DC Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus & Arlington Cemetery Audio Tour
Washington DC, USA
- 1 hour 50 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover the most popular sights in Washington DC, and simplify your sightseeing, with this all-in-one package. On a hop-on hop-off bus tour, drive past many of the capital's top attractions, including the White House, the Washington Monument, the National Mall, and more. This cost-saving package also includes an Arlington National Cemetery walking tour and more.
- Explore the city at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Enjoy an efficient way to see the city's most important landmarks
- Choose from three pass durations to fit your Washington DC schedule
- Benefit from access to several other tours and experiences
What's Included
- Official Tour Provider of the National Mall - a portion of every ticket goes to preservation
- 24/48/72hr Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour
- Open-top Double-decker buses with 18 convenient stops
- Professional audio-guided walking tours of Arlington Cemetery, Tidal Basin, and Georgetown
- Digital commentary aboard hop-on hop-off bus in multiple languages
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Operating hours
Select your preferred tour option to see hours.
Departure Point
- You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Itinerary
Pick between 1-, 2-, or 3-day passes to fit your schedule. The tour begins when you hop on at any of the available stops. Board one of the open-top buses and enjoy the view with recorded audio commentary detailing in-depth facts and stories. Learn about the history and happenings of the nation’s capital as the bus rolls along from one location to the next.
Take in all the places that are synonymous with the nation’s capital, including the White House, US Capitol, Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and many more.
This package also includes access to an optional Arlington National Cemetery walking tour and other experiences you can opt into.
Take in all the places that are synonymous with the nation’s capital, including the White House, US Capitol, Air and Space Museum, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, and many more.
This package also includes access to an optional Arlington National Cemetery walking tour and other experiences you can opt into.
Red Loop
11 Stops
27 Points of Interest
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
1
1400 Jefferson Dr SW
2
10th Street Northwest & Constitution Avenue Northwest
3
415 New Jersey Ave NW
4
2436 Rayburn House Office Bldg
5
600 Independence Ave SW
6
700 L'Enfant Plaza SW
7
800 Maine Ave SW
8
1200 Independence Ave SW
9
266 Raoul Wallenberg Pl SW
10
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
11
121 West Basin Dr SW
Points of interest passed by on this route
The White House
Tidal Basin
Washington Monument
The National Mall
National Museum of African American History and Culture
U.S. Capitol
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Ford's Theatre
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Smithsonian American Art Museum
National Museum of Asian Art
Smithsonian Garden
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Art Museum of The Americas
Department of the Interior Museum
Lincoln Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
International Spy Museum
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Black Lives Matter Plaza
Chinatown
National Museum of the American Indian
Union Station
Arlington National Cemetery
Blue Loop
8 Stops
6 Points of Interest
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
1
1400 Jefferson Dr SW
2
World War II Memorial
3
100 Daniel French Dr SW
4
1 Memorial Ave
5
18th Street Northwest & Constitution Avenue Northwest
6
1615 H St NW
7
610 10th St NW
8
1401 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Points of interest passed by on this route
Washington Monument
National Museum of American History
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
Arlington National Cemetery
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q:How often does a bus arrive at each stop during the Big Bus Washington DC Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Tour?
A:Buses arrive every 30-45 minutes for both the Red and Blue Loops
Apr 2026
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.5
based on 3,901 reviews
Paula_D, May 2026
There 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
Gyorgy_T, Apr 2026
Title: 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.
Fred_n, Apr 2026
Tour 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.
nigel_f, Apr 2026
Just 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
Kimberley_M, Apr 2026
They never showed up. We waited for over 30 minutes, Viator customer service couldn’t really help. It was super disappointing, it looked fun but we never got the experience because the bus never showed
LaZann_Y, Apr 2026
This is one of those tours you have to make. Our tour guide was so knowledgeble, a very unique tour.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi LaZann_Y. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are happy to learn that the tour was great, and that the guide enhanced your experience with us in Washington DC. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Danika_B, Apr 2026
I was hesitant about this tour since there was some negative feedback. However, we are so glad we did this tour. Everyone was super kind and friendly. That tour was very informative and made it easy to get off and look at attractions without having to walk around the entire city.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hello Danika_B! Thank you so much for your feedback. We're thrilled to hear that you had a great time with us and that your experience exceeded your expectations. It's wonderful to know that our team conveyed our cheerful and welcoming atmosphere, and that you found the tour informative. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best wishes, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Santosh_M, Apr 2026
Never book for Big bus at Washington DC, very slow not on schedule very untidy. It took and hour to arrive one stop. Have use uber for all other stops. Using Uber is cheaper and convenient for sight seeing rather than Big bus.
Renee_S, Apr 2026
Disappointed with the tour. Took a longer Hop on Hoop off tour during Cherry Blossom Festival a few years ago with your company and I raved about experience to a friend that took the tour with me this time (she wants as refund). The air conditioning did not work on any of the three buses we went on and the temperature went up to 87 degrees and the buses were packed. No signage indicating lack or air. Make shift fans didn’t work. Drivers were subjected to the complaints of tourists due to lack of air and were rude. Due to poor working conditions I can understand. The quality of the tour recordings has diminished. I had trouble hearing the points of interest. A lot of sound ports were broken. The tour bus only lanes by the water basin are gone - traffic was terrible. Can you lobby for return of these lanes with the city? On top of it all there were few cherry blossoms to see. Not your fault - just noting. I’ve been on great tours with you company in New York and Toronto. You can do better.
Tom_D, Apr 2026
Convenient way to see a lot in DC - but because of traffic sometimes it seems you could almost walk just as fast. Some drivers make a lot of announcements- some almost none at all.
Kunal_P, Apr 2026
Buses are old and Lower deck Ac are broken or not working. Upper deck was too hot. Not good for kids.Other companies buses are more better. No instruction about stop or notify when stop comes.
Lesley_C, Apr 2026
I booked two excursions and received my tickets for one but not the other. I could not get anyone to release the 2nd set of tickets so we missed Day two and your company refused to refund We didn’t get to tour and didnt get our money back. The first day, it was so crowded only 2 stops for 2 memorials. Very disappointed. I would not recommend
Jayne_G, Apr 2026
If you hop off you may have to wait a trolley or two get back
On or you can walk to the next stop.easy access to great stops
Maureen_D, Apr 2026
Rode both red loop and blue loop.
Enjoyed both. Nice day
Great way to see D.C. and all it has to offer
April_N, Apr 2026
It’s a great way to see the sites and decide where to spend more time and do a more in depth tour. You get the overview and can get off to do tours if you want easily.
Sarah_D, Apr 2026
We sat on an open air bus waiting for the driver for 15 minutes, in the cold, after the scheduled departure time. The tour guides narration was all over the place and not very informative.
Steve_F, Apr 2026
We did the DC tour with the Arlington cemetery option, the decal gets you off and on the trolley in DC but at Arlington you have show your actual ticket every time you hop on. A real pain in the butt.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Steve! Thank you for sharing your review. We're sorry to hear that you find the paper ticket process difficult, and we will take your feedback into account. We hope to see you again soon! Warm regards, Ana from Big Bus Tours.
Saki_U, Apr 2026
Terrible. We didn’t catch the bus for our last stop and we had to walk an hour back to our hotel.
