Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Old Town Trolley Tour in Charleston begin?

For the Historic City Tour, the Charleston Visitor Center (375 Meeting Street) is the only location where you can board and begin your tour. While the trolley makes stops at Hampton Park and The Battery, these are strictly for brief photo opportunities, and the City Market stop is exclusively for guests who wish to end their journey early. To ensure you receive your reserved seat and the full live narration from the beginning, all guests must check in and board at the Visitor Center.

How often do tours run daily?

Frequently starting at 9 am.

What neighborhoods does the tour visit?

All of the historic areas including South of Broad, the French Quarter, Wraggborough and the Citadel.

What language are the tours in?

All of our tours are in English.

How much knowledge do your conductors have about Charleston?

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 ensure that their tour is safe, their information is historically accurate, and their customer service is outstanding.

Are there parking lots near the city tour departure locations?

Go to Where to Park for parking.

Can I get on and off wherever I want?

The tour has four stops. The tour leaves from The Charleston Visitor Center stop. The guide and vehicle will stay with you at the next two stops for a seamless tour experience. Then we stop at City Market where you will have the option to end your tour there or continue to the Visitor Center where we started the tour. Please remember that it is approximately .9 miles from our stop at City Market to the Visitor Center. Go to Charleston Map and Stops to see a list of our stops with information about the attractions and points of interest at each stop.

Can I use my credit card to purchase a ticket?

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

Can your vehicles accommodate an electric scooter?

We always allow electric scooters where the combined weight of guest and scooter/wheelchair is less than 600 pounds.

Do you have any discounts for locals?

Our free Hometown Pass is the best way to entertain visiting friends and family! All Charleston County residents can take advantage of some of our tours and attractions for FREE when accompanied by a full fare adult paid guest.* It is easy to join and use. For more information, please call us at 1-800-844-7601 or visit us online. *Restrictions apply.

What is your refund policy?

Learn more about our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee*.

Where can I purchase tickets?

We have convenient ticket locations in Charleston or you may purchase tickets online.

Can you please tell me about your vehicles?

Our vehicles are enclosed with air conditioning and upgraded seats for a premium experience. Learn more about environmentally-friendly vehicles.

How much does an Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston cost?

Please go to Rates & Reservations.

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

Absolutely! In fact, we proudly operate vehicles that allow us to accommodate groups both large and small. Please call 854-264-8687 for more information.

Are there any restrooms on the vehicle and during my tour?

Restrooms are available at the Charleston Visitor Center located at 375 Meeting St.

What are your hours of operation?

Go to city tour schedule.

Can I bring my stroller on board the vehicle?

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.

How does the Old Town Trolley Charleston tour work?

Our tour is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that features four distinct stops where you can transition between locations. Unlike a traditional hop-on hop-off, the guide and vehicle typically stay with you at each designated stop for a seamless, continuous tour. You begin your journey at the Charleston Visitor Center or the Charleston City Market to explore the city’s historic districts.

How long does the full Old Town Trolley Charleston tour take?

The full tour takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete if you ride the entire loop without disembarking. This comprehensive journey covers over 100 points of interest, allowing you to experience over 350 years of history in a single trip. We ensure our schedule gives you ample time to see the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Are the Old Town Trolley Tours in Charleston narrated?

Yes, all tours are 100% live-narrated in real time by our expert, licensed guides. Unlike tours that use pre-recorded audio, our conductors provide an interactive experience filled with history, lore, and local legends. We pride ourselves on having the finest, most knowledgeable guides who can answer your questions as you explore the Holy City.

Is Old Town Trolley Charleston a hop-on hop-off tour?

Charleston ordinances require a “stay-with-the-guide” format rather than traditional hop-on, hop-off service. Your guide and vehicle will wait for you during brief photo stops at Hampton Park and The Battery. You may choose to conclude your tour at the City Market or return to the Visitor Center.

How many stops are there on the Charleston tour?

There are four designated stops on our Charleston city highlights tour. These locations provide access to the city’s most iconic landmarks and parks. They include:

• Charleston Visitor Center
• Hampton Park
• The Battery
• City Market

Does Old Town Trolley Charleston have air conditioning?

Yes, you will ride in total comfort aboard our all-new luxury 2025-model minibuses which are fully air-conditioned. We have upgraded our fleet with climate control and premium padded seats to provide a superior sightseeing experience. This ensures that even during the warmest South Carolina summer days, your tour remains cool and enjoyable.

Does Old Town Trolley Charleston operate in the rain?

We operate our tours rain or shine, 364 days a year, excluding only Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Our vehicles are designed to handle various weather conditions, and we only suspend operations in the event of extreme weather for the safety of our guests. You can confidently book your tour regardless of the daily forecast.

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

Yes, reservations are required to ensure you have a guaranteed seat on your preferred departure. Because our Charleston tour follows a more structured format where the vehicle stays with the group, seating is limited for each time slot. You can easily book your date and time online through our website to secure your spot.

Do I save money by booking Old Town Trolley Charleston tickets online?

Yes, you can save on your tickets by booking online in advance. Our website offers the best available rates and allows you to secure your required reservation.

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

No, you do not need to print your tickets; you can present your mobile voucher on your smartphone at any of our sales depots or directly to a conductor to receive your boarding pass.

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

We do not offer senior, student, or military discounts for our Charleston tours at this time. To secure the most significant savings, we recommend booking your tickets online and in advance. Our online rates are designed to provide the best value for all our guests visiting the Historic District.

What is the Old Town Trolley Charleston Hometown Pass?

The Hometown Pass allows Charleston County residents to ride for free when accompanied by a guest who purchases a full-fare adult ticket. To qualify, the guest’s ticket must be bought at a physical booth or by phone rather than online. Residents must sign up for the free pass in advance and present a valid government-issued photo ID at the time of boarding.

Are there combo tickets for Old Town Trolley and Magnolia Plantation?

We offer a Magnolia Plantation & City Tour package that combines our comprehensive 1-hour and 40-minute trolley tour with a 5-hour excursion to one of America’s oldest gardens. This bundle includes round-trip luxury transportation, plantation admission, and a guided tour of the historic Magnolia House. Exclusive to this package, you may also choose between the Nature Train or the seasonal Wildlife Boat Tour at no extra cost. This option provides significant savings and the flexibility to explore the Audubon Swamp Garden and grounds at your own pace.

Do children under 4 ride free on the Charleston trolley?

Yes, children under the age of 4 ride for free on our city tours. For children between the ages of 4 and 12, a child ticket is required at a discounted rate.

Are food and drinks allowed on the Old Town Trolley in Charleston?

Yes, you are welcome to bring food and non-alcoholic drinks on board for your enjoyment during the tour. We ask that you help us keep our luxury vehicles clean for all guests. Please note that alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited at all times for the safety and comfort of our passengers and crew.

Are the Old Town Trolleys in Charleston wheelchair accessible?

Yes, we have a portion of our fleet equipped with hydraulic wheelchair lifts to accommodate our guests with mobility needs. We request that you contact us at (854) 222-7311 at least 24 hours in advance to arrange for an accessible vehicle. Our “Safety First” philosophy ensures we take every precaution to make your experience comfortable.

Can I bring a stroller on the Old Town Trolley in Charleston?

Yes, we can accommodate strollers on board, provided they are collapsible and stored up front with the tour guide. For the safety of all passengers, strollers cannot be kept in the aisles. This policy allows families to explore the city easily while keeping our pathways clear for boarding and exiting.

Can I bring my dog or service animal on the Old Town Trolley in Charleston?

Only service animals are permitted to board our vehicles; we do not allow pets or emotional support animals. This policy follows ADA guidelines to ensure that guests requiring assistance animals can enjoy our tours. Please ensure your service animal is under control at all times during the 1-hour and 40-minute journey.

How many stops does the Old Town Trolley Tour have in Charleston?

Our route includes four designated stops strategically placed near more than 100 historic sites and popular shopping districts. The journey begins and ends at the Charleston Visitor Center, with scheduled photo stops at Hampton Park and the historic Battery Point. Guests also have the convenient option to disembark at the Historic City Market to explore local vendors and artisans.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop at The Battery?

Yes, The Battery is on our tour route, offering guests the chance to see historic seawalls and iconic mansions. You can hop off here to enjoy views of the Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter in the distance. Your guide and vehicle will wait at this location for a brief exploration period.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop at the Charleston City Market?

Yes, we stop at the Historic City Market near the corner of Meeting and Market Streets. This is one of the nation’s oldest public markets and serves as a popular “end-of-tour” option. You can choose to depart here to explore the local artisans and restaurants or remain on board for the return to the Visitor Center.

Does the Old Town Trolley go to Fort Sumter?

The Old Town Trolley does not travel directly to Fort Sumter, but our Battery Point stop provides an excellent view of the monument across the harbor. For guests wishing to visit the fort itself, the ferry departs from Liberty Square, located next to the South Carolina Aquarium. Since our tour begins and ends at the Charleston Visitor Center, you will be just a short walk or a quick shuttle ride away from the ferry departure point.

Can I use the trolley to get to the Isle of Palms or Folly Beach?

No, the Old Town Trolley route is contained within the Charleston Peninsula and does not travel to the surrounding beaches. Our tour is focused on the Historic District and the 350 years of history found within the city limits. We recommend private transportation or ride-shares for trips to Isle of Palms or Folly Beach.

Is parking free at the Charleston Visitor Center for trolley guests?

Parking at the Charleston Visitor Center is not free, though several paid facilities are located nearby for your convenience. The Visitor Center Garage at 63 Mary Street is the most popular option and is situated just steps from our boarding location.

Does the Old Town Trolley go to the Charleston Cruise Ship Terminal?

While we do not have a dedicated stop inside the terminal, our main depot at the Visitor Center is a short 5-minute taxi or rideshare from the pier. Most cruise passengers board here.