Explore Columbus on The Trolley Pub

If you’re looking for an experience that blends sightseeing with a bit of physical activity and good company, the Trolley Pub tour in Columbus could be just what you need. Though we haven’t tried it firsthand, reviews and details paint a picture of a lively, social adventure that offers a different perspective on Ohio’s capital. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy casual outings, music, and making new friends along the way.

Two aspects that really stand out are the ability to explore downtown and the Short North area in a relaxed, upbeat setting and the onboard stereo system, which makes it easy to sing along and set the vibe. Plus, the trolley’s fully enclosed setup from late fall through winter means you stay warm, making it a viable option year-round. A potential downside? The tour requires a minimum of six riders to run, so if your group is smaller, it might get canceled. Still, for groups of friends, birthday parties, or even casual teams, it’s a fun option.

This tour is an especially good fit for folks who want to see Columbus differently — blending sightseeing with socializing and a bit of exercise. It’s also a flexible experience because you can bring your own drinks (up to 36oz of beer or 18oz of wine). If you’re after an active, social day out that’s easy to jump into without too much fuss, this could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Unique city exploration on a pedal-assisted trolley offers a different perspective than traditional tours.
• Social and fun-focused, with music, stops at partner bars, and plenty of opportunities to mingle.
• Fully enclosed trolley from November to February ensures comfort during colder months.
• BYOB policy makes it budget-friendly, letting you bring your favorite drinks.
• Safety features and accessibility include seatbelts, seatbacks, grip bars, and five non-pedaling seats for limited mobility.
• Minimum of 6 riders needed to run, so check your group size in advance.

The experience is designed to be lighthearted and enjoyable, emphasizing sightseeing combined with social time. You’ll hop aboard a specially equipped, electrically assisted trolley that can comfortably carry up to 36 people. Whether you’re in a group of friends, coworkers, or a larger gathering, it’s a flexible way to see the city’s highlights.

During the 2-hour tour, you’ll pedal around the Short North and Downtown Columbus, two of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. The route is not rigid — you get to choose stops at partner bars and restaurants, where special discounts await. These are perfect for taking a breather, grabbing a drink, and soaking in the local vibe. The onboard stereo system makes it easy to keep the energy high, whether you’re singing your favorite tunes or just enjoying background music.

The trolley’s safety features—seatbelts, padded benches, grip bars—ensure comfort and security, whether you’re pedaling or simply enjoying the ride. When it’s chilly from November through February, the fully enclosed trolley keeps everyone warm, making it suitable even during winter.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Typical Ride Breakdown

Your journey begins outside the designated meeting point, marked by the red garage. Check-in is straightforward—you just enter the garage to check in. Once on board, the crew sets the mood, and you’re ready to start pedaling through the city. Most of the ride involves gentle pedaling, thanks to electric assist, so even those who aren’t super fit can participate without worry.

As you float through Columbus, you’ll enjoy scenic views and the lively atmosphere of the city neighborhoods. The stops at partner bars offer a chance to refresh and chat, often with some exclusive discounts. The music keeps the energy up, and everyone can join in singing along if they wish.

The Stops and Sights

While the tour’s main focus is fun and socializing, the route takes you around Columbus’s key areas. You might find yourself in the heart of the Short North, known for its artsy vibe, galleries, and eclectic shops, or in Downtown, where the city’s buzz is palpable. The stops at bars and restaurants are selected partners, ensuring you get a taste of local spots and some deals.

The Minuses

One thing to keep in mind is the minimum group size of six riders. If your plans are more spontaneous or you’re traveling solo, you might find this a bit restrictive unless you can find others to join. Plus, the tour is geared more towards adults—those over 21—since BYOB is part of the experience, and no liquor or glass bottles are allowed.

When you consider the $39 per person price, it’s not a bad deal for a lively, social tour that combines sightseeing, music, and drinks. The value increases if you enjoy the idea of a flexible, group-focused outing rather than a traditional guided tour. The fact that it’s fully enclosed during winter months adds to its appeal, making it a year-round option.

From reviews, we see that guests find it super fun and a great way to make new friends. One reviewer mentioned it as “a fun excursion, great way to make new friends, great way of seeing the city and not a bad little cardio workout.” Others appreciated the friendly guides and the opportunity to stop at local bars and enjoy the city’s vibe.

The tour lasts two hours, which feels just right—long enough to see a good chunk of the city but not so long that it becomes tiring. The group size is flexible up to 36, and the tour departs at different times during the day, including mornings, afternoons, and evenings. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an afternoon activity or an evening out with friends.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included:
– A certified trolley captain who guides the ride
– Ice packs to keep your drinks cool
– Bluetooth stereo system for music
– Helmets (optional) and cooler for your beverages
– Full trolley enclosure from November to February

Not included:
– Alcoholic beverages—you bring your own within the set limits
– Snacks—so consider bringing some if you want to nibble during stops

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Tips

Bring comfortable clothes suitable for pedaling and weather conditions. If you plan to drink, remember the rules—no liquor, glass, or unaccompanied minors. Also, don’t forget your ID or passport and the signed liability waiver.

Is It Suitable for Everyone?

While fun and social, this experience isn’t designed for wheelchair users or children under 1 year old, mainly due to the nature of the vehicle and drink policy. The five non-pedaling seats make it accessible for some with limited mobility, but overall, it’s best suited for adults ready to have a relaxed, lively time.

This tour is perfect for groups wanting a relaxed but interactive way to explore Columbus. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, team-building, or just want an alternative way to see the sights, the blend of pedaling, music, and social stops makes it memorable. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy bubbly company, good tunes, and a bit of exercise without it feeling like a workout.

If you’re after a lively, social adventure that offers a fresh way to see Columbus, this tour hits the mark. The mix of scenic views, music, and the ability to bring your own drinks makes it feel more like a party on wheels than a typical city tour. The friendly guides and safety features add comfort, especially during colder months with the fully enclosed trolley.

That said, it’s best suited for adults who enjoy group outings and don’t mind a little pedaling. If you’re traveling solo or with a smaller group, check if you can join with others to meet the minimum rider requirement. Keep your expectations realistic—this isn’t a formal sightseeing tour but rather a fun, social event that shows you some of Columbus’s lively neighborhoods.

All in all, it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting to combine a bit of exercise, local drinks, and city sightseeing in a laid-back, spirited way.

Do I need to bring my own drinks?
Yes, this tour is BYOB, and you can bring up to 36oz of beer or 18oz of wine per person. No liquor or glass bottles are allowed, and you must be over 21 to drink.

What’s the duration of the tour?
The ride lasts approximately 2 hours, which is enough time to see a good part of the city and enjoy some stops.

Is the trolley fully enclosed?
Yes, from November through February, the trolley is fully enclosed to keep everyone warm, making it comfortable during colder months.

Can I join if I’m traveling alone?
You can, but keep in mind the tour requires a minimum of 6 riders to launch. If you’re solo, you might need to see if others are booking at the same time.

Are there any safety features?
Definitely. The trolley is equipped with seatbelts, seatbacks, grip bars, and padded benches. There are five seats that don’t pedal for those with limited mobility.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Not really, as it’s geared toward adults over 21 due to the BYOB policy. It’s not suitable for children or unaccompanied minors.

How do I meet the group?
You’ll meet outside the red garage, where check-in takes place. Feel free to come inside to check in before the tour begins.

If you’re looking for a lively, social way to see Columbus and enjoy some drinks with friends, The Trolley Pub could be just the thing. It’s a relaxed, enjoyable experience, especially if you’re up for a bit of pedaling and a lot of fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: