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Frequently Asked Questions

old town trolley tour washington dc

OLD TOWN TROLLEY OF WASHINGTON DC FAQS

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

How long does the full Old Town Trolley DC loop take?

A complete, continuous circuit of the Old Town Trolley Washington DC tour takes approximately 90 minutes. This loop covers over 100 points of interest and provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s historic districts and monuments. If you choose to hop off and explore individual stops, your total tour time will vary based on your personal sightseeing goals.

Do I have to start my tour at Stop #1?

No. As long as you have a ticket, you may board the trolley and begin your tour at any one of our stops.

What language are the tours in?

All of our tours have live narration in English. Visiting with friends and family who don’t speak English? Our exclusive foreign language app is here to help! All trolleys come outfitted with WiFi capabilities so you can enjoy narration in seven different languages – Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. We’ll provide you with instructions on how to download the app. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy all the sights and sounds via a fully-narrated tour through our nation’s capital. Headphones not included.

What are your prices?

Please go to rates and reservations.

What are your hours?

Go to tour schedules.

Do you run on weekends?

Yes. For details, go to tour schedules.

Are the tours narrated?

All of our tours are fully narrated, and our guides are accredited by the city government.

Can I get on and off wherever I want?

Yes. Old Town Trolley offers 15 stops in Washington DC and you can get on and off at your leisure throughout the day. Trolleys run between stops approximately every half-hour;
> Go to Washington Map & Stops.

Can I go around the loop more than once?

You can go around as many times as you would like until closing time; but it’s best to hop on and off.

Your trolley came by and it’s full. What do I do?

Don’t panic. The driver will alert the dispatcher to the problem, and the dispatcher will take steps to correct it; this usually entails sending an extra trolley to pick up some of the guests.

Where can I purchase tickets?

Our primary ticketing locations are at the Washington Welcome Center, at the corner of 10th St. and E. St., NW, and at Union Station, where our booth is located in the center of the Main Hall. In addition, many hotels in the city sell our tickets.

Can I pay with a credit card?

We accept all major credit cards at our Washington sales offices. In addition, you may purchase Washington DC Tickets online.

Can your trolleys accommodate an electric scooter?

Some of our trolleys are wheelchair-accessible, but generally electric scooters are not allowed on board.

I have a wheelchair and would like to take your tour. Do I need to make any other arrangements?

If you would like a wheelchair-accessible trolley, we ask that you call at least 24 hours in advance to give us notice and allow us to make accommodations for you. For more information, go to accessibility services.

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.

Are your trolleys open-air?

Our trolleys are equipped with windows that can be opened and closed as needed. They also have roofs to protect passengers from the elements.

Are your trolleys air-conditioned?

No; our vehicles are uniquely equipped open-air vehicles with windows that can be opened and closed as needed.

Do you go to the World War II Memorial?

Yes.

What time is your last tour?

go to tour schedules.

What is your refund policy?

Learn more about our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee*.

*Special exemptions apply to reservation based attractions.

How does the tour work?

Go to How the Tour Works for more information.

Do you offer tours in 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.

Will your tickets get me into any of the other attractions in Washington DC?

They will not; however, most attractions in the city are free. Timed tickets may be required – check ahead for more details depending on where you wish to go.

What time does your night tour depart and where does it leave from?

For details, go to tour schedules.

How long is the tour and how much does it cover?

Go to Monuments by Moonlight page.

How much do the tours cost?

Please go to rates and reservations.

Do I need a reservation, or can I just show up?

We strongly recommend that you call to make a reservation before taking the tour. Reservations can be made by calling (202) 832-9800. If you show up at the desk at Union Station or at the Washington Welcome Center without a reservation, it is possible to be put on a standby list; this does not, however, guarantee that you will get a seat.

Can I purchase tickets online?

You certainly can; Go to Rates and Reservations for more information. If you purchase at TrolleyTours.com, it does reserve your seat.

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

You can explore Washington DC at your own pace by hopping on and off at any of the 15 designated stops. The trolleys operate on a continuous loop throughout the day, allowing you to exit at attractions and reboard the next scheduled trolley when ready.

Are the Old Town Trolley Tours in Washington DC narrated?

Yes, all tours feature 100 percent live narration by expert conductors. There is no pre recorded audio; guides are city accredited and provide historical facts, trivia, and engaging transportainment throughout the tour.

Does Old Town Trolley DC operate in the rain or snow?

Yes, tours operate rain or shine and run year round except on select holidays. Trolleys feature closeable windows for weather protection, and during winter months, heated enclosed vehicles are used for guest comfort.

Does Old Town Trolley DC have heated trolleys in the winter?

Yes, during the winter months, we operate heated and glass-enclosed trolleys to keep you warm in the DC cold.

Where is the best place to park for the Old Town Trolley DC?

We recommend parking at the Union Station Garage or near the Washington Welcome Center. Union Station offers over 2,000 parking spaces and serves as a major hub for the tour.

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

Yes, purchasing your tickets online through our website typically secures the lowest available rate. By booking in advance, you can save significant amounts compared to purchasing at a ticket booth on the day of your tour.

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

Discounted pricing is available for active military members and veterans. To receive these rates, a valid military ID card or DD214 must be presented at one of our sales depots, such as the Washington Welcome Center, to obtain a boarding pass.

What is the Old Town Trolley DC Hometown Pass?

The Hometown Pass allows residents within the District of Columbia and a 50 mile radius to ride for free when accompanied by a guest who has purchased a full fare adult ticket. The pass is free to join and is a great way for locals to share the city with visiting friends and family.

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

Yes, children under the age of 4 ride the trolley for free. We offer discounted child rates for guests between the ages of 4 and 12, while those 13 and older require an adult ticket.

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

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

Does Old Town Trolley DC go to the National Mall?

Yes, the route travels through the National Mall and provides access to major monuments and memorials. There are multiple stops along the Mall, including near the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian museums.

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

The Old Town Trolley DC tour features 15 stops located near the city’s most popular attractions, including Union Station, U.S. Capitol, Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, The White House, National Archives, and more.

Does the Old Town Trolley stop at the Smithsonian Museums?

Yes, our route provides direct access to the most popular Smithsonian museums across multiple stops on the National Mall including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, the National Portrait Gallery, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the National Archives.

Does the Old Town Trolley go to Georgetown or the National Zoo?

No, the trolley does not stop at Georgetown, the National Zoo, or the National Cathedral. These locations are outside the 15 stop loop but can be reached by taxi, ride share, or Metro from the city center.

How close is the Old Town Trolley DC stop to the White House?

The trolley stops at 15th and Pennsylvania Avenue NW, directly in front of the Willard Hotel. It is a short walk from the White House gates and visitor center.

Does the Old Town Trolley ticket include the Arlington National Cemetery tour?

The standard trolley ticket does not automatically include the cemetery tour. However, package options are available, and a 1 day trolley ticket often qualifies for a 50 percent discount on the Arlington National Cemetery tour.

How do I get to Arlington National Cemetery from the trolley?

Guests can take the complimentary red transfer shuttle from Stop 10 at the Lincoln Memorial. The shuttle drops passengers at the cemetery entrance, where Arlington National Cemetery touring vehicles are available.

Do I need a photo ID to enter Arlington National Cemetery?

Yes, guests 18 and older must present a valid government issued photo ID. Guests ages 16 and 17 may use a school ID, and all foreign visitors must present a valid passport.

How long is the Monuments by Moonlight tour?

The Monuments by Moonlight tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is a separate experience from the daytime hop on hop off tour and requires a reservation.

Can I hop on and off during the Monuments by Moonlight tour?

No, this is not a hop on hop off tour. The tour includes scheduled stops at major memorials, including the Lincoln Memorial, MLK Jr and FDR Memorials, and the Jefferson Memorial for photos.

Where does the Monuments by Moonlight tour depart from?

The tour departs from either Union Station or the Washington Welcome Center. Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to check in.

Are food and drinks allowed on the Old Town Trolley?

Yes, food and drinks are allowed on board for your enjoyment. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited at all times to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Can I bring a stroller or luggage on the Old Town Trolley?

Collapsible strollers are permitted and must be stored at the front of the trolley with the conductor. For safety reasons, luggage and large trunks are not allowed. Storage lockers are available at Union Station for guests traveling with bags.

Can I bring my dog or service animal on the Old Town Trolley in Washington D.C.

Only individually trained service dogs are permitted on our trolleys in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Pets, emotional support animals, and comfort animals are not allowed on the tour for the safety of our passengers and Castmembers.

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