Rome sightseeing bus: hop-on hop-off, prices and city bus alternatives

What the route looks like

Roma City Tour's "Essential Rome" route has 8 stops, in this order:

1. Termini station (start);
2. Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore;
3. Colosseum;
4. Circo Massimo and the Mouth of Truth;
5. Piazza Venezia, near the Altare della Patria and the Roman Forum;
6. Vatican City, near the Vatican Museums;
7. Piazza di Spagna;
8. Trevi Fountain.

The full loop lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes, with an audio guide in 12 languages, a children's version in English and Italian, wifi and wheelchair access. Buses run every 10 to 15 minutes according to travellers; the first and last departures are not published on the pages consulted: check them when you buy.

Trastevere is not on the route: for the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere and its lanes, take tram 8.

Tickets and prices

The half-day ticket is valid from opening until 31 March, and from 1pm from 1 April. The operator also offers 20% discount codes on its site. Comparison sites show other companies (City Sightseeing, Big Bus) at around €25 to €40 for 24 hours depending on the season.

Is it worth it?

The sightseeing bus is worth it if you have little time, if you travel with young children or if the heat is strong, because it gives an overview and stops near major sights. It is less worth it if you already have a transport pass: in the centre, distances are short and walking is the best way to see the city.

Traffic jams lengthen the loop at rush hour, and a €22 tour does not replace a guided visit: the audio commentary stays general. The 24-hour ticket is the best value if you plan to get off at three stops or more; the "one tour" ticket suits those who only want a first look.

Alternatives on public transport

Rome has a bus, tram and metro network that is simple to use, with a basic BIT ticket at €1.50 valid for 100 minutes (one metro entry only). The Roma 24H pass costs €8.50, the 48H €15 and the 72H €22; details are in our guide to transport in Rome.

• Metro: line B serves the Colosseum (Colosseo station) and Circo Massimo; line A serves Piazza di Spagna (Spagna) and the Vatican (Ottaviano). The stations are close to several sightseeing bus stops.
• Tram 8: from Piazza Venezia to Trastevere, via Largo di Torre Argentina.
• ATAC buses: lines 40 and 64 link Termini to the Vatican and the centre; they are often packed, and pickpockets are active there (see scams to avoid in Rome).
• On foot: the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Venezia, Navona, the Pantheon and Trevi are 10 to 20 minutes from one another.

Tips for using it well

• Buy the ticket online on the operator's site: a discount is sometimes shown, and you avoid the queue.
• Board at the first stop (Termini) or the one nearest your accommodation.
• Book museums for a fixed time (Vatican, Colosseum) before planning your stops: the bus does not spare you the queue. See the Vatican Museums.
• Avoid the sightseeing bus during a transport strike or demonstration: diversions remove stops.

Going further

To combine the bus with well-organised visits, see Rome in 3 days and what to do in Rome in one day. To prepare your budget, see the cost of a trip to Rome.