Hop-on-Hop-off Bus?

Question

I am going to Rome for my honeymoon and my travel agent recommended buying a 24/48 hour pass for a hop-on-hop-off bus. I have never used these while traveling and wanted to get some opinions to see if they are really worth it. The travel agent advised that the metro is not as friendly for out-of-towners, especially with the language barrier. I just worry that the bus may leaving us waiting around.

Answer 1

In Rome you can get a BTI - Integrated Torist Ticket valid three days to ride on subways A and B, tramways, busses, and regional trains for just 11€.

I would prefer that instead of a "don't know what it costs" 24/48 hour pass.

BTI – Integrated Tourist Ticket

How much does it cost?

€ 11.00

How long does it last?

For 3 days from the date indicated by the ticket holder and for an unrestricted number of journeys.

Where can I buy it?

- ticket offices and shops  

Where can I use it?

On public transport within Rome:

- on buses, trams, trolleybuses and Cotral coaches

- on the metro lines A and B

- on Met.Ro regional trains: Rome–Lido, Rome–Viterbo, Rome–Pantano

- on Trenitalia regional trains (travelling second class)

http://www.atac.roma.it/

Answer 2

I have used hop-on hop-off buses in several towns, (if not in Rome) and indeed, with an each 30 minutes or even a once an hours schedule, they can make your journey time longer.

But they do stop right at the attractions, so you might safe time not having to walk from the nearest metro stop.

And they do explanations, mostly it is a city tour with stops where you can get off if you want to see the site.

As a rule you can get the tickets for these buses for the same price on the bus, or just before getting on.

I think that the 3 day metro pass, mentioned in one of the other answers, is a very good option. You can use it besides the hop-on bus, paying a little more but having the best of both.

By the way, mostly the hop-on buses do not go to hotels, nor do they connect hotels to train stations or airports.

Answer 3

Hi we used the metro in Rome and found it to be fine.  I am not familiar with this hop on hop off bus but most likely the metro is a lot cheaper.  You do have to watch out for pickpockets on the metro though.  If you or your husband wears a money belt then you will be fine.  We have always used public transportation everywhere we went and found that for the most part the people we met in each country were nice and helpful.  You just have to realize that there are pickpockets and that if you keep your money secure then you have nothing to fear.  I would not though travel late at night or in unsecure neighborhoods but if you go to the tourist areas during day hours and wear a money belt you should have nothing to worry about.

I have also never found anyone other than an old arab women in Montpellier France to ever be unkind to us while on our travels so don't believe what your travel agent says about the people being unfriendly to out of towners.  I wouldn't expect them to bend over backwards to help you or be friendly.  If they do then suspect a scam artist but you shouldn't find them to be rude to you either.  Just like Florida in the U.S. they see lots of tourists and get tired of us and we need to respect that.  If while in Rome you pick up a metro map at the tourist office and then study it a bit you should then be able to easily navigate the metro.  I believe it has just two lines and is not too difficult.  By the way I only speak english fluently but have travelled extensively through Western Europe never hardly using any other language and have never had a problem.

Enjoy your trip!!