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The world’s most famous residence and seat of U.S. leadership, offering a historic glimpse into American politics and power.
Hop-on Hop-off Washington DC Bus Tours
Routes
TimelineMap
1. Union Station
Union Station
National Postal Museum
5 minutes walk
Columbus Circle and Fountain
7 minutes walk2. US Capitol at Garfield Circle
US Capitol at Garfield Circle
Library of Congress
5 minutes walk
Supreme Court of the United States
5 minutes walk3. Air & Space Museum
Air & Space Museum
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
4 minutes walk
National Museum of the American Indian
3 minutes walk4. L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum
L’Enfant Plaza
3 minutes walk
International Spy Museum
Smithsonian Castle
3 minutes walk5. The Wharf & Potomac Boat Cruise
The Wharf
Potomac River
11 minutes walk
East Potomac Park
10 minutes walk6. Washington Monument West
Washington Monument West
Artechouse
6 minutes walk
Tidal Basin
5 minutes walk7. Bureau of Engraving & Holocaust Musuem
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
9 minutes walk
Smithsonian American History Museum
7 minutes walk8. Jefferson Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
George Mason Memorial
1 minute walk9. FDR and MLK Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
11 minutes walk
Japanese Pagoda
10. Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
5 minutes walkAlbert Einstein Memorial
1 minute walk11. Lincoln Memorial North & Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
1 minute walk
Constitution Gardens
2 minutes walk12. Arlington Cemetery
Arlington Cemetery
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Arlington House
3 minutes walk13. World War II Memorial
World War II Memorial
D.C. War Memorial
1 minute walk
Floral Library
2 minutes walk14. Washington Monument East
Washington Monument East
National Museum of African American History and Culture
2 minutes walkWegmans Wonderplace
3 minutes walk15. Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
National Archives Museum
2 minutes walk
Ford’s Theatre
6 minutes walk16. City Center & Chinatown
City Center
Chinatown
3 minutes walkCapital One Arena
4 minutes walk17. The White House & Willard Hotel
The White House
3 minutes walk
Willard InterContinental Hotel
3 minutes walk
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
6 minutes walkExplore 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 minutes.
- Opt for a 48-hour pass to go on a 2-hour Sunset Tour, take a live 2-hour 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 minutes.
- Opt for a 48-hour pass to go on a 2-hour Sunset Tour, take a live 2-hour 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 guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery (based on option selected)
- 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.
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
Union Station
National Postal Museum
5 minutes walkColumbus Circle and Fountain
7 minutes walk2. National Japanese American Memorial
National Japanese American Memorial
National Building Museum
6 minutes walk
Senate Fountain
3 minutes walk3. U.S. Capitol
U.S. Capitol
Library of Congress
5 minutes walkSupreme Court of the United States
5 minutes walk4. Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
Smithsonian Air & Space Museum
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
4 minutes walkNational Museum of the American Indian
3 minutes walk5. The Wharf - Boarding for Water Taxi Boat Cruise
The Wharf
Potomac River
11 minutes walkEast Potomac Park
10 minutes walk6. International Spy Museum
International Spy Museum
L’Enfant Plaza
3 minutes walkSmithsonian Castle
3 minutes walk7. Washington Monument
Washington Monument
Artechouse
6 minutes walkTidal Basin
5 minutes walk8. Jefferson Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
George Mason Memorial
1 minute walk9. FDR Memorial/ MLK Jr. Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
11 minutes walkJapanese Pagoda
10. Lincoln Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
5 minutes walkAlbert Einstein Memorial
1 minute walk11. National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History
Constitution Gardens
4 minutes walk
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
4 minutes walk12. National Portrait Gallery/African Art Museum
National Portrait Gallery
Chinatown DC
3 minutes walk
Renwick Gallery
10 minutes walk13. Washington Welcome Center
National Mall
8 minutes walkUnited States Botanic Garden
9 minutes walk
Museum of the Bible
10 minutes walk14. The White House
The White House
3 minutes walkWillard InterContinental Hotel
3 minutes walkEisenhower Executive Office Building
6 minutes walk15. National Archives
National Archives
Old Post Office Pavilion
6 minutes walkFord's Theatre
6 minutes walkYour 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
Union Station
National Postal Museum
5 minutes walkColumbus Circle and Fountain
7 minutes walk2. US Capitol at Garfield Circle
US Capitol at Garfield Circle
Library of Congress
5 minutes walkSupreme Court of the United States
5 minutes walk3. Air & Space Museum
Air & Space Museum
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
4 minutes walkNational Museum of the American Indian
3 minutes walk4. L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum
L’Enfant Plaza
3 minutes walkInternational Spy Museum
Smithsonian Castle
3 minutes walk5. The Wharf & Potomac Boat Cruise
The Wharf
Potomac River
11 minutes walkEast Potomac Park
10 minutes walk6. Washington Monument West
Washington Monument West
Artechouse
6 minutes walkTidal Basin
5 minutes walk7. Bureau of Engraving & Holocaust Musuem
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
9 minutes walkSmithsonian American History Museum
7 minutes walk8. Jefferson Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
George Mason Memorial
1 minute walk9. FDR and MLK Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
11 minutes walkJapanese Pagoda
10. Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
5 minutes walkAlbert Einstein Memorial
1 minute walk11. Lincoln Memorial North & Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Lincoln Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
1 minute walkConstitution Gardens
2 minutes walk12. Arlington Cemetery
Arlington Cemetery
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Arlington House
3 minutes walk13. World War II Memorial
World War II Memorial
D.C. War Memorial
1 minute walkFloral Library
2 minutes walk14. Washington Monument East
Washington Monument East
National Museum of African American History and Culture
2 minutes walkWegmans Wonderplace
3 minutes walk15. Natural History Museum
Natural History Museum
National Archives Museum
2 minutes walkFord’s Theatre
6 minutes walk16. City Center & Chinatown
City Center
Chinatown
3 minutes walkCapital One Arena
4 minutes walk17. The White House & Willard Hotel
The White House
3 minutes walkWillard InterContinental Hotel
3 minutes walkEisenhower Executive Office Building
6 minutes walkExperience 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, an Arlington guided walking tour, an Oval Office photo, and 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, an Arlington guided walking tour, an Oval Office photo, and 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
- 2-hour live guided walking tour of Arlington National Cemetery
- 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 route
The Red route 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.
- Departure: 6:30pm from Stop #1 Union Station
- Frequency: Once every evening
- Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
- 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, Arlington walking 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
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).