Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus with 18 Stops
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Explore DC with our flexible hop-on hop-off tours. With 17 stops to explore, you have the freedom to create your own itinerary and discover the city's iconic landmarks at your own pace.
Our tours allow you to experience the best of DC while enjoying the comfort of open-top double-decker buses. Hop on and off at any stop throughout the city, giving you the flexibility to explore.
From the historic landmarks of the National Mall to the hip neighborhoods of Georgetown, our routes cover the must-see sights of DC. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House as our professional digital audio provides insightful history and hidden stories along the way.
Enhance your Big Bus Tours experience with three exclusive, audio guide walking tours of Arlington National Cemetery, the Tidal Basin, and Georgetown.
Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of the city, our tours offer the perfect way to discover DC.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Download the free Big Bus app for city information and live bus tracking
Strollers must be folded while aboard bus
Free White House Commemorative Photo: Present your ticket at White House Gifts (701 15th ST NW) to receive a free Oval Office digital photo. One photo per ticket.
Unlimited Biking Offer: Rent a bike for one hour and get an additional hour free. Rental includes bike, helmet, basket, lock, roadside assistance and an illustrated map featuring key routes and attractions.
Choice of audio guide tours includes Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin, and Georgetown neighborhood. Guests 18 and older must provide valid photo ID to enter Arlington Cemetery.
Convenient voucher redemption via Big Bus app or in person with staff
Bus frequency is every 30-45 minutes during winter season
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Duration:1 hour 50 minutes
Operating Schedule: Meeting Point - Stop #1 Washington Monument (1400 Jefferson Drive SW (on Jefferson Dr. SW & corner of 14th St. by Bike Racks). Recommended alternative stop - Stop #3 Union Station (50 Massachusetts Ave NE) Hours of Operation - First Bus 930AM, Last Bus 430PM
Stop 1 - Washington Monument
Stop 2 - Natural History Museum
Stop 3 - Union Station
Stop 4 - US Capitol at Garfield Circle
Stop 5 - Air & Space Museum
Stop 6 - L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum
Stop 7 - The Wharf & Potomac Boat Cruise
Stop 8 - Smithsonian Metro
Stop 9 - Bureau of Engraving & Holocaust Musuem
Stop 10 - Jefferson Memorial
Stop 11 - FDR and MLK Memorial
Duration:1 hour 15 minutes
Operating Schedule:Meeting Point - Stop #1 Washington Monument (1400 Jefferson Drive SW (on Jefferson Dr. SW & corner of 14th St. by Bike Racks) Hours of Operation - First Bus 930AM, Last Bus 430PM
Stop 1 - Washington Monument
Stop 12 - World War II Memorial
Stop 13 - Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memoria
Stop 14 - Arlington Cemetery
Stop 15 - Constitution Gardens
Stop 16 - The White House
Stop 17 - Ford's Theater
Stop 18 - The Willard Hotel/US Treasury
What‘s Included
Included 1-hour bike rental offer at Unlimited Biking
Unlimited hop-on and hop-off access during ticket validity
Digital commentary aboard hop-on hop-off bus
Open-top Double Decker sightseeing buses with 18 stops
Exclusive audio guide tour of Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin and Georgetown
Big Bus app with route information and real-time bus tracking
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
72hr Ticket & Arlington Tour
72-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 17 convenient stops around the city and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
Arlington Cemetery Audio Guide: Choice of audio guide tours includes Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin, and Georgetown neighborhood.
Free Oval Office Photo: Free Oval Office digital photo from White House Gifts
1-Hour Free Bike Rental: Rent a bike for one hour and get an additional hour free with Unlimited Biking
48hr Ticket & Arlington Tour
48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 17 convenient stops around the city and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
Arlington Cemetery Audio Guide: Choice of audio guide tours includes Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin, and Georgetown neighborhood.
Free Oval Office Photo: Free Oval Office digital photo from White House Gifts
1-Hour Free Bike Rental: Rent a bike for one hour and get an additional hour free with Unlimited Biking
24hr Ticket and Arlington Tour
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 17 convenient stops around the city and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
Arlington Cemetery Audio Guide: Choice of audio guide tours includes Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin, and Georgetown neighborhood.
Free Oval Office Photo: Free Oval Office digital photo from White House Gifts
Bike Rental Offer: Rent a bike for one hour and get an additional hour free with Unlimited Biking. Rental includes bike, helmet, basket, lock.
24hr, Night Tour, & Arlington
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Hop on and off at 17 convenient stops around the city and enjoy digital audio commentary while aboard.
630PM Night Tour: Departs at 630PM. 2-hour open-top sunset tour exploring iconic DC landmarks illuminated by golden hour. Not a hop-on hop-off.
Arlington Cemetery Audio Guide: Choice of audio guide tours includes Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin, and Georgetown neighborhood.
2-Hour Panoramic Sunset Tour
2-Hour Tour: Narrated open-top bus tour at sunset exploring iconic DC landmarks. Not a hop-on hop-off.
Reviews
3,848 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Phenomenal customer service
239vannessar,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dre was AMAZING! From start to finish, he brought the vibes and the care. Our mom had a broken foot, and Dre didn’t miss a beat—he lowered the bus entry to help her on, made sure the temperature was just right, and checked in constantly to be sure she was comfortable. He went above and beyond snapping photos for us and somehow made everything feel effortless. His enthusiasm was absolutely contagious and turned the tour into a genuinely joyful experience. Huge thank you to Dre for making this such a memorable, feel-good adventure!
Exceptional Customer Service Indeed!
R1483FMsharont,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our driver Dre was such a gentleman…he was very helpful getting my mom (who wore an orthopedic boot due to a broken foot) on and off the bus. The weather was cold and snowy and he was super attentive making sure we had access to the heater near our seats. He was very accomodating during stops making sure we had enough time for photos. Exceptional customer service indeed. He went above and beyond…Thanks again Dre!
Great Experience!
Lorrilyn R,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time. I grew up in D.C., but saw places I'd never seen before. It was a great way to see a lot of the sights in a relatively short period of time. The drivers were SO nice!
Amazing tour
andreuvilardell2rres,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with amazing explanations, you can get on and out and enjoy all museums The guide Lena was super
Great
Sightsee52163759931,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome and a very nice and friendly busdriver (Sintayehu). We enjoyed it a lot and got a lot of information. Every time again!
Small experience on the Big Bus
casallese,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00We were very disappointed with the Big Bus. Usually, a hop-on, hop-off tour sets us up for an out-of-town visit but this tour was not inspirational. Typically, the tours feature a live guide who points out the city's sites, answers questions and gives recommendations. The Big Bus has a recorded guide with a lame script that sometimes describes a site several blocks back. Many sites we passed weren't covered at all! There are a lot of tours in DC...try another one.
Don’t do it
Stephanie F,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Do not book with this company. Everything was unclear, confusing and frustrating. From the pickup points (wrong addresses) to the hours (it’s not a 24 hour service). When I called the customer service line, it directed me to the website. We were left stranded at Arlington in the freezing cold, had to call an Uber.
Drop off/pickup locations very difficult to find
Heather B,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Drop off/pickup locations very difficult to find App works sporadically so you can’t tell when next bus is coming. Lots of waiting since you don’t know when to expect the bus. Staff is very nice. The experience would be so much better if you could see when the next bus is coming and the location nearest you. Also bus route only goes one direction. Arlington tour was really great!
Big Bus
Wade C,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The buses ran on an inconsistent schedule. Sometimes we stayed at a stop for 20 minutes, sometimes 2. The on time map was incorrect. It showed a bus close to us but it didn’t show up for 20 minutes. The recording was not always in sync with where we were. We have taken the Big Bus in several different cities around the world. This was our least favorite
A Must for First Time AND Returning Visitors!
William L,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This is the best way to get the layout of DC, and then stop where you want! The three day package allows you to prioritize your tour, and then come back for more!
From US$49.00
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Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA