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Award-Winning Washington DC Tours

Join our award-winning Washington DC tours and explore the iconic landmarks and breathtaking sights of the US capital. Choose from bus tours, walking tours, or private tours, all led by expert local tour guides. Book now for an unforgettable Washington DC sightseeing experience!

DC Highlights Bus Tour

Capitalize on your time in the capital with this whistle-stop city tour of Washington DC and get the perfect snapshot of the city in 4 hours!

African American History and Culture Bus Tour

Explore pivotal civil rights sites: Join our insightful tour, including entry to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Don’t miss this historic journey!

Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Bus Tour

Book Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon tour and explore nearly 8,000 acres of historic grounds and the iconic Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia!

Best of DC — VIP Bus Tour

Experience Washington DC like a VIP: Our ultimate day tour with exclusive access to the National Archives and the U.S. Capitol Buildings. Book now for a presidential journey!

Discover DC Bus Tour

Fully guided 6-hr Washington DC day bus tour by USA Guided Tours – the premier provider of award-winning DC tours. Led by expert local guides and transported by luxury tour buses!

DC at Dusk Bus Tour

Experience the enchantment of Washington DC at night: Award-winning tour with expert guides and luxury transport. Book your memorable evening journey today!

DC Highlights and Washington Monument Tour

Washington, DC is known for national monuments built on an epic scale, and few match the splendor of the George Washington Monument!

DC Highlights and Arlington Cemetery Bus Tour

Experience Washington DC and Arlington, Virginia on this full-day tour. Visit DC’s most famous landmarks and monuments with your personal guide!

Washington DC Private Tours

Private tours are a great option for organized travel groups, school groups, family reunions, and corporate trips! Led by expert tour guides and transported by luxury tour vehicles!

Washington DC Boat Tours

Yacht charter combined with our award-winning sightseeing tours – allowing for a unique, all-encompassing Washington DC sightseeing.

Glass-Top or Open-Top Convertible Bus Tour

Enjoy the best panoramic views of Washington, DC in a luxurious glass-top or open-top convertible tour bus!

Capitol Cocktails Private Tour

This three-hour private tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy a tipple, with a whistle-stop tour of the sights before a cocktail-making class in Washington DC!

Monticello, VA Private Tour

Travel to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello where you and a local guide will explore the beautiful estate of America’s founding father and the 3rd president!

Colonial Williamsburg, VA Private Tour

Experience a scenic trip from Washington, DC to Colonial Williamsburg and the Historic Triangle on a private tour with USA Guided Tours!

Luray Caverns, VA Private Tour

Visit Luray Caverns – the cavern system with columns, mudflows, stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and mirrored pools!

Gettysburg, PA Private Tour

Join us for an extraordinary journey to Gettysburg, PA, and discover the grounds that inspired our perilously divided nation to reunite!

Baltimore and Annapolis, MD Private Tour

Visit Baltimore, Maryland, with USA Guided Tours, and discover the city’s cozy ambiance and exceptional charm!

Loudoun County Winery Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes and historic towns of Loudoun County, Virginia – home to Washington DC’s renowned wine country!

Washington DC Holiday Lights Tour

Join us to discover the Nation’s Capital’s stunning Christmas trees and festive displays on our enchanting holiday lights tour!

Cherry Blossoms Bus Tour

Enjoy the fragrant, fluffy blooms of the famous Washington cherry blossom with this short springtime tour, which includes a guided walk around the Tidal Basin!

National Mall Walking Tour

Join us as we explore Washington, DC’s magnificent monuments on this in-depth Washington DC walking tour

Arlington National Cemetery Walking Tour

Lace-up your sneakers and join USA Guided Tours as we explore Arlington National Cemetery on this in-depth walking tour!

Mt Vernon and Old Town Bike and Bus Tour

Start your day by renting a bike in Old Town Alexandria! Explore the scenic waterfront, Mount Vernon Trail, Old Town Alexandria, and the Washington Estate!

Explore the U.S. Capital With Our Award-Winning Guided DC Tours

Embark on a journey of discovery through the heart of the U.S. capital with our award-winning Washington DC bus tours!

Our expert tour guides will accompany you on an extensively guided tour of Washington DC, unveiling both the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of the city from the comfort of a climate-controlled luxury tour bus .

Our Washington DC tours are designed as public, private, or customized options to accommodate all your requirements and interests.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our Washington DC bus tours, guided walking tours, and private tours are designed to provide a memorable and enriching experience.

Our focus is on catering to every type of traveler, from solo travelers to families and large groups.

Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and beauty of the city. Experience the capital with our award-winning guided Washington DC tours!

Customer Testimonials

Ralph was fantastic! He interacted with everyone in a personal way and made the tour great!

We would absolutely recommend this tour. Our tour guide Dre & driver Miss T were amazing. Dre was so knowledgeable, respectful & funny. It was the best part of our time in DC, seeing the city at night was stunning! Would definitely do it again.

All the staff were wonderful. Deon 13 was our tour guide and he was a wealth of knowledge. Amazing way to tour DC highlights in one day. I highly recommend this tour!

Thanks for making my dad bday that much more memorable! My dad a senior citizen and the pace was perfect for him, including all the bathroom breaks and patience. Thank you Terry for a tour to remember and for signing to my dad happy birthday!!! Memories to last a lifetime. His service dog loved it too!!!

We took the DC tour on Sunday. Nick was our guide. The tour was a great way to see the sights and learn interesting facts. Nick loves his job and it shows! He was funny and informative! Highly recommend Nick and the 6 hour DC day tour. We had and amazing time!!

We had a fantastic time on our night tour. Paul was a perfect blend of humor and providing us interesting facts and history! He could not have done a better job!!!

Recommended DC Tours

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DC Travel Guide: Best DC Museums to Visit

Washington DC, the capital of the United States, is a treasure trove of culture, history, and learning. It is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and diverse museums, catering to various interests. These museums offer a window into the past, present, and future, making DC a must-visit destination for museum enthusiasts and those…

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Washington dc tours, free cancellation, no hidden fees, local customer service, award winning tours of washington dc, bus tours & sightseeing tours.

Gray Line DC specializes in Washington DC Tours. Our DC tour guides will bring the nation’s capital alive with stories and events that will inform you, entertain you and leave you with cherished memories.

Since 1974, Gray Line DC has been known for providing outstanding traveler experiences and we offer a wide range of sightseeing tours as well as first-class charter bus service in the Greater Washington, DC, area. We also provide charter service throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Gray Line DC are experts in creating custom trips to theme parks, amazing shopping experiences, and fantastic sightseeing opportunities. We cater to churches, schools, and business groups. Our tour guides will bring the nation’s capital alive with stories and events that will inform, entertain and leave you with cherished memories and experiences.

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A Taste of DC and Virginia

If you’re spending a day in the city and want to see all that you can, then this is the tour for you

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See The Best First

You’ve arrived! Now, get the insider’s view of the city aboard Old Town Trolley! Our DC Tours show you the best spots first, giving you the most comprehensive sightseeing experience of The Nation’s Capital.

Less stopping, more sightseeing

We may not be as old as the monuments, but as DC’s oldest tour company we know this city better than anyone else. We also know that the quality of your tour doesn’t depend on the mere number of tour stops, so we’ve carefully crafted our tour route, selecting the right amount of stops at all the right places with minimal interruptions.

Every seat is the best seat with our state-of-the-art stadium trolleys.

Monuments by Moonlight Tour

Rated as one of the Top 20 Best Kept Secrets in Washington DC by FOX News. Experience The Nation’s Capital in a different light with our DC Night Tour .

We Speak Your Language

Visiting with friends and family that don’t speak English? Our new exclusive foreign language app is here to help! Now you can enjoy live narration in 7 different languages. Sit back, relax, and enjoy all the sights and sounds via a fully-narrated tour through our nation’s capital.

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With our use of clean burning propane, we’ve been committed to preserving and protecting the environment since we began delighting guests across the United States with our wonderful brand of Transportainment ® .

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★★★★★

822 reviews

Old Town Trolley Tours Washington DC 4.2

Choose Your Adventure

Whether you’re just breezing through or enjoying an extended stay, we’ve got several options to choose from to help you maximize your time in DC and still see the best first! Buy Your Tickets Online and Save!

“Hop aboard one of our trolleys and you’ll experience Transportainment ® , a delightful combination of transportation and entertainment.”

1-Day Old Town Trolley Tour

• Hop On & Off at 15 Old Town Trolley Stops
• Fully Narrated Tour of Washington DC
• Our trolleys are all weather - rain or shine
• BEST VIEW! Tallest vehicles allowed by law with stadium seating
• Over 100 points of interest

Old Town Trolley Tour & Arlington National Cemetery Tour

• 50%* Discount on Arlington Tour Included In 1-Day Package
• Includes separate ticket to Arlington National Cemetery Tour*
• Trolley Tour and Arlington Cemetery Tour do not have to be taken on the same day

Monuments by Moonlight

• See the city’s most popular monuments in a different light
• Stops at FDR, Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorials
• Hear historical tales and anecdotes

Arlington National Cemetery Tours

• Learn about cemetery's history and heroes from knowledgeable guides
• Be transported to notable graves and memorials
• Tours depart every 30 minutes
• Relax on our comfortable tour vehicles

Why use Old Town Trolley Tours in Washington DC

• Riding around the Beltway for over 30 years as DC’s longest-running city tour!
• All our DC tours are 100% live in real time - No pre-recorded narration
• The finest, most highly-trained and knowledgeable guides
• Unlimited hop-on & hop-off as often as you like all day long
• Proudly owned and operated in the United States
• The only tour authorized to enter the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery*
• Exclusive foreign language tour app offered in 7 languages

Sun, Rain or Snow...

We’re dc’s best all-weather touring experience.

• Best view! State-of-the-art stadium trolleys
• Every seat is the best seat!
• All-weather trolleys - rain or shine! Our vehicles get the job done
• Onboard monitors display historical imagery
• Comfortable padded seats for a pleasant tour

Your Vacation… All Mapped Out For You!

• Trolley Routes & Stops
• Helpful information
• Points of Interest
• Shopping & Entertainment
• Restaurants & Bars
• And much more!

OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS

What Our Guests Are Saying

We were impressed.

My sisters and I want to compliment our trolley driver Alex … his knowledge of the area and its history was phenomenal. He was very articulate and his presentation clear. We were impressed and so appreciative..

Thank you for making our trip special

…writing to let you know how wonderful our Old Town Trolley Tour was in D.C. Both our tour guides (Alex and Sooner Steve) were wonderful and made the tour special. They should be commended for the way they represented your company and for the great job that they did. Thank you again and because of this trip we are planning our next trip but only where Old Town Trolley Tours are offered…

What a wonderful experience!

We recently spent a day in your beautiful city & had the pleasure of taking your trolley tour with ‘Mr Holiday’ & ‘Clayton’ as our very knowledgeable tour guides. What a wonderful experience! Thank You.

OTT really made our whole trip!

My mom and I enjoyed our trolley experience tremendously! It went off without a hitch! The guides were all very informative and really added to the sightseeing experience. We were able to see and do so much more because of the trolley. We were also pleased to see that you have wheelchair-accessible options… We have already recommended you to several people.

I’m singing the praises to anyone going to DC

Some friends and I toured DC.  I’m really not into tours but went along with the group. Now I’m singing the praises to anyone going to the DC area. The tour was great and well worth the cost. Tour conductor “Supa Dave” was a riot! My group of 12 agree he should be your conductor of the year.

Drew was fantastic

…we really enjoyed using Old Town Trolley Tours during our week in D.C. All the drivers we had were great, however, Drew was fantastic. His knowledge of history is amazing and his attention to customer service is excellent. I would also like to say thank you to Ms. Margo for her thoughtfulness and kind attention during our time in your great city…

You have some of the most gifted conductors

I went on your tour and just loved it. We used it for the 3 days we were in town! You have some of the most gifted conductors I have ever been a part of. Steven, Super Dave and Grumpy made our trip one that we will never forget! We hope to run into them on our next trip to DC!

It was worth every penny...

I recently visited the DC area with my son. He had only one request; he wanted to see monuments. Well, we purchased tickets with your company. By the end of the day we had seen more monuments than we could believe. My 15-year-old son loved the tour and the guides. He talked all the next day about everything he saw and learned…

...Our favorite activity

Your old town trolley tour is amazing! My friend and I are both 25-year-old students and the trolley was our favorite activity during our week in DC. Definitely fun for all ages! All of our trolley drivers were great, but Super Dave was really Super!

I would recommend it to anyone!

I recently got back from a trip to DC and I just had to write to say what a wonderful experience I had on the trolley tour. I am not much of a sightseeing enthusiast, but our trolley guide Steven was amazing! Not only was he informative and funny, but he was a great driver too! I would definitely come back for another tour…

Old Town Trolley Tours

March 1 – January 1: Daily. January 2 – February 28: Thursdays – Sundays only. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

Hours: 9am – 4pm.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For more information go to Old Town Trolley Schedule  information.

Schedules for our Washington DC tours are subject to change. Please call for the most current information: (202) 832-9800

Arlington National Cemetery is open 363 days a year.

Operating Hours: 8:30am – 4:00pm.

Special Operating hours: Memorial Day – Tours will begin at 2:00pm. Veterans Day – Tours will begin at 2:00pm.

Closed on Wreaths Across America: Wreaths In Day (December 2024 date coming soon) and Wreaths Out Day (January 2025 date coming soon).

GENERAL INFORMATION: (866) 754-9014 GROUP TOURS: (202) 832-2008

Daily. 7:15pm – 8:00pm.

Closures: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. July 4: Closed. Closed for Army Ten Miler.

For more information, go to Monuments by Moonlight Schedule .

Reservations are required. Call for availability prior to making your e-ticket purchase:

(202) 832-9800

What are the most popular stops on the DC tour route? + -

We take great pride in providing an itinerary that showcases all the great aspects of each city during our tours. The most popular stops on our DC tour include the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Arlington National Cemetery, the U.S. Capitol, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and the Lincoln Memorial.

How long is the DC tour route from start to finish? + -

In total, the day tour route is approximately one hour and 45 minutes long.

Do I have to start at stop #1? + -

You may start your Old Town Trolley Tour at any of our convenient stops. Click on Map and Stops to see a list of our stops with information about the attractions and points of interest at each stop.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit? + -

The Old Town Trolley Tour offers a comprehensive experience of the following neighborhoods in Washington, D.C.:

Downtown D.C.: Explore the heart of the nation’s capital, where iconic landmarks such as the White House, National Mall, and Washington Monument are located.

Capitol Hill: Discover the historic neighborhood surrounding the U.S. Capitol, known for its charming row houses, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress.

Lincoln Memorial: Visit this iconic memorial while enjoying scenic views of the Reflecting Pool and the National World War II Memorial.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial: Pay tribute to the civil rights leader in West Potomac Park.

Smithsonian Museums: Explore the area around the National Mall, home to numerous Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of American History and the National Air and Space Museum.

Tidal Basin: Enjoy the beauty of the Tidal Basin, known for its cherry blossoms and the Jefferson Memorial.

FDR Memorial: Delve into the history of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s era at this memorial, located near the Tidal Basin.

Arlington National Cemetery: Cross the Potomac River to visit this renowned cemetery, where you can witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

These neighborhoods offer a diverse range of attractions and historical significance, making the Old Town Trolley DC Tour an ideal way to explore the nation’s capital.

