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Discover why the Hop-on Hop-off tour is Rome's favorite sightseeing experience

Planning a city tour can be an exciting yet slightly daunting task. However, hop-on hop-off tours can make this planning way less daunting with their well-curated and easy-to-understand routes linking all major city attractions, live bus tracking features, and audioguides. You have the flexibility to hop off or on at any of the designated stops and a great itinerary to get a start on, indeed the best of both worlds. Read on to find out why these tours are great, some of the major attractions en route, and tips to make the most of your Hop-on Hop-off Rome tour.

Why choose Hop-on Hop-off tours in Rome?

Explore top attractions

Hop-on Hop-off buses offer the chance to connect to all the classic highlights of the city from the Colosseum to the Vatican without the hassle of understanding and navigating public transportation. Tickets are typically available for 24, 48, and 72 hours, to choose as per your needs and you have the freedom to hop off or on as many times as you want.

Sightseeing made easy

Get cozy on the open-top buses convenient for sightseeing, and plug into the insightful audio that will give you fascinating information about the stops and the city in multiple languages, enriching your travel experience. The tours are also favorable for wheelchair users, families with kids, and the elderly.

Great inclusions

Enjoy perks like self-guided walking tours that are a great way to understand a new city, and night tours where you see the famed landmarks set to tasteful lights. Free wifi onboard lets you stay connected and the multilingual audioguides (often with special kid-friendly commentaries) give great city anecdotes and trivia.

Value for money

Hop-on Hop-off buses are more economical compared to taxis, where the costs of traveling from one attraction to another may quickly add up. You should also take into account the ease of travel, the perks, frequency of buses, and flexibility accorded and these buses become a cost-effective option for tourists. Combos are an even better investment.

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A glimpse of your Rome Hop-on Hop-off journey

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Colosseum

Envision cheering crowds and mighty gladiator fights at the world’s largest amphitheater - the Colosseum. One of the seven world wonders, you simply cannot miss the Colosseum!

Hidden gems on your Hop-on Hop-off Rome tour

While Rome’s Colosseum and Trevi Fountain are must-sees for a reason, it's always nice to know what the tourists are missing. Here are some less tourist-trodden attractions on the Rome Hop-on Hop-off bus routes for a distinctive adventure:

Cimitero Acattolico

The only non-Catholic cemetery in Rome, the Cimitero Acattolico is a serene and beautiful cemetery where poets Keats and Shelley rest. Its beautiful gardens and well-crafted tombstones make it a reflective escape from the tourist bustle of Rome.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

Lavish interiors, centuries-old mosaics, 22 granite Roman columns, and religious artwork make the Basilica of Santa Maria a must-visit if you are in the Trastevere neighborhood.

Aventine Hill

One of the seven hills of Rome, Aventine Hill offers panoramic views of the city, has orange gardens that fill the air with a citrusy scent, and is a peaceful escape from touristy Rome. A once well-guarded secret, the Aventine Keyhole offers a unique peek at St Peter’s Basilica.

Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

The official seat of the Pope, the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is known for its architecture, interior artworks, and sculptures. The most fascinating thing about the Basilica is its collection of relics - which includes what is believed to be the table used by Jesus in the Last Supper.

Tips to making the most of your Rome Hop-on Hop-off tour

Take a full loop first: If you have ample time at hand, sitting for the entire circuit once gives you an overview of the city and helps plan along the way. Full loops typically last two hours. You can start hopping off the second time about.
Free days: If you are on a budget, try to use the Hop-on Hop-off buses on the first Sunday of the month when admission to most museums and cultural sites is free. However, expect big crowds.
Plan ahead: To make optimum use of your time, decide which attractions you want to visit beforehand.
Take it slow: Don’t rush your visits, take a moment to savor each attraction and get a multi-day Hop-on Hop-off pass to explore leisurely.
Make use of the walking tours: Self-guided walking tours let you get intimate with a new city. This inclusion should definitely be made use of if you really wish to understand Rome as it unfolds in front of you.
Sit on the top deck: For the best views, sit on the open-air top deck, weather permitting. For Rome, you should also find seats on the left side of the bus direction to catch most attractions and the Tiber River views.

Lesser known details about the Rome Hop-on Hop-off tour

Specialty routes: Hop-on Hop-off operators like Green Line have special routes catering to various interests. For example, the Eataly Orange route of Green Line is great for foodies and both the blue and orange routes cover some off-beaten attractions in Rome.
Access to other buses: In a special case to Rome, the Big Bus and City Sightseeing tickets are also valid on Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi (ORP) sightseeing buses, reducing your bus waiting time and increasing coverage.
Unique validities, more customization: All Hop-on Hop-off services typically offer 1-day, 24/48/72-hour tickets, but Rome’s Green Line has 3-stop tickets, which as suggested include hops at 3 stops of your choice. I Love Rome offers a 1-run pass, where the ticket acts like a sightseeing tour instead of a hop-on hop-off one.

Frequently asked questions

Are Hop-on Hop-off tours good for a short trip to Rome?

Yes, absolutely! Rome Hop-on Hop-off tours connect all the main city attractions in one go, thereby offering a great introduction to Rome. Full tour loops last about 2 hours and you can hop off near spots that catch your fancy. Tickets usually come in validities of 24, 48, or 72 hours and are good to go even if you are in Rome from a long layover.

When should I not opt for a Hop-on Hop-off ticket?

If you plan to spend the entire day covering just one attraction (or two attractions close to each other like the Colosseum and Palatine Hill) in-depth, you can just take a bus or cab to the attraction instead of a Hop-on Hop-off pass. You should also make sure that the places you plan to visit come in the vicinity of the Rome Hop-on Hop-off route.

Are Hop-on Hop-off buses accessible for wheelchair users?

Most Hop-on Hop-off buses come with a designated wheelchair space and boarding ramps. It is always good to check your tickets or service provider about wheelchair dimensions beforehand. A bus usually has just one wheelchair space, so you might have to wait for the next one if the seat is occupied.

Should I opt for a Hop-on Hop-off tour if I am a first-timer to Rome?

Understanding the public transport system in a new city is always a difficult task that can be quite draining for tourists. In such cases, Hop-on Hop-off buses are a better alternative to expensive cabs.

Are Hop-on Hop-off Rome buses ideal for families with kids?

Hop-on Hop-off buses are much less chaotic to navigate and use than public transport with kids. On them, you needn’t be concerned about safety or keeping your kids engaged, as the open-air top deck is a thrilling experience that does the job. For older kids, there are kid-friendly audio guides that teach them fun trivia about the city.