Explore one of the world’s oldest cities without the uphill climbs.
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Big Bus Tours
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Big Bus Tours
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Big Bus Tours
Sightseeing Experience srlQuick Guide
Rome Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
Four companies run hop-on hop-off tours in Rome, and here’s what makes them different.
Tickets & Prices
All four operators offer flexible ticket options to match how long you’re staying in Rome.
The most common options are 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour tickets. Some operators also offer One Day tickets that expire at the end of the calendar day, Half Day tickets valid for 4 hours, or One Loop tickets if you just want to sit back and see everything without getting off.
Operator Comparison
| Feature | Big Bus Rome | City Sightseeing Rome | Green Line Tours | Gray Line I Love Rome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Pick | ||||
| Ticket Options | • Half-Day (3h) • 1 Day • 24h, 48h, 72h | • One Loop • 1 Day • 24h, 48h, 72h | • Daily • 24h, 48h, 72h • 3 Pass (3 stops only) | • One Run • Half Day (4h) • 24h, 48h, 72h |
| Routes | 2 routes (Red + Purple) | 2 routes (Red + Jubilee) | 3 routes (Green, Orange, Blue) | 1 route |
| Total Stops | Red: 8 stops Purple: 7 stops | Red: 10 stops Jubilee: 12 stops | 15 stops across all routes | 8 stops |
| Audio Guide Languages | 7 languages (English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish) | 8 languages (English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish) | 16 languages (Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish) | 12 languages (English, Arabic, Mandarin, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish) |
| Key Features | ✓ Vox City Digital Walking Tours (Only with 24h, 48h, and 72h Passes) ✓ Fully Flexible date changes ✓ Real-time bus tracking app | ✓ Sightseeing Experience app ✓ Real-time bus tracking ✓ Works on 2 bus companies ✓ Walking tour in 5 languages (Only with 1 Day, 24h, 48h, and 72h Passes) ✓ Jubilee Line with basilica access | ✓ Access to all 3 routes with one ticket ✓ Most language options ✓ 3 Pass option (3 stops only) | ✓ Kids audio commentary ✓ Pet friendly (medium-size) ✓ Pink buses |
| Combo Packages | • Colosseum entry | • Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Pantheon + Bus Tour • Catacombs tour |
Detailed Pricing Tables
Big Bus tickets include unlimited hop-on hop-off access during their duration, audio commentary, free WiFi, real-time bus tracking app, and free Vox City digital walking tours.
Note: Half-day and 1-day tickets don’t include the walking tours.
| Ticket Type | Duration | Adult (16+) | Child (5-15) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day Ticket | 3 hours | €22.00 | €13.00 |
| 1-Day Ticket | Morning to evening (same day) | €25.00 | €12.00 |
| 24-Hour Ticket | 24 hours from first use | €29.00 | €16.00 |
| 48-Hour Ticket | 48 hours from first use | €34.00 | €17.00 |
| 72-Hour Ticket | 72 hours from first use | €43.00 | €18.00 |
City Sightseeing tickets include unlimited hop-on hop-off access during their duration, audio commentary, free WiFi, Sightseeing Experience app, and walking tour in 5 languages.
Note: One Loop ticket doesn’t include the walking tour.
| Ticket Type | Duration | Adult | Child (5-15y) |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Loop | Single circuit (no hop-off) | €15.00 | €15.00 |
| 1-Day Ticket | Morning to evening (same day) | €26.00 | €13.00 |
| 24-Hour Ticket | 24 hours from first use | €33.00 | €16.00 |
| 48-Hour Ticket | 48 hours from first use | €39.00 | €19.00 |
| 72-Hour Ticket | 72 hours from first use | €46.00 | €23.00 |
Green Line tickets include access to all 3 routes (Green, Orange, Blue), audio commentary, free WiFi, and multilingual assistance on board.
| Ticket Type | Duration | Adult | Child (6-12y) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Pass | One day with 3 hop-offs | €22.00 | €16.00 |
| Daily Ticket | Morning to evening (same day) | €28.00 | €18.00 |
| 24-Hour Ticket | 24 hours from first use | €34.00 | €19.00 |
| 48-Hour Ticket | 48 hours from first use | €40.00 | €24.00 |
| 72-Hour Ticket | 72 hours from first use | €45.00 | €31.00 |
Gray Line tickets include unlimited hop-on hop-off access during their duration, audio guide, free WiFi, and kids audio commentary (English, Italian).
| Ticket Type | Duration | Adult | Child (6-12y) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Day (4H) | 4 hours from first use | €17.60 | €12.80 |
| One Run | Single circuit (no hop-off) | €19.00 | €14.00 |
| 24-Hour Ticket | 24 hours from first use | €30.00 | €14.40 |
| 48-Hour Ticket | 48 hours from first use | €30.40 | €17.60 |
| 72-Hour Ticket | 72 hours from first use | €33.60 | €24.80 |
Smart Tips for Choosing
- 24-hour pass is perfect if you’re short on time and mainly want to see the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Vatican in one day.
- 48-hour pass gives you more flexibility to actually hop off and explore at a relaxed pace.
- 72-hour option is the best value per day and ideal if you want to combine your ride with deeper sightseeing or a few day trips.
- If you’re traveling with kids, City Sightseeing and Big Bus both offer easy-to-use audio options designed for younger riders, so you don’t have to worry about timing or schedules.
- Look for combo tickets if you’re planning to visit the Colosseum or take a river cruise anyway, as bundling saves you money and time booking.
FAQs about Ticketing & Pricing
How much is the hop-on hop-off bus in Rome?
The price depends on which operator you pick and how long you want to ride. All four companies sell 24-hour, 48-hour, and 72-hour passes, and a few add Half Day or single-loop options for shorter visits. Big Bus tends to come in cheapest of the four. The Tickets & Prices section above breaks down every duration so you can match a pass to your trip.
Is it cheaper to book online or buy at the stop?
You can buy from staff right at the bus stop when you board, but booking online usually works out better. You get immediate confirmation and a mobile voucher you can use straight away, and online prices are sometimes lower than the stop’s. Booking ahead also locks in your spot before you arrive, and most operators let you change your date or cancel for free up to 24 hours out if you pick a refundable ticket.
Can I bundle the bus with attraction tickets?
Yes, and it usually saves you both money and queue time. Big Bus offers the most combos, including a Bus Ticket plus Colosseum combo with skip-the-line entry to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill. There’s also a Catacombs tour package if you want the underground side of Rome. The Save with Bus + Attraction Bundles section above lays out the options.
Route Maps & Stops
Rome has four hop-on hop-off operators offering six different routes covering the city’s must-see attractions and hidden gems. Between them, you’ve got dozens of stops within walking distance of Rome’s most famous landmarks.
Big Bus Rome Routes
Big Bus runs two distinct routes that give you access to both Rome’s main attractions and some unique experiences most tourists miss.
Download Big Bus Rome detailed route map (PDF).
Red Route – Big Bus Rome
- Duration: 105 minutes for the full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 14 minutes
- Operating hours: First bus at 9:00, last bus between 19:00-20:18 depending on stop
- Main stop: Termini Railway Station (Stop 1)
Stops include:
- Termini Railway Station (9:00-19:00) – Rome’s main train station with access to shopping streets
- Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore (9:11-19:10) – Ancient basilica and Michelangelo’s Moses statue nearby
- Colosseum (9:26-19:24) – The iconic amphitheater, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
- Circo Massimo (9:34-19:31) – Ancient chariot racing stadium and the Mouth of Truth
- Piazza Venezia (9:40-19:38) – Monumental square with the Vittoriano and Capitoline Museums
- Vatican (9:37-19:49) – St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, and Castel Sant’Angelo
- Ludovisi / Spanish Steps (9:59-20:11) – Villa Borghese gardens and Galleria Borghese
- Piazza Barberini / Spanish Steps (9:48-20:18) – Trevi Fountain and Quirinal Palace
Route Highlights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus, Piazza Venezia, Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Villa Borghese.
This route covers all of Rome’s greatest hits in one convenient loop. You’ll see the Colosseum up close, drive past the ancient Circus Maximus, stop near the Vatican for St. Peter’s Basilica, and visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. The route connects all the landmarks first-time visitors want to see, making it perfect if you’re short on time.
Purple Route – Big Bus Rome
- Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Frequency: Check the Big Bus Tours app for specific departure times
- Operating hours: First bus at 9:45, last bus between 16:05-17:05 depending on stop
- Main stop: Termini Railway Station (Stop 1)
Stops include:
- Termini Railway Station (9:45-16:05)
- Colosseum (10:05-16:33)
- Caffarella Park (10:15-16:43)
- Catacombs & Church of San Sebastiano (10:19-16:47)
- Fosse Ardeatine (10:23-16:51)
- Baths of Caracalla (10:29-16:59)
- Circo Massimo (10:35-17:05)
Route Highlights: Basilica of St. John Lateran, Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Catacombs of San Sebastiano, Catacombs of San Callisto, Baths of Caracalla, Pyramid of Cestius, Mouth of Truth, and Piazza Venezia.
The Purple Route takes you along the ancient Appian Way, one of Rome’s most historic roads built in 312 BC. This route is all about exploring underground Rome with a guided tour of the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, massive ancient bath complexes, and quieter archaeological sites away from the crowds. This is only available with the Catacombs Tour Package ticket.
City Sightseeing Routes
City Sightseeing operates one main route plus a special Jubilee Line. Your ticket works on both City Sightseeing and ORP Omnia buses, giving you more frequent service.
Download City Sightseeing Rome route map & timetable (PDF).
Main Route – City Sightseeing
- Duration: 90 minutes for the full loop
- Frequency: Buses every 15-20 minutes
- Operating hours: 9:00-18:30 daily
- Main stop: Via Marsala / Piazza dei Cinquecento
Stops include:
- Via Marsala, 7 – Near Termini Station
- Via Giolitti – Termini area
- Piazza del Cinquecento – Termini Station main square
- Santa Maria Maggiore – Ancient basilica
- Colosseo – The Colosseum and Roman Forum
- Circo Massimo – Circus Maximus
- Piazza Venezia – Monumental square and Capitoline Hill
- Vaticano – Vatican City and St. Peter’s
- Piazza di Spagna – Spanish Steps
- Piazza Barberini – Trevi Fountain area
Route Highlights: City Sightseeing’s route covers nearly identical ground to Big Bus’s Red Route, hitting all the major sights in one convenient loop. The advantage here is that your ticket works on two different bus companies (City Sightseeing and ORP Omnia), so you’ll never wait long for a bus to arrive. The integrated ticketing system means more buses and more flexibility.
Notice:
- The Piazza del Cinquecento stop is closed. Alternative stop and terminal: Via Giolitti.
- Stop Colosseo is suspended until further notice.
Green Line Tours Routes
Green Line is the only operator running three different routes, giving you the most variety with one ticket. Together, the routes cover 15 stops across different neighborhoods.
Download Green Line Tours detailed route maps (PDF).
Notice:
Stop 3 Colosseum is temporarily unavailable until further notice.
Green Route – Green Line Tours
- Duration: Varies by traffic, typically 90-120 minutes
- Frequency:
- Terminal 1A: Regular departures from 9:00 to 18:30
- Terminal 1C: Specific departures at 9:40, 10:55, 11:35, 12:40, 13:15, 14:30
- Operating hours: Daily from Terminal 1A
Stops include:
- 1A Terminal
- 1C Terminal
- 2 Santa Maria Maggiore
- 3 Colosseum
- 4 Circus Maximus
- 5 Piazza Venezia
- 6 Vatican City
- 7 Villa Borghese
- 8 Barberini Square
Route Highlights: The Green Route is your classic Rome tour, covering the main attractions like the Colosseum, Vatican, and Spanish Steps. This is the route to take if you want to see the iconic landmarks that brought you to Rome in the first place.
Orange Route – Green Line Tours
- Duration: Shorter route focused on Pyramid area
- Frequency: Terminal 1B, regular departures from 11:55 to 14:35
- Operating hours: Daily from Terminal 1B
Stops include:
- 1B Terminal
- 2 Santa Maria Maggiore
- 3 Colosseum
- 4 Circus Maximus
- 5 Piazza Venezia
- 6 Vatican City
- 7 Villa Borghese
- 8 Barberini Square
- 9 Pyramid-Testaccio Quarter
- 10 Ostiense Station
Route Highlights: The Orange Route focuses on the area around the Pyramid of Cestius and takes you into neighborhoods where Romans actually live and eat. This is your ticket to authentic Roman trattorias and local markets without the tourist crowds. Perfect for food lovers who want to experience Rome.
Blue Route – Green Line Tours
- Duration: Varies by traffic
- Frequency: Terminal 1B, regular departures from 11:55 to 14:35
- Operating hours: Daily from Terminal 1B
Stops include:
- 1B Terminal
- 3 Colosseum
- 4 Circus Maximus
- 5 Piazza Venezia
- 6 Vatican City
- 7 Villa Borghese
- 8 Barberini Square
- 11 Auditorium Parco della Musica
- 12 Maxxi Museum
- 13 Villa Giulia National Etruscan Museum
- 14 Bioparco/Zoo
- 15 Borghese Gallery
Route Highlights: The Blue Route explores Rome’s museum district and cultural venues away from the main tourist circuit. You’ll visit modern art museums like MAXXI, the beautiful Villa Borghese area, and the city’s zoo. This route shows you a different side of Rome beyond ancient ruins.
Gray Line Routes
Gray Line operates one main route in their distinctive pink buses, covering all the essential stops across Rome’s historic center.
Main Route – Gray Line
- Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes for the full loop
- Frequency: Every 15–20 minutes
- Operating hours: Check Gray Line website for current times
- Summer season (March 15 – October 31): First bus 8:30 from Largo Peretti, last bus 18:40 from Termini
- Winter season (November 4 – March 13): First bus 8:30 from Largo Peretti, last bus 17:40 from Termini
- Main stop: Stazione Termini
Stops include:
- Stazione Termini – Shopping streets of Piazza della Repubblica and Via Nazionale
- Santa Maria Maggiore – Ancient basilica and Church of San Pietro in Vincoli with Michelangelo’s Moses
- Colosseum Archaeological Area – Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill
- Circo Massimo – The Mouth of Truth – Circus Maximus and the famous Mouth of Truth
- Piazza Venezia – Shopping Area – Monumental square and shopping district
- Lungotevere Tor di Nona 7 – Near Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo
- Spanish Steps – Iconic steps and luxury shopping
- Piazza Barberini and Trevi Fountain – Trevi Fountain and Barberini Palace
Route Highlights: Gray Line’s route hits all the essential landmarks in a compact 8-stop circuit. The pink buses are easy to spot, and the route is designed to get you within walking distance of everything on a first-timer’s must-see list. With kids’ audio commentary and pet-friendly policies, this is a solid choice for families.
Which operator has the best routes?
For the most straightforward experience covering all the main sights, Big Bus Red Route, City Sightseeing, and Gray Line all follow similar paths through Rome’s historic center. If you just want to see the Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps without overthinking it, any of these will work perfectly.
For the widest coverage and variety, Green Line wins with their three-route system. You get the classic tourist circuit plus food-focused neighborhoods and cultural venues that other operators skip. If you’re in Rome for more than two days or want to explore beyond the typical attractions, Green Line gives you the most options with one ticket.
For unique experiences, Big Bus’s Purple Route stands out. The Catacombs tour and Appian Way journey take you to ancient underground burial chambers and historic roads that most hop-on hop-off tours don’t cover. This is your chance to see a completely different side of Rome.
For families, Gray Line’s compact 8-stop route with kids’ commentary keeps things simple and engaging for children. The shorter route means less time on the bus and more time exploring.
What to See & Do
Hop off to Grab Some Roman & Italian Food
Get off near Campo de’ Fiori or Trastevere to grab a plate of cacio e pepe or a scoop of gelato that actually tastes like fresh fruit. Street vendors sell supplì (fried rice balls) that locals swear by, and if you time it right, you can sit down for an espresso before catching the next bus.
Listen to the Audio Guide
Every Rome bus tour comes with multilingual commentary that provides helpful context for what you’re seeing. It’s a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the city and its rich history.
Explore Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, but it’s packed with history and art you won’t find anywhere else. Its home to St. Peter’s Bastilica, and the Sistine Chapel. Its full of rich, iconic history, even if you’re not religious.
Top Rome Landmarks on the Tour
Colosseum
The Colosseum is Rome’s most famous landmark, and it’s worth hopping off to actually step inside — walking through the arena and seeing the underground tunnels gives you a real sense of how massive and brutal the gladiator games once were.
Circus Maximus
This is the site of what used to be Rome’s biggest stadium. It looks like a park now, but thousands once gathered here to watch chariot races. It’s a nice place for a walk or a quick photo with Palatine Hill in the background.
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia sits right in the heart of Rome, where all the city’s main roads seem to meet. The huge white Victor Emmanuel II monument is here, and you can even go up to the top for one of the best views in the city.
Vatican City
Home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, it’s one of the world’s most visited religious sites. Remember to bring a cover-up for your shoulders if you plan to enter the basilica.
Trevi Fountain
It is said that if you toss a coin over your shoulder into Trevi Fountain, it’ll guarantee a return trip to Rome. It’s one of the city’s busiest but most beautiful spots, especially at night.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps connect Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. It’s a popular meeting spot and one of the best places to sit for a few minutes between stops.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is over 2,000 years old and still perfectly preserved. If you head inside you can see the massive dome and oculus that inspired centuries of architecture.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona was built over an ancient Roman stadium and is now one of the busiest squares in the city. It’s surrounded by cafés and street performers. There are several fountains that make it a great place to stop for a coffee or give your feet a rest.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo was first built as Emperor Hadrian’s tomb, but over the centuries it evolved into a fortress, a castle, and even a papal hideout. Today you can walk through the corridors and climb to the top for one of the best views of the Tiber River and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Villa Borghese
Vill Borghese is Rome’s biggest park and its full of gardens, museums, and shaded walking paths.
FAQs
What’s the best hop-on hop-off bus in Rome?
Each of the four fits a different kind of visitor. Big Bus is the easiest pick for first-timers, with the most frequent buses and free Vox City walking tours on the multi-day passes. City Sightseeing tickets also work on the yellow Vatican & Rome buses, so you wait less. Green Line Tours runs three separate routes for travelers who want more than the classic circuit. Gray Line I Love Rome is the family choice, with kids’ commentary and pet-friendly pink buses. The Operator Comparison section above sets them side by side.
Is the hop-on hop-off bus worth it in Rome?
It’s worth it when your must-see list runs across the city. The Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps are a long walk apart, and Rome’s hills and cobbled streets make walking between them slow. A bus connects them in one loop with audio commentary along the way, which suits first-time visitors short on time. If you’re staying central and plan to see just one or two sights, a full pass is hard to justify.
What are the stops on the Rome hop-on hop-off bus?
Across the four operators there are dozens of stops, but the headline landmarks are the same. Big Bus’s Red Route hits Termini Station, Santa Maria Maggiore, the Colosseum, Circo Massimo, Piazza Venezia, the Vatican, the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Barberini for the Trevi Fountain. City Sightseeing and Gray Line follow nearly the same circuit, while Green Line adds neighborhood and museum stops. The Route Maps & Stops section above lists every stop and links each operator’s route map PDF.
What time do the buses start in Rome?
Big Bus’s Red Route starts at 9:00 and runs a bus every 14 minutes, with the last departures between 19:00 and 20:18 depending on the stop. Gray Line starts earliest, at 8:30 in summer. City Sightseeing runs 9:00 to 18:30. The full loop takes between about 90 minutes and 1 hour 40 depending on the operator, so most people get off near a monument and continue on a later bus rather than ride the whole circuit at once.