Does the tour run on holidays and holiday weekends? + -

Go to the Old Town Trolley Schedule for more information.

How often do tours run throughout the day? + -

Old Town Trolley Tours of DC operates the city’s largest fleet of sightseeing vehicles, and this allows us to pick up and drop off more frequently than any other trolley company. The frequency of the trolleys depends on the time of the year, as well as traffic and weather conditions.

Which DC tours give me access to Arlington National Cemetery? + -

1. Old Town Trolley Ticket – Every Old Town Trolley day tour ticket offers a shuttle from the Lincoln Memorial stop to Arlington National Cemetery. Visitors can enter and walk Arlington at their leisure.

2. Old Town Trolley + Arlington Cemetery Tour Package – This package includes guided-tour access to Arlington and 10 unique stops at the most notable landmarks, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the John F. Kennedy gravesite, and Arlington House. A loop gives visitors the chance to hop on and off at a variety of key points of interest.

3. Monuments by Moonlight + Arlington Cemetery Tour Package – This package includes a nighttime tour of DC’s monuments, which offers a unique perspective of the monuments, and a separate ticket for Arlington National Cemetery tours for use at another time. With the Monuments by Moonlight Tour, you can cover many of these sites in one night, and the package allows you to visit Arlington National Cemetery during the day. Take advantage of the package and enjoy a special discounted rate. Transportation to Arlington is not included in the Monuments by Moonlight package.

What is the National Mall, how large is it, and does Old Town Trolley cover it all? + -

Our DC tours cover a majority of the National Mall, with stops at several Smithsonian museums and National Monuments and Memorials, such as the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the FDR Memorial.

In what order should I see the monuments in DC? + -

It’s important to realize that there is no “best” order to see the monuments in DC. It’s really up to you and what you want to see first. However, if you’re looking for a logical and efficient route, an Old Town Trolley Tour is a fantastic way to see all of the best monuments in Washington. By following the tour, you will be able to see all of the important monuments in a logical order. Start with the National Mall, home to some of the most iconic monuments in DC, such as the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Continue your monument tour with a visit to the World War II Memorial. This memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in World War II and the more than 400,000 who gave their lives. It’s a beautiful and moving tribute that will leave you feeling very patriotic.

You can finish up with a stop at Arlington National Cemetery, where many of our nation’s heroes are buried, such as John F. Kennedy and the unknown soldiers from various wars.

How long does it take to visit the National Mall? + -

The National Mall is home to several monuments, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, among others.

We suggest deciding which monuments and memorials you want to visit and planning your itinerary accordingly. However, with over 2 miles of history to explore, it can be a daunting task to see everything efficiently. Old Town Trolley Tours has a special package that includes unlimited hop-on, hop-off access to their trolley system for one day. That means visitors can take their time exploring the National Mall at their own pace. The trolleys cover most of the area’s main attractions, including the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Smithsonian museums. In total, the trolley route is approximately one hour and 45 minutes long, meaning visitors can take advantage of the unlimited access to create their own itinerary through the National Mall.

Can you tour the National Mall at night? + -

Many monuments on the National Mall are open 24/7, which makes it possible to experience them at any time of the day or night. However, visiting them during the night provides a unique opportunity to see them at rest. The memorials and landmarks are lit up, creating a mesmerizing contrast against the dark sky. The National Mall at night is peaceful and calming and sets an entirely different mood than during the daytime. There are fewer crowds, which makes the experience more intimate and allows you to take your time to appreciate the structures’ details and beauty.

The Monuments by Moonlight Tour will take you on a journey through history and showcase the stunning beauty of the monuments when they are illuminated. Embark on an exciting journey through DC’s historic neighborhoods. Once you reach the National Mall, you will experience the incredible beauty of the monuments at night. You’ll tour famous landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and, as you explore them in the evening, you will get fascinating insights into their history and significance. The monuments and memorials are beautifully illuminated at night, giving them an almost ethereal look, which adds to the experience.

How long does it take to visit Washington? + -

You can experience the best of the city in two days, especially if your group chooses Old Town Trolley for your transportation needs. You’ll be able to see the most popular sites without getting lost or spending too much time figuring out the city layout by yourself. The trolley stops at various landmarks across the city, including the U.S. Capitol and the Smithsonian museums. That way, you get more out of your time and an immersive experience!

What are the most famous attractions in Washington, D.C.? + -

There are a few Washington landmarks that definitely cannot be missed:

1. The National Mall is the first attraction that comes to mind while visiting Washington. It is essentially a walkable park that connects the White House to the Lincoln Memorial. The park is adorned with some of the most impressive monuments and memorials, including the Jefferson Memorial, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and the Washington Monument, which serves as the centerpiece of the park.

2. The White House is the official residence of the President of the United States. It is located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and was built in 1800. Visitors can take guided tours of the White House but must secure their bookings months in advance. The White House gardens are open to visitors every day of the year.

3. The 19 Smithsonian museums have something for everybody, from space exhibitions at the Air and Space Museum to the hidden stories of African-American history in the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

4. The United States Capitol Building is the home of the U.S. Congress. Visitors can take guided tours of the Capitol that include visits to the House and Senate galleries and an overview of the U.S. Congress’ history and workings. A new addition is the Capitol Visitor Center, which offers interactive displays that showcase the Capitol’s history.

5. Arlington National Cemetery is America’s most famous military cemetery. It was founded during the American Civil War, and several thousand service members and their families have been laid to rest here over the years. The cemetery features exquisite headstones of service members and families, notably the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by the soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment.

Can you see everything in Washington, D.C. in one day? + -

With so many landmarks, museums, and monuments, it can be overwhelming to see everything D.C. has to offer in just one day. But, don’t worry — we have a solution! Start your day early with a hop-on, hop-off tour of the city. With Old Town Trolley, you’ll have access to the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and more. Take advantage of this opportunity to immerse yourself in U.S. history, admire iconic buildings, and learn about the city’s vibrant political culture.

Before you hop off the trolley at each stop, make sure to listen to the onboard narration. This will provide you with a wealth of historical and cultural information about the landmark or museum you are visiting. You can always hop back on the next trolley when you’re ready to move on to the next destination.

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Hop On Hop Off Washington DC - Bus Tours

Pull off a monumental vacation with a hop-on hop-off Washington DC tour! With your tickets, you make the rules! Hop off our open-air, double-decker busses and check out the attractions that pique your special interest. Then, hop back on and veto the ones you don’t. With Washington DC hop-on hop-off, sightseeing vacation has never been so streamlined! Take the Big Bus to cover all major attractions comfortably or invest in the Washington DC Sightseeing Flex Pass to save massive on your choice of attractions. Take your pick!

Washington DC Sightseeing Bus Tours

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Top Customer Reviews

Alex chelmis.

easy to buy but in our days this should not be a question

Great experience at a Good price.

Saman Chandrasena

It was unforgettable joyous ride. Highly recommended.

Experience Washington DC in Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

The capital of the US is known for its neoclassical monuments and iconic buildings with three major easily recognizable landmarks – the White House, the Supreme Court, and the Capitol. If you happen to visit the Capitol, look out for the popular marble baths. Also, there are underground tunnels and a crypt made for George Washington. Did you know that Washington DC has the busiest subway system in the country? That’s why an open bus trip is the best bet to explore the capital city.

See the White House, Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court! Then, stop by the Smithsonian Institution Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall. You can even pair your tour with admission to other attractions. For additional savings, why not combine your tickets with a trip to Madame Tussauds, Newseum, or the International Spy Museum with a Flex Pass? Additionally, you can also choose from an array of curated 15 experiences including the Monuments & Memorials Bike Tour, International Spy Museum, Potomac Water Taxi, George Washington's Mount Vernon and more. Setting a manageable budget is what to do in Washington DC!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what is the best time to book a washington dc hop-on hop-off tour.

The best time to visit Washington DC is during the autumn months which offer respite from sweltering heat for convenient sightseeing. September to November and March to May mark the high season so be ready to expect heavy crowds. The weather is pleasant and changing leaves add to the beauty of the monuments. If you are looking to save bucks and avoid the worst crowds, we recommend visiting in February. You might be able to find great deals on accommodation in the low season.

Q: What are the key attractions covered in the bus tour?

The key attractions and landmarks covered in the sightseeing bus tour include Union Station, Botanical Garden, WWII Memorial, Ford’s Theater & Madame Tussauds, Vietnam War Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, Lincoln North, White House, US Marine Corps War Memorial, National Zoo, Washington Monument, and so on.

Q: Where can I find a list of all the stops and a map of the various Hop-On Hop-Off Washington DC tour routes?

You can visit the relevant product page and check the Useful Downloads section to find the latest information as routes, stops, and timings change frequently.

Q: Is the Washington DC hop-on hop-off tour worth it?

Hop-On Hop-Off Washington DC bus tour covers all major attractions of the city with strategically placed stops. Add to that, you can also combine your sightseeing bus tour with a Flex Sightseeing Pass. These tours also include free guided walking tours, dining options, biking tours, and immersive audio commentary. You can enjoy live commentary in several languages such as English, German, French, Spanish, Cantonese, Japanese, Italian, and Russian to ensure that you don’t miss a thing.

Other Hop On Hop Off Destinations

• New York City
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THE 10 BEST Washington DC Bus Tours

Bus tours in washington dc.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Night Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour

2. DC National Mall Night Tour with 10 Stops, Reserved Entry Tickets

3. Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry

4. Small Group National Mall Night Tour with 10 Top Attractions

5. Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon Tour

6. Private Night-Time Tour of Washington DC with a Chauffeur

7. DC in a Day: 10+ Monuments, Potomac River Cruise, Entry Tickets

8. Private Washington DC Grand Tour with Hotel Pick-Up

9. 4 Hours Washington Tour with Boat Cruise

10. Private Night-Time Monuments Tour of DC with Hotel Pick-Up

11. Big Bus DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

12. Washington DC Night-Time City Tour

13. See DC In A Day: Guided Small Group Ultimate Day Tour

14. Morning Monuments Tour with Optional Guided Entry into US Capitol

15. Best of DC: 2-hr Sightseeing Day Tour & 2-Hour Sunset Tour

16. Night City Tour with Optional Air & Space or Washington Monument

17. Big Bus DC: Monuments and Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus

18. African American History Tour with Museum Admission

19. DC Highlights Tour

20. Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria Day Trip from Washington DC

21. Day Tour: Private Luxury Tour of Washington DC

22. Potomac River Cruise & City Bus Tour with Optional Entry Tickets

23. Washington DC Small-Group Evening City Tour

24. DC to Gettysburg Tour with Gettysburg American Civil War Museum

25. Day or Night Grand Tour of Washington DC with Onboard Trivia Game

26. Private Under the Stars Night-Time Tour of DC (Up to 5 Guests)

27. Mount Vernon Historical Walking Tour with Transportation from DC

28. Private Guided U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress Tour

29. Full-Day Tour of Washington DC with Mount Vernon & Old Alexandria

30. Admission & Guided Tour of Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria

What travellers are saying.

Big Bus Tours

• See all photos

Big Bus DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Big Bus DC: Monuments and Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus

Best of DC: 2-hr Sightseeing Day Tour & 2-Hour Sunset Tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Big Bus Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Bus Tours in Washington DC

Enjoy a comfortable and informative ride through Washington DC with a DC bus or trolley tour. These tours are great for anyone who wants to sit back and relax while still seeing sights like the monuments, the Capitol Building, the White House, Georgetown, the Vietnam Memorial and more. Hop-on/hop-off tours allow travelers to set their own pace, hopping off at a sight they want to spend more time at and hopping back on to one of the next busses, which arrive every 30 minutes. Love the sights at night? The Monuments by Moonlight tour of Washington DC affords amazing photo opportunities.

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Tours & Sightseeing

Washington, DC sightseeing and tours information

Dupont Circle

Woodrow Wilson House

Dine intimately in the presidential Dining Room, enjoy cocktails throughout the main museum rooms or relax and unwind in the tranquil period garden.

DC Metro Area

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Washington DC Private Guided Tours - ☀️Day & 🌜Moonlight VIP Tours Available

Big Bus Tours Washington, DC

Explore the Nation's Capital on Big Bus Tours, the official tour of the National Mall.

Capitol Hill

Monuments by Moonlight Night Tour

See DC In A Different Light! The Monuments by Moonlight Tour knows just the right way to show off the capital city when the sun goes down

Arlington National Cemetery Tours

Arlington National Cemetery is an enduring tribute to those who have dedicated their lives to defending the ideals of our nation

Old Town Trolley Tours

SEE THE BEST FIRST

Beyond Times Square

Beyond Times Square is a destination management company that delivers tailor-made, luxury travel programs to sophisticated travelers in Washington DC.

Embark DC Boat Tours

Embark DC Private Boat Tours — See DC Differently!

DC Design Tours

Offering historic tours of Washington, DC focused on architecture, urban planning and design.

Adventure Tours

Providing the premier group transportation in the Washington DC, Baltimore, MD and surrounding areas.

Blue Fern Travel

Explore the REAL DC on a History-Infused Food Tour

Pascana DC Tours

Come and visit Washington DC with Spanish Speaking guides as your hosts!

Southwest & The Wharf

Nautiste makes it easy to curate beautiful dining experiences aboard private yachts on the DC waterways.

Comedy Walks DC Tours

Be ready for historical to be turned hysterical!

Visit Montgomery

DC's northwest neighbor with more than 10,000 hotel rooms, 400,000 square feet of meeting space, 1,500 ethnically diverse restaurants, world-class shopping, performing art theatres and historic sites

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Which Washington DC Bus Tours Are Best?

Big bus hop on hop off and more.

This post compares the various Washington, DC bus tour options available to you.

We included hop-on-hop-off tours, more premium shuttle bus services, and even a free, self-guided option. Let's get rolling! 

• Hop-On-Hop-Off
• Guided Sightseeing Bus Tours
• Arlington Cemetery Trolley
• Night Bus Tours
• Mt. Vernon, Gettysburg, and Other Day Trips

Self-Guided Bus Tour

• Pros and Cons of Bus Tours

Disclosure:  While we think you should take our  free walking tours , we understand they may not be best for everyone. Therefore, we have compared available DC bus Tours.

While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

HOP-ON-HOP-OFF DC BUS TOURS

There are a lot of great services in Washington DC which offer commentary and transportation to all of the most popular and historic sites in the area.

These bus tours allow you to jump off at any stop and get a closer look at any landmark you want to see.

These services typically provide both reliable transportation and either live or pre-recorded commentary (in up to 11 languages).

Prices start at about $40-$50 for an adult ticket and $25-35 for children.

Each ticket is available for either 1 or 2 days, and the 2-day tickets often include additional attractions or activities.

Old Town Trolley

These open-air but covered historic trolley cars take you around the city with a driver/guide narrating the entire way.

They provide plastic window coverings for less-than-ideal weather, and some of the newer trolleys are raised so you’re sitting above the cars.

From this vantage point, it’s a lot easier to see all of the notable sites around Washington, DC!  

Hotel Shuttle Service is provided at select hotels and times.

Tours are only in English however, they offer a foreign language app where visitors can listen to narration in Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese.

While the main tour will take you around the National Mall to see all the memorials and downtown DC, they also offer a tour that is essentially a shuttle providing transport to and from Arlington National Cemetery.

If you opt for their gold pass this includes the tour of Arlington National Cemetery, whereas the silver pass is their standard DC tour.

For more on how to visit Arlington National Cemetery once you’re there, check our Guide to ANC .