We also didnt have a contact number for support so it was a terrible experience
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Saki_U,
Thank you for your feedback! We are sorry to hear that you missed the tour. In such cases, please do not hesitate to contact us via our webform on the website or live chat, so we can offer you a solution. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 for you! We can’t wait to welcome you back soon! Best regards, Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Leigha_H, Apr 2026
This was a great option for getting around DC with little ones. They also enjoyed just riding the bus and listening to the tour! It was a great deal and definitely worth the investment. One side note, which is on us, it can be a bit confusing to figure out when the last daytime bus runs and we missed it 2x. However, we enjoyed our side adventures none the less! We plan to try to do a similar bus tour in future city trips.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Leigha_H,
Thank you for your feedback! We are pleased to know that you and your family enjoyed our tour! We recommend using the Live Tracking feature in our app to assist you in planning your route for the day. We look forward to seeing you back on a bus soon! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Kayla_C, Mar 2026
The trip around was nice but is too pricey if you want to go for a last minute ride around. Should have a cheaper option for the last ride around
Rhonda_M, Mar 2026
If you purchase tickets in advance online, you will not be given the information required for smoothe travel. You will also not recieve the info regarding your need to bring your own wired ear buds in order to listen to the recorded tour ino on-board. The mapping for stops for on/ off service is nearly non-existant and a comete guessing game as yo where you need to be, which makes asking strangers and park svc a constant measure of your success. The buses also charge full price even if they start late, finish early and ride rough. I can only tell you my experience and offer advice...use Uber or Lyft. Save your money, this is not the experience you wanted or may have hoped for based on other similar on/off rides.
SOWMYAS_B, Mar 2026
I asked for full refund. Staff were rude. Left us in middle of the road with kids when the temperature was 32, No King protest was on, DC Cherry Blossom blocked the roads along with Kite festival. They just change the loop red to blue and don’t inform passengers.
JD_J, Mar 2026
Easy way to get around. It was great till the driver veered off of the prescribed route. It may have been because of construction but there were no stops which was a long walk back to where we wanted to go. Buses need a little bit of updating. Well worth the price for a 2 day travel around the city.
Deidre_G, Mar 2026
We enjoyed our tour and felt it was a very good use of our time. We particularly liked sitting on the top and not having to worry about driving through traffic.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Deidre_G. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the time spent with us in Washington DC, and we are delighted to learn that the upper top ewas a comfortable way to discover the city. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Brad_B, Mar 2026
Overall experience on the busses was poor. Many of the audio devices were broken so it was hard to hear. Busses were too crowded so we could not sit together as a family. Attractions were so close we could have just walked to them, and we would have been better served just taking an Uber to the ones farther away
Cory_B, Mar 2026
Other than the near impossibility of finding where to hop-on at Union Station and the long wait for the bus to show up (several Trolley buses came and went as we were waiting -- waiting not good as the clock on 24 hours ticks down), the experience was good. Definitely get the earbuds for the audio commentary. Some of the commentary is a bit cheesy, but overall still worth it.
Gwen_G, Mar 2026
It is difficult due to DC normal traffic but lots of good information . The listening guide makes it easy to understand
Cindy_R, Mar 2026
It was terrible. We only made 3 stops because there were like only 3 buses running. We canceled our second day. We waited over an hour and then had to taxi to the next stop instead.
Viki_M, Feb 2026
I had family in town who wanted to tour Washington DC. We thought a bus tour would be a great way to cover a large area of the city and learn about the sights. From the start, we were disappointed. The first bus we got on by the White House did not have a functioning narration system. The bus driver told us that if we wanted to have that part of the tour, we would need to switch buses. When we did that after several stops, our "new" bus broke down in the middle of Constitution Avenue. We needed to wait for another bus in order to continue on, wasting our limited time to tour the city. Additionally, the narration, that were eventually able to hear, was outdated and had lots of cheesy jokes. Not the experience we were looking for. I would recommend trying another tour company.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hello Viki! We appreciate your feedback. We're sorry to learn that the bus had a breakdown and that the audio was outdated, which affected your experience. Please feel free to reach out to us through live chat or email, and our team will gladly assist you! Best, Ana from Big Bus Tours.
darren, Feb 2026
Great to get around Washington DC to the sites , staff very polite, friendly and helpful (especially for me due to my disability) well recommended
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Hi darren, thank you for the great review. We are so happy that you had such a good experience with our staff and that you enjoyed the tour during your recent visit. Thank you for recommendation and we look forward to have you on board again one day soon! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
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