This post compares the various bus tour options available in Washington, DC.
We included hop-on-hop-off tours, more premium shuttle bus services, and even a free, self-guided option. Let's get rolling!
DC might not be huge, but there are many great attractions to see here, many of them on these DC bus tours.
We think the best way to get around the memorials and downtown DC is on foot.
But, hop-on-hop-off bus tours can be a good alternative for tired feet or for those looking to get between main sites.
Something unique about DC to keep in mind is security restrictions - large vehicles are not allowed near some federal buildings.
So, the bus stops for the Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress, White House, and even some memorials will still require walking!
DC Hop On Hop Off Bus Route Map
While specific routes vary depending on the company and the type of tour you want to take, most of the main attractions in DC are included.
Capitol Hill
Buses are not allowed on Capitol Hill, but there is an official bus drop-off at Garfield Circle on the National Mall side of the US Capitol.
This will let you hop off to visit the Supreme Court, Library of Congress, and US Capitol - remember you must walk up the hill to get to these buildings.
(This is why our Capitol Hill walking tour is a better option!)
You can hop off for a quick photo of the Capitol building if you'd prefer.
Nearby Attractions:
- US Capitol
- Supreme Court
- Library of Congress
- US Botanic Gardens
White House
The bus tours will also stop at the White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.
The official drop off point is not directly at the White House (for the same security reasons as the US Capitol) but it is a short walk.
Nearby Attractions:
- White House
- White House Visitor Center
Memorials on the National Mall
Since the National Mall is one of the major attractions, there are a few stops along the National Mall to visit the poignant memorials that honor America's heroes:
- Lincoln Memorial: Pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln at this majestic monument.
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Reflect on the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.
- World War II Memorial: Commemorate the bravery and dedication of the Greatest Generation.
Please note that the stops are not directly at each memorial! You will still have to walk to the memorials.
Most companies have a stop near the Lincoln Memorial and one near the WWII Memorial.
Memorials on the Tidal Basin
Continue your exploration along the scenic Tidal Basin, home to more monumental tributes:
- Jefferson Memorial: Admire the neoclassical architecture dedicated to Thomas Jefferson.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: Celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader.
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial: Walk through the unique memorial dedicated to FDR's four terms in office.
The bus stops for Tidal Basin are usually between FDR and MLK Memorial and near to at Jefferson Memorial. Just as most sites, you will still need to walk to the memorials themselves from the bus stop.
During the Cherry Blossom Festival in Spring, these stops are closed!
Smithsonian Institution
Immerse yourself in culture and history at the Smithsonian Institution.
With numerous museums and galleries, you'll find something to pique your interest, whether it's art, history, or science.
Most buses have one stop near the American History and Natural History Museums and one stop near the Air and Space Museum.
International Spy Museum
Located south of the National Mall in L'Enfant Plaza, there is often a stop at this museum.
Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial
This memorial is located in Virginia, next to Arlington National Cemetery. Since it is so popular at night, it is included in almost all the evening bus tour routes.
Downtown
All the bus companies include a stop downtown but are not in the exact location. In general, this is where you can get off to see:
- Ford's Theatre
- National Portrait Gallery
- CityCenter
But you must walk a few blocks to most of these locations, depending on your route.
Union Station
Visit Union Station, a bustling transportation hub and architectural masterpiece.
Enjoy the impressive Beaux-Arts design and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic landmark.
Union Station is the hub for bus tours - most routes start here!
Not all bus companies have a route that includes the below stops, but you may be able to upgrade to an extra route that drives through these neighborhoods.
Georgetown
Experience the charm of Georgetown, a historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and vibrant dining scene.
Discover the rich history and modern allure of this beloved area.
Embassy Row
Drive along Embassy Row, where you'll see the impressive residences of foreign diplomats.
Learn about the international community in Washington, D.C., and the role these embassies play in global relations.
Arlington National Cemetery
Pay your respects to the nation's fallen heroes and witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
There is only one official hop-on hop-off trolley option for Arlington Cemetery, which we discuss below.
However, you may see the option for a bus transfer that brings you to the cemetery so you can tour on your own.
Arlington Cemetery has its own Metro station, a large parking lot, and is walkable from Lincoln Memorial, so this isn't a necessary option, but if you're already taking a hop-on hop-off bus tour, it might be a nice bonus.
HOP-ON-HOP-OFF DC BUS TOURS
There are many great services in Washington, DC, that offer commentary and transportation to all of the area's most popular and historic sites.
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 reliable transportation and 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 valid for either one or two days, and the two-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 can sit above the cars.
From this vantage point, it’s much easier to see all of the notable sites around Washington, D.C.
Hotel Shuttle Service is provided at select hotels and times.