They also offer a 2.5-hour Memorials by Moonlight tour that begins at Union Station.

1-Day Ticket Prices

$49/Adults | $33/Children (note prices are more expensive if you book last minute!)

• Includes 24-hour access to the blue loop.

Purchase tickets or learn more .

2-Day Ticket Prices

As of Summer 2023, Old Town Trolley is not offering 2 Day Passes.

1-Day Ticket + Arlington National Cemetery

$60/Adults | $40/Children

• Includes Arlington National Cemetery tour.

You can also upgrade to include the tram tour of Arlington National Cemetery and can also add on a cruise during the summer months.

• 9 am - 5 pm from Thursday - Sunday
• Buses run every 30 minutes
• 9 am - 4 pm (Oct-Mar)
• 9 am - 6 pm (Apr-Sept)

This tour company has earned a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide. ( read the reviews )

Thousands of passengers have had an excellent trip while on the Old Town Trolley, and that’s definitely a good sign.

Although some guests have left negative feedback, a few of their complaints indicate a common problem that anyone should be concerned about.

A majority of reviewers have said that their guides provided a wealth of valuable information and made the journey very enjoyable.

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus, which operates double-decker, open-top brown buses, is a company you may have seen in other cities throughout the world.

This tour has three different loops around the city depending on which areas you want to see.

There are many connection points that will allow you to hop on and hop off any of the lines!

The red loop is their official tour of the National Mall, including stops at all the major Smithsonian museums, monuments, and memorials. 

This loop features pre-recorded commentary in 9 different languages.

The black loop is an evening tour, featuring the monuments illuminated at night.

The yellow loop goes to Georgetown and even further Northwest to the National Zoo and National Cathedral. (this route is currently suspended, but we offer Georgetown walking tours ! )

Commentary is only available in English. Click on the map for a larger view

There are a few different ticket options for the Big Bus Tours.

Passes come in 1, 2, or 3 days versions. All passes include discounts on ARTECHOUSE tickets and bike rentals.

Ticket Prices

Discover Tour: $54/Adults | $45/Children

• 1-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
• 50% off 2-Hour Bike Rental.
• Included in Go DC tourist discount pass.
• Free for kids 4 and under with a parental figure.

Essential Tour: $63/Adults | $54/Children

• 2-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
• $5 off ARTECHOUSE tickets.

Explore Tour: $72/Adults | $63/Children

• 3-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

Night Tour: $58/Adults | $50/Children (Fri-Sun in Summer Only)

• 9 am - 5 pm daily
• Buses run every 1 hour.

With a 3 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor, it’s fair to say that Big Bus Tours is a bit of a mixed bag for most customers. 

This rating, while lower than the previously mentioned competitor, is aligned with what most hop-on-hop-off tours receive worldwide.

GUIDED SIGHTSEEING BUS TOURS OF DC

Hop-on-hop-off bus tours are not for everyone, especially if you don't like waiting for buses or you only have a short amount of time in DC.  

This section compares the various tours available in DC, from a small group (less than 11 passengers) to bus shuttle tours (up to 25-33 passengers) and coach buses (up to 55 passengers).  

Sometimes, the tours are what is referred to as driver-guide, where your driver doubles as your tour guide, which means that you will explore each attraction on your own while the driver remains with the bus.

Other tours offer both a driver and a guide , where the guide will get off the bus with you at each stop and conduct a guided walking tour. 

Many of the options here include hotel pick-up and you will have the same bus and the same driver (and maybe tour guide) for the entire tour.

One of the biggest advantages of these types of tours is that they are usually more in-depth than traditional hop-on-hop-off tours.

They could be of great value if you are short on time, as it will take you much longer to see the same number of sights with the hop-on-hop-off buses.

This may not be the best option for those who do like to take their time at an attraction.

DC by Foot's Private Guided Bus Tour

We can combine our highly rated tour guides with a vehicle size of your choosing to create a custom private tour.

Family of 4 in a luxury SUV to a corporate group of 50 on a coach, we work with great drivers and bus companies to offer hotel pick up and drop off and develop a custom itinerary for you.

You'll get a driver to stay with the vehicle and your items and a guide who will hop off with you at locations.

Since its a private tour, you can choose what to see and how long to spend at each sites.

EMAIL US TO BOOK

Rates start at $700 for a small vehicle, driver and guide.

USA GUIDED TOURS

This company provides a variety of high-quality bus tours that will take you around Washington, D.C. in shuttle buses (up to 33 passengers).

All of their tours include both a driver as well as a tour guide, and your tour guide will get off the bus and give you walking tours of each stop, while your bus and driver wait for you.

In a sense, these are premium tours. Having both a driver and a tour guide means more cost to the company, and this is reflected in their prices.  

For some, this enhancement is well worth the premium paid, especially considering the reviews.  

With the exception of their night tour, most of their tours are 5 hours or longer.

TIP: They also offer tours in New York City  and you are entitled to a discount if you book tours in both cities.  

Reviews of USA Guided Tours DC

When we said these tours were high quality, we weren’t lying: this company has a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide. 

Having the tour guide to guide you through the memorials is by far the biggest hit.

DC Highlights Tour

This is their base tour. It begins at 10 am daily and lasts for 4 hours.  

This part-bus, part-walking tour includes guided stops at the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, Washington Monument as well as the Lincoln and MLK Memorials and the Vietnam War and Korean War Veterans Memorials.  

They also offer a combination of this tour with a tour of Arlington National Cemetery for an additional $25/adult.

• $59 - Adult | $49 - Child (3-12)
• Members of the Military receive $10 off.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Click here for the night-time version .
• Click here for their Arlington Cemetery Tour add-on .
• Find out how to get 20% off this combo tour .

Discover DC

If you want to explore pretty much every notable monument and landmark in D.C. and take a 1-hour cruise on the Potomac River, then consider the Discover DC Tour.

This 6-hour tour will take you to all locations listed on their Highlights Tour plus: the World War II Memorial, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.  

There is a lunch break included on the tour as you are cruising on the Potomac, this is only offered March - September.

• $89 - Adult | $79 - Child (3-12)
• More info and to book .

Skyview Convertible Bus Tour

On this convertible minibus - think open-top minivan - you get to experience a guided tour with panoramic views without the glare of a window in the photos!

A 6-hour guided bus tour takes you through the highlights of Washington DC including Georgetown, Embassy Row, and some of Northern Virginia.

• $99 - Adults & Children | $89 - Students & Seniors
• Time: 10 am - 4 pm
• Starting / Ending Location: Navy Memorial, Pennsylvania Ave NW
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Purchase your Skyview Convertible Bus Tickets .

SIGNATURE TOURS

Similar to USA Guided Tours, this well-reviewed tour company offers a shuttle bus with both a driver and a tour guide.   

With good reviews come higher prices. This company offers a 3-hour as well as a 6-hour version of a highlight tour.

They also offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.

3 Hour Morning Tour (daily at 10:30 am)

• $66 per person
• More info or to purchase

6-Hour Day Tour

• $84/youth (3-11)
• More info or to purchase .

Reviews of Signature Tours

The tickets are one of the more expensive for this type of tour, but Signature Tours has one of the highest ratings of all the services on this list.

With 4.7 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read some of the reviews ), you can feel fairly secure about a ticket purchase from this tour company.

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY TROLLEY

Arlington Cemetery Tours (operated by Historic Tours of America) is the only company permitted to offer vehicle tours of the cemetery.

They offer both open-air trams and enclosed vehicles for varying weather conditions.

Several tour companies listed above also offer combination tickets that include an ANC tour. 

If you choose a bus tour ticket that doesn't include the cemetery, then consider taking our walking tour as well as reading our GPS-enabled audio tour . 

Ticket Prices:

• $19.50 for Adults
• $10.75 for Children (4-12)
• More information or to purchase tickets .

Reviews of Arlington Cemetery Trolley

It looks like most of the guests who have taken this tour enjoyed themselves, as the company currently has a 4 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor. 

Fortunately, few of the complaints had anything in common, so it’s not likely that these issues are indicative of a larger problem.  

We also offer walking tours of the cemetery that allow you to take in these hallowed grounds at a leisurely pace and understand the stories of those resting here. Our professional guides also make sure that you're in the best place at the right time for the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier - something the trolley tours do not do!

Searching Availability...

If you're hoping to experience both Mount Vernon, this company offers a combo tour that includes travel and entrance.

Clocking in at a total of 5 hours, the trip begins with a journey to George Washington's estate and finishes off with a guided walk-through of ANC. 

Prices are a lot higher than a trolley ticket, but you'll also get a lot more bang for your buck.

• $84 for Adults
• $74 for Children (3-12)
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour
• Purchase tickets here .

USA Guided Tours currently has an overall rating of 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor. The majority of reviewers absolutely adored this trip to Mount Vernon and Arlington.

Some guests even indicated that their tour guides managed to keep younger visitors entertained throughout the excursion.

This combo package is especially popular among families and couples.

Sadly, DC Duck Tours has closed!

NIGHT BUS TOURS OF DC

There is something truly beautiful about seeing the famous monuments and historic locations in Washington, DC all lit up at night. 

We think our walking tours of DC are the best way to experience the National Mall and other neighborhoods, but sometimes you just want to sit.

Thankfully, there are a lot of night bus tours offered by the services listed above. For those that we have listed above, we won't repeat the company overviews.  

Tours range from large group double-deck open-top buses to smaller, more intimate (and more expensive) shuttle buses.  

USA Guided Tours is one of the better-reviewed bus tour companies in DC.

The DC at Dusk Tour has both a driver and a tour guide and your tour guide will join you for guided strolls through each stop, which is helpful as sometimes the sights cannot be fully experienced from the road. 

This is a premium service with a maximum of 30 guests per tour and is thus reflected in the prices.  

The tour stops at and includes guided walking tours at the following locations:

• US Capitol Building
• White House
• World War II Memorial
• Jefferson Memorial
• Martin Luther King Memorial
• Korean War Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Vietnam Memorial

You can meet your tour at the Naval Memorial conveniently located downtown on Pennsylvania Ave NW - there is a Metro station right there on the Green/Yellow lines.

• 3-hour tour departing at 7:30 pm.
• Members of the Military save $9 on tickets.
• $58 for Adults (additional fee for hotel pick up)
• $48 for Children (additional fee for hotel pick up)
• Purchase your tickets here .

BIG BUS DC NIGHT TOUR

This two-hour tour begins just after the sun goes down, allowing you to see what the nation’s capital looks like after dark.

Unlike their other offerings, the Big Bus Night Tour includes a live guide that will explain the significance of every landmark on your journey.  

The night tour is not a hop-on-hop-off tour like their day tours, rather you will see most of the sights listed on their page from the bus.

However, the tour does include  1 stop where your tour guide will accompany you to the Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean War Memorials.  

Reviews of Big Bus's night tour are better than the company as a whole.

This is probably due to the fact that passengers are guaranteed one bus for the entire evening and will not have to wait for the next bus, as they do with the daytime hop-on, hop-off tours.

2 Hour Tour

• $59 for Adults
• Check the Big Bus website for more details .

OLD TOWN TROLLEY MONUMENTS BY MOONLIGHT TOUR

In addition to their hop-on-hop-off National Mall and their Arlington National Cemetery trolley services, Old Town Trolley also offers a night tour.

Professional guides will lead you around the city and provide a plethora of information about the history of our nation.

This is not a hop-on-hop-off tour, rather you will make 3 stops with your tour guide, as opposed to Big Bus's 1 stop, including a stop at the Iwo Jima Memorial.  

Like Big Bus, Old Town Trolley's night tour gets good overall reviews. Complaints seem to be the chaotic boarding processes and plastic windows, but the vast majority rate this tour from very good to excellent.

2 ½ Hour Tour

• $58 for Adults (can be more expensive if you book last minute)
• $38 for Children
• Children under 4 ride for free

BI-PARTISAN TOURS

Epic Evening Bus Tour

NOTE: This tour has currently halted operations and they are not offering bus tours as of August 2023.

Discover all of the most significant locations in DC during the evening!  There are a few good points for this tour.

• First, it's a small group (up to 11 people) tour.
• Second, Bi-Partisan Tours is one of the highest-rated tour companies.
• Third, this night tour visits the Air Force Memorial, which most other companies don't do, and this stop is a real treat at night.

However, this is a driver-guide-only tour, so there is no tour guide to accompany you through the memorials which can be a negative if you have any questions while at the sites since many sites cannot be seen from the coach.

With that said, none of the reviewers seem to have any issues with this aspect and the guided bus portion seems to make up for it.

They do offer hotel pick-up and drop-off.

As the tour is a small group, they do allow flexibility with the itinerary and are sometimes are able to incorporate a specific request like Embassy Row or the Kennedy Center.

BUS TOURS TO MOUNT VERNON AND OTHER DAY TRIPS

Several DC bus tour operators offer bus tours to Mount Vernon Estate, the home of George Washington, which lies 16 miles (25 km) south of the District of Columbia.  

Other tours will visit Thomas Jefferson's Monticello as well as Gettysburg Battlefield Park .

Additional popular day trips from DC include Yorktown, Colonial Williamsburg, Harper's Ferry, NYC, and vineyard and winery tours.

Bus Tours to Mount Vernon Estate

There are a few bus companies with regularly scheduled tours from Washington, D.C. to Mount Vernon.  

Expect the tour to last 5 - 6 hours round trip, unless the tour includes a stop in Arlington National Cemetery, which will add 2 hours to the trip.  

Most tours pass through Old Town Alexandria for a quick view.  

Be sure to read our guide to Mount Vernon Estate before you go.  

It is also possible to take mass transit to the estate as well as a boat cruise.

NOTE: Entry to Mount Vernon is included for free with the purchase of the Explorer Pass, a tourist attraction discount pass.  

USA Guided Tours

There is still one option for a private luxury bus or minivan half-day tour that includes Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria.

This tour includes transportation to and from Washington DC with stops in Old Town Alexandria and Mount Vernon.

You'll have a live guide and an entrance ticket to tour inside the mansion at Mount Vernon.

It has great reviews about the cleanliness of the bus, the professionalism and knowledge of the guide, and the quality of the tour stops.

Purchase your tickets here.

Use our  Guide to the Circulator's National Mall  route as a self-guided bus tour of the memorials and museums.

Are Bus Tours a Good Way to Travel?

Washington, DC is a very walkable city if you're looking to explore the main sites, but some guests prefer to look into bus tours.

If you're looking to explore some of the further afield sites like the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial (which is accessible by Metro and walkable from our Arlington Cemetery tour) or the US Air Force Memorial, a bus tour is a great idea.

Something to note is that on the National Mall , having a bus doesn't actually save you any walking!

Due to the location of WWII, Vietnam, Korean, and Lincoln Memorials and their designated pick up/drop off locations for buses, you'll still need to walk around the memorials just as much as you would on a walking tour of the National Mall.

Some of the DC Bus tours do offer double-decker buses and there is hop on hop off options.

These can be a great way to get around the city between tourist attractions.

PROS OF A BUS TOUR

You can get to locations that are further away.

Climate controlled vehicles.

A hop-on hop-off bus tour can save you time and money on transportation costs.

CONS OF A BUS TOUR

Pre-recorded commentary (unless you get a guided bus tour!)

Not able to ask questions easily about what you're seeing.

Long waits between buses (unless you get a guided bus tour!)

And much, much more

About the author.

Canden Arciniega

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

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Travel Blog from OurBus

The ultimate guide to charter bus day trips near Washington DC

If you’re planning a day trip around Washington DC, chartering a bus is a great way to travel in comfort and convenience. These are five of the most popular charter bus day trips in and around Washington DC to get you started.

Mount Vernon

Visit the historic home of George Washington, located just 15 miles south of DC. A visit to Mount Vernon, the gardens, and the museum, as well as a visit to Washington’s tomb, will make it a trip to remember.

The capital of Maryland is a charming city located on the Chesapeake Bay, just 30 miles east of DC. Annapolis is known for its colonial architecture, seafood restaurants, and maritime heritage. A day trip there could also include a visit to the US Naval Academy.

For Civil War enthusiasts, a visit to Gettysburg is a must. It’s home to the Gettysburg National Military Park, where visitors can explore the battlefield and learn about the pivotal battle that took place there in 1863. Other attractions in Gettysburg include the Eisenhower National Historic Site and the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center.

Shenandoah National Park

Located about 70 miles west of DC, Shenandoah National Park is a beautiful wilderness with hiking trails, waterfalls, and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. A day trip to Shenandoah National Park could include a scenic bus ride along Skyline Drive, a hike to one of the park’s many waterfalls, and a picnic lunch at one of the park’s many picnic areas.

Just 40 miles north of DC, Baltimore is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving cultural scene. Take in a visit to the historic Inner Harbor, a tour of Fort McHenry, see the National Aquarium, and a seafood dinner in one of the city’s many highly rated restaurants.

Make the trip with Rally Ourbus

No matter which of these day trips you choose, Rally OurBus Charter Services has you covered. Enjoy a comfortable trip in one of our modern, fully equipped buses. Whatever the size of your travel group, we assure you affordable rates and a seamless experience. Check us out here or if you are already putting your plan together, give us a call at 747-236-6916 and get an instant quote.

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Break-special trips for Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Winter styles and commuting tips from ourbus team, break-special trips for uconn students, no comments, leave a reply cancel reply.

Washington DC and Philadelphia in One Day from NYC

• Washington DC
• U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
• Lincoln Memorial
• Korean War Veterans Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• The Three Servicemen Statue
• White House
• Washington Monument
• U.S. Capitol
• Philadelphia
• Independence National Historical Park
• Independence Hall
• Liberty Bell Center
• Old City Hall
• Rocky Statue

Getting there

27 Neal Street, London, WC2H 9PR

Select date and session

No booking fees

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Review: The Big Bus Tour in New York City

I absolutely loved the Big Bus Tour in New York City. It’s the best way to go sightseeing in an open-top, hop-on hop-off, top-rated tour and explore the best New York attractions !

If this is your first-time visiting New York and you want to see all the top landmarks, this double-decker tour bus will take you there.

The Big Bus Tour in New York

You may be wondering if a hop-on hop-off bus is worth it. Absolutely, yes!

If you consider the time and money spent on transportation costs, waiting for buses, navigating the subway (which can be confusing for visitors), and getting from one point of interest to another, it is worth every dollar!

I had a great visit to New York City on Big Bus Tour. My goal was to show the city to some friends from Italy who were visiting the US for the first time.

Since we only had about two days to spend together, the hop-on hop-off was undoubtedly the best decision.

From our experience, we’ll answer commonly asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off bus while visiting New York City.

Google Reviews

Why take the big bus tour in new york.

While seeing New York from the open-top deck of the double-decker bus, the city unfolded block by block with panoramic views from every angle.

As we traveled through the streets, the sights were unobstructed and new visual backdrops were revealed.

The towering skyscrapers and colorful billboards filled the air with excitement and as the cityscape continued to change, it gave a grand feeling to the experience.

I especially enjoyed being able to relax from the upper deck of the bus while taking in the energy of city scenes.

Because I also live in a large city, the rhythm felt familiar from the elevated vantage point .

Car horns were honking, crowds traversed through the streets and there was an endless hum of activity.

Best of all, the tour gave me the chance to interact with other travelers who were seeing New York while waiting for the tour to began.

We struck up conversations and exchanged stories, insights, and recommendations during our stay in New York.

How Much is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The regular price of an adult and child ticket is $60.00 and $50.00, respectively. However, you can use the link below for discounted fares.

Get discounts for the Big Bus Tour NYC  here .

How Long is the Big Bus Tour in New York

The round-trip New York City Big Bus Tour takes about two hours from start to finish.

The bus is the perfect solution for visitors worldwide because they offer pre-recorded audio narratives and translations in five languages — French, German, Spanish, Italian, and English.

Are There Toilets on the Big Bus

No. Unlike charter buses, you won’t travel long between stops. So the best thing to do is exit at a stop, find a public restroom, see an attraction, if desired, and then catch the next bus.

If you are not sure where to find one, ask a Big Bus guide on the street. The driver may also have some suggestions.

Charter buses come equipped with a bathroom because travel is expected to be for a much longer period.

How Does the Big Bus Tour Work in New York City

The tour offers three options for purchase — 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day.

When you decide the number of days of your tour and purchase your ticket, the clock starts when your ticket is scanned while boarding the bus for the first time.

The ticket is good for 24, 48, or 72 hours. So, if you have a 1-day ticket and board the bus at 11:00 AM on Monday, it can still be used until 11:00 AM on Tuesday.

We found a ton of touring options for sightseeing in New York.

Aside from the extended period, the 2 and 3-day tickets also offer discounted bike rentals.

The buses run every 20 minutes on average. However, the first stop at the M&M store can be a long wait during peak season.

You can exit or board at any of the designated stops as much as you want.

The only exclusion is the one-loop tour Night Tour which is a panoramic non-stop tour.

Where to Catch the Big Bus Tour in New York City

During the tour, the buses only stop at designated stops.

Your ticket is good for as long as the buses operate during the day and it may be used on both the red and blue routes.

When you board, make sure you get a hop-on hop-off New York bus route map!

Big Bus NYC Red Route

The red route sightseeing tour covers lower Manhattan and you’ll see many landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Wall Street, the Chrysler Building, and General Grant’s Tomb.

You can catch a tour at any one of the following bus stops and you can get your tickets in advance of boarding.

1 – M&M’s World – 7th Ave & W 48th St (Outside M&M World & Majestic Deli)

2 – Times Square East – W 42nd St & Broadway (at Knickerbocker Hotel)

3 – Empire State Building / Korea Town – 5th Ave & W 32nd St (at CVS Pharmacy)

4 – Flatiron District – 5th Ave & W 23rd St (at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop)

5 – SoHo – Broadway and Spring Street (at Nike Store)

6 – Chinatown / Little Italy – 100 Lafayette Street (near the corner at Walker St)

7 – Brooklyn Bridge – Park Row & Beekman St (across from 33 Park Row)

8 – Wall Street / Charging Bull – Broadway & Wall St (Southwest corner near Rector St)

9 – Statue of Liberty / Battery Park – State St and Bridge St (at Subway Entrance)

10 – Circle Line Sightseeing – 12th Ave & 40th St (opposite Pier 81)

11 – Times Square North – 7th Ave & W 50th St (at Majestic Deli)

Big Bus NYC Blue Route

The blue route covers upper Manhattan, and half of the ride is mostly views of Central Park. You can switch to the blue route at red stop #2.

We recommend changing routes at stop #11 (the Majestic Deli) where you can take a break and have a nice lunch.

12 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art – 5th Ave & E 83rd St (near 83rd St)

13 – Central Park Zoo – 5th Ave & E 66th St (opposite 845 5th Ave)

14 – Columbus Circle – Central Park & Columbus Circle (SW corner of Central Park)

Tips and Things to Know Before You Go

The bus has two levels, the upper level offers panoramic views of the city but be careful of overhanging traffic lights and trees. Don’t stand while the bus is in motion.

• After you find a seat, check the audio to confirm it is working.
• Snacks are allowed. Bring a frozen bottle of water and protein bites to keep you energized.
• When on the upper deck, cover up with sunscreen to protect your skin on hot sunny days.
• If you are a family of 3 or more, take seats across from one another so you’ll have views and photos from both sides of the bus.

Tourists were lined up at stop #1 at least an hour before departure and the line extended the entire block and rounded the corner.

We decided to see other points of interest and returned around 11:00 AM.

The wait to board the bus was about 20 minutes. It was a relaxing ride and there we saw so much!

By the time we reached stop #9, we were pumped and ready to exit the bus so that we could explore the city! And you probably will be too.

Here’s the secret sauce that really made the experience memorable. Exit at stop #9 and take a FREE ferry to Staten Island.

To see the Statue of Liberty, stand on the left side of the boat. When returning, stand on the right side.

Traveling on a budget? Read my review of the Westside YMCA Hotel !

Final Thoughts About the Big Bus Tour in New York City

Overall, the tour was a pleasant way to see New York city and when you are on the upper deck, you hardly notice the traffic.

Some other advantages of seeing the city by bus include:

• Avoiding parking hassles. I mean, who actually drives in New York?!
• Photo opportunities. With the open-top or large windows, you have excellent photo opportunities as you pass by iconic landmarks and cityscapes.
• Comprehensive sightseeing of major landmarks and attractions within two hours.
• You can get local recommendations from the guides who operate the bus.

I usually opt for a hop-on hop-off bus when I am short on time or to get my bearings in the city before deciding what to do.

Either way, when you take the tour bus, it doesn’t appear impossible to take a bite out of the Big Apple.

Happy Travels!

Fireworks, a thunderstorm and an honest admission... Man City's Premier League trophy parade

Man City players and staff paraded through the city centre this evening to celebrate their historic Premier League triumph

• Updated 10:02, 27 MAY 2024

Manchester City fans are gathering in the city centre ahead of a parade to celebrate their club's historic Premier League title triumph.

The Blues became the first team in the history of English football to win fourth back-to-back league titles thanks to a 3-1 victory over West Ham United last Sunday (May 19).

While City fell short against rivals Manchester United in yesterday's FA Cup final , City fans still have plenty to celebrate. Pep Guardiola's team will take to the streets this evening (Sunday) to show off their silverware in a victory tour around the city.

READ MORE: Pep Guardiola's full-time mood should give Man City crowd answers after new contract revelation

The bus parade is expected to last from 7.30pm until around 9pm owing to the Greater Manchester Run taking place earlier in the day with runners finishing the race along Deansgate .

Huge crowds are expected to turn out to see the four-time champions lift the Premier League trophy from an open-top bus that will travel from the National Football Museum through Cathedral Gardens and along Deansgate, stopping at several points along the way.

Yet while spirits are sure to be high, the weather will try to spoil the fun. The Met Office has issued Manchester with a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms , lasting from midday until 8pm tonight.

We'll bring you live updates from the parade in the blog below.

Heading home

Fans are starting to make their way home after the players headed inside the Hilton.

More fireworks

The parade is bought to an end by another firework display to light up the Manchester sky.

Nathan Ake's honest admission

On the defence he said:

"I've got to be honest, this season we could have done better , there was a few ocassions where maybe we wern't ourselves or the best of ourselves but I thin overall we did really well, we can be proud of ourselves. If we can improve even more next season you never know what can happen."

The best view in the house

Fans have found a unique way of getting a better view of the squad.

Ohh Kevin De Bruyne

The buses have arrived at the destination of the Parade.

Erling Haaland with the trophy

This is the City striker's second Premier League title in as many years.

No John Stones dancing tonight

Despite rumours of the defender having the best moves of the squad, we won't be seeing his dancing tonight.

He told the club's official channels when asked: "Not on here, not on here!"

Haaland and Foden front and centre

The duo are leading the celebrations at the front of the bus.

The scenes as the buses made their way

Our reporter Thomas George was on hand to catch the scenes as the buses made their way past.

The Trophy lift

It's an evening that everyone in attendance won't forget in a long time.

Ruben Dias on 'incredible' achievement

"It's incredible, it's special, it's never been done before. It's time to celebrate now with our people. We were looking forward to it and now is the time. "It's special for me individually of course, but what we are doing as a team it just goes beyond any expectation anyone has and I think that at the end of the day is the thing I'm most proud of."

Kyle Walker then interupts him with a rendition of 'City's won four in a row!"

And they're off

The buses make their way down the parade route.

Bernardo Silva talks

Bernardo Silva has spoken to the club's official channels from the bus - here's what he had to say:

"Very happy, thank you very much for coming it's a pleasure to be here once again and it's great to see the support these fans give us every day and once again we can celebrate. So thank you very much. "(4 in a row) was a record we wanted to go after, something that was never done before, we are so, so proud, it was so difficult, so we're very, very proud of this work.

Firework display

The players are almost ready to leave on the coaches, they've been greeted by a firwork display.

Fans are lining the street

Thousands are awaiting their heroes.

Out come the flares

The party is really getting started now!

Grealish loving the parade so far

Man City's winger is enjoying the entertainment, which is being provided by youngster Jacey Mae.

A promise kept

This family couldn't miss this year's parade, despite the weather.

A reminder of the route

He is the route that the City bus will be taking with the parade starting at 7.30pm. The buses are expected at the Hilton hotel where there will be large screens and stage shows at around 9pm.

Spirits are high in Manchester this evening!

Thousands of excited fans are lining the streets

Fans waiting for parade

Our reporter on location, Tom George, is waiting with supporters who are anticipating catching a glimpse of their heroes on the parade.

Thousands of City are eagerly awaiting their heroes, with the victory parade due to start in the next few minutes @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/5aHwzKGClp — Tom George (@TomGeorgeMEN) May 26, 2024

Some great images of the parade crowds now

Lots of bananas and blue flags on display.

Parade route and timings

City's players and coaching staff are due to travel through Exchange Square and then down Deansgate with the parade expected to reach its conclusion outside the Hilton Hotel at approximately 9pm.

Interviews will then be held with players and Pep Guardiola.

Lifelong Blues fans

All out braving the rain.

Lifelong Blues Juliet Hall-Cain and Amelia Woodhouse are also braving the rain tonight. “We’ve got to take advantage of days like this,” said Juliet. “Yesterday was disappointing but we’ve won four titles in a row. No one has ever done that.” @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/394etIt8Ok — Tom George (@TomGeorgeMEN) May 26, 2024

At the junction of Deansgate and St Mary's Gate.

A huge screen is in place at the junction of Deansgate and St Mary’s Gate where fans will presumably be able to track the progress of the open-top bus throughout the parade @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/AKsEOJCMSX — Tom George (@TomGeorgeMEN) May 26, 2024

Crowds gathering now

This is the scene at Exchange Square

This is how it’s looking over at Exchange Square. It’s a sea of sky blue as fans wait for Pep Guardiola’s team to set out from the National Football Museum shortly @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/oP5yhOVFOi — Tom George (@TomGeorgeMEN) May 26, 2024

Some images of fans out and about

It's soggy out there, but the crowds are starting to build now.

Anyone for merchandise?

Our reporters Tom George and Joe Bray are in the middle of the action throughout the evening.

Stay here for the latest.

So anyone up for some Champions merchandise to start?

Fans are braving the weather

It may be nearly June, but that doesn't mean that the Manchester weather will play ball. But that won't stop the party!

Good evening

Anyone up for a night of celebration?

While yesterday's trip to Wembley might have ended in disappointment - we won't dwell on that! It's been another season to remember at the Etihad Stadium as Manchester City were crowned Premier League Champions for a record fourth time in a row.

Pep Guardiola and his Man City squad are back on the open top bus celebrating the season with the Premier League trophy. Stay with us throughout the night for live updates with all the colour and celebrations.

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