Hop on Hop off buses

Question

We’ve just arrived in Washington. Which is the best hop on hop off bus to get.

Answer

Washington DC has several hop-on hop-off bus operators, and choosing the best one depends on what you want to see, your schedule, and your budget. These buses are designed to give you an overview of the city, with stops at major monuments, museums, and neighborhoods.

Here are the main considerations:

Big Bus Tours DC: One of the most popular operators, they offer multiple routes covering the National Mall, Georgetown, Capitol Hill, and more. They have bilingual audio guides and flexible 24- or 48-hour tickets. They also often provide free walking tours or night tours as part of the package.
Old Town Trolley Tours: Another reputable company, this service combines bus sightseeing with guided commentary. They offer a slightly different route and sometimes include nearby Virginia points of interest. Tickets usually last for 1–2 days and include several stops at major attractions.
Gray Line DC: Offers hop-on hop-off services as well as specialty tours like night tours and combined tours with Arlington Cemetery. Routes are extensive, but their buses may be less frequent than Big Bus.

Things to keep in mind when choosing:

Consider the locations of the stops relative to the attractions you most want to visit. Big Bus is generally considered the most convenient for the National Mall and major museums.
Check whether the ticket includes extras like night tours, river cruises, or walking tours if you want added value.
Frequency of buses – some companies have buses every 15–20 minutes, while others may have longer waits.
Duration of the ticket – 24- or 48-hour passes can give you flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Recommendation:

For a first-time visitor wanting to see all the iconic sights efficiently, Big Bus Tours DC is often considered the easiest and most comprehensive choice. Their routes cover all major monuments, memorials, and museums with frequent buses and multiple route options.
If you prefer a more guided commentary experience with a historical focus, Old Town Trolley Tours is a strong alternative.

Additional tips:

Start early in the day to avoid crowds, especially in summer months.
Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes, as you will likely do some walking between stops.
Check online for any combination deals or city passes that include hop-on hop-off tickets along with museum entries or other attractions.

Overall, all these options provide a convenient way to see Washington DC efficiently, but Big Bus Tours is typically the go-to for most tourists seeking flexibility and coverage of major sights.

Hop on Hop off buses

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