In a nutshell
- We only recommend taking the hop-on hop-off bus in Rome during the low season. In peak months, the buses are often so crowded that you might not even be able to board.
- Many top attractions are located in the pedestrian-only zone of the historic center, where buses aren’t allowed. That means you’ll sometimes need to walk a bit from the nearest stop.
- Our top pick is the Big Bus Rome: it covers all the major sights, includes self-guided walking tours, and is the only tour that also stops at the catacombs.
- If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Greenline hop-on hop-off bus is a good choice. It’s ideal if you’re happy just seeing the main highlights.
Is Hop-on Hop-off in Rome Worth it?
We would only recommend taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Rome during the low season, roughly from October to March.
This is especially helpful if you’re visiting Rome for just a few days and want to cover a lot in a short time.
In the high season, the Rome hop-on hop-off buses are often so crowded that you might have to wait for several buses to pass before finding space. Since the tickets are time-limited, that can eat into your sightseeing time.
During the busier months, it’s usually faster to explore on foot or use the metro or city buses. It’s the better option if you want to get around efficiently.
What You Should Know About the Hop-on Hop-off Bus Providers in Rome
There are a few things to keep in mind when taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Rome:
The Hop-on Hop-off Bus doesn’t always stop right in front of the main attractions
Unlike cities like London or Paris, where the buses often stop right by the top sights, that’s not always the case with the Rome hop-on hop-off buses.
Many of Rome’s major attractions are located in the historic center, which is a pedestrian-only zone. Buses aren’t allowed to drive through it.
That includes the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.
Even at places like the Vatican, the hop-on hop-off stop is about a 10-minute walk from St. Peter’s Square.
The following highlights, on the other hand, are right along the route. That means you can hop off the bus directly in front of them:
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
- Piazza Navona
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Catacombs of Rome
Note: Many hop-on hop-off tour providers list the Circus Maximus as a stop. In ancient Rome, this was the stadium where chariot races were held. It sounds impressive, but today, it’s really just an open field. Locals walk their dogs here, and it’s sometimes used for concerts, but there’s nothing worth getting off the bus for.
Traffic in Rome can slow down the buses
Traffic in Rome is often hectic, and congestion is a daily reality. The hop-on hop-off buses in Rome don’t always have dedicated lanes and can easily get caught in jams.
If you’re using a Rome hop-on hop-off bus to reach timed-entry attractions, we recommend giving yourself some extra time just in case. It’s better to arrive early than risk missing your slot.
Our Recommendation: Which Hop-on Hop-off Bus is The Best?
There are a total of five hop-on hop-off providers in Rome.
All of them cover the major sights, like the Colosseum and the Vatican, and include audio commentary.
But some offer a few extra features that make them stand out.
We’ve looked at all the options and can confidently recommend two hop-on hop-off tours in Rome:
The Best Value for Money: Big Bus Rome
The Big Bus Rome offers the best value for money among all hop-on hop-off buses in Rome. Here’s what makes Big Bus stand out from the rest:
- Choice of two well-designed routes that actually cover all the must-see spots in Rome
- The only provider that takes you to the Catacombs, which are a bit outside the city center
- Includes four self-guided walking tours through the app with audio commentary
- Optional evening tour from 8 pm. A great way to see Rome lit up at night
You can also book a shorter tour instead of a full 24-hour pass. It lasts 1.5 hours and is cheaper, though the self-guided tours aren’t included.
Book your ticket for the Big Bus Rome
The Budget-Friendly Option: Greenline Tours
Greenline is the best pick if you’re looking for a more affordable hop-on hop-off bus in Rome. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Includes three different routes: the classic Green Route, the Blue Route that takes you to Rome’s museums, and the Orange Route through the Testaccio area, which they call a foodie district (though honestly, we think that title belongs to Trastevere).
- Offers a low-cost 1-day ticket: ride as much as you like from morning until evening on the same day.
If you’re short on time in Rome and want to see the main sights in a single day, the 1-day ticket for 24 euros is a solid choice. Just take the Green Route, it covers all the key highlights of the city.
Book your ticket for the Greenline hop-on hop-off bus
All Providers for Hop-on Hop-off in Rome at a Glance
Our table gives you a quick overview of all the hop-on hop-off bus providers in Rome and what each one offers. It’s an easy way to compare them side by side.
| Big Bus Rome Our Favorite! | Greenline Tours | City Sightseeing | I Love Rome | IoBus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-hour price | €32 | €33 | €33 | €34 | €30 |
| 48-hour price | €40 | €38 | €39 | €38 | €34 |
| 72-hour price | €45 | €43 | €46 | €42 | €38 |
| Free for children | up to 4 years | up to 5 years | up to 4 years | up to 5 years | up to 5 years |
| City Pass discount | Included in the Omnia Card | no | Included in the Omnia Card | no | no |
| Routes | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Stops | 8 (red) 7 (purple) | 15 | 12 | 8 | 8 |
| Frequency | 14 minutes | 20 minutes | 15 minutes | 10-15 minutes | |
| Service hours | 9 am – 7 pm | 9 am - 6:30 pm | 9 am – 7 pm | 8:30 am - 6:40 pm | 9 am - 6:20 pm |
| Audioguide | English | English | English | English | English |
| Extras | Walking tour | - | Walking tour | Walking tour | Walking tour |
| Ticket | Book your ticket | Book your ticket | Book your ticket | Book your ticket | Book your ticket |
Conclusion
To sum it up, the hop-on hop-off bus in Rome is a good option if:
- you’re visiting Rome during the low season,
- you don’t mind walking a bit to reach some of the main sights,
- you’re okay with some delays due to Rome’s traffic.
If you’re planning to take a hop-on hop-off tour in Rome during the summer months, we suggest going on a weekday. With a little luck, the buses won’t be too crowded.
But if you’re in Rome on a weekend between April and September, you’re better off using public transport. City buses and the metro run more often than the hop-on hop-off buses and a single ticket costs just €1.50.
FAQ About Hop-on Hop-off in Rome
Do you recommend buying my hop-on hop-off ticket in advance?
There’s no need to buy your hop-on hop-off ticket in advance. Same-day tickets are also available. However, the easiest and most convenient way to purchase is online.
Is the hop-on hop-off tour in Rome wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off buses in Rome are accessible and equipped with ramps for wheelchair users.
Is the hop-on hop-off bus in Rome suitable for children?
The hop-on hop-off buses are a real treat for children, especially the open-air sun deck. With some providers, children only need to pay the full fare starting from the age of 6.
Are there alternatives to the hop-on hop-off bus in Rome?
You can also explore Rome on foot or by using public transportation. A regular bus or metro ticket costs €1.50.
What are the luggage restrictions on the hop-on hop-off bus?
Suitcases and large travel bags are not allowed on the hop-on hop-off buses. Only small daypacks are permitted.
Are dogs allowed on the hop-on hop-off bus in Rome?
Dogs are allowed on the hop-on hop-off buses in Rome, but they must wear a muzzle.
Are the hop-on hop-off buses included in the Rome Pass?
The hop-on/hop-off buses are only included in the Omnia Card.