Big Bus Tours Rome (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Big Bus Tours Rome?
What makes it 86% Solo-Friendly: The flexible hop-on loop, audio commentary and free Wi-Fi let solo travelers explore safely at their own pace while avoiding complicated public transport connections.
Positives:
- Flexible Schedule: Hop on and off at over 30 stops to tailor your own itinerary
- Free Onboard Perks: Includes multilingual audio guide, Wi-Fi and headphones at no extra cost
- Panoramic Views: Open-top seating delivers clear photo opportunities of Rome’s landmarks
Challenges:
- Weather Exposure: Upper deck is fully open—prepare for sun or cold wind
- Peak-Time Crowding: Midday tours can fill quickly, especially upstairs
- Wait Intervals: Buses run about every 14 minutes; build in buffer time
What is Big Bus Tours Rome?
- A hop-on, hop-off open-top bus service linking Rome’s major landmarks, from the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Basilica
- A sightseeing tour operator employing a multilingual audio commentary system delivered through onboard headsets
- A flexible urban transit network featuring panoramic routes and strategically placed stops across Rome’s historic center
What is so special about Big Bus Tours Rome for solo trip?
- Flexible 24h hop-on hop-off access to Rome’s top sights
- Multilingual audio guides, free Wi-Fi and digital walking tours
- Open-top bus with panoramic views for unique photos
- Evening loops showcase illuminated monuments
- Add-on tours reach catacombs and the ancient Appian Way
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to complete a full loop and hop off at 3–4 key landmarks
Solo-Friendly Activities in Big Bus Tours Rome
Red Route Full Loop:
Ride past the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican and Spanish Steps on the open-top bus
Tip: Start at the first stop around 9:00 and sit on the upper deck front for best views
Digital Walking Tours:
Follow self-guided walks from the Big Bus app at stops like the Spanish Steps
Tip: Download the tour code before boarding so you can hop off and start immediately
Panoramic Night Tour:
Join the after-dark loop to see illuminated ruins and squares
Tip: Book online in advance and bring a light jacket—the top deck is unheated
Purple Route Catacombs Tour:
Take a minibus to the Appian Way and San Sebastiano Catacombs with a guided visit
Tip: Reserve the Catacombs package separately and confirm your pickup stop in advance
When is the best time to visit Big Bus Tours Rome (Rome, Italy)?
In summer bring sunscreen, a hat and water for the open top. In winter layer up—the breeze feels colder on the upper deck.
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Reviews of Big Bus Tours Rome (Rome)
Joey Cohen
We had the most perfect day in Rome thanks to the professionalism and preparation from Anna and the Big Bus Company. While we did not end up ever hopping on or off it was great to know we had the option. Anna gave us great tips and we were able to see everything we wanted to in a limited amount of time!
Richard Shannon
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
Sunny
We had a great time. The hop in and off system is better then walking in the hot weather for a long time. Christian and Fátima are very charismatic and funny and informative. All the buses had ar condicioner and wasn't very full.
Julie Bell
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...
Kevin Pacciano
We took the hop on hop off excursion with Christian from the MSC Seaview. Christian did an incredible job getting us prepared for our time in Rome with perfect directions and expert tips! I gave this a 4 star and not 5 because 6 hours is not enough time to see Rome, we knew this but if we left earlier we could have possibly had 7 hours and every hour counts! The hop on hop off bus experience in Ro...
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 24h Discover Ticket | EUR 29.16 |
| Panoramic Night Tour add-on (optional) | EUR 20.7 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 29.16 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Big Bus Tours Rome
- Use the App Tracker: Check live bus locations to reduce waiting at stops
- Start Early: Board the first loop at 9:00 to avoid lines and heat
- Secure Front Seats: Aim for upper-deck front row for unobstructed views
- Pre-book Add-Ons: Reserve night or catacombs tours online to skip kiosk lines
Map of Big Bus Tours Rome
Address: Via delle Terme di Diocleziano, 34, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
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About Big Bus Tours Rome
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Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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