DC Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus & Arlington Cemetery Audio Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
As the Official Tour Provider of the National Mall, Big Bus gets you closer than anyone else to the monuments and memorials of DC. Plus, a portion of every ticket goes towards preservation.
Explore DC with our flexible hop-on hop-off tours. With 18 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. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Lincoln Memorial and White House as our professional digital audio provides insightful commentary 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.
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
Your Dollars in Action: A portion of every ticket helps preserve the National Mall’s iconic monuments and memorials—so your Big Bus tour supports America’s history for generations to come
Complimentary shuttle services from city hotels to Stop #1 available at select times - please view ticket voucher for exact times.
Free Oval Office 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.
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). Recommended alternative stop - Stop #3 National Japanese American Memorial (415 New Jersey Ave NW) As the Official Tour Provider of the National Mall, Big Bus gets you closer than anyone else to the monuments and memorials of DC. Hours of Operation - First Bus 9:00AM, Last Bus 4:30PM
Stop 1 - Washington Monument
Stop 2 - Natural History Museum
Stop 3 - National Japanese American Memorial
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) As the Official Tour Provider of the National Mall, Big Bus gets you closer than anyone else to the monuments and memorials of DC. 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
Official Tour Provider of the National Mall - a portion of every ticket goes to preservation
Digital commentary aboard hop-on hop-off bus in multiple languages
Open-top Double-decker buses with 18 convenient stops
24/48/72hr Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
Professional audio-guided walking tours of Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin, and Georgetown
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Options
48hr Ticket - Red & Blue Loops
48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour Arlington Cemetery Audio Tour Free White House Gifts Photo 1-Hour Free Bike Rental
24hr Ticket - Red & Blue Loops
24-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour Arlington Cemetery Audio Tour Free White House Gifts Photo 1-Hour Free Bike Rental
24hr Ticket - Blue Loop Only
Duration: 1 day: 24 hours of validity Blue Loop (7 Stops): Go beyond the National Mall with a route that includes the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, and other key areas
72hr Ticket - Red & Blue Loops
72-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour Arlington Cemetery Audio Tour Free Oval Office Photo 1-Hour Free Bike Rental
24hr Ticket - Red Loop Only
Duration: 1 day: 24 hours of validity Red Loop (11 Stops): Discover the best of DC with a route focused on the National Mall, Smithsonian museums, and world-famous monuments
Reviews
3,901 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Just a bus ride to monuments
Paula D,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00There is limited info from them, I expected more history and direction. They would help if you thought to ask, but not much in the way of info to give perspective
Beautiful Day in DC
giganator,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was very nice, and convenient to get off and on. Brandon, Tracy and Greg were super friendly and very helpful with all of our questions about the tour and DC in general.
Waste of time in DC with BIG BUS service
Gyorgy T,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Title: Disorganized Tour & Major Waste of Time I’ve used hop-on hop-off bus services around the world through platforms like Viator, and this was by far the worst experience I’ve had. The operation was extremely disorganized. The automated guide was mostly playing random content like U.S. Army music and commercials, with very little actual tourist information. Compared to other cities where the audio guides are engaging and informative, this was a huge disappointment. The route system (red and blue lines) was also poorly managed. We started on the red line, got off to explore, and then had to wait nearly an hour for the next bus. After that, multiple buses showed up within a short 15-minute window—completely inconsistent timing. The biggest issue was with the blue line. We specifically confirmed with the driver that we were boarding the correct (blue line) bus. Once the tour started, it suddenly switched to the red line, and the driver claimed it was a “last-minute change.” No announcement was made to passengers, which is unacceptable. We only had 24 hours in Washington, DC, and this ended up wasting a significant portion of our limited time. Overall, a very frustrating and poorly managed experience. I would not recommend this service.
DC Bus Tour - Great way to enjoy the area.
joycetW8877RL,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The overall trip was good. Enjoyed the energy of the tour guide and drivers skills navigating tight spots. Recommend the tour guide provide more historical facts when the bus is stuck in slow traffic.
Tour and the fact that...
Fred n,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Tour and the fact that you can hop on and off again was great. Your staff was not very friendly to the point of being rude. Would not do it again.
Terrible Company
nigel f,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Just terrible company. We brought tickets for the red route and we somehow got on or allowed on the blue route and when they changed buses half way around the blue route we were not allowed back on .it was pouring with rain and we had to find our own way back. I have requested a refund but they do not have the courtesy to reply
Service depends on the driver
laquinn2022,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00First Driver did not let us know to pick up ear buds to listen to the recorded commentary on the sites as we passed nor did he give any information. We had to try to figure out all the sites on our own. Complained and then we were sent on a bus with Sharia. What a difference! She was talkative, friendly, and super helpful! Not only did we then enjoy the messages through the ear buds, but she was also playing additional commentary to compliment the information given through the ear buds. After the tour Sharia chatted with us and gave us insider info on different things to see and places to go. Sharia gets a 7 out of 5; the first driver gets a 0 out if 5, so I averaged it and gave the company a 3 out of 5
Big Bus hop on hop off trip
debbiepG8308SA,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00J.R. with Big Bus hop on hop off tour bus was exceptional and helped us get our tour bus tickets separated and explained how the process worked. He was extremely friendly and polite.
Amazing Day
SandyB364,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wanted to see the main sites of DC. Met Devaughn and he mapped out our tours. Took the Blue Line first, then came back and took the Red Line. Saw everything and hopped off at the sites that most interested us. Thanks Devaughn for making out day soecial.
Easy & Informative Overview
Carol C,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Easy & Educational. Our driver Santayana gave a smooth & easy drive around Washington DC. His bus was clean & he was very welcoming!! Had a great overview of our US Capital.
From US$44.10
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Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA