Big Bus Rome
Hop-on hop-off bus tour of Rome, offering panoramic views and convenient access to major attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Big Bus Rome
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hop-on hop-off bus tour of Rome, offering panoramic views and convenient access to major attractions.
"The best way to see a city and hop-on and hop-off at the various sites you want to see."
🗺️ Use the App for Real-Time Info
Track bus locations and arrival times to minimize waiting. :iphone:
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Rome gets hot. Carry water, especially on the open-top deck. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Upper Deck
Soak in Rome's iconic landmarks from a unique vantage point on the open-top double-decker bus.
Colosseum & Roman Forum
Stop 5 (Colosseum)
Easily access the heart of ancient Rome and explore its magnificent ruins.
Vatican City Exploration
Stop 6 (Vatican)
Get close to St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums with convenient hop-on access.
Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps
Stop 7 (Spanish Steps)
Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain and climb the iconic Spanish Steps.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Roman Heat & Crowds
Maximize Your Hop-On Hop-Off
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Use the App for Real-Time Info
Track bus locations and arrival times to minimize waiting. :iphone:
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Rome gets hot. Carry water, especially on the open-top deck. :droplet:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be hopping on and off, so wear comfy shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for the open-top bus. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Use the App for Real-Time Info
Track bus locations and arrival times to minimize waiting. :iphone:
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Rome gets hot. Carry water, especially on the open-top deck. :droplet:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be hopping on and off, so wear comfy shoes for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for the open-top bus. :sunwithface:
🎟️ Consider Multi-Day Passes
Great value if you plan to see many sites over a few days. :admission_tickets:
👂 Listen to the Guides
Guides like Christian and Flavia offer great insights and tips. :microphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Big Bus Rome is widely praised for its convenience and comprehensive coverage of major attractions, making it ideal for first-time visitors and families. The open-top deck offers fantastic views, and guides are often noted for their humor and informativeness. However, some users found walking between closely located sites to be faster than waiting for the bus.
"This is truly the best way to see a city and you can hop-on and hop-off at the various sites you want to see. All sorts of ticket options available. Even if you only have a few hours short stay over to see a city - this is the way to do it.
We did Rome on this occasion."
Tom Hallahan
"Christian was a handsomly humorous tour guide. Very friendly and informative. We were with Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean cruise. A 6 hour leisure time from 10:30am-4:30pm. We purchased fast passes with Tiqets.com for the Sistine Chapel, 2 months prior to cruising.
1. An 11:45 meeting time and we made it over there on time for our noon entry into the Sistine Chapel. We quickly went through to solely see the Creation by Michael Angelo.
2. After that we were able to take the red bus from the Vatican, stop 6, to the Spanish stairs, stop 7.
3. A short walk over to the Trevi Fountain.
4. Stopped for Limon in Limon.
5. Walked over to the Colosseum.
6. Walked to get coffee and an Aperol Spritz.
7. Back at meeting point, stop 4, Circo Massimo. 30 minutes prior to departing.
Note* we speed walk to allow more leisure time at each stop.
Red bus tours had a bus ready for our motor coach right when we arrived.
We did not go near stop 1 as our guide told us there was a 10-15 minute break for drivers that they have to turn off their engines.
We found that walking would've been faster verses waiting for the bus at some stops.
They gave us a great map of the bus route that we were able to gauge distance and time.
Thank you Red Bus tours! We were able to get so much more site seeing in then we hoped for on the Hop on Hop off."
Julie Bell
"Flavia was great explaining what we needed to do. We followed Flavia’s route and we saw all the sites we wanted to see in plenty of time for our return to the Cruise. The bus app worked really well as knew where the buses where and we knew what direction to go. Would recommend and would use again"
Richard Shannon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Big Bus Rome has numerous stops throughout the city, with a key hub near Termini Station. You can also reach many stops via Rome's public transport system. The app is crucial for locating the nearest stop and bus.
Yes, many Big Bus Rome stops are conveniently located near public transport links, including metro stations and local bus routes, making it easy to connect from other parts of the city.
While Big Bus Rome doesn't directly go to the airport, you can take a train or bus from Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA) airports to Termini Station, which is a major Big Bus stop.
