Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Washington DC Bus Tours: Prices, Routes & FAQs
By Absolutely! 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C. is packed with iconic landmarks, national monuments, museums, and political institutions — and a Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour is one of the best ways to cover it all. Whether you’re visiting the Lincoln Memorial, White House, or Smithsonian museums, these tours let you explore at your own pace.
Here’s your complete guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Washington, D.C., including prices, routes, and helpful FAQs.
🏛️ Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Washington D.C. Bus Tours
1. Big Bus Washington DC – Classic HOHO Tour
- Price: ~$54 (1-Day Classic), ~$64 (2-Day Premium), ~$78 (Deluxe + Night Tour)
- Route: Red Loop (Landmarks) + Optional Night Tour Loop
- Highlights: White House, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Museums, Capitol Building
- Map: Big Bus DC Route Map
- Extras: Audio guide (8 languages), free mobile app
- Best For: First-time visitors or short stays
2. Old Town Trolley Tours of Washington D.C.
- Price: ~$52 (Adult), ~$32 (Child), FREE (Under 4)
- Route: 15 stops including National Mall, Capitol Hill, Arlington
- Highlights: Union Station, Jefferson Memorial, MLK Memorial, White House
- Map: Trolley Map
- Best For: Live guides and more interactive storytelling
3. Big Bus DC + Monuments by Moonlight Combo
- Price: ~$78
- Includes: 1-Day HOHO + Nighttime panoramic tour with guide
- Highlights: Lighted memorials, Lincoln at night, WWII Memorial
- Best For: Amazing photo ops and cooler evening weather 🌙
4. Big Bus HOHO + Arlington Cemetery Tour
- Price: ~$79
- Includes: HOHO pass + guided Arlington National Cemetery tram tour
- Best For: Military history and meaningful landmarks
5. Go City Washington DC Pass (Includes HOHO)
- Price: ~$99 (1-Day), ~$134 (2-Day)
- Includes: HOHO Big Bus Tour + 20+ attractions like Spy Museum, Bike tours, etc.
- Best For: Sightseeing-intensive visitors who want it all
6. Tiqets Combo: HOHO + International Spy Museum
- Price: ~$79
- Includes: HOHO pass + entry to the top-secret Spy Museum 🕵️♂️
- Great For: Families and curious minds
7. Night Tour Only (Monuments by Moonlight by Old Town Trolley)
- Price: ~$45
- Type: Panoramic loop (no hop-off)
- Duration: ~2.5 hours
- Highlights: Illuminated memorials, FDR and MLK monuments, Iwo Jima
- Best For: A relaxing way to see the city glow at night
8. HOHO + Mount Vernon Day Trip
- Price: ~$99
- Includes: HOHO 1-Day + transportation and entry to George Washington’s estate
- Best For: History lovers and those staying more than 2 days
9. GetYourGuide 1-Day HOHO Pass
- Price: ~$54
- Route: Same as Big Bus DC
- Perks: Free mobile ticket and cancelation flexibility
10. DC Highlights Express Tour (Mini HOHO Experience)
- Price: ~$39
- Route: 2-hour express loop (no hop-off)
- Best For: Visitors with limited time who want to see the essentials quickly
🗺️ Popular Hop-On Hop-Off Stops in Washington, D.C.
| Stop | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| National Mall | Washington Monument, Smithsonian museums |
| Lincoln Memorial | Reflecting Pool, Vietnam & Korean War Memorials |
| U.S. Capitol | Capitol Building, Library of Congress, Supreme Court |
| White House / Treasury | View of the White House front & Lafayette Square |
| Jefferson Memorial | Tidal Basin views, cherry blossoms in spring |
| MLK & FDR Memorials | Scenic waterfront monuments |
| Union Station | Dining, Amtrak hub, great architecture |
| Arlington National Cemetery | Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK gravesite |
| Georgetown (seasonal/limited) | Boutique shops, restaurants, C&O Canal |
❓FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Washington, D.C.
✅ Is a HOHO tour worth it in D.C.?
Yes! Many attractions are spread out across the National Mall, Arlington, and downtown, and a HOHO bus saves you a lot of walking (and Uber rides).
🕒 How long is the full loop?
- About 1.5 to 2 hours without hopping off
- Buses arrive every 20–30 minutes
📍 Where do most tours start?
Most HOHO routes begin near Union Station or L’Enfant Plaza, but you can board at any official stop.
🗣️ Are there guides?
- Big Bus: Audio guides (multilingual)
- Old Town Trolley: Live guides with engaging local storytelling
🕘 What are the hours?
- Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Last full loop starts around 3:30–4:00 PM
🎟️ How long is my ticket good for?
- 1-day passes are valid for same-day use
- 2-day and combo tickets are good for consecutive days
♿ Are buses accessible?
Yes — most vehicles are wheelchair accessible, but confirm in advance to plan your ride time.
Would you like help planning a Washington D.C. HOHO day itinerary — with stops at monuments, museums, plus lunch and dinner suggestions nearby? 🏛️🍔
Or I can build you a custom Google Map with all HOHO stops and what to see at each one — just let me know!