Although tours are only in English, 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 takes you around the National Mall to see all the memorials and downtown DC, they also offer a tour that is essentially a shuttle that provides transport to and from Arlington National Cemetery.
If you opt for their gold pass, you will receive a 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.
- Free for kids 3 and under with a parental figure.
2-Day Ticket Prices
As of Summer 2024, Old Town Trolley is not offering 2 Day Passes.
1-Day Ticket + Arlington National Cemetery
$60/Adults | $40/Children
- Includes 24-hour access to the blue loop.
- Includes Arlington National Cemetery tour.
- Free for kids 3 and under with a parental figure.
You can also upgrade to include the tram tour of Arlington National Cemetery and can also add on a cruise during the summer months.
Hours
- 9 am - 5 pm from Thursday - Sunday
- Buses run every 30 minutes
- Arlington National Cemetery shuttle:
- 9 am - 4 pm (Oct-Mar)
- 9 am - 6 pm (Apr-Sept)
Reviews
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 a good sign.
Although some guests have left negative feedback, some complaints indicate a common problem that anyone should be concerned about.
Most 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 worldwide.
This tour has three different loops around the city, depending on which areas you want to see.
Many connection points 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 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 are available for one, two, or three days. 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.
- 50% off 2-Hour Bike Rental.
- Free for kids 4 and under with a parental figure.
Explore Tour: $72/Adults | $63/Children
- 3-day hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
- $5 off ARTECHOUSE tickets.
- 50% off 2-Hour Bike Rental.
- Free for kids 4 and under with a parental figure.
Night Tour: $58/Adults | $50/Children (Fri-Sun in Summer Only)
Purchase tickets or learn more.
Hours
- 9 am - 5 pm daily
- Buses run every 1 hour.
Reviews
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.
While this rating is lower than that of the previously mentioned competitor, it is comparable to 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 only have a short 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-guided, where your driver doubles as your tour guide. This 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 options here include hotel pick-up, and you will have the same bus and driver (and maybe tour guide) for the entire tour.
One of the biggest advantages of these 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 seeing the same number of sights with the hop-on-hop-off buses will take much longer.
This may not be the best option for those who 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 you choose 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 it's a private tour, you can choose what to see and how long to spend at each site.
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 and 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, which is reflected in their prices.
For some, this enhancement is well worth the premium paid, especially considering the reviews.
Except for 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 guide you through the memorials is the biggest hit.
Tickets
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, 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.
- More info and to book.
If you want to explore almost every notable monument and landmark in D.C. and take a 1-hour cruise on the Potomac River, 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.
The tour includes a lunch break while cruising on the Potomac, but this is only offered March - September.
- $89 - Adult | $79 - Child (3-12)
- Members of the Military receive $10 off.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- More info and to book.
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 and 6-hour version of a highlight tour.
They also offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour.
Ticket Prices
3 Hour Morning Tour (daily at 10:30 am)
- $66 per person
- More info or to purchase
6-Hour Day Tour
- $94/adult
- $84/youth (3-11)
- More info or to purchase.
Reviews of Signature Tours
The tickets are among the most 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 reasonably 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 with an ANC tour.
If you choose a bus tour ticket that doesn't include the cemetery, consider taking our walking tour or 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
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, which 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!
USA GUIDED TOURS
If you're hoping to experience both Mount Vernon, this company offers a combo tour that includes travel and entrance.
The trip, which takes 5 hours in total, begins with a visit to George Washington's estate and ends with a guided walk-through of ANC.
Prices are much 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 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 trendy among families and couples.
DC DUCKS
Sadly, DC Duck Tours has closed and this is not an option in DC. We only leave it in because so many people still ask!
NIGHT BUS TOURS OF DC
There is something wonderful 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 want to sit.
Thankfully, the services listed above offer many night bus tours. We won't repeat the company overviews for those we have listed above.
Tours range from large group double-deck open-top buses to smaller, more intimate (and more expensive) shuttle buses.
USA GUIDED TOURS
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 the prices reflect this.
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 on the Green/Yellow lines.
- 3-hour tour departing at 7:30 pm.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- 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)
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 explaining 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's.
This is probably because 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
- $50 for Children (3-12)
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 wealth of information about our nation's history.
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. The only 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
- Purchase your tickets here.
BI-PARTISAN TOURS
NOTE: This tour has halted operations and is not offering bus tours as of July 2024.
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, George Washington's home, 16 miles (25 km) south of the District of Columbia.
Other tours will visit Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and 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
A few bus companies have 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.
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 and 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, including 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 excellent reviews about the cleanliness of the bus, the professionalism and knowledge of the guide, and the quality of the tour stops.
Self-Guided Bus Tour
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 locations of the 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 are 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.
Traffic
Long waits between buses (unless you get a guided bus tour!)