For shorter distances, walking is often best. For longer journeys, Rome has a metro system, local buses, and trams. Uber is also available, though buses can be more budget-friendly.
Absolutely! Big Bus Rome strategically places stops near iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon, making it easy to hop off and explore.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the pass duration (1, 2, or 3 days). Expect prices around $30-$40 USD for a 2-day pass, offering great value for extensive sightseeing.
You can purchase tickets online through the Big Bus Tours website, third-party vendors like GetYourGuide, or directly from the bus driver or at designated ticket booths. +1
Keep an eye out for potential discount codes or promo offers online, especially during off-peak seasons or through travel deal websites.
Operating hours typically run from around 9 AM to 6 PM, with variations depending on the season. It's best to check the official Big Bus Tours website or app for the most current schedule.
Yes, Big Bus Rome offers multi-day passes (e.g., 2-day or 3-day) that allow you to hop on and off as many times as you like within the validity period.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hop-on hop-off system allows you to disembark at any designated stop to explore an attraction and then re-board a later bus. It's a flexible way to see the city at your own pace.
Yes, Big Bus Rome typically provides an audio commentary in multiple languages, offering historical and cultural insights as you travel.
The open-top deck is fantastic in good weather, but it can be exposed to sun and rain. Some buses have covered sections, and it's wise to check the weather and dress accordingly.
Bus frequency varies, but generally, you can expect a bus to arrive every 15-20 minutes during peak hours. The app helps you track real-time arrivals.
Big Bus Rome usually operates a main route covering major historical sites and attractions. They may also offer specialized routes like a night tour. Check their map for details. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The upper deck offers unparalleled panoramic views for capturing Rome's skyline and landmarks. Aim for the front or sides for unobstructed shots. +1
Early mornings or late afternoons provide softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. The night tour offers a magical perspective of illuminated monuments.
Yes, you can take photos from the lower deck, but the views will be partially obstructed by windows. The upper deck is highly recommended for photography enthusiasts.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing cityscapes. A zoom lens can be useful for details on distant landmarks. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards! :camerawithflash:
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, be mindful of other passengers' privacy and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider purchasing a multi-day pass so you don't feel rushed. The hop-on hop-off feature allows for flexibility, letting you take breaks for gelato or snacks whenever needed. The audio commentary can also be engaging for older children interested in history. It's a stress-free way to introduce your family to the wonders of Rome.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for discount codes or promotions online before booking. The audio commentary provides a free guided tour experience, saving you money on guided tours. Remember to pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at tourist-heavy locations, further stretching your budget.
couples
Use the hop-on hop-off feature to visit charming piazzas, enjoy a leisurely stroll to the Trevi Fountain, or find a cozy trattoria for lunch. The convenience allows you to focus on enjoying each other's company and the beauty of Rome without the stress of navigation. Consider a two-day pass to allow for spontaneous stops and leisurely exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Rome with Big Bus Tours
Travelers often praise the flexibility of the hop-on hop-off system, enabling them to disembark at points of interest, explore at their leisure, and then catch a subsequent bus. This is particularly beneficial for families or those who prefer not to walk long distances, especially during Rome's warmer months. The service typically includes multilingual audio commentary, enriching the sightseeing experience with historical and cultural context.
While the Big Bus is a fantastic overview tool, some visitors note that for attractions located very close to each other, walking might sometimes be quicker than waiting for the next bus. However, for covering the vast distances between major sites, it's an invaluable resource. The official app is highly recommended for real-time bus tracking and route planning, ensuring a smoother and more efficient journey.
Maximizing Your Big Bus Rome Experience
Utilize the provided map and the Big Bus app to plan your itinerary. Identify the stops closest to the attractions you want to visit and prioritize them. Some travelers suggest using the bus for longer distances between neighborhoods and then exploring within those areas on foot. For instance, after hopping off near the Colosseum, you can easily walk to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Don't hesitate to engage with the bus drivers and guides, who often share valuable local tips and insights. Some guides, like Christian and Flavia, have been specifically mentioned for their humor and informative commentary. For photography, the upper deck offers the best vantage points, especially during the golden hour in the late afternoon or the magical night tour when the city's monuments are beautifully illuminated.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit