Bus line 64 in Rome

We took bus 64 many times over the years and have never had a run in with pickpockets. I think you’ll be fine if you are alert and mind your bags closely.

My wife and I took the 64 bus several times to get around town during a one week stay in Rome a few years ago and had no issues, but then we were especially vigilant having previously read all of the cautionary notes about the route, and avoided crowded times during the morning and late afternoon.

Given the reputation of bus no 64 there are plenty of police agents in plain clothes whose only job is to ride that bus. Be alert, like everywhere else, but I think you will be fine. It is probably safer than the Apple Store at Stanford University, in filthy rich Palo Alto.

Roberto, Palo Alto isn’t as filthy rich as Atherton.

I was surprised when I went to take a bus in Rome last fall, that I needed to buy my ticket in advance somewhere else. You may be an old pro at transit there, but I had to do some fast searching for a ticket. I ended up walking to a subway station and purchasing several from the ticket machine there. Green “tabacs” no longer sell them.

I've used the #64 bus a number of times in the past without any problems with pickpockets. If you wear a money belt and take reasonable precautions, you shouldn't have any worries.

I've used the 64 many times, although not since the Virus appeared on the scene, as well as many others. Never had a problem on the 64 or others, but I always have my money belt on anyway, and use it correctly. Because I use a multi-day ticket it never leaves my wallet which never leaves my inside pocket, But really - no issue.

I've never taken this bus, but based on its reputation, I would not use it when transporting luggage to and from your hotel-I would pay for the taxi to and from the airport. Having to watch your luggage would make it difficult to watch your pockets.

Having to watch your luggage would make it difficult to watch your pockets.

Just stuff wallets and phones deep inside one of the cases and keep an eye on it.

Otherwise keep anything worth stealing in the front pocket of your jeans and stick one hand in the same pocket. Do not trust any teen girl coming too close, especially if she is pregnant or surrounded by other girls of the same age.

Green “tabacs” no longer sell them.

I have no idea what "green tabacs" are but apps, newstands and tobacconists still sell Public Transit tickets in Rome. Physical stores may not keep every type of multi-day pass in stock, but they all sell the "100 minutes" BIT ticket.

I ride Bus 64 frequently and just hang tight to my bag. While I'm waiting for it, if I see that the approaching bus is packed, I let that one pass me by and wait for the next one. They run every 6-10 minutes so another always comes along. The very crowded buses are where the pickpockets are most successful. Also, if you get on at Termini you can get a seat, which is a safe position to be in. Make sure you validate your ticket. This fall the "ticket police" seem to be everywhere.

I've had two incidents (in 17 years) with pickpockets on but 64. One was an older man - several of us saw him reach into a lady's bag (ok, he wasn't very good at theft). He was quite literally thrown off the bus. Another time was at the Termini waiting for the bus to leave. A group of pre-teens tried bumping into me. They weren't very good either - they had been followed onto the bus by an plain clothes policeman. Just keep your eyes open, valuables NOT in their regular pocket, and sit down if at all possible (I know, good luck with that one). It's Rome. You can't expect it to be crime-free. But you can take precautions.

Claudia yes Atherton is probably richer but since they have no malls the Athertonians all go to the same nearby posh Stanford Mall as well.

glessarch, you could encounter light fingers in any big city, on any form of public transit, in any place where tourists tend to gather. Best advice is to never put anything of value in a place where hands other than your own can access it without your knowledge. That goes for exterior pockets, carry-ons that might be out of your possession for short periods of time, unsecured cross-body bags, easily opened purses, etc.

You'll want to follow any number of methods people on the forum use to keep their valuable under control. That might include shoulder/cross-body bags with locking zippers, secured inside pockets, money belts, neck wallets and some others ways to foil any pocket pickers who might be mucking about. Many on these forums have traveled abroad umpty times without losing a thing that wasn't, say, due to their own forgetfulness. A few hotels are richer for some adapter plugs I've left behind, that's for sure! :O)

Thank you all for sharing your experience. We're looking forward to Rome, and our day trip to Pompeii.

Yes. We've traveled to Europe 19 times and our only (successful) pickpocket was on bus 64. My husband's wallet was lifted. But he was very fortunate. The pickpockets were two young men, who evidently took the money (about 50 euros and a bunch of American spoof million dollar bills) and then dropped the wallet on a seat as they exited the bus. My husband said someone had jostled him but he only knew he'd been picked when the bus driver held up the wallet with the driver's license showing and said, "Anybody lose this?" Of the pickpockets, my husband said to me, "I hope they use the money to feed their kids." So be sure your big money, credit cards, passport and so forth are safe in your money belt, as my husband's were.