DC: Hop-on Hop-off, Arlington Walking Tour, and Night Tour

Traveling to Washington, DC is always exciting — a city packed with iconic sights, history, and vibrant neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning every detail, this combo tour from Big Bus Tours offers a practical solution. It combines the flexibility of a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus with a guided walk through Arlington Cemetery and a stunning nighttime tour of illuminated monuments.

What really makes this offering stand out are two things. First, the unlimited hop-on hop-off access lets you explore DC at your own pace, stopping when something catches your eye. Second, the guided Arlington Cemetery tour provides a meaningful, respectful look at American history. However, a potential hiccup is that some buses may get crowded or be in less-than-perfect condition, according to recent reviews. This experience is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible way to see the city without feeling overwhelmed. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate a mix of bus convenience, historical insight, and visual drama at night.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing: Unlimited hop-on hop-off access to 17 stops.
• Deep history: Guided walk through Arlington National Cemetery.
• Beautiful views: Night tour with illuminated monuments.
• Value for money: Bundled experience at a competitive price.
• Self-guided options: Digital commentary and app support.
• Mixed reviews: Some buses are crowded or in less-than-ideal shape.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Basic Structure of the Tour

This tour package spans 1 to 3 days, giving you enough flexibility to spread out your sightseeing. Starting with the hop-on hop-off bus, you’ll have access to 17 stops throughout the city, covering everything from the White House and Capitol Building to Smithsonian museums and the Lincoln Memorial. The digital commentary is a nice touch, providing historical context and stories as you go, making the ride more engaging even if you choose to stay on the bus.

The Arlington Cemetery walking tour is a key highlight, especially if you’re into history and want to honor the nation’s heroes. It lasts about two hours, led by an expert local guide, and operates only from September to October, so check dates beforehand. You’ll learn about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, see the Changing of the Guard, and stroll through rows of respectful white headstones.

Finally, as the day winds down, the night tour takes you around the city’s monuments as they light up after sunset. This is a different way to appreciate DC’s most famous sights — the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and others — all glowing against the evening sky. It’s a peaceful, photogenic way to cap off your day.

What You Can Expect from the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

The big bus is the backbone of this experience. It offers unlimited rides for the duration of your ticket (up to 72 hours), which means you can hop off at any stop to explore a museum, grab lunch, or take some photos. The digital commentary adds layers of info about DC’s history and hidden stories, making the ride both fun and educational.

However, recent reviews point out that buses can be crowded and sometimes arrive in clumps, especially during peak times. Klaus from Austria mentions that the “newer buses would be good,” implying that some of the vehicles might feel a bit dated. On the upside, the bus app helps with live tracking, so you can plan your next move without much waiting.

Expect your bus ride to be an easy, accessible way to see major landmarks like the White House, Capitol, and the Smithsonian museums. You can hop off at stops like the National History Museum or the Air & Space Museum, explore, then hop back on when you’re ready. It’s a time-efficient way to cover a lot of ground.

Arlington Cemetery Guided Walk

The guided Arlington Cemetery walking tour is a touching and educational segment. It’s led by a knowledgeable local guide who brings history to life. You’ll visit significant spots like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watch the Changing of the Guard, which many find profoundly moving.

Since the tour operates only from September to October, if you’re visiting outside these months, you might find a self-guided digital tour as an alternative. According to reviews, the stories and the atmosphere make this a worthwhile stop, especially for history buffs or those interested in honoring fallen heroes.

That said, the tour isn’t suited for very young children or those who might find long walks challenging, given the cemetery’s expansive layout. And remember, guests 18 and older need valid ID to enter Arlington, so plan accordingly.

The Night Tour: A Different Perspective

The nighttime tour is a highlight for many. It departs at 6:30 pm from Union Station and lasts about two hours. Instead of just seeing monuments during the day, you get to see them aglow, which creates an entirely new visual experience.

Most travelers find this part of the tour stunning and memorable. The illuminated monuments are truly beautiful against the dark sky, and the calmer, cooler evening hours lend a reflective mood. This tour isn’t a hop-on hop-off, so plan to stay on for the whole ride.

Just keep in mind that since some buses have received critiques for being crowded or in less-than-ideal shape, the night experience might be less comfortable if you’re in a large group or if the vehicle is busy. Still, for many, it’s a peaceful and visually striking way to see DC.

More Great Tours Nearby

Pricing and Value

At $75 per person, this combined experience offers decent value, especially if you consider the individual costs of separate activities. The hop-on hop-off bus alone can cost up to $83 for a 72-hour ticket, so you’re getting that plus a guided cemetery tour and a nighttime ride for a similar price.

Bundling these experiences saves money and spares you the hassle of booking each separately. Plus, many of the perks — like the White House commemorative photo and a free bike rental — add to the value package.

However, reviews suggest that buses aren’t always perfect; some travelers have found buses crowded or in need of better maintenance. Still, for a self-guided sightseeing platform, the flexibility and breadth of coverage make it appealing.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This package is best suited for first-time visitors who want a rundown of DC without the stress of navigating on their own. The flexibility of the hop-on hop-off allows you to tailor your day around your interests, whether that’s museums, monuments, or just a good ride with commentary.

History buffs and those interested in paying respects at Arlington will appreciate the guided cemetery walk. The night tour adds a beautiful, reflective finale, especially if you love seeing landmarks lit up.

It’s also a good option for travelers on a budget, as bundling saves money, and the extra perks — like bike rentals — add more value. But if you’re a very picky traveler who insists on newer buses or more frequent service, you might find some aspects less satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This DC experience from Big Bus Tours offers a well-rounded way to see the city comfortably and at your own pace. It combines the practicality of unlimited hop-on hop-off bus rides, the emotional depth of Arlington Cemetery, and the visual appeal of illuminated monuments at night. While some buses have been reported as crowded or in older condition, the flexibility, extensive coverage, and thematic variety make it a solid choice for many visitors.

It’s especially suited for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, history, and scenic beauty without the hassle of constant planning. If you’re after a simple, convenient way to cover the main highlights, this could be a good fit — just keep expectations in check regarding bus comfort and service consistency.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, the tour’s flexible nature and scenic rides can be enjoyable for older children. Keep in mind the cemetery walk involves walking and is more suited to older kids or teens interested in history.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, you should reserve your spot, especially during busy travel seasons. You can book online, and ticket activation is straightforward either through the app or at the meeting point.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The hop-on hop-off bus allows for as much exploration as you like over 1 to 3 days. The Arlington Cemetery walk is about 2 hours, and the night tour is approximately 2 hours.

Can I use the same ticket for all activities?
Yes, your ticket covers the 24, 48, or 72-hour hop-on hop-off bus, the Arlington Cemetery walk (if scheduled), and the night tour within the validity period.

Are there any age restrictions?
Guests 18 and older need valid photo ID to visit Arlington Cemetery. The rest of the tour is open to travelers of all ages, but consider physical ability for the walking parts.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes for walking, especially if you plan to explore stops outside the bus. A hat, sunglasses, and water are good for daytime rides, while a camera is essential for the night views.

Is the bus commentary available in languages other than English?
Yes, the audio guide is available in French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German, which can enrich your understanding of DC’s sights.

What if I want to skip the Arlington Cemetery walk?
You can opt for a self-guided digital tour instead, which is available as an alternative if the guided tour isn’t operating during your visit.

Do the buses run frequently?
Most reviews suggest buses are less frequent than advertised, sometimes arriving in clusters, so planning your schedule with the live tracking app is recommended.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, this tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll need to meet at the designated stops or the meeting point at Union Station.

Considering all these factors, this combined DC tour can be a practical, enjoyable way to experience the city’s main sights — especially if you’re after a mix of sightseeing, history, and scenic views without breaking the bank.

You can check availability for your dates here: