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Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio trolley driving past San Fernando Cathedral

Old Town Trolley of San Antonio FAQs

Read below to get answers to our most frequently asked questions.

How long does the full Old Town Trolley San Antonio loop take?

The full Old Town Trolley tour takes approximately 90 minutes to complete if you choose to stay on for the entire loop without hopping off. This comprehensive “Transportainment” experience covers more than 100 points of interest and provides a complete overview of the city’s history and culture.

Do I have to start at Stop #1?

You may start your Old Town Trolley Tour at any of our convenient stops. Go to San Antonio 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 San Antonio?

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 accurate, and their customer service is outstanding.

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 San Antonio. You may also buy a ticket online. Go to Rates and Reservations to visit our ticketing page.

Can your trolleys accommodate an electric scooter?

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

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.

Do you have any discounts for locals?

Our free Hometown Pass is the best way to entertain visiting friends and family! All Bexar County residents can take advantage of some of our tours and attractions for FREE when accompanied by a full fare adult paid guest.* Learn more about our free Hometown Pass.

What is your refund policy?

Learn more about our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee*.

Where can I purchase tickets?

We have convenient ticket locations all over San Antonio. In addition, most San Antonio 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 wheelchair-accessible?

A certain number of our trolleys are equipped with hydraulic wheelchair lifts. We do ask that you call ahead to arrange the 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.

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 San Antonio’s largest fleet of sightseeing vehicles, which allows us to accommodate groups both large and small. Please call (210) 571-0825 for more information.

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 some conditions can prohibit safe operation. Occasionally, we are forced to close operations for safety.

Are the trolleys air-conditioned?

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

How many stops do you make?

There are many stops on the tour, which are conveniently located at or near all the major points of interest. Click on San Antonio 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 each stop?

Old Town Trolley Tours of San Antonio 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 official trolley tour schedule.

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.)

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 San Antonio Hop-On Hop-Off tour work?

Our hop-on, hop-off tour allows you to explore San Antonio at your own pace across a continuous loop of 13 convenient stops. You can board at any stop, disembark to explore attractions like the Alamo or the Pearl District, and then re-board the next available trolley to continue your journey.

How often does the trolley come by in San Antonio?

Trolleys typically arrive at each stop approximately every 20-30 minutes, though frequency can vary based on the time of year, day of the week, and local traffic conditions. We operate the city’s largest fleet of sightseeing vehicles to ensure the most frequent pickup service possible for our guests.

Are the Old Town Trolley Tours in San Antonio narrated?

Yes, our tours are 100% live and narrated in real-time by expert conductors who provide a blend of history, fun facts, and behind-the-scenes tips. We do not use pre-recorded narration, ensuring every tour is an engaging and interactive experience tailored to the day’s sights.

Is Old Town Trolley San Antonio open year-round?

Our tours operate year-round, running rain or shine to ensure you can see the best of San Antonio regardless of the season. We only close operations in the event of extreme weather conditions that could compromise the safety of our guests and conductors.

Does Old Town Trolley San Antonio operate in the rain?

Our tours run rain or shine using all-weather trolleys designed for your comfort. The vehicles are equipped with roofs and roll-down clear isinglass windows to protect you from the rain without obstructing your view.

Is Old Town Trolley San Antonio air-conditioned?

Our trolleys are open-air vehicles designed to provide a breezy, comfortable sightseeing experience in the Texas heat. While they do not have traditional air conditioning, the “isinglass” windows can be rolled down to allow for natural airflow and unobstructed photography. In the winter months, we use heated, glass-enclosed trolleys to keep you warm.

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

No, you do not need a paper ticket; simply show your mobile voucher on your smartphone at any of our sales depots or stops.

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

Yes, our standard trolley tickets are good for 2 consecutive days of sightseeing. This provides you with extra flexibility to explore the 13 stops and 100+ points of interest across two full days without having to rush your visit.

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

Yes, children under 4 years old ride the trolley for free when accompanied by a ticketed adult. For older children, we offer discounted child tickets for those between the ages of 4 and 12 to make the tour more affordable for families.

Is there a discount for seniors or military personnel in San Antonio?

Yes, we offer discounted admission for seniors (62+) and active-duty or retired military personnel. Additionally, we honor service members with free admission every year on Veterans Day. To receive these special rates, you must purchase your tickets at one of our physical ticket booths and present a valid government-issued ID or DD214.

What is the Old Town Trolley San Antonio Hometown Pass?

Bexar County residents can enjoy the tour for free with the Hometown Pass when accompanied by a guest who buys a full-fare adult ticket. The guest’s ticket must be purchased at a physical ticket booth or by phone to qualify for this offer. Residents must sign up online for the free pass and show a valid photo ID at the depot to receive their ticket.

Are there combo tickets for Old Town Trolley and Go Rio River Cruise?

We offer a popular package that combines the Old Town Trolley Tour and the Go Rio San Antonio River Cruise. This bundle allows you to see the city’s best sights from both land and water while saving on the total admission price. It includes a two-day unlimited hop-on, hop-off trolley pass and a 35-minute narrated boat tour through the heart of the River Walk.

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

While you can start at any of our 13 stops, Alamo Plaza (located at the corner of Alamo Plaza and East Commerce Street) is the most popular starting point. This location is home to our main Welcome Center and is just steps away from the River Walk.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop at The Alamo?

The trolley stops directly at the Alamo at both Alamo Plaza and the corner of Avenue E and Houston St. These stops provide convenient access to the historic mission, the Long Barrack Museum, and the beautiful Alamo Gardens.

Does the Old Town Trolley have a stop at The Pearl?

Yes, disembarking here allows you to explore the vibrant district’s high-end dining, unique boutiques, and the historic Pearl Stable Hall.

Does the Old Town Trolley go to the Japanese Tea Garden?

Yes, the trolley stops at the Japanese Tea Garden, which is also the best stop for accessing Brackenridge Park and the San Antonio Zoo. Our conductors provide clear directions on how to reach the garden entrance from the drop-off point.

Does the Old Town Trolley go to the San Antonio Missions?

The Old Town Trolley stops at the most famous mission, The Alamo, but the route does not include the southern missions like Mission San José or Mission Concepción. Our tour focuses on the historic heart of the city and the downtown cultural districts.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop near the Tower of the Americas and Hemisfair?

Yes, the trolley stops just outside the Magik Children’s Theatre on the southwest side of Hemisfair. This stop provides easy walking access to the Tower of the Americas, the Yanaguana Garden, and the various cultural exhibits within the park.

How close is Old Town Trolley San Antonio to the River Walk?

Yes, the Alamo Plaza stop is located immediately adjacent to the River Walk entrance. Many other stops, including those near Market Square and San Fernando Cathedral, are also within a very short walk of the river’s pedestrian pathways.

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

Food and drinks are welcome on board for your comfort during the tour. However, alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited at all times to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests on the trolley.

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

You may bring a stroller on the trolley, but it must be collapsible and folded before boarding. Strollers are stored at the front of the vehicle with the conductor on a space available basis and cannot be kept in the aisles due to safety regulations.

Can I bring luggage on the Old Town Trolley in San Antonio?

Space on our trolleys is limited as they are designed for sightseeing, but small suitcases may be accepted if space allows. Large luggage is not permitted on board and we recommend checking with your hotel for storage options if you are traveling between locations.

Where can I park for the Old Town Trolley San Antonio?

We do not have a private lot, but several public garages are located near our 13 stops. The Rivercenter Mall garage is ideal for starting at Alamo Plaza, and the Frost Tower garage is a great option for the West Houston Street area. You can find a full list of nearby parking and get directions using the interactive map on our website.

Does the trolley route change during Fiesta San Antonio?

Trolley routes may be adjusted during major events like Fiesta San Antonio due to street closures. During these times, certain stops, ncluding Alamo Plaza, may be relocated or temporarily bypassed. Please check our website’s “Tour Updates” page for real-time detours and schedule changes to help plan your visit.

How long is the San Antonio City Lights Night Tour?

The tour is approximately 75 to 90 minutes long. Unlike our daytime tours, this is a continuous experience with a specific route designed to show off the city’s most beautiful evening illuminations.

Where does the San Antonio City Lights night tour depart from?

The tour departs from 299 E. Crockett Street, conveniently located between the historic Menger and Crockett Hotels. We ask that all guests check in with a staff member at least 15 to 20 minutes prior to their scheduled departure time.

What is the “San Fernando Cathedral Light Show”?

While the trolley route passes the historic San Fernando Cathedral, the famous “Saga” light show has specific run times (usually Tuesdays through Sundays). Our conductors do their best to time our pass-by so you can catch a glimpse of this stunning visual projection on the cathedral facade.

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