For those seeking to explore the nation’s capital in a flexible and engaging way, the Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour promises an enriching experience. At just $49.95 per person, this 1-day tour offers unlimited access to 25 iconic stops, including must-see attractions like the Lincoln Memorial and the White House. With live English-speaking guides, downloadable audio guides, and an optional tram tour of Arlington National Cemetery, this tour provides a convenient and informative way to discover the city. But what sets it apart from other sightseeing options?
This experience made our article of Which Washington DC City Tours To Choose? We Rank The 16 Best.
Key Points
- The Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour in Washington, D.C. offers a flexible sightseeing experience with access to 15 stops at iconic sites across the city.
- The tour is priced from $49.95 per person and provides a 1-day pass with unlimited hop-on hop-off access to the 25 stops.
- The tour includes highlights such as the Lincoln Memorial, White House, and Smithsonian Museums, with an optional upgrade for a tram tour of Arlington National Cemetery.
- Live English-speaking guides and downloadable audio guides in 7 languages are available to enhance the tour experience.
- The tour is highly rated by customers, providing great value for exploring Washington, D.C. at one’s own pace.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Washington, DC Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour offers visitors an affordable and convenient way to explore the nation’s capital.
Priced from $49.95 per person, the 1-day tour allows unlimited hop-on hop-off access to 25 popular stops. Guests can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and they can reserve now and pay later.
The tour features live English-speaking guides and downloadable audio guides in 7 languages. An optional upgrade includes a tram tour of Arlington National Cemetery.
With 4.3/5 customer ratings, this tour provides a great value for seeing DC’s iconic landmarks.
Want to see more of Washington Dc? Here are other city tours we've reviewed
Tour Features and Stops
With 15 stops at iconic sites across Washington, D.C., the Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour offers unlimited access to 25 popular destinations. Highlights include the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Smithsonian Museums, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Travelers can opt for an upgrade to the Arlington National Cemetery tram tour, which covers the JFK Gravesite, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Iwo Jima Memorial. The tour also provides live English-speaking guides and downloadable audio guides in 7 languages. This flexible sightseeing experience allows visitors to explore the nation’s capital at their own pace.
| Stop | Landmark |
| — | — |
| 1 | Washington Welcome Center/Ford’s Theatre/Petersen House |
| 2 | The White House/The White House Visitor Center/WWI Memorial |
| 3 | National Archives/Navy Memorial |
| 4 | Japanese American Memorial |
| 5 | Union Station/Smithsonian Postal Museum |
Itinerary and Notable Stops
Washington Welcome Center/Ford’s Theatre/Petersen House marks the starting point of the tour, where visitors can learn about the nation’s capital and the life and tragic death of President Abraham Lincoln.
The tour then proceeds to the White House, National Archives, Union Station, and the Smithsonian museums. Highlights include the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress, as well as the memorials dedicated to Presidents Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln, and those honoring the Vietnam, Korean, and World War II veterans.
The tour also visits The Wharf, International Spy Museum, and Arlington National Cemetery.
Arlington National Cemetery Tram Tour
Although the main Washington, DC trolley tour does not include the Arlington National Cemetery, visitors can upgrade their experience with a 45-minute (Monday-Friday) or 1-hour (Saturday & Sunday) tram tour of this hallowed ground. The tram tour highlights notable sites such as the President John F. Kennedy Gravesite, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Iwo Jima Memorial. A valid ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, is required for entry, and a school ID is accepted for ages 16-17.
| Tram Tour Duration | Notable Sites |
|——————-|—————|
| Monday-Friday: 45 minutes | President John F. Kennedy Gravesite |
| Saturday & Sunday: 1 hour | Tomb of the Unknown Soldier |
| | Iwo Jima Memorial |
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
The Washington, DC Trolley Tour earns an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 553 reviews.
Customers praise the informative and entertaining guides, who earn a 4.8 rating. The transportation also receives high marks at 4.5, and the value for money is rated 4.2.
Reviewers highlight the tour as an efficient way to see major sights without exhaustion. One customer calls it an "excellent tour" while another says it’s a "great way to see the sights and hop off at many stops."
- DC Monuments and Memorials Night Tour
- DC National Mall Night Tour With 10 Stops, Reserved Entry Tickets
- Washington DC Monuments by Moonlight Tour by Trolley
- Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
- DC Monuments and Capitol Hill Tour by Electric Cart
- Best of DC Plus US Capitol and National Archives Reserved Entry
Important Information
Union Station, located at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, serves as the meeting point for the Washington, DC Trolley Tour.
Union Station, at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, is the starting point for the Washington, DC Trolley Tour.
Parking is available near the Washington Welcome Center and Union Station for those driving.
The tour has a few important rules:
-
Smoking, large bags, pets (except assistance dogs), alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed.
-
An app is available for GPS tracking and audio commentary.
-
Itineraries are subject to change, so be prepared for potential updates to the tour.
Getting to the Tour
Visitors can reach the starting point for the Washington, DC Trolley Tour at Union Station, located at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE. Parking is available near the Washington Welcome Center and Union Station. The tour also provides information on getting to the meeting point.
| Transportation | Details |
| — | — |
| Public Transit | Ride the metro to Union Station |
| Driving | Parking available near the meeting point |
| Walking | Union Station is easily accessible on foot |
| Ride Share | Use a ride-sharing service to get to the tour |
Passengers should note that large bags, pets (except service animals), alcohol, and drugs are not allowed on the tour.
FAQ
What Are the Operating Hours of the Trolley Tour?
The tour operates daily, allowing visitors to hop on and off at their convenience throughout the day. Specific operating hours are not provided in the information given.
Are the Trolleys Wheelchair Accessible?
The trolleys are wheelchair accessible, allowing passengers using wheelchairs to easily board and ride. Passengers should contact the tour operator in advance to ensure accommodations are available for their specific needs.
Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour information, food and drinks are not allowed on the trolleys. Passengers are prohibited from bringing large bags, alcohol, drugs, and pets (except service animals) on the tour.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
Yes, the tour offers discounted tickets for children and seniors. Children under 3 ride free, while children aged 3-12 and seniors aged 65+ receive a discounted rate compared to the standard adult ticket price.
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, you can take photos during the tour. The tour allows passengers to freely take photos at all the stops and during the ride. Just be mindful of others and avoid disrupting the experience for fellow passengers.
Sum Up
The Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour offers a convenient and flexible way to explore the nation’s capital. With 25 iconic stops, live guides, and an optional Arlington National Cemetery tram tour, it provides great value for visitors. The 4.3/5 customer rating suggests it’s an enriching and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned traveler, this tour is worth considering for your DC sightseeing.
📍 This experience made our list of the 16 best City Tours in Washington DC
More Food & Drink Experiences in Washington Dc
More Tours in Washington Dc
- DC: Monuments & Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus
- Washington, DC: Day & Night Electric Cart & Vintage Car Tour
- Washington DC: Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
- Private Tour of Washington DC: Transportation Only, No Guide
- DC: Ghosts of Georgetown Haunted History Nighttime Tour
- Highlights of National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Tour
More Tour Reviews in Washington Dc
- DC: Monuments & Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus
- Washington, DC: Day & Night Electric Cart & Vintage Car Tour
- Washington DC: Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
- Private Tour of Washington DC: Transportation Only, No Guide
- DC: Ghosts of Georgetown Haunted History Nighttime Tour
- Highlights of National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Tour
Still browsing? Here are more Washington Dc experiences we've covered recently
- DC: Monuments & Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus
- Washington, DC: Day & Night Electric Cart & Vintage Car Tour
- Washington DC: Arlington Cemetery Guided Walking Tour
- Private Tour of Washington DC: Transportation Only, No Guide
- DC: Ghosts of Georgetown Haunted History Nighttime Tour
- Highlights of National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Tour
- DC: Historic Georgetown History & Architecture 2 Hour Tour
- DC: Lincoln’s Assassination 2 Hour Nighttime Walking Tour
- From Washington DC: Old Town Alexandria & Mount Vernon Tour
- Washington DC: Must See Sights Half-Day Tour
- Washington DC: National Museum of Natural History Tour
- Washington: VIP Private Tour of the U.S. Capitol & Library