Washington DC in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Board your glamourous, climate-controlled panoramic bus at the U.S. Navy Memorial for one of the best bus tours in Washington DC!
Expanding on our popular Highlights Tour, this six-hour excursion also includes a lunch break and the opportunity to travel through the Tidal Basin.
See the very best of Washington DC in one day! Enjoy guided walks around the U.S. Capitol Building, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial, and more! For a unique experience, this tour includes a leisurely seasonal (Apr 1 to Sep 30) cruise on the Potomac River! In winter, we get to explore the Pentagon City.
Upgrade to our convertible tour bus for a unique sightseeing experience with an open-air view when weather permits, and a climate-controlled, glass-top roof for comfort during sudden weather changes!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Small carry-on bags are allowed, however it is recommended that you travel lightly. Due to security concerns, the tour operator reserves the right to search any bags or purses you bring on board. Many of the attractions in Washington DC are equipped with metal detectors at the entrances. Traveling without bags or purses is recommended
Due to time restrictions, you cannot go inside any of the monuments, however you can spend about 15-20 minutes at each stop to enjoy up-close views
No food allowed on buses (snacks are fine!)
The boat cruise is seasonal from Apr 1 to Sep 30
Convertible buses switch from open-tops to glass-tops between October and March due to colder temperatures
If you're driving, there is street parking and garages available near the meeting location, including directly under the Navy Memorial meeting location.
We will meet guests in the front of the Navy Memorial, a large fountain plaza, by the tall navy flags - on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 7th & 9th St NW. Please note: rideshares tend to bring people to the opposite side of the block.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
United States Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center
Starts/Ends
U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
Guided Walking Tour of the U.S. Capitol Building (outside only)
What‘s Included
Boat Cruise on the Potomac River (seasonal: April 1 to September 30)
Upgrade to glass-top bus available
English-Speaking Live Tour Guide (on and off the bus)
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Lunch
Options
Upgrade: Glass-Top/Convertible
Duration: 6 hours: 6-hr guided bus tour
Glass-Top Convertible: Small Group Glass Roof Convertible Sprinter Van. Open During the Spring & Summer For Fresh Air!
Bus + Boat + Entry Passes
all inclusive day tour: 8-hr guided bus tour includes a seasonal boat cruise + entry to the National Archives Building and the U.S. Capitol Building
Discover DC Guided Bus Tour
Duration: 6 hours: 6hrs tour approx
Closed-Top Bus: Fully Guided Day Bus Tour in a Luxury Climate-Controlled Bus. Free Bottled Water. Lunch is Not Included in the Price.
Reviews
3,361 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Dion was great as well as...
ALEX G,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Dion was great as well as the driver highly recommend!! But I accidentally left a bag on the bus how do I get it back ?
Awesome
Dave H,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience the tour guide Joey and the driver (forgot her name) did a terrific job. It was super cold and lots of snow and ice they were very concerned about our safety getting on and off shuttle. Joey knows her history and answered all the questions and very patient with the “dumb” questions. Viator was a great site to book this with. No issues at all. I would highly recommend booking this tour.
Great tour
Daniel A,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience and well thought explanation about all historical places we went to Thanks to Joey and Ahmed
Nick is a great guide for a DC tour!
679mkb,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a wonderful tour - Guide Nick was full of historical and factual information and made it extra fun with his wit and charm! Leonard kept the van warm as we made our way around the city - it was a cold rainy day! They provided rain ponchos which was awesome! Definitely take this tour and ask for Nick!!!
Nick is a great guide!
MK B,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour with tour guide Nick and driver Leonard! Nick is full of historical and factual information and has a funny demeanor and makes it a fun day! It was raining and gold but Leonard kept the bus warm and they even provided rain ponchos - we had a great day touring DC and can’t wait to go back!
Truly the best one-day experience!
396augusts,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an AMAZING time on this one-day tour. As a solo traveler, I was worried I might not get to visit all the best historical spots in such a short time-frame, but this experience fit my needs perfectly! The tour group sizes are very reasonable, each stop feels carefully picked to maximize the experience, and the tour guides were incredible. Shout out to Joey (our amazing tour guide) and Karim (our wonderful driver) for making the experience so incredible! Their guidance made this trip one of my favorites to date.
Awesome tour
221cja,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Elea and Nick were awesome. They both were very knowledgeable and made sure we had ample time at each stop to get photos. They were very accommodating and helpful. It was a great experience.
Informative, fun and good value
MikeL262,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic van tour viewing some of the major highlights of DC. Guide Nick and driver Leah are great. Informative, fun and very friendly. We enjoyed the tour so much we feel fortunate to have chosen this tour.,Highly recommend it.
January 7, 2026: Washington, D.C. in One Day: Guided Sightseeing Tour
Jordan C,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was educational, entertaining, and well-organized. The guide for the tour was Nick and the driver was Leah. Both were fantastic - accommodating and respectful.
Absolutely recommend this tour.
OnAir59062341665,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, Leah was the driver and Nick McCall the tour quite. Lots of laughing (at Nick’s jokes and very knowledgeable about everything we saw on the tour
From US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by USA Guided Tours