Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Old Town Trolley Tour is approximately 2 hours if you ride the tour all the way around without getting off and on. 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.

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 seven cities, Boston, Savannah, Key West, Washington DC, St. Augustine, Nashville 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 8 different cities around the country. Go to Sightseeing Tours to learn more about our other cities.