Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a full tour of Boston take if I don’t get on and off at all?

From start to finish, the City Tour is two hours, the Back Bay Tour is 30 minutes, and the Seaport Loop is 30 minutes. Tour lengths vary based on traffic conditions.

Do I have to start at Stop #1?

You may start your Old Town Trolley Tour at any of our convenient stops. Click on Boston Map and Stops to see a list of our stops with information about the attractions and points of interest at each stop.

How do I transfer from one loop to another?

For guests looking to transfer from one loop to another, it can be done at any of the transfer stops listed below.

City Tour and Back Bay Tour: Transfer Stops #6 and #7.
City Tour and Seaport Hotel Shuttle: Transfer Stops #1 and #9.

What language are the tours in?

All of our tours are in English.

What else is included in your ticket price?

Go to day tour for details.

How much knowledge do your conductors have about Boston?

You will be amazed at how knowledgeable our conductors are and what great storytellers and entertainers they are, too! All of our tour conductors go through a rigorous six-week training program to insure that their tour is safe, their information is accurate, and their customer service is outstanding.

Are there parking lots near any of your stops?

Parking in Boston is sometimes a challenge and can be on the expensive side; but there are a large number of parking options around the city, including parking garages, parking lots, and city-metered spaces.

Go to Where to Park for parking near our stops.

Are your tours narrated?

Yes, the Old Town Trolley is fully narrated by knowledgeable, expert guides. However, an Old Town Trolley Tour is more than just a narration, it’s an experience! You’ll hear sound effects and much more.

Can I get on and off wherever I want?

Yes! This is one of the most unique and enjoyable aspects of an Old Town Trolley Tour. You can hop off and hop back on at all our stops around the city, sightseeing at your own pace.

Are food and drinks allowed while on the tour?

Food and drinks are welcome. However alcoholic beverages are not allowed under any circumstance for the safety and comfort of all of our guests.

Can I use my credit card to purchase a ticket?

We accept all major credit cards at our sales depots in Boston. You may also buy a ticket online. Go to Rates and Reservations to visit our ticketing page.

Can your trolleys accommodate an electric scooter?

Please call our office at 617-269-7150 for more information.

Is there a discount if I purchase tickets online?

Yes! We make buying tickets online convenient and safe; and you save money, too! Click on Rates and Reservations to learn more about buying your trolley tickets online.

What is your refund policy?

Learn more about our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee*

Where can I purchase tickets?

We have convenient ticket locations all over Boston. In addition, most Boston hotels have tickets available at their concierge desk or you may purchase tickets online.

Are dogs allowed on your trolleys?

Service animals are the only animals that are allowed on board the trolleys. A service animal means a dog, regardless of breed or type, that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a qualified individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Animal species other than dogs, emotional support animals, comfort animals, companionship animals, and service animals in training are not service animals.

Are the trolleys handicap-accessible?

A certain number of our trolleys are equipped with hydraulic wheelchair lifts. We do ask that you call ahead to arrange use of these vehicles. For more information, go to accessibility services.

Are your trolleys enclosed?

The trolleys are open-air vehicles but have plastic “isinglass” windows that can roll up or roll down depending on the weather conditions.

Do you go by Harvard University?

No.

Do you have any special tours for children?

We offer excellent educational field trips. Please click on Educational Tours if you’re interested in booking your school group. We also have a night-time tour called Ghosts & Gravestones that is very popular with kids; although we do not recommend the Ghost Tour for small children due to some scary content.

How much does a trolley pass cost?

Please go to Rates & Reservations.

Do you rent trolleys for group tours, weddings, special events, and transportation charters?

Absolutely! In fact, we proudly operate Boston’s largest fleet of sightseeing vehicles, which allows us to accommodate groups both large and small. Please click on Groups and Charters for more information on group tours and special events.

Do you run tours in inclement weather?

Yes, we operate our tours rain or shine, hot or cold, year-round. However, bear in mind that in New England conditions can be harsh, especially in the winter-time. Occasionally, we’re forced to close operations for safety reasons, due to extreme conditions such as blizzards.

Are the trolleys heated?

Yes. During the wintertime, we use heated trolleys that are glass-enclosed specifically for the colder weather.

Are the trolleys air-conditioned?

The trolleys are open-air vehicles which allow for optimal sightseeing and picture-taking.

Do you travel along the Freedom Trail?

The Freedom Trail is a self-guided walking tour that takes in different historical Boston sites. The trolley tour gets you close to many of the sights along the Freedom Trail, as well as all the other major points of interest around the city of Boston. However, the trolley does not follow the Freedom Trail exactly.

How many stops do you make?

Click on Boston Map and Stops to see a list of our stops and for information about the attractions and points of interest available at each stop.

How many times can I go through the loop?

You may ride the Old Town Trolley Tour around as many times as you wish. However, we recommend that you get off and on as you go and take advantage of the sights. Many of the attractions will get increasingly busy as the day wears on; so it’s often best to take advantage of the stops as you go. In addition, you will hear essentially the same information presented each time you go around on the tour, although presented by each driver with his or her own style and flair.

How often does the trolley pass by each stop?

Old Town Trolley Tours of Boston operates the city’s largest fleet of sightseeing vehicles and this allows us to pick up and drop off more frequently than any other trolley company. The frequency of the trolleys depends on the time of the year, and traffic and weather conditions. In addition, the trolleys tend to run more frequently on weekends than on the weekdays.

If I get off and go to a museum or attraction do you wait outside?

The trolleys go around the city in a continuous loop, allowing guests to hop off and hop on at the designated stops. When you hop off a trolley to see the sights at a particular stop, that trolley will continue with the tour, and another trolley will arrive shortly to make another pick up.

What are your hours of operation?

Go to trolley tour schedule.

What is a hometown pass?

The Hometown Pass program was designed so that residents within our nine cities, Boston, Charleston, Savannah, Key West, Washington DC, St. Augustine, Nashville, San Antonio, and San Diego, can take advantage of our tours and attractions for FREE when accompanied by an adult paid guest.* It is free to join and easy to use. For more information, please call us at 1-800-844-7601 or visit us online. *Restrictions apply.

Can I bring my luggage on board?

Space on the trolleys is limited; but in some cases it may be acceptable to bring a small suitcase on board. Bear in mind that our trolleys are designed specifically for sightseeing and therefore contain limited storage space (as compared to motor coaches.)

Can I bring my stroller on board the trolley?

Yes, we can accommodate strollers but they must be collapsible and will be stored up front with the conductor. Strollers in the aisle ways would constitute a safety hazard.

Do you run tours in any other cities?

Old Town Trolley Tours operates sightseeing tours and historically themed tourist attractions in 9 different cities around the country. Go to Sightseeing Tours to learn more about our other cities.

Are there discounts or promo codes for Old Town Trolley Tours Boston?

Yes, we offer various discounts for seniors, military personnel, and groups. Residents of Massachusetts may also be eligible for our Hometown Pass program. Additionally, you can often find savings by purchasing the Boston Day and Night Tour Package or combo tickets with other attractions.

What is the Old Town Trolley Boston Hometown Pass?

Hometown Pass allows residents of Massachusetts to ride the Old Town Trolley for free when accompanied by a full-fare paying adult guest. To participate, you must sign up for the program and present a valid Massachusetts driver’s license, government-issued ID, or voter registration at the ticket depot.

Are there discounts for Suffolk County residents?

We offer a discount for all Massachusetts residents through our Hometown Pass program. This pass allows eligible residents to receive a free ticket when accompanied by a paid adult guest. Proof of residency is required at the time of ticketing.

Are there senior or military discounts for Old Town Trolley Boston?

Yes, we offer admission discounts to seniors and military personnel. We also offer free admission to veterans and active-duty military on specific dates, such as Veterans Day, though you must show a current ID or DD214 to obtain your boarding pass at our sales depot.

Do children under 4 ride free on the Old Town Trolley in Boston?

Yes, children under the age of 4 ride free. Child tickets are required for ages 4–12.

Are there combo tickets for Old Town Trolley and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum?

Yes, we offer a “Best Value” package that includes the Old Town Trolley Tour and admission to the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. This package often includes additional savings on other local attractions.

Is there a two-day ticket for the Old Town Trolley Boston?

Yes, we offer a 2-Day Old Town Trolley Tour pass. This option allows you to enjoy unlimited hop-on, hop-off privileges for two consecutive days.

Do I need a reservation for the Old Town Trolley Tour in Boston?

Reservations are not required for the standard hop-on, hop-off day tour, but they are recommended for specialty tours like Ghosts & Gravestones. For the standard tour, you can start at any stop with your ticket.

Do I need to print my tickets for Old Town Trolley?

No, you do not need to print your tickets. You can present your mobile voucher at any of our sales depots or stops to board the trolley.

How far in advance should I buy my trolley tickets?

While you can buy tickets on the day of your tour, we recommend purchasing in advance online to secure the best price and ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

Where can I buy Old Town Trolley Boston tickets?

You can purchase tickets online or at any of our convenient ticket booth locations throughout Boston, including:

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace / 200 Atlantic Avenue
• Old Town Trolley Welcome Center
• Marriott Copley Place Tour Desk

How does the Old Town Trolley Boston Hop-On Hop-Off tour work?

Our tour features unlimited re-boarding at any of our designated stops throughout the day. You can hop off to explore an attraction, then hop back on the next trolley to continue your loop. The trolleys run continuously, so you never have to wait long for a ride.

Where is the best place to start the Old Town Trolley Tour in Boston?

You can begin your tour at any of our stops. However, Faneuil Hall and the Welcome Center near Boston Common are popular starting points with full ticketing services.

Does the Boston trolley go to Harvard Square or Cambridge?

No, our standard trolley route does not cross the Charles River into Cambridge or Harvard Square. However, several trolley stops are positioned directly atop or adjacent to MBTA “T” (Subway) stations that provide a quick 10–15 minute ride into Cambridge.

Does the Old Town Trolley have a stop in the Seaport District?

Yes, we have a dedicated Seaport Loop. Stops include the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the Boston Fish Pier, and other waterfront locations.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop near the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC)?

Yes, this stop is located at the Westin Waterfront Hotel.

Does the Old Town Trolley Boston stop near the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)?

Yes, the Christian Science Plaza/Symphony Hall stop is a 10-12 minute walk or a quick ride on the Green Line subway to the Museum of Fine Arts.

Does the Old Town Trolley Boston stop near the Paul Revere House?

Yes, the Paul Revere House is accessible from the Historic North End stop. It is a short walk from the stop located at Commercial and Hull Streets.

Does the Old Town Trolley go to Copley Square and Trinity Church?

Yes. This stop also provides access to the Boston Public Library and the John Hancock Tower.

Does the Old Town Trolley go to the Boston Common?

Yes, This stop drops you right near the park and the Massachusetts State House and is positioned directly to the right of the Robert Gould Shaw & 54th Regiment Memorial (the famous bronze relief of the Civil War soldiers).

Does the Old Town Trolley go to the Boston Public Garden and the Swan Boats?

Yes, the Boston Public Garden is easily accessible from the Welcome Center Stop.You simply cross Charles Street to enter the Garden.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop at the Faneuil Hall / Quincy Market?

Yes, the trolley stops directly across from the Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the South Market Building.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop at the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill?

Yes, the trolley stops at the Charlestown Navy Yard, right in front of the USS Constitution. The Bunker Hill Monument is a 10-12 minute walk up the hill from this stop.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop near the Cheers Bar (Original Location)?

Yes, the trolley pulls up directly in front of the Cheers entrance (formerly the Bull & Finch Pub).

Does the Old Town Trolley stop at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum ?

Yes, the trolley drops you off directly at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop at the New England Aquarium?

Yes, the Boston Waterfront stop is just steps away from the main entrance of the New England Aquarium.

Can you see the Old North Church from the trolley?

Yes, you can see the Old North Church from the trolley, and you can also hop off at the Historic North End to visit it. It is a 3–5 minute walk uphill from the trolley stop.

Can I take the Old Town Trolley to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum?

While we do not stop directly at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, you can hop off at Christian Science Plaza. The museum is a 12-15 minute walk from there.

Can I use Old Town Trolley to get from South Station to the North End?

Yes, you can take the Blue Loop trolley from South Station and transfer to the Green Loop at the Boston Tea Party Ships stop or the Faneuil Hall stop to reach the Historic North End.

Where can I park for the Old Town Trolley Boston?

For the most convenient access, we recommend parking at the Boston Common Garage or the 75 State Street Garage, which both serve as major ticketing hubs. You can also find reliable parking at the Prudential Garage or the Lewis Wharf lot near the waterfront.

How can I get to the Old Town Trolley Boston from the cruise ship terminal?

You can board the trolley directly at the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal stop, which is active on all cruise port-of-call days and located just a 2–10 minute walk from the ship berths. From there, the Blue Loop shuttle will take you to the main transfer hub to begin the historic city tour.