Top Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Tour guide helping a group of tourists

    Where can I buy a ticket for the tour?

    2. Where can I buy a ticket for the tour?

    You can purchase tickets either on this website, on the bus, from a uniformed member of Big Bus Washington DC's staff, at most hotels, or by calling us directly. Please note that for hygiene reasons we are unable to accept cash payments.

  2. Father and son on a Big Bus Washington DC

    What time do tours start and how often do buses run?

    3. What time do tours start and how often do buses run?

    Please visit our Service Information page for up-to-date information on tour start times and frequency.

  3. Couple looking at a Big Bus tour map

    Where can I start the tour?

    4. Where can I start the tour?

    You can join the tour from any stop. To find the closest stop to you, please visit our Find A Bus Stop page.

  4. Lady in a coffee shop checking her phone

    When will the next bus arrive?

    5. When will the next bus arrive?

    Download the free Big Bus Tours mobile app and never miss a bus with live arrival times. Spend a little longer sipping that latte, browsing the museum or taking that all-important selfie, then simply arrive 5 minutes early at the bus stop. Save memory-making minutes on your city adventure.

More Questions & Answers

How long does the tour take?

Please visit our Service Information page for up-to-date information on the duration of our tours.

Tell me about the Big Bus Tour of Washington DC

Big Bus Tours Washington DC offers unmissable sightseeing tours of the nation's capital city on open-top, double-decker buses. Passing all the most famous landmarks and attractions, Big Bus Tours also feature entertaining and informative commentary, provided by experienced guides or via pre-recorded commentary, available in several languages through complimentary headphones distributed when you board the bus. You can hop on and off the bus as much as you like, from over 30 different stops. Big Bus Tours Washington DC is also the authorized interpretive transportation services concessioner of the National Park Service and National Mall & Memorial Parks. As the official sightseeing tour of the National Mall & Memorial Parks, Big Bus Tours gets you closer to the monuments and memorials that are meaningful to you and the nation.

What can I see and visit?

Hop on to discover, and hop off to explore. Big Bus Tours Washington DC gives you a unique, top-deck perspective on iconic landmarks like the White House, Smithsonian Castle, Arlington National Cemetery, and many more. You're free to hop off at any stop to visit the city's magnificent monuments, museums and memorials, or you can stay on board for the entire tour circuit to experience it all in one go! Learn more about what to see and do in Washington DC over on our Discover Washington DC page.

What is the child ticketing policy?

Child tickets are available for children aged between 3 and 12 years. Children aged 2 years and under may travel free of charge. Children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by an adult. Strollers and pushchairs must be folded and stowed on the lower deck.

Do I need to specify a date for travel?

Yes –we’ll ask you to select the date you’d like to hop on the bus. If you’re touring with us for more than one day, your ticket must be used across consecutive days, and the date you select at time of booking should be the first day of your tour. Some tours also require you to select a time of travel, to guarantee your seat. If your ticket includes extras, you may also need to book additional dates & times for all elements of your ticket after your purchase is complete. See your booking confirmation email for instructions.

Is there a discount available for groups?

Yes, discounts are available for groups of twenty or more. For more information on group sales please email us at [email protected].

What time are the first and last buses?

Please visit our Service Information page for up-to-date information on the first and last bus times.

Is it possible to hire one of the open-top buses for a private event?

Yes, buses are available for private hires. Please have a look at our Private Hire page to find out more, or contact us to discuss your requirements.

How will I know where to get off?

Our live guides and pre-recorded commentary will communicate upcoming stops.

For more information on routes and times, and what to see and do at each stop location, you can download our free app, available from the App Store or on Google Play.

On which days does the tour operate?

Big Bus Tours Washington DC operates every day of the year. Occasionally, service may be affected by roadworks, city events, poor weather and other unpredictable circumstances. Please check our Service Information page for up-to-date news, or contact us.

What is the policy on bringing pets?

No pets are allowed on board the bus, with the exception of ADA service animals.

What is the food and drink policy?

No food or alcohol is permitted on board the bus. Please feel welcome to bring non-alcoholic drinks in screw-top bottles.

Are accommodations available for persons with disabilities?

Yes, we operate wheelchair accessible vehicles with lifts that can accommodate weight up to 650 pounds. Please be advised that our entire fleet in Washington DC is not wheelchair accessible. If you or your travelling partner(s) requires an ADA accessible vehicle, please contact us no less than 48 hours prior to your planned tour commencement. We can then arrange for a suitable vehicle to be available at the time and location required. If you require a different type of accommodation, please still contact us no less than 48 hours prior to your planned tour commencement so we can make arrangements for an accommodation. Please note that messages left on the office general voicemail do not constitute confirmed arrangements. Please also note that passengers with mobility impairments may not be able to access the upper deck on our buses. We cannot guarantee the accessibility of the various attractions along the tour.

What is included within the ticket?

All tickets include a number of exclusive seasonal offers and discounts at local shops and restaurants. Please visit our Tickets & Passes page to compare ticket inclusions.

Is there commentary available in my language?

Our Red Loop and Yellow Loop tours offer a pre-recorded commentary, broadcast via complimentary headphones.
Commentary is available in the following languages:
  • English
  • Portuguese
  • French
  • German
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Spanish
  • Mandarin Chinese.


How can I find the stop nearest to me?

Easy! Just check out our Find A Bus Stop page.

I bought the ticket but it’s for someone else. It has my name on it, is this ok?

You're all set! Simply show your voucher(s) to any member of on-street staff who will scan the QR code and hand over your yellow Big Bus Tour tickets. Don't lose them, they're like gold (cash) and cannot be replaced.

Where does the tour end?

You can hop-on and off at any of our stops (unless it’s a panoramic ‘non-stop’ tour). Download the Big Bus Tours app to discover all of our routes, stops and nearby landmarks & attractions.

How do I know when the next bus is coming?

Download the Big Bus Tours app and you’ll be able find your nearest stop and better still, check to see if a bus is heading your way thanks to real-time bus tracking. Don’t forget you’ll need to enable location services and data on your mobile device (please speak with your mobile / cell provider regarding data roaming costs).

I am waiting at a stop and can’t see any buses, what do I do?

Hang in there! BIG cities like to throw all sorts of challenges at our drivers, who are doing their best to get to you as quickly (but safely) as possible. If you haven’t already, download the Big Bus Tours app to see if a bus is heading your way thanks to real-time bus tracking.

Can I change the date (and time) of my tour?

Yes - but if you want to change the date (and time) of your tour, we’ll need to know no later than 72 hours before your tour to make any changes. The speediest way to make changes to your booking is to chat with our friendly customer services team – just click the chat button in the bottom right corner of your screen, or download the Big Bus Tours app.

Contact us

For general enquiries, please get in touch using our contact form. For more specific answers please select one of the options below.