Washington, DC: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour

If you’re planning a trip to the U.S. capital, chances are you’ll want to see as much as possible without exhausting yourself. The Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley City Tour promises just that—a convenient, flexible way to tick off the major sights of Washington, DC. With 15 stops covering everything from the White House to memorials, and the option to add an Arlington Cemetery tram tour, it’s an option worth considering for your sightseeing plans.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its ability to let you set your own pace—you can hop off to spend time at a site that catches your eye, then jump back on when you’re ready to move on. Plus, the expert guides seem to make a real difference, sharing stories that bring the city’s attractions to life. The other standout is the multi-language audio app, offering commentary in seven languages, which is a handy touch for international visitors.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that transportation between the trolley and Arlington Cemetery isn’t included in the ticket price, so planning for that extra leg is important. Also, depending on your interests, the tour’s pace might be a bit rushed if you’re hoping to linger at more than a few stops.

This tour is particularly well-suited for those who want a comprehensive, no-hassle overview of DC without the need for multiple tickets or complex logistics. It’s a good fit if you enjoy guided narration, like to explore at your own pace, and want a versatile way to see the city’s highlights.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges at 25 stops
• Expert guides and narrated commentary enhance the experience
• Includes 15 major sites plus an optional Arlington Cemetery tram tour
• Downloadable multi-language app with GPS tracking for easy navigation
• Price point of $48 is reasonable given the coverage and flexibility
• Transportation to and from Arlington is not included, so plan accordingly

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose the Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley?

This tour offers a balanced blend of guided storytelling and personal exploration. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, you can choose where to spend your time, whether that’s gazing at the Lincoln Memorial, exploring Smithsonian museums, or snapping photos at the Washington Monument. The narration—delivered live in English—comes with the bonus of downloadable commentary in seven languages, allowing non-English speakers to enjoy the experience without feeling left out.

The 15 designated stops are thoughtfully placed near key landmarks, making it easy to plan your day around the attractions you most want to see. The stops include prominent sites such as the White House, US Capitol, the Smithsonian museums, and memorials like the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. We loved the way these stops are spread out, giving you scenic views and photo ops along the way.

If you choose to upgrade and include the Arlington Cemetery tram tour, you’ll get a 45-minute ride with seven stops, taking you to some of the most revered graves and memorials, including the JFK gravesite and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Several reviews point out that visiting Arlington is a highlight, especially if you’re interested in American history and military memorials. Just keep in mind, it’s recommended to do Arlington early in the day, especially if you plan to catch the last trolley back.

The price of $48 for a day-long hop-on hop-off experience is generally seen as good value, especially considering the comprehensive coverage. For a bit extra, the Arlington Cemetery upgrade makes the day even richer, allowing you to get a deeper sense of the nation’s history and sacrifices.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The ticket includes:
– 1 or 2-day access to the Old Town Trolley City Tour of DC
– Live English-speaking guide
– Downloadable commentary in 7 languages
– Stadium seating for comfort

But, you should budget for transportation to and from Arlington since it’s not included in the ticket. Also, the tour’s duration is typically one day, so if you want to see everything thoroughly—including Arlington—you might consider the two-day option or plan your day carefully.

You might find some reviews mention that the trolleys come frequently, roughly every 15-30 minutes, reducing wait times. The buses are also wheelchair accessible and equipped with GPS tracking, which adds a layer of convenience.

Navigating the Stops

The stops are well-placed near some of DC’s most famous sights. For example, the Washington Welcome Center at 1001 E St NW is a great starting point, close to Ford’s Theatre and the Peterson House. From there, you can hop off at the stop near the White House, the National Archives, or the Smithsonian museums. The route efficiently covers the essentials, making it a practical way to orient yourself in the city.

Some reviews mention the signage at stops isn’t always perfect, and finding the trolley can occasionally be a little tricky if you’re not familiar with the area. The downloadable app with GPS tracking can help, but it’s worth arriving a little early at your chosen stops to ensure you don’t miss your ride.

Arlington Cemetery Option: Is It Worth It?

Adding the Arlington Cemetery tram tour is highly praised by reviewers who value history and memorials. The 45-minute tour takes you to significant gravesites and memorials, including the JFK gravesite, the John J. Pershing Gravesite, and the US Marine Corps War Memorial outside the gates. This extra tour helps deepen your understanding of American military history.

Many travelers mention that visiting Arlington is a moving experience, especially during the changing of the guard ceremony. It’s recommended to do this early in the day, especially if you want to avoid missing the last trolley back. Since the tram tour can be scheduled either the same day or the next, you have flexibility depending on your itinerary.

The reviews reinforce that visiting Arlington is a highlight for history buffs and those wanting a break from the city’s more crowded sites. Just remember, the cemetery tour is not included in the basic ticket, so it’s an extra cost and requires some planning.

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The Experience Level and Group Size

The group size of the trolleys varies but generally offers a comfortable, social atmosphere. The live guides are highlighted as knowledgeable, friendly, and capable of making the tour engaging with anecdotes and humor. The stadium seating ensures everyone has a good view, which is especially appreciated during busy times.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with limited mobility, thanks to wheelchair accessibility. If you’re traveling with family or friends, the hop-on hop-off format allows for a flexible experience—perfect for adjusting your day around your pace.

The Pros and Cons in a Nutshell

Pros:
– Very convenient way to see a broad range of sites
– Expert guides and lively narration
– Multi-language audio guide
– Flexibility to hop on and off as you please
– Good value at $48, especially with the Arlington upgrade

Cons:
– Transportation to Arlington Cemetery is not included
– Some reviewers find signage and stop signage can be inconsistent
– The tour can be a bit rushed if you want to linger at multiple sites

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour works best for travelers who want a rundown of Washington, DC without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets or navigating public transport alone. If you’re someone who enjoys guided stories and the flexibility to explore at your own pace, you’ll appreciate the hop-on hop-off format.

It’s also ideal for first-timers who want to get a good grasp of the city’s layout and key sights efficiently. History enthusiasts will find the Arlington Cemetery upgrade particularly meaningful, but even without it, the main route covers most of what you’d want to see in a day.

If your trip is limited and you want a practical, straightforward way to experience DC, this tour is a reliable choice. Just be prepared for some walking and plan your Arlington visit early to make the most of it.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Yes, the trolley is wheelchair accessible, and the seating is stadium style for easy viewing. Keep in mind that some stops may require a brief walk.

How long do the stops last?
This can vary, but generally, you can hop off and spend as much time as you like at each site before catching the next trolley. The overall tour runs for about a day, with frequent buses making reboarding quick.

Can I buy tickets on the day of the tour?
Yes, tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day at the meeting point, Union Station, or at various stops.

Does the Arlington Cemetery tram tour run every day?
The tram tour is available Monday through Sunday, with durations of 45 minutes on weekdays and about an hour on weekends. You can schedule it on the same day or the next.

What language options are available?
The downloadable commentary is in seven languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and Portuguese.

Are the guides live or pre-recorded?
The main City Tour narration is live in English, but the audio app provides pre-recorded commentary in multiple languages.

Where do I meet the trolley?
The main meeting point is at Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, but you can also board at any stop along the route.

To sum it up, the Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley offers a practical, engaging way to experience Washington, DC. It provides a good mix of guided storytelling and personal exploration, with the added flexibility of hop-on, hop-off stops. If you’re looking for an efficient, reasonably priced way to cover most of the city’s highlights and potentially include Arlington Cemetery, this tour deserves a spot on your planning list.

You can check availability for your dates here: