Welcome to the Open Top Sightseeing Tour of Washington, D.C.
The open-top deck of a double-decker bus is the best way to see Washington D.C. Sit back and relax as you are transported passed the iconic landmarks that make America’s Capital so recognisable and special.
Along the way, you can learn about the city's history by listening to the entertaining and informative commentary. Your hop-on, hop-off ticket also provides you the freedom to get off the bus to explore and visit attractions. Buses run regularly so re-joining the tour is easy.
There are four tour loops available:
Take the Patriot Tour (Red and Blue Loop), the official tour of the National Mall, including a bus ride across the Potomac to Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon;
Or choose the All Loops ticket which includes the Freedom Tour (Yellow and Green Loops) giving you the opportunity to explore Georgetown and visit the National Cathedral on a traditional trolley.
You will have the flexibility to plan your own schedule and to visit the places you find most interesting. Be sure to bring your camera for the many excellent photo opportunities.
See all the sights of the Nation's Capital
The sightseeing tour allows you to experience the stunning views of Washington D.C from an open-top bus.
From the bus you can enjoy dramatic views of Washington D.C's many famous landmarks, including The White House and the Washington Monument.
Sitting on the upper deck provides you a better perspective on these recognisable landmarks and gives you the opportunity to take some amazing photographs.
Hop-on, Hop-off at over 50 stops
One of the best things about taking an open top sightseeing tour is the hop-on, hop-off facility. It enables you to get off the bus at any of the 50 tour stops; to visit attractions, explore the area or to get refreshments. You can then re-join the tour by boarding one of the buses that are spaced at regular intervals.
You can hop on and off the buses as many times as you wish within the validity of your ticket. It offers you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and to spend time at the places that interest you, ensuring you get the most from your time in Washington D.C.
The buses run at regular intervals throughout the day with a higher frequency in the central areas of Washington D.C. Services on the red route are currently every 20-30 minutes, with a 30 minute service on all other routes.
The regular service enables you to explore at leisure, safe in the knowledge that re-joining the tour is easy. It also enables you to start your tour at any time of the day. Your 24 hour ticket will be valid until the same time on the following day.
There are 4 Tour Loops available
The Washington D.C open-top sightseeing tour has the option of four exciting routes.
The Red Loop takes in all the places that are synonymous with the nation’s capital. The White House, U.S. Capitol, Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial are just some of the iconic landmarks.
The Blue Loop takes you across the Potomac River to the Pentagon and Arlington National Cemetery. Of special note is the journey across the Potomac which provides some fantastic views and photo opportunities.
The Yellow Loop also travels through the City's historic centre, passing the famous Ford Theatre before heading out to discover the old world charm of Georgetown.
The Green Loop takes you on a traditional trolley ride up the winding slope to the National Cathedral.
Remember... you can experience all four loops with the All Loops ticket.
Entertaining Live Guides
All tours on the red and yellow route are led by experienced guides who will explain Washington DC's history, offering you an informative and exciting commentary about the city and its highlights.
For both tourists and residents alike, the Big Bus guides pride themselves on revealing something fascinating and new to every visitor.
Personal Recorded Commentary
As you travel through the nation's capital on you can enjoy informative and entertaining commentary, which explains Washington D.C's interesting history and points out significant buildings and landmarks.
The personal recorded commentary enables you to hear all about Washington DC in your choice of 8 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and Japanese. Complimentary earphones are provided.
War Memorial Walking Tour
During the free War Memorial Walking Tour, you will see the WWII, Korean, Vietnam and Nurses Memorials, to name a few and discover interesting facts about them through our informative and entertaining guide.
Walks start at the WWII Memorial information Centre, located at blue route stop 54, red route stop 16 and yellow route stop 42. Tours end at blue route stop 55, red route stop 55 and yellow route stop 41. Walking Tours depart at 10:30am and 2pm every day.
Secrets & Scandals Walking Tour
As you stroll through the city, your guide will tell you the fascinating stories of some of Washington DC's famous buildings. You will be taken to the National Theatre, Willard Hotel, White House, Treasury Department, Hays-Adams Hotel and the Mayflower Hotel.
The free walking tour starts at the National Theatre at red route stop 21, yellow route stop 29 and blue route stop 55. Tours end at stop 32 on the yellow route. Walks start at 12:15pm and 3:45pm every day.
Included Free with the 48 Hour Ticket
Free Potomac River Cruise
See the city from a different perspective as you cruise along the Potomac River. This 45 minute trip is free with your 48 hour all loops ticket.
The river cruise departs from Washington Harbour at the end of 31st Street and is provided by Capitol River Cruises. Tours depart daily at 11am and 6pm between 15th April and 15th October.
Free Ticket to the Crime Museum
The Crime Museum is described by Good Morning America as a, “must see for CSI fans.” There are 5 unique galleries that delve into the studies of criminal intent, criminal profiles, the penal system, victims, crime prevention, forensic science, law enforcement and the Judiciary Branch of government. The museum is also home to the filming studios for America's Most Wanted.
Hop-off at red route stop 19 or yellow route stop 27 to visit the museum. Open from 11am to 6pm.
FREE Madame Tussauds Ticket - 24 & 48 hour All Loops ticket
Your hop-on, hop-off 24 and 48 hour All Loops ticket includes free admission with speedy entry to the world famous Madame Tussauds.
Get snapped by the paparazzi with your favourite celebrity; meet the political figureheads who have shaped our history and get close and personal with your sports idols.
Get to know Washington D.C even better by seeing the people who helped define it. Your free Madame Tussauds ticket will compliment your Big Bus tour and city experience perfectly.