Guided Monuments & Memorials Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus
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Washington DC, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover a new perspective on Washington DC's best-known sights—and enjoy a comfortable way to travel, without the hassle—on this nighttime, open-top bus tour. See many of the city's key monuments and memorials lit up after dark, from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial. As you go, the on-board narration illuminates the city's rich history. To enhance your visit, upgrade to include 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus passes.
- This tour offers a great introduction for first-time Washington DCvisitors
- Experience unobstructed views from your open-top double-decker bus
- See a new perspective on the city when you explore after dark
- Create a cost-saving bundle: Upgrade to add hop-on hop-off bus passes
What's Included
- 2-hour Panoramic Night Tour of DC
- Stops at the White House and Lincoln Memorial
- Digital commentary in 5 languages
- Open-top Double-Decker Bus
- Official Tour Provider of the National Mall - a portion of every ticket goes to preservation
- 24/48hr Hop-on Hop-off Tour with 18 stops (if selected)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20260, USA
Redeem your voucher with Big Bus staff at Stop #6 - L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum (475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, across from Spy Museum in front of US Postal Headquarters)
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Exchange your voucher, head to the departure point at Union Station, and board your open-top, double-decker bus. Seats are first come, first served.
As you take off through Washington DC, lit up after dark, listen to recorded audio commentary that illuminates the stories behind the sights.
Pass landmarks and highlights such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Memorial, the White House, and many more. Admire the sights and capture nighttime photos, all while enjoying the comparative lack of crowds and traffic.
Finally, after spending several hours seeing the sights, return to your original departure point. You can also opt to extend your Washington DC sightseeing by upgrading to include 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus passes.
As you take off through Washington DC, lit up after dark, listen to recorded audio commentary that illuminates the stories behind the sights.
Pass landmarks and highlights such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Memorial, the White House, and many more. Admire the sights and capture nighttime photos, all while enjoying the comparative lack of crowds and traffic.
Finally, after spending several hours seeing the sights, return to your original departure point. You can also opt to extend your Washington DC sightseeing by upgrading to include 24- or 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus passes.
L'Enfant Plaza (Pass By)
1
Lincoln Memorial
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
U.S. Capitol (Pass By)
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Pass By)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial (Pass By)
Black Lives Matter Plaza (Pass By)
Jefferson Memorial (Pass By)
The White House (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Infants must sit on laps
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your seat
- Night Tour is not a hop-on hop-off tour
- Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- Guests may activate ticket via Big Bus app or in person with Big Bus staff
- 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
- Tour Sunset Tour departs at 6:30 PM (March 9–April 30 & Sept 3–Dec 30), and 7:00 PM (May 1–Sept 2) . Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.
- The Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour can be redeemed via Big Bus app or in person at Stop #6 L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum (475 L'Enfant Plaza SW, across from Spy Museum in front of US Postal Headquarters). Please note that Stop #1 Washington Monument is currently not accessible.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q:Can I hop on and off during the Big Bus Washington DC Night Tour?
A:The night tour is one continuous tour to view the lights of Washington DC after dark. There are no stops during the night tour.
Mar 2021
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
4.3
based on 1,234 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Gareth, Jul 2026
Great way to see a bit more than your hotel and the surrounds. The monuments weren't crowded at that time of the evening
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and found it to be a great way to explore beyond the area around your hotel. It's wonderful to know that you were able to see more of the city and enjoy the sights at a quieter time of day.
We're especially pleased that the evening timing allowed you to experience the monuments without the usual crowds, helping make your visit even more enjoyable and relaxing.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Flavius@BigBusTours
Jude_H, Jul 2026
The wait for boarding seemed very long. It was almost 7 by the time we started to board, having arrived before 6:30 to get in line. The bus was late leaving, seemed a little disorganized.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the boarding process and departure experience did not meet your expectations. We understand how frustrating it can be to wait longer than expected, and we appreciate your comments as they help us improve our service. We hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a smoother Big Bus Tours experience in the future. Daniel@BigBusTours
Susan_S, Jul 2026
Eh. Hoping to have seen more monuments. Visited 2. Drive past a few. Guide was good. Bus driver great.
Allison_W, Jul 2026
Such a great alternative to sightseeing and seeing the monuments! If you can, try and get Mr. Gogo’s bus - he’s a great story teller and very knowledgeable.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed sightseeing with us and found it to be a great way to explore the city's monuments. It's especially lovely to know Mr. Gogo made your experience so memorable with his storytelling and knowledge—we'll be sure to share your kind words with him. We hope to welcome you on board again soon. Best regards, Denis @BigBusTours
Tracey_R, Jul 2026
But our guide was amazing!! Due to traffic barriers for the 4th we were not able to get complete tour experience. The route and view of the city were fantastic.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Hi, Tracey! Thank you so much for sharing your feedback with us!
While we are sorry that the 4th of July traffic barriers and road closures impacted the full route experience, we are absolutely thrilled to hear that your guide was amazing and kept the energy high! Navigating the city during such a massive holiday can be challenging, but our team always works hard to make the journey as fantastic as possible.
We are so glad you enjoyed the views, and we hope to welcome you back on board on a regular traffic day for the complete loop!
Best regards, Mihaela@BigBusToursTeam
Heather_K, Jun 2026
Our guide was very entertaining and informative. The city was beautiful after dark. We loved seeing the monuments and learning some of the history.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi Heather_K, thank you for your feedback. We are happy to hear that you had such an amazing experience with our guide and that you found him so entertaining and informative. We look forward to your next visit! Best, Denisa from Big Bus Tours
Leon_K, Jun 2026
The meeting place to board was not properly indicated and had we heard people who were passing saying that the bus was in a different location we would have missed the tour.
We came an hour in advance by taxi even though we had a car and was there two hours prior and weren’t sure of where the meeting place was.
A tour of two and a half hours should have more comfortable seats
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your detailed feedback.
We’re sorry to hear that the meeting point was not clearly indicated, as this understandably caused confusion and uncertainty despite your efforts to arrive well in advance. Clear and accurate joining instructions are essential, and your experience highlights an area where we need to improve communication. We’re glad you were ultimately able to locate the bus, but we recognize this added unnecessary stress to your day.
We also appreciate your comments regarding seating comfort. For tours of that duration, comfort plays an important role in the overall experience, and your feedback will be shared with our team as we continue reviewing and enhancing our service.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience. It’s very helpful in identifying where we can do better. Alex@BigBusTours
Tamara_W, May 2026
Earphones are needed but provided. Some areas were blocked off but still a good tour. Good guide and knowledgeable
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and found our guide knowledgeable. It’s great that the earphones added to your experience as well.
We appreciate your understanding regarding areas that may have been affected by temporary restrictions, and we’re pleased you still had a good overall experience. We hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Lloyd_J, Apr 2026
Windy and cool on the open top deck, hard to hear tour guide due to accent and outside noise.ggggggg
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi there, Lloyd_J! We truly appreciate your feedback. It's unfortunate to hear that the open deck is windy and cool. We recommend dressing suitably, and you'll enjoy a fantastic experience, feeling carefree and happy. We're also actively working to ensure that the guide is easily heard by all. We hope to see you again soon. Best regards, Vlad from Big Bus Tours
Iris_G, Apr 2026
Unorganized. Somewhat chaotic getting on the bus. We thought they left us at 1 point. We paid $170 for 2 and they asked for a tip, I don't think that was necessary.
Habibeh_B, Apr 2026
Wonderful. It has covered a lot places. The hop off option to visit Lincoln Memorial and MLK was an added value. I also liked the real person tour guide despite some sound/technical difficulties.
DANIEL_P, Apr 2026
Great way to explore the city and see the sights. Easy. Fun. Friendly service. Drop you off at a couple stops to get out and get some selfies. It was a the perfect length for a family with young kids.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi DANIEL_P,
Thank you for your feedback! We are so grateful to know that you enjoyed our tour so much! We provide ongoing training for our team to ensure that you consistently receive a 5-star service. We can’t wait to welcome you back soon! Best regards, Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Leah_H, Mar 2026
Bus heaters were broken. A second bus was called but did not accommodate all passengers. Our tour was cut short due to being too cold without working heat. Live guide was knowledgeable and entertaining but buses with non working heat or a/c should not be used for tours such as as these.
Kevin_O, Mar 2026
Make sure the head phones jack functions... could not hear the talk about the city. Enjoyed the bus ride.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Kevin_O. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the audio experience did not work properly. We are actively working on enhancing our systems to ensure all guests can discover the city. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Shawn_R, Mar 2026
Very informative information shared with passengers. Guide very knowledgeable about the area.Would definitely do this again with family and friends.
Reuben_M, Mar 2026
I learned a lot while on the tour. Our driver Grace was smooth as silk! Mr. Gray was a wealth of knowledge!
Jennifer_F, Nov 2025
Monument by night tour description states it is approximately 2 hrs 15 min. We were back at Union Station in 1 hr and 45 min.
Totally not worth it.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Jennifer_F,
Thank you for your feedback! We are very sorry that the tour duration did not match the estimated time. 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 really hope that you will consider giving us another try in the future! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours
Leslie_B, Oct 2025
Magical evening. Seeing monuments at night and riding on top of bus easy and comfortable. Miss Gale exceptional and fu
Barbara_A, Oct 2025
It was well done. We saw everything on the itinerary and this tour included the DC monuments but also a tour through Georgetown, old town Alexandra and parts of Arlington. A very inclusive tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello Barbara_A, we truly appreciate your candid feedback! It brings us joy to know that you enjoyed the tour and were able to see everything you wanted. We're glad you liked the tour's offerings. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future!- Best wishes, Mara from Big Bus
Rhetta_R, Sep 2025
The tour was beautiful! The driver and other employees were so kind and welcoming. Fabulous experience on our first night in DC!!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Hello Rhetta_R! We want to express our gratitude for your feedback. It's wonderful to know that you had a great time on the tour, and that our team contributed positively to your experience with their helpful energy. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best wishes, Vlad from Big Bus Tours
darlene_e, Sep 2025
Our evening monument trip only allowed you to exit at the Lincoln Memorial for 20 minutes or so. The commentary was a TERRIBLE recording with very little historical info, an outdated music track & lousy jokes. Did get several good pics of some of the monuments, but most were far away.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hello darlene! Thank you for your honest feedback, we're terribly sorry to hear that you did not enjoy the commentary, we will make sure to improve upon this aspect in the future. We hope that in spite of this, you will choose Big Bus Tours again, perhaps in a different city. Eugen, Big Bus Tours
Vicky_V, Aug 2025
The bus tour was great. We did the 7 pm tour, but it become chilly once the sun went down as we sat on the top decker of the bus. It was educational and fun.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Vicky_V. Thank you very much for dedicating your time to share your thoughts with us. We are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience on the bus tour! Your positive comments are greatly valued, and we thank you for your insights. We eagerly anticipate your next visit. Razvan @ Big Bus Tours.
James_H, Aug 2025
The trip was very nice. The people we encountered were very professional and polite. Especially the driver. Washington is beautiful at night.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
HI James_H. We are truly grateful for your time in sharing your feedback with us. It is wonderