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San Diego Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tours
From San Diego's vibrant downtown to the picturesque island of Coronado see everything in between on a 40-km loop
- Escape to sunny San Diego's coastal paradise with this unlimited 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off tour to discover the city's top attractions at your own pace.
- Trolleys run every 20 mins at the 11 stops across the city, providing seamless access to explore.
- Sit back and take in the panoramic city views from your comfortable trolley ride. Score discounts with the free coupons and hit the streets on self-guided walking tours.
- From the vibrant culture of Old Town to the maritime history at the Museum and the gorgeous Coronado beaches, this tour showcases San Diego's highlights.
From San Diego's vibrant downtown to the picturesque island of Coronado see everything in between on a 40-km loop
- Escape to sunny San Diego's coastal paradise with this unlimited 1 or 2-day hop-on hop-off tour to discover the city's top attractions at your own pace.
- Trolleys run every 20 mins at the 11 stops across the city, providing seamless access to explore.
- Sit back and take in the panoramic city views from your comfortable trolley ride. Score discounts with the free coupons and hit the streets on self-guided walking tours.
- From the vibrant culture of Old Town to the maritime history at the Museum and the gorgeous Coronado beaches, this tour showcases San Diego's highlights.
Inclusions
- 1 or 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
- Access to Orange route
- Free audio-guided walking tours
- Discount coupons worth $30
- Map brochure with day planner
Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Jan 1 to Mar 9, Jul 4 & Nov 3 to Dec 31
- First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Old Town Market)
- Last bus: 3pm from stop #1 (Old Town Market)
- Frequency: Every 20 mins
- Popular stops: Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Little Italy
Mar 10 to Jul 3 & Jul 5 to Nov 2
- First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Old Town Market)
- Last bus: 4pm from stop #1 (Old Town Market)
- Frequency: Every 20 mins
- Popular stops: Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Little Italy
- Due to operator restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome onboard.
- The tour remains closed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.5
61 ratings
39
17
3
0
2
Guests from Canada, Australia, Chile and over 6 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Edward
Jun 2025Verified booking
First time to San Diego. The Trolley was a great way to become accustomed to the area. Enjoyed the open air along with the beautiful weather. Everyone was great.
Shehana
May 2025Verified booking
James and Preston was awesome guides. In fact, all the guides were but those 2 stood out for me. Trolleys were comfortable, on time and took a good route. I wish I had 2 days to explore!
Linda
Apr 2025Verified booking
Old Town Trolley was great - the drivers give lots of history about SAN Diego, the music is great, and you see the whole city. We loved being able to see the city without a car!
Dacina
May 2025Verified booking
Great tour, awesome guides, we enjoyed all the information received.
Russell
May 2025Verified booking
The driver Bev (Deb?) gave a great informative talk during the route
Héctor
May 2025Verified booking
Victoria
May 2025Verified booking
Chris
Apr 2025Verified booking
Doris
Apr 2025Verified booking
Kymm
Mar 2025Verified booking
Kathleen
Mar 2025Verified booking
Stephanie
Jan 2025Verified booking
Very engaging guides providing a perfect splash of history, recommendations and humor. Everyone I engaged with was very helpful and friendly. At the last minute, I purchased a two-day pass instead of one day and enjoyed every minute. I personally found it to be a great value and convenient way to get around the main areas of the city to see as much as possible during a short stay. I was staying in Coronado and wanted to stay downtown longer than the tour allowed for drop off and took the ferry back over to the island. Also recommend this as an option for anyone considering it due to trolley pickup times. Thank you for a great experience!
Minaxi
Mar 2025Verified booking
Tour guide was awsome !!He was funny and very informative and played godd fun music.
Mirta
Jan 2025Verified booking
The history and the kindly guide
Perry
Mar 2025Verified booking
Jessie
Feb 2025Verified booking
Joni
Feb 2025Verified booking
Kazunori
Jan 2025Verified booking
Roy
Oct 2024Verified booking
The trolley is certainly worth it! It stops at all major points of interest, and the driver commentary is very informative.
Kendall
Oct 2024Verified booking
My group enjoyed the commentary, the humor, and the wonderful sites, particularly in the morning ride with Jack. The only negative: during the late afternoon return ride, some in the group in the back who apparently didn't understand the commentary began conversing rather loudly, which made it hard to hear the driver.
Linda
Oct 2024Verified booking
The open air Trolley was so comfortable and fun while exploring San Diego. The route was interesting, the drivers were informative and the Trolley was affordable. We had a great day.
James
Oct 2024Verified booking
Benjamin kept us laughing going from spot to spot. Very relaxing and did not worry about parking or traffic. I would reccomend to others and use the service again. Cheers, Jim
Regina
Sep 2024Verified booking
The drivers were knowledgeable, engaging and entertaining. I had three different drivers and enjoyed them all. I recommend this experience!!
Susan
Oct 2024Verified booking
Very informative drivers,great personalities.
Georgia
Oct 2024Verified booking
Buses are clean and drivers are exceptional story tellers. I give Ed and Kimmy a 10!! Both are top of the line.
Combo (Save 5%): San Diego Zoo Tickets + Old Town Trolley Tour
from $131
$124.45
5% off
Enjoy the perfect combo of wildlife exploration and city sightseeing, ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers.
- Spend the day at the San Diego Zoo, home to over 12,000 animals in lush, open-air habitats.
- Explore San Diego effortlessly with the Old Town Trolley, offering 11 stops near top attractions like Old Town and Balboa Park.
- Conveniently hop off at Stop J, located near the San Diego Zoo, for seamless transitions between activities.
Enjoy the perfect combo of wildlife exploration and city sightseeing, ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers.
- Spend the day at the San Diego Zoo, home to over 12,000 animals in lush, open-air habitats.
- Explore San Diego effortlessly with the Old Town Trolley, offering 11 stops near top attractions like Old Town and Balboa Park.
- Conveniently hop off at Stop J, located near the San Diego Zoo, for seamless transitions between activities.
Inclusions
San Diego Zoo
- Entry to the San Diego Zoo
- Kangaroo Express bus tour
- Guided bus tour
- Skyfari aerial tram
- Access to all shows and exhibits
Old Town Trolley Tours
- 1 day unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
- Access to Orange route
- Free audio-guided walking tours
- Discount coupons worth $30
- Map brochure with a day planner
Route Details
Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Jan 1 to Mar 9, Jul 4 & Nov 3 to Dec 31
- First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Old Town Market)
- Last bus: 3pm from stop #1 (Old Town Market)
- Frequency: Every 20 mins
- Popular stops: Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Little Italy
Mar 10 to Jul 3 & Jul 5 to Nov 2
- First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Old Town Market)
- Last bus: 4pm from stop #1 (Old Town Market)
- Frequency: Every 20 mins
- Popular stops: Seaport Village, Balboa Park, Little Italy
San Diego Zoo
- With your voucher, you can skip the ticketing window and proceed directly to the entrance. Please be aware that this privilege is only applicable for bypassing the admission ticket line and does not extend to the bus or Skyfari lines.
- Find the zoo map here.
Old Town Trolley Tours
- Due to operator restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
- The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Your guide dogs are welcome onboard.
- The tour remains closed for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.7
1,854 ratings
1.4K
341
64
15
31
Guests from Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom and over 29 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Deborah
Apr 2025Verified booking
We were visiting relatives in Carlsbad from Chicago. Our one bucket list item was the San Diego Zoo to see the pandas. 🐼 We did get a glimpse of the male panda munching on bamboo. As it turned out, the Galapagos tortoises were our favorites! The turtle whisperer told us all about the tortoises and even put them into trances!🤩🐢 The volunteers stationed around the zoo were what really made the visit complete. They were so helpful with how to approach our visit as well as information about the animals. We only had the one day to visit and we were able to see just about every exhibit. It was a wonderful day!
Patricia
Apr 2025Verified booking
Had a wonderful day with my brother and sister. The exhibits are world class, the environment clean and docents at each exhibit were very informative. They are definitely a huge asset to one's zoo experience. Thank you for all your efforts to save threatened and endangered species.
Daisy
Apr 2025Verified booking
Sensory bag was useful, for someone with neurological difficulties and found i very helpful when I found it overwhelming in both crowded and noisy situations. I found the inteactive map very useful and excellent tool which made the whole experience very personable
James
Jun 2025Verified booking
It was a awesome day!!! My grand kids love all the animals.
Andrew
May 2025Verified booking
We were able to enjoy this experience at the San Diego Zoo with the children's Titi Amanda.
Susan
Apr 2025Verified booking
We loved the elephants, the free bus tour and Skyway tour and no parking fee. We were there from opening till closing.
Jill
Apr 2025Verified booking
Good signage and friendly staff!
Delore
Apr 2025Verified booking
All the animals were awake and happy
Alice
Jun 2025Verified booking
We had a wonderful day at the zoo. We were impressed with the space, well maintained grounds and the beauty of animals. Overall it was a fun filled day.
Edward
Jun 2025Verified booking
First time to San Diego. The Trolley was a great way to become accustomed to the area. Enjoyed the open air along with the beautiful weather. Everyone was great.
Karen
May 2025Verified booking
The weather was cool which for the zoo is perfect because the animals are out and a lot of them were more active. The pandas were one of the highlights eating and walking around. The jaguar was up, and one of the polar bears went for a swim. Even some of the koalas were eating instead of sleeping. The food was very good too.
Amanda
May 2025Verified booking
There was so much to see and we got an aerial view from the skyfari, an up close view on all the walking paths, and a great tour on the bus.
Linda
Apr 2025Verified booking
Old Town Trolley was great - the drivers give lots of history about SAN Diego, the music is great, and you see the whole city. We loved being able to see the city without a car!
Ryan
Apr 2025Verified booking
Awesome time. The animals are well taken care of and active. It was big, spacious and comfortable. My 6 yr old loved all the monkeys and reptiles
Stacey
Apr 2025Verified booking
The zoo was setup so easily for you to be able to walk to so many attractions. The skyfari was a fun way to get to either end of the zoo. There are a lot of exhibits and stuff to see. Was a wonderful experience
Dawn
Apr 2025Verified booking
The tour bus at the zoo was great! We did have a short wait online to get in the bus but the sites were awesome. We sat on top and had a bird's eye view of several different animals. After the bus we had a good idea of what direction to head in order to see as many animals as possible.
Tony
Mar 2025Verified booking
We ordered our tickets on line. We took our kids as children to the zoo. This time we took our sons family, including our granddaughters. It was great to spend the day seeing them enjoy all of the enclosures. Of course the panda bears were a favorite as well as the Outback area. It was a great day with beautiful weather and we all got our steps in for sure.
Isabella
Jun 2025Verified booking
The tour guide was awesome and the general zoo environment was amazing
Russell
May 2025Verified booking
The driver Bev (Deb?) gave a great informative talk during the route
Marsha
Apr 2025Verified booking
We had a great experience seeing the panda....even if we experienced our first earthquake!
Danita
Mar 2025Verified booking
It was a wonderful spring day. We did not have to wait in line for anything.
HECTOR
Mar 2025Verified booking
Pandas and koalas. And the infrastructure of the zoo , as well as the friendliness of the staff.
View original review in Spanish
Darnell
Mar 2025Verified booking
My grandchild's birthday was celebrated at the San Diego Zoo with several family members attending.
Carol
Mar 2025Verified booking
The animal enclosures were amazing and watching the gurilla sign language with the zoo keeper Juli was phenomenal
Krystyna
Jun 2025Verified booking
- Save up to 50% and get access to over 50 attractions with San Diego's Go City All-Inclusive Pass.
- Buying individual tickets to SeaWorld® San Diego, LEGOLAND® California, and San Diego Zoo, will cost you 60% more than this city card.
- USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass are just some of the attractions included in your pass.
- Opt for a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-day pass and plan your itinerary to include all the attractions you'd like to visit and eliminate the trouble of standing in line too!
- The cherry on top? Visit your visit attraction to activate your pass. It's valid for the number of consecutive days you've purchased, giving you plenty of time to explore the city.
- Save up to 50% and get access to over 50 attractions with San Diego's Go City All-Inclusive Pass.
- Buying individual tickets to SeaWorld® San Diego, LEGOLAND® California, and San Diego Zoo, will cost you 60% more than this city card.
- USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass are just some of the attractions included in your pass.
- Opt for a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-day pass and plan your itinerary to include all the attractions you'd like to visit and eliminate the trouble of standing in line too!
- The cherry on top? Visit your visit attraction to activate your pass. It's valid for the number of consecutive days you've purchased, giving you plenty of time to explore the city.
Inclusions
- 1/2/3/4/5/7 days validity
- Access to attractions: SeaWorld® San Diego, LEGOLAND® California, San Diego Zoo & more
- Access to outdoor activities: San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, Whale Watching by City Cruises, San Diego Hiking Tour & more
- Discounts at restaurants: South Coast Plaza Shop & Dine Package & more
- Get complete details here
Exclusions
- Public transport
- Hotel transfers
- Food and drinks
- First, download the Go City App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
- Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
- Get access to pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
- Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for the number of calendar days (not 24-hour periods). For example, if you select a 3-day pass and visit an attraction on Monday afternoon, your pass is valid for the remainder of Monday and the 2 consecutive days of the week.
- Your pass is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
- Certain attractions require prior bookings. For the complete list, please click here
- You can visit each attraction once daily for your chosen pass.
- Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
- These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Reviews
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2,217 ratings
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What our guests say
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Enjoy flexible sightseeing with a digital pass, valid for 30 days after your first visit.
- With the San Diego Explorer Pass, get access to over 45 attractions and save up to $37.
- Rather than buying individual tickets to San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, and a 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off tour by Old Town Trolley, save 48% with this pass. voila! It's activated. Your pass is valid for 30 days post-activation.
- Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass, 45 Min. Jet Ski Rental and San Diego Speed Boat Adventures are just some of the attractions included in your pass.
- Choose from a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-choice pass and eliminate the hassle of standing in line with this digital pass.
- Unsure about activation and validity? Just visit your first attraction, and scan your pass.
Enjoy flexible sightseeing with a digital pass, valid for 30 days after your first visit.
- With the San Diego Explorer Pass, get access to over 45 attractions and save up to $37.
- Rather than buying individual tickets to San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, and a 2-Day Hop-on Hop-off tour by Old Town Trolley, save 48% with this pass. voila! It's activated. Your pass is valid for 30 days post-activation.
- Belmont Park Ride & Play Pass, 45 Min. Jet Ski Rental and San Diego Speed Boat Adventures are just some of the attractions included in your pass.
- Choose from a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7-choice pass and eliminate the hassle of standing in line with this digital pass.
- Unsure about activation and validity? Just visit your first attraction, and scan your pass.
Inclusions
- Choice of 2/3/4/5/7 of San Diego's top attractions
- Access to attractions: San Diego Zoo, San Diego Zoo & more
- Access to outdoor activities: San Diego Speed Boat Adventures, Whale Watching by City Cruises, San Diego Hiking Tour & more
- Discounts at restaurants: South Coast Plaza Shop & Dine Package & more
- Get complete details here
- First, download the Go City App. Use your order confirmation number to add your pass to your phone. Once you visit your first attraction, your pass will be activated!
- Feeling old school? You can also print your pass at home using the link in your confirmation email. You can also show this version of your pass on your phone.
- Get access to pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
- Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for 30 days before it runs out. The days needn't be consecutive.
- Non-activated passes are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
- Certain attractions require prior bookings. For the complete list, please click here
- You can visit each attraction once daily for your chosen pass.
- Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
- These tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Why choose the San Diego Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour?
Visit top landmarks
Experience the best of San Diego’s iconic landmarks from the comfort of open-top buses. Enjoy panoramic views and hop off at famous attractions like Balboa Park, Old Town, and the San Diego Zoo, making your sightseeing easy and enjoyable.
Easy and convenient
Explore the city with ease using just one ticket! Hop-on hop-off bus tours eliminate the hassle of navigating public transport or driving, letting you visit top attractions at your own pace and stress-free.
Save money
Save on travel expenses by choosing a hop-on hop-off tour. These tours are an affordable way to explore San Diego’s highlights, offering unlimited stops at key attractions without the additional cost of taxis or ride-shares.
Onboard guide
Learn about San Diego’s rich history, culture, and must-visit sites from your friendly trolley conductor. With fascinating stories and expert tips, the onboard guide ensures an informative and entertaining journey through the city.
The San Diego Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tours are perfect for
First-time visitors
If you're new to San Diego, hop-on hop-off trolley tours are the perfect way to get an overview of the city. Take a full loop to familiarize yourself with the city's layout, landmarks, and neighborhoods before choosing your favorite spots.
Families with kids and elderly people
The ease and convenience of the trolley tour make it a great choice for families and elderly visitors. With the flexibility to hop on and off at various attractions, everyone can enjoy the day at their own pace.
Environment-conscious travelers
Reduce your carbon footprint while exploring San Diego! The trolley tour consolidates transportation, helping decrease the need for multiple car trips and promoting environmentally conscious sightseeing.
Photography enthusiasts
San Diego’s hop-on hop-off trolley tours offer incredible photo opportunities, with open-top views of the city’s stunning coastline, historic sites, and urban landscapes.
San Diego hop-on hop-off trolley tour route, timings, and attractions
The trolleys start at 9am from Old Town Market, near the Old Town State Historic Park, and follow the Orange Line across the Coronado shore to give you a view of San Diego Bay. You can step out and explore the local neighborhood and nearby attractions such as San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Museum of Art, parks, boutiques, and restaurants around Embarcadero, Seaport Village, Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy, or take a trip to the beach in Coronado.
TIMINGS
November 3 to March 9, and July 4: 9am to 3pm
March 10 to July 3, and July 5 to November 2: 9am to 4pm
FREQUENCY
Every 20 minutes
DURATION
1 hour 45 minutes
Top attractions:
Embarcadero
Seaport Village
San Diego Zoo
Gaslamp Quarter Little Italy
President’s Way in Balboa Park.
San Diego hop-on hop-off map
A detailed route that includes the eleven stops in the San Diego hop-on-hop-off trolley tour is charted out along with nearby attractions on the map for your convenience.
Top sights covered on the San Diego Trolley Tour
See all photos
How to book Hop-on Hop-off tickets?
Step 1
Check the operators, routes, and dates, and pick your choice from the packages.
Step 2
Book your San Diego hop-on hop-off trolley tour tickets via PayPal, Credit, Debit Card, or IDEAL.
Step 3
Board the bus at any stop based on your convenience and show your mobile voucher to the staff or bus driver to start your journey.
Step 4
Use the app to track the bus in real-time and plan your day by following the routes and stops given on the map.
Step 5
Wait for an email with a ticket voucher to drop into your inbox.
Frequently asked questions about hop-on hop-off tours in San Diego
Are the trolleys air-conditioned or open-air?
The San Diego Old Town trolleys are open-air buses.
Is the trolley tour suitable for children and elderly passengers?
Yes, the trolleys have frequent stops and are wheelchair and stroller-accessible, making them convenient for families, elderly passengers, and those with mobility issues.
How does the onboard guided experience work on the tour?
Professional guides onboard the bus give live commentary that includes historical facts, local legends, and interesting anecdotes about San Diego.
Are pets allowed on the trolley?
Pets are not allowed on the tour, but service animals are permitted.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No, mobile vouchers are accepted. Simply show your e-ticket to the driver or staff to board.
Can I cancel my ticket in case my plans change?
You can cancel your tickets and get a full refund on your booking up to 24 hours before your experience begins.
Can I join the tour mid-route?
Yes, you can board the trolley at any of its designated stops.
Are the trolleys wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, the trolleys are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchairs.