lot from one to another.
• Look into city passes – the Roma Pass or Omnia Card, for example, may include hop-on hop-off bus access along with entry to multiple attractions.
• Consider free walking tours as an alternative to paid bus tours.
• If traveling as a group, inquire about group rates. They usually come with per-person savings.

How a Hop on Hop off Rome Bus Tour Works

Each bus company offering such tours has a certain number of stops covering the major attractions in Rome. The theory is simple – buy a pass, get on the bus at a designated bus stop and hop off at any attraction you wish to explore in more detail.

Once you’ve taken in the sights near your bus stop, simply hop back on to the next arriving bus and continue your journey!

How to Book Hop on Hop off Bus Tickets in Rome ?

To book the best hop on hop off bus Rome tickets, I chose the City Sightseeing tour on Headout.

Here's how I booked my tickets:

• I visited the Headout website and selected the City Sightseeing Rome tour.
• I chose the 48-hour option for my stay.
• I picked my start date and the number of tickets needed.
• After reviewing the details, I proceeded to checkout.
• I entered my personal and payment information.
• I received an instant confirmation email with my Rome hop on hop off bus tickets.

The whole process took me around 5 minutes to complete! I've shared some screenshots so you can see how simple and straightforward it is.

Do You Need Combo Tickets?

Combo tickets for the Rome hop on hop off bus tours are package deals that combine the bus tour with entry to some attractions or additional services.

You can for example find combos that include fast-track entry to the Pantheon, tickets to the Bioparco Zoo, or even airport transfers with the Leonardo Express.

Whether you need combo tickets depends on your itinerary and time you have on-site:

• If you plan to visit specific attractions, combo tickets will save you money and time by bundling services.
• If you’re a first-time visitor, combos are a convenient way to see major sights without separate bookings.
• If you have a flexible schedule, individual Rome hop on hop off bus tickets might be more suitable.
• Combo tickets with airport transfers are particularly useful to enjoy seamless arrival and departure experiences.

Tip – Make your decision based on your plans, and keep in mind that the combo tickets offer good value and convenience.

Rome Bus Tours, What You Need to Know

A number of different companies run some excellent hop on hop off Rome tours. This is ensuring healthy competition and great value.

Passes are available from each of these companies for duration that suit every stay in Rome. From 1-day Rome bus tours for those with a quick layover to a 3 day pass for those on a longer break.

Each tour company will provide their passengers with a detailed map of Rome and all the officially designated stops on the itinerary.

The hop on hop off rome map will also show departure times for each stop. Ensuring passengers can plan the length of time they wish to spend at each attraction.

A hop on hop off Rome bus tour will include stops near all the popular and things to do in Rome. Including the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. The majority also make a stop to the Vatican City to allow for time to explore its plethora of attractions.

All tours offer several language options for those that don’t speak Italian or English, with headphones with multiple language selections available on board as standard on all Rome bus tours.

And for those who are not interested in taking part in a hop on hop off Rome city sightseeing. They can simply take a one hour tour with one of the many bus companies to help them get their bearings in Rome.

Why Choose a Hop on Hop off Bus Rome Tour?

The advantages of a hop on hop off bus tour in Rome are endless. With the major companies’ buses coming at a frequency of 15 to 30 minutes you will never be waiting long for a ride, and knowing that your ticket includes all your transport costs for your stay in Rome provides great peace of mind.

For a short stay or city-break, this type of tour offers the best value as it provides transport, information from a tour guide in your language of choice, and exposure to all the top sites in Rome.

Most buses also have Wi-Fi so you can plan your next stop, and all have shelter from the elements if required. Much better than walking around in Rome’s soaring heat.

Hop on Hop off Rome Map

Every provider offers a hop-on hop-off bus Rome route map PDF to help you navigate the city and plan your adventures.

To simplify things even further, I’ve put together all the maps from each provider that cover every stop from each route. These maps will be your perfect companion as you explore Rome and soak in all its history and charm—because that’s what these tours are all about!

I Love Rome Hop on Hop off Bus Map

Explore the official websites here to find the maps and routes that suit your plans.

• Big Bus Rome Hop on Hop off MAP – see map here >>
• City Sightseeing Rome Hop on Hop off MAP – see map here >>
• IOBUS Rome Hop on Hop off MAP – see map here >>
• Greenline Rome Hop on Hop off MAP – see map here >>

Hop on Hop off Rome Visit + Attractions

Rome hop on hop off bus tickets cover a wide range of the city's iconic attractions.

These tours usually include stops at or near the following sites:

• Colosseum: the well-known amphitheater of ancient Rome is a must-see for any visitor.
• Roman Forum: this sprawling complex of ruins was once the center of Roman public life.
• Vatican City: of course buses don't enter Vatican City but they often stop nearby so you get easy access to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
• Trevi Fountain: this baroque masterpiece is one of Rome's most famous landmarks.
• Spanish Steps: a popular gathering place and architectural wonder.
• Pantheon: an ancient temple turned into a church, recognizable at its impressive dome.
• Piazza Navona: a beautiful square featuring stunning baroque architecture and fountains.
• Circus Maximus: the ancient chariot racing stadium.
• Castel Sant'Angelo: this fortress-turned-museum boasts panoramic views of the city.
• Piazza Venezia: home to the imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument.

But please note there also are some sites that these tours can't reach due to traffic restrictions or location:

• Catacombs: some ancient underground burial tunnels that are too far from the city center for hop-on hop-off routes.
• Appian Way: this ancient Roman road is usually not included in standard routes.
• Borghese Gallery: located in the Villa Borghese gardens, this art museum is just out of reach for most bus tours.
• Trastevere neighborhood: this charming area's narrow streets are not accessible to large tour buses.

Final Tips

Here are some final tips to make the most of your open bus hop on hop off Rome experience:

1. Start early in the day to maximize your ticket's value and avoid peak crowds.
2. Plan your route in advance using the hop on hop off bus Rome route map to optimize your sightseeing.
3. Download the tour company's app for real-time bus tracking and updated schedules.
4. Bring sunscreen, water and a hat for sun protection, especially during summer months.
5. Consider starting with a full loop to get an overview of the city before hopping off at specific stops.
6. Avoid rush hour times if possible to minimize delays due to traffic congestion.
7. Keep your mobile device charged for digital tickets and audio guides.
8. Sit on the upper deck for the best views, but be prepared to move inside if the weather changes.
9. Take advantage of any included walking tours or additional perks offered with your ticket.
10. Don't try to see everything in one day – prioritize your must-see attractions and enjoy a relaxed pace. However, if you’re planning a one-day visit, take a look at my guide on how to spend a day in Rome without overwhelming yourself.

FAQs

Are there private or group tour options for the Rome hop-on hop-off bus?

Most Rome hop-on hop-off bus services are designed for individual travelers or small groups. Private tours are not usually offered but some companies may accommodate larger groups if you book in advance.

If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, consider combining a hop-on hop-off bus tour with a private walking tour of some attractions.

Does Roma Pass include hop on hop off bus?

The standard Roma Pass does not include hop-on hop-off bus services but some combo packages like the Roma Pass and Open Bus Daily offer both the Roma Pass benefits and access to hop-on hop-off buses.

These combo tickets will allow you to visit Rome's attractions and use public transportation along with the sightseeing bus.

Are Rome’s hop-on hop-off bus tours accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes, most hop-on hop-off bus tours in Rome are accessible for people with disabilities. Many operators (Big Bus, Green Line Tours, etc.) have buses equipped with wheelchair ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs on the lower deck.

Some buses also feature a kneeling system to make boarding easier. Don’t hesitate to contact your tour company in advance to ensure accommodation.

How much is hop on hop off bus in Rome?

Prices for hop-on hop-off bus tours in Rome range from €25 to €40 for a 24-hour ticket. The price will depend on the company and season.

Tickets valid for a longer duration (48 or 72 hours) cost more but offer better value. Some companies also provide discounts for online bookings or combo tickets with attraction entries.

How long does the hop-on hop-off bus tour in Rome take?

A full circuit of a Rome hop-on hop-off bus tour usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours without getting off. But the advantage of these tours is the flexibility to hop off and explore at your own pace.

Most tickets are valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours so you get to spread your sightseeing over multiple days.

Is it safe to ride the hop-on hop-off bus at night in Rome?

Yes, it’s mostly safe. Many companies offer night tours or extend their services into the evening especially during summer months.

Those tours are great to get a different perspective of Rome's illuminated landmarks, but be aware that night services usually have reduced frequency and fewer stops compared to daytime routes.

Are the hop-on hop-off bus tours in Rome suitable for children?

Of course they are. Many buses have open-top decks to access exciting views and some companies provide child-friendly audio guides or special commentary for kids.

Also, the possibility to hop off at playgrounds or child-friendly attractions will allow families to have a great time. You’ll have to ensure your children are always supervised, especially on the upper deck.

How frequently do the hop-on hop-off buses run in Rome?

All Rome hop-on hop-off bus services run frequently. Buses arrive every 10-20 minutes at each stop during peak hours.

City Sightseeing and Roma City Tour operate buses every 10-15 minutes from morning until evening. In off-peak seasons or hours, the frequency usually decreases slightly.

Is it worth taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Rome?

The hop-on hop-off bus tour in Rome can be worth it, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.

This way you’ll get a convenient overview of major attractions, save time from public transport and have access to informative audio guides. The open-top buses also have great views of the city, but please remember Rome is also very walkable.

Are hop-on hop-off bus tours in Rome pet-friendly?

Small pets in carriers are allowed on most Rome hop-on hop-off buses, but policies vary between operators.

Service animals are usually permitted but it's best to check with your own tour company before booking if you plan to bring a pet.

Can I bring luggage on the Rome hop-on hop-off bus tour?

Most Rome hop-on hop-off bus tours have limited space for luggage and will restrict large bags for safety reasons.

Small backpacks and daypacks are allowed. If you have larger luggage, it's best to store it at your accommodation or a luggage storage facility before taking the tour.

Conclusion on Hop on Hop Off Rome

We hope this handy guide helps you plan your trip to Rome. We are big fans of hop on hop off bus tours for cities with a huge number of attractions, especially for those with limited time or those on a budget.

This is the best way to explore Rome by far, so 🚌 book online today to ensure you get the best deals.