Catacombs Tour Package

Experience one of the hidden gems of of Rome on our Catacombs Tour.

Hop on our minibus to explore the beautiful sights of the Ancient Appian Way, the Roman Empire's “Queen of Roads”, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Admission to the Catacombs of San Sebastiano is included in your ticket, complete with a guided tour! The bus departs from Stop #1 (Termini Train Station), journeying for 45 minutes to the Catacombs of San Sebastian, where you can join the guided tour and then explore nearby sites independently before hopping back on the bus to return to Termini.

Journey to the Catacombs

Discover the ancient Appian Way and head for the Catacombs of San Sebastiano on our Purple Route. This bus route collects you from Stop #1 (Termini) and journeys south along the Appian Way, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour passes the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Caffarella Park, the catacombs of St. Callixtus and Domitilla, and the ruins of the Caracalla Baths. The journey to the Catacombs of San Sebastiano is approximately 45 minutes if you don't hop off the bus. During the journey you can listen to customised commentary via your own phone and headphones - this is available via an exclusive VOX app download code, supplied when you redeem your ticket.

Explore the Catacombs of San Sebastiano

On arrival at the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, you'll have the option to take a guided tour, which is included with your ticket. The tour will lead you on a descent into the 3rd-century catacombs, a mysterious subterranean cemetery featuring crypts, frescoes, loculi and cubicles, all unique to the arts and culture of Ancient Rome. Tours are available in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian, with guides ready to share captivating stories and secrets about the catacombs.

The Ancient Appian Way

The Appian Way, or Via Appia Antica, is one of Rome's hidden gems, and was only recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2024. As the Roman Empire's 'Queen of Roads', this important route epitomised the engineering brilliance of Ancient Rome, and it still retains many original features, along with close proximity to important tombs and monuments. You'll enjoy excellent views of these from the bus, but we recommend allowing yourself time to explore the area further after your Catacombs Tour. The Baths of Caracalla, Villa di Massenzio and Cecilia Metella Mausoleum are all fascinating places to visit, and bike tours are available. Speak to our friendly Big Bus Tours staff for more information or to book tickets.

Important Information

Before purchasing your ticket, please take note of the below information:

• Bus: the bus departs from Stop #1 (Termini Train Station). Please present your ticket to a Big Bus Tours Staff Member before boarding. The journey to and from the Catacombs is approximately 45 minutes if you do not hop off.
• Bus Audioguide: a QR code to download the VOX City app to your phone and access a customised audioguide for the bus journey will be supplied to you when you take the tour. Please note that headphones are not supplied.
• Catacombs: the Catacombs are not wheelchair accessible and are unsuitable for those with claustrophobia or walking difficulties due to insurmountable architectural barriers like uneven steps and underground terrain, narrow passages, lack of seating and lack of elevators. The temperature is approximately 17°C with high humidity, so it is recommended that you dress appropriately, both for your comfort and to respect the sacred nature of the Catacombs. Please note that the following is not permitted in the Catacombs: photos and videos, animals, smoking, food, drinks, luggage, entry without an internal guide. Toilet facilities and places to purchase food and drink are available outside the Catacombs.

Free Mobile App

Now with live bus arrival times!

Download our free mobile app for the perfect pocket companion to your sightseeing adventure. Our new live bus arrival times feature shows you exactly where the bus is along the route, along with an ETA for your nearest stop! This gives you the freedom to make the most of your time exploring. In addition to live bus arrival times, you'll also get detailed maps and route information, stop images, walking directions, facts about famous landmarks and attractions, ticket offers and more. Save memory-making minutes on your city adventure with the Big Bus Tours App!

Complete Tour Duration: 1 Hour and 30 minutes

Frequency: Every 1 Hour and 20 Minutes (Approx.)

Schedule and Departure Times (First and last bus shown for each stop):

• 09:35 - 14:20 Termini Railway Station
• 09:55 - 14:48 Colosseum
• 10:05 - 14:58 Caffarella Park
• 10:09 - 15:02 Catacombs & Church of San Sebastiano
• 10:13 - 15:06 Fosse Ardeatine
• 10:19 - 15:14 Baths of Caracalla
• 10:25 - 15:20 Circo Massimo