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Hop-on Hop-off Washington DC Bus Tours
Routes
TimelineMap
1
Union Station
Get direction
3 attractions
2
US Capitol at Garfield Circle
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3 attractions
3
Air & Space Museum
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3 attractions
4
L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum
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3 attractions
5
The Wharf & Potomac Boat Cruise
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3 attractions
6
Washington Monument West
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3 attractions
7
Bureau of Engraving & Holocaust Musuem
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3 attractions
8
Jefferson Memorial
Get direction
2 attractions
9
FDR and MLK Memorial
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3 attractions
10
Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
11
Lincoln Memorial North & Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
12
Arlington Cemetery
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3 attractions
13
World War II Memorial
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3 attractions
14
Washington Monument East
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3 attractions
15
Natural History Museum
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3 attractions
16
City Center & Chinatown
Get direction
3 attractions
17
The White House & Willard Hotel
Get direction
3 attractions
Explore DC's iconic sights at your own pace & see the capital transform as the sun sets.
- Zip through landmarks or linger at leisure, the 24/48/72-hour Washington DC hop-on hop-off bus tour fits your style – the capital's yours to conquer.
- Hop on and off as you please along the 17 stops on the Red Loop as buses run every 15 to 20 mins.
- Opt for a 48-hour pass to go on a 2-hour Sunset Tour, take a free self-guided walking tour of Arlington Cemetery, and get great offers!
- Hop on a double-decker bus, grab those headphones, and let the city's history unfold in 5 languages. Sightseeing just got exciting, right?
- As an Authorized National Park Service concessioner get an up-close view of top spots like the White House, Korean War Memorial, and Washington Monument.
Explore DC's iconic sights at your own pace & see the capital transform as the sun sets.
- Zip through landmarks or linger at leisure, the 24/48/72-hour Washington DC hop-on hop-off bus tour fits your style – the capital's yours to conquer.
- Hop on and off as you please along the 17 stops on the Red Loop as buses run every 15 to 20 mins.
- Opt for a 48-hour pass to go on a 2-hour Sunset Tour, take a free self-guided walking tour of Arlington Cemetery, and get great offers!
- Hop on a double-decker bus, grab those headphones, and let the city's history unfold in 5 languages. Sightseeing just got exciting, right?
- As an Authorized National Park Service concessioner get an up-close view of top spots like the White House, Korean War Memorial, and Washington Monument.
Inclusions
- 24/48/72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
- Access to Red Loop
- Self-guided walking tour of Arlington Cemetery
- Bike rental offer (book 1 hour, get 1 free)
- 2-hour sunset tour with 25% off (based on option selected)
- Morning shuttle transfers from Mayflower, Hilton & Marriott to stop #1 Union Station (based on option selected)
- Discounts at I Love DC Gifts, Artechouse, International Spy Museum Store & Unlimited Biking (based on option selected)
- Free commemorative Oval Office photo from White House Gifts (based on option selected)
- Pre-recorded audio commentary in English, French, German, Spanish & Brazilian Portuguese (on the bus)
- Exclusive drop-offs close to monuments
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
HOHO tour
Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Red Loop
- First bus: 9:30am from stop #1 (Union Station)
- Last bus: 5:30pm from stop #1 (Union Station)
- Frequency: Every 15 to 20 mins
- Popular stops: Natural History Museum, The White House & Willard Hotel, Air & Space Museum
2-hour Sunset tour
Until Sep 2, 2025
- Departure: 7pm from Stop 1 (Union Station)
From Sep 3, 2025
- Departure: 6:30pm from Stop 1 (Union Station)
Hottel shuttle transfer
- Departure: 9:20am from Mayflower Hotel, 9:30am from Washington Hilton & 9:45am from Georgetown Marriott
- The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Your safety comes first so visitors with mobility issues are restricted on the upper decks.
- Due to restrictions on the bus, pets (except ADA service animals)are not allowed onboard.
- The tour remains closed on Independence Day (Jul 4), Oct 29 & Christmas (Dec 25).
- The Sunset Tour is a non-stop bus tour, and not a hop-on hop-off service.
- Specific details related to the add-ons in your tickets like walking tours will be shared post-booking.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
3.9
422 ratings
163
170
28
25
36
Guests from United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia and over 24 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Kimberly
Jun 2025Verified booking
The drivers and sidewalk staff were amazing!
Tamela
Jul 2025Verified booking
The staff was very helpful and kind helping us download the app and showing us how to navigate it between stops. The buses were nicely timed and always had seats for us. I'd highly recommend using this company.
Bob
Jul 2025Verified booking
They never took my tickets. Bus wasn't maintained well. There was no notification that we had to leave the bus and transfer to another at union station. Poorly run. I would try the other hop on hop off company.
Jacqueline
Jul 2025Verified booking
The tour was good, and the staff were excellent but the buses were very overcrowded and as the only seats we could get were on the aisle downstairs we could see very little of what we were hearing about in the commentary. We have to walk round the tour route today just so that we can see what we heard about. The inclusions mentioned were met but you don't offer overcrowding as an option!
Therese
Jun 2025Verified booking
It was extremely hot and there was no air conditioning on any of the buses that I boarded. I actually think it was dangerously hot on the lower deck but there were no seats on the top available. I frequently had to get off at spots that I wasn't planning to because the heat was suffocating.
William
Jun 2025Verified booking
Seeing so much in a limited amount of time. Drivers pleasant and very competent. You might suggest they delay one more minute before driving off after stops. Several times people who went upstairs were not seated when the bus jerked into action. Thank you
Anne
Jun 2025Verified booking
The buses did not run on schedule. At one point we had to give up and call for an Uber. It was probably due to Memorial Day road closures. I would not have paid full price for the tickets if I had known service would be so disrupted.
nadine
May 2025Verified booking
Very well organized tour of Washington. The Big Bus tour takes in all the major monuments. It's great to be able to get off at every stop, as everyone can visit at their own pace. Thanks to the organizers
View original review in French
Joan
May 2025Verified booking
Stops were good. We got to see the highlights of Washington in a relatively short period of time and understood what we were viewing due to good audio.
Spencer
May 2025Verified booking
The tour and guide were excellent. But, PLEASE, make it CLEAR, IF you start the tour at Arlington Cemetery, as to exactly WHERE you pick up the trolley ( and WHAT company you are). Also, WHERE you pick up the HOP ON/OFF bus and WHAT the company's name is. Much confussion from people. This did NOT alter the fact that the tour ( and guides) were brilliant.
Janis
Apr 2025Verified booking
In general very good. Hit all the major monuments. All personel were very nice and helpful. Buses in general ran on time and often. Negatives - every bus did not stop at every stop -skipped some and we were not informed of this. Tours were over sold and buses sometimes had only standing room which was very difficult for me since I am older. Standing on the buses packed in was dangerous. Drivers should limit when seats are filled.
Sara
Apr 2025Verified booking
We needed to see all of the mall with a family member with walking issues. This bus was the perfect solution to see all of the monuments in the DC Mall area.
JOANNE
Jul 2025Verified booking
Ticketing was fast and easy. The convenience was great.
Tracy
Jun 2025Verified booking
Was greeted by a lovely lady at Union Station, each driver was very helpful, and the commentary really informative.
Elizabeth
May 2025Verified booking
All very easy to do. Good route and drivers very helpful
Lucia
May 2025Verified booking
the sound in headphones was not always clear. The rest was quite good.
VLADIMIR
May 2025Verified booking
Excellent. Very warm people always ready to help.
Cecil
May 2025Verified booking
Excellent customer care and service
Rachael
May 2025Verified booking
The drivers were all fantastic.
Sandra
Jul 2025Verified booking
Steve
Jul 2025Verified booking
Patricia
Jul 2025Verified booking
Darrell
Jul 2025Verified booking
Melissa
Jul 2025Verified booking
Kelly
Jun 2025Verified booking
Experience Washington D.C.'s iconic memorials sparkle under the twilight.
- As day yawns into the night, Washington DC transforms! Join the 2-hour sunset bus tour to uncover the city's captivating evening energy.
- The Black Loop route takes you on a non-stop ride along the city's most iconic landmarks revealing DC's softer side in the golden glow of dusk.
- Get the best of both worlds: live guides on weekends and digital commentary on weekdays, making every tour a fun-filled history dive.
- Step into history as you pass popular spots like the Lincoln Memorial, where MLK Jr delivered his iconic speech, or the White House.
Experience Washington D.C.'s iconic memorials sparkle under the twilight.
- As day yawns into the night, Washington DC transforms! Join the 2-hour sunset bus tour to uncover the city's captivating evening energy.
- The Black Loop route takes you on a non-stop ride along the city's most iconic landmarks revealing DC's softer side in the golden glow of dusk.
- Get the best of both worlds: live guides on weekends and digital commentary on weekdays, making every tour a fun-filled history dive.
- Step into history as you pass popular spots like the Lincoln Memorial, where MLK Jr delivered his iconic speech, or the White House.
Inclusions
- 2-hour sunset tour of Washington DC
- English-speaking guide (from Fri to Sun until Sep 2)
- Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish & Brazilian Portuguese
- Complimentary headphones
- Authorized National Park Service Concessioner
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
- Free child (aged 2 and under) tickets
Exclusions
- Hop-on hop-off service
Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.
Black Loop
- Departure: 7pm from stop #1 (Union Station)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Frequency: Once every evening
- The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Your safety comes first so visitors with mobility issues are restricted on the upper decks.
- Due to restrictions on the bus, pets (except ADA service animals)are not allowed onboard.
- The tour remains closed on Independence Day (Jul 4), Oct 29 & Christmas (Dec 25).
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Routes
TimelineMap
1
Union Station
Get direction
3 attractions
2
National Japanese American Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
3
U.S. Capitol
Get direction
3 attractions
4
Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
Get direction
3 attractions
5
The Wharf - Boarding for Water Taxi Boat Cruise
Get direction
3 attractions
6
International Spy Museum
Get direction
3 attractions
7
Washington Monument
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3 attractions
8
Jefferson Memorial
Get direction
2 attractions
9
FDR Memorial/ MLK Jr. Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
10
Lincoln Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
11
National Museum of American History
Get direction
3 attractions
12
National Portrait Gallery/African Art Museum
Get direction
3 attractions
13
Washington Welcome Center
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3 attractions
14
The White House
Get direction
3 attractions
15
National Archives
Get direction
3 attractions
Your 30-year legacy tour of DC, featuring Transportainment® bringing 100+ landmarks to life.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a 1-day unlimited pass on the iconic Trolley tour passing by the White House & Jefferson Memorial, with an English-speaking guide. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi, learn more from on-board history monitors, and dive deeper with free self-guided walking tours.
- Why choose this**:** Jump on the longest-running tour, where friendly experts show you 100+ incredible spots! Skip expensive city parking and explore from comfy trolleys.
Your 30-year legacy tour of DC, featuring Transportainment® bringing 100+ landmarks to life.
- Everything you get: Enjoy a 1-day unlimited pass on the iconic Trolley tour passing by the White House & Jefferson Memorial, with an English-speaking guide. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi, learn more from on-board history monitors, and dive deeper with free self-guided walking tours.
- Why choose this**:** Jump on the longest-running tour, where friendly experts show you 100+ incredible spots! Skip expensive city parking and explore from comfy trolleys.
Inclusions
- 1-day unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
- Access to the Trolley tour
- Live English-speaking guide
- Free self-guided walking tours
- State-of-the-art stadium trolleys
- Free Wi-Fi
- On-board history monitors
Trolley tour
The Washington D.C. trolley tour typically follows a single comprehensive route, focusing on the National Mall, its iconic monuments and memorials, and key downtown attractions.
Popular stops: Union Station, Capitol building, Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial
- The tour does not operate on Independence Day (July 4), the Army Ten-Miler race (Oct 12), Thanksgiving, & Christmas.
- Children under 4 years old can travel for free.
- Specific details related to the add-ons in your tickets, like walking tours, will be shared post-booking.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Routes
TimelineMap
1
Union Station
Get direction
3 attractions
2
US Capitol at Garfield Circle
Get direction
3 attractions
3
Air & Space Museum
Get direction
3 attractions
4
L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum
Get direction
3 attractions
5
The Wharf & Potomac Boat Cruise
Get direction
3 attractions
6
Washington Monument West
Get direction
3 attractions
7
Bureau of Engraving & Holocaust Musuem
Get direction
3 attractions
8
Jefferson Memorial
Get direction
2 attractions
9
FDR and MLK Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
10
Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
11
Lincoln Memorial North & Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
12
Arlington Cemetery
Get direction
3 attractions
13
World War II Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
14
Washington Monument East
Get direction
3 attractions
15
Natural History Museum
Get direction
3 attractions
16
City Center & Chinatown
Get direction
3 attractions
17
The White House & Willard Hotel
Get direction
3 attractions
Experience all of DC: Hop off at iconic spots & catch a sunset tour with added benefits.
- Whether you want to speed through landmarks or truly savor each stop, the 24, 48, or 72-hour bus tours fit any agenda.
- Just hop on and off at any of the 17 stops on the Red Loop, with buses arriving every 20 minutes.
- This comprehensive experience includes a 2-hour non-stop sunset tour, morning hotel transfers, a bike rental, a commemorative Oval Office photo, and exclusive discounts.
- Step onto a comfortable double-decker bus, put on your headphones, and let compelling narratives reveal the city's profound history in 5 distinct languages.
- As an Authorized National Park Service concessioner, get close-up views of iconic spots like the White House and Washington Monument.
Experience all of DC: Hop off at iconic spots & catch a sunset tour with added benefits.
- Whether you want to speed through landmarks or truly savor each stop, the 24, 48, or 72-hour bus tours fit any agenda.
- Just hop on and off at any of the 17 stops on the Red Loop, with buses arriving every 20 minutes.
- This comprehensive experience includes a 2-hour non-stop sunset tour, morning hotel transfers, a bike rental, a commemorative Oval Office photo, and exclusive discounts.
- Step onto a comfortable double-decker bus, put on your headphones, and let compelling narratives reveal the city's profound history in 5 distinct languages.
- As an Authorized National Park Service concessioner, get close-up views of iconic spots like the White House and Washington Monument.
Inclusions
- 24/48/72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
- Access to Red Loop
- 2-hour non-stop sunset tour
- Morning shuttle transfers from Mayflower, Hilton & Marriott to stop #1 Union Station
- Bike rental offer (book 1 hour, get 1 hour free)
- Free commemorative Oval Office photo from White House Gifts
- Discounts at I Love DC Gifts (free souvenir), Artechouse ($5 off), International Spy Museum Store (10% off) & Unlimited Biking ($5 off) (based on option selected)
- Complimentary headphones
- Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish & Brazilian Portuguese
- Exclusive drop-offs close to monuments
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
Red Loop
The Red Loop covers the heart of Washington DC, passing by renowned landmarks and key points of interest.
Popular stops: White House, Jefferson Memorial, Smithsonian Castle
Sunset Tour
The tour primarily passes by the city’s most famous historical, governmental, and memorial sites.
Popular stops: US Capitol, Air & Space Museum, Lincoln Memorial
- The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Make sure to redeem your ticket and board the bus at Stop #1 (Union Station).
- The Sunset Tour is a non-stop bus tour, and not a hop-on hop-off service.
- Seats are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
- Specific details related to the add-ons in your tickets like the Sunset Tour, and hotel transfers will be shared post-booking.
- A valid ticket is required to avail any offers or discounts. The discounts are only applicable with a 48 or 72-hour pass.
- The tour remains closed on Independence Day (July 4) & Christmas (Dec 25).
- Big Bus Washington DC is an Authorized National Park Service Concessioner and gets you closer to meaningful monuments and memorials.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why choose Hop-on Hop-off Washington DC bus tours
- Extensive coverage of major landmarks: The Red Loop covers important landmarks like the White House, U.S. Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Arlington Cemetery, the Smithsonian Museums, and the National Mall, making hop-on hop-off tours one of the most comprehensive ways of exploring the city.
- Enjoy a stress-free sightseeing experience: Driving in D.C. can be challenging, with heavy traffic, complex one-way streets, and very limited parking near major sites. With hop-on hop-off tours you don’t have to worry about any navigation or logistics issues.
- Learn as you explore: The multilingual pre-recorded live commentary feature available in 5 languages on these hop-on hop-off buses ensures you don’t just see the landmarks, but also understand their stories. With historical insights, fun facts, and lesser-known stories, you get to combine education and entertainment all in one place, even on the DC night bus tour.
- Essential add-ons to your bus tour: The Potomac River Cruise offers a completely different vantage point and unobstructed panoramic views of important landmarks. On the sunset tour, see the Capital bathed in golden light and witness the gradual shift from day to night.
Hop-on Hop-off buses are the perfect choice for
First-time visitors
For travelers visiting a city for the first time, hop-on hop-off buses eliminate all the stress by providing a structured, yet flexible, sightseeing experience.
Families
With a mix of flexibility and comfort, hop-on hop-off buses are designed for families, big groups, and elderly visitors, further aided by wheelchair accessibility.
Solo travelers
Hop-on Hop-off tours provide a safe, easy, and customizable way to explore for solo travelers in any new city.
Photography enthusiasts
For photographers, hop-on hop-off buses provide the perfect elevated platform for capturing DC’s cityscapes, landmarks, and candid street scenes. The Washington DC night bus tour also offers ample unique photo ops.
Budget-conscious travelers
Hop-on hop-off tours offer a cost-effective alternative to buying multiple transportation tickets. With unlimited stops and exclusive deals, you can enjoy sightseeing without breaking the bank.
How to book tickets
Step 1: Choose your route
Each tour follows a unique route. Review the routes and stops and pick the tour that covers your must-see attractions.
Step 2: Book your tickets
Purchase your Hop-on Hop-off tickets easily using PayPal or a credit/debit card.
Step 3: Check your email
Receive your ticket voucher instantly in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder.
Step 4: Download the operator’s app
Track the bus in real-time, plan your journey, and explore routes with an interactive map.
Step 5: Hop-on & explore!
Head to any designated stop, show your mobile voucher to the driver or staff, and start your adventure!
Top Washington DC landmarks on your Hop-on Hop-off tour
The White House
The world’s most famous residence and seat of U.S. leadership, offering a historic glimpse into American politics and power.
Frequently Asked Questions about Washington DC's Hop-on Hop-off bus tours
What is the frequency of hop-on hop-off buses in Washington DC?
Hop-on hop-off buses in DC arrive every 30 minutes. An entire circuit loop takes approximately 2 hours.
What sets Big Bus apart as an operator?
As an Authorized National Park Service Concessioner, Big Bus Tours gets you closer to meaningful monuments and memorials.
What’s special about the Sunset Bus Tour?
Unlike the standard hop-on hop-off service, this non-stop guided tour allows you to experience iconic Washington DC landmarks bathed in warm, golden light and experience the surreal transformation from day to night.
Are Hop-on Hop-off tours in Washington child-friendly?
Yes, make sure to purchase tickets for children 3 years and above.
Are the Hop-on Hop-off Washington buses accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, all Hop-on Hop-off buses are wheelchair-accessible.
Do these tours operate throughout the year?
The hop-on hop-off tours in DC operate daily except on Christmas (25 Dec).