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Route name: Red Loop
Attraction timings: 8am to 12:30pm
Big Bus Washington DC Bus Tours
Routes
TimelineMap
1
Union Station
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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
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2 attractions
9
FDR and MLK Memorial
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3 attractions
10
Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial
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3 attractions
11
Lincoln Memorial North & Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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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
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3 attractions
17
The White House & Willard Hotel
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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 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.
Why choose the Big Bus Washington DC tours?
Flexibility
Hop on and off at your convenience with multiple stops around Washington DC. Explore key landmarks and attractions at your own pace without a fixed schedule.
Iconic landmarks
Visit top sites like the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Capitol Hill. The tour covers essential DC attractions, providing a comprehensive city experience.
Informative commentary
Enjoy engaging audio commentary available in multiple languages, offering fascinating insights into Washington DC’s history, architecture, and landmarks to enrich your sightseeing.
Scenic views
Capture stunning views of DC’s iconic monuments and buildings from the open-top bus. Perfect for photography and enjoying the city’s beautiful skyline.
Convenient booking options
Book your tickets online for easy access and choose from various packages, including hotel transfers, sunset tours and Potomac river cruises.
Big Bus Washington DC: Routes, stops, and maps
Red Loop
Discover DC’s top sights on the Red Loop tour with multilingual commentary. Hop on and off to explore landmarks like the White House and Lincoln Memorial.
- First stop: Union Station
- Timings: 9:30am to 5:30pm
- Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
- Number of stops: 17
- Full loop duration: 90 minutes
Highlights of your Big Bus Washington DC tour
The White House
Suggested Big Bus Washington DC itineraries
Washington DC in 1 day/24 hours
Washington DC in 2 days/48 hours
Washington DC in 3 days/72 hours
Red Route
If you have just one day in Washington DC, the Red Route of the Big Bus Tours is perfect for exploring the city's highlights.
- Start at the White House, taking photos and enjoying the surrounding gardens.
- Hop off at the National World War II Memorial to appreciate its grandeur and significance.
- Visit the Lincoln Memorial for its history and stunning architecture.
- Continue to the Washington Monument for breathtaking views of the city.
- Explore the National Mall, stopping at the various Smithsonian museums, such as the National Museum of American History.
- End your day at the U.S. Capitol, where you can admire the iconic building and its surrounding gardens.
Day 1
Explore Washington DC over 48 hours with Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Red Route for both days:
- Start at the White House, admiring its iconic architecture.
- Visit the Washington Monument for panoramic city views.
- Explore the National Mall, including the Smithsonian museums.
- Stop at the Lincoln Memorial and reflect at the reflecting pool.
- Post-lunch, visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial.
- End the day at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
Day 2
Explore Washington DC over 48 hours with Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Red Route for both days:
- Begin at the U.S. Capitol, taking in the grandeur of Capitol Hill.
- Visit the Supreme Court building and the Library of Congress.
- Stop at the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence.
- Explore the National Air and Space Museum.
- Post-lunch, visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
- End the day at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
Day 1
Explore Washington DC over three days with Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Red Route for an in-depth experience of the city's top attractions:
- Start at the White House and admire its iconic architecture.
- Visit the Washington Monument for panoramic city views.
- Explore the National Mall and the Smithsonian museums.
- Stop at the Lincoln Memorial and reflect at the reflecting pool.
- Visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
Day 2
Explore Washington DC over three days with Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Red Route for an in-depth experience of the city's top attractions:
- Begin at the U.S. Capitol, taking in the grandeur of Capitol Hill.
- Visit the Supreme Court building and the Library of Congress.
- Explore the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence.
- Head to the National Air and Space Museum.
- Stop at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
Day 3
Explore Washington DC over three days with Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Red Route for an in-depth experience of the city's top attractions:
- Visit the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.
- Spend time at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.
- Explore the National Museum of American History.
- Stop by the World War II Memorial.
- End the day with a leisurely walk around the Tidal Basin
Frequently asked questions about Big Bus Washington DC tours
How do Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off buses work in Washington DC?
The buses allow you to board and disembark at any designated stop, offering flexible exploration of Washington DC’s attractions at your own pace.
What is included in a Big Bus Washington DC Tour ticket?
Tickets include unlimited Hop-on Hop-off access, live guided commentary, and the option to upgrade to include a night tour or a cruise on the Potomac River.
How often are the Washington DC Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off buses?
Buses run every 15-20 minutes.
How many Big Bus Washington DC routes are there?
There is only one route - the Red Loop - which covers all the major landmarks in Washington.
Are there audio guides on the Big Bus Washington DC Hop-on Hop-off bus tours?
Yes, pre-recorded audio commentary is available in
Are the Big Bus Washington DC Hop-on Hop-off bus tours accessibility-friendly?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible.
How long is my ticket valid for?
Tickets are valid for 1, 2, or 3 days, depending on the type of ticket purchased.
Are hotel pick-ups or drop-offs included with the Hop-on Hop-off tours?
Enjoy morning shuttle transfers from Mayflower, Hilton & Marriott to stop #1 Union Station with Big Bus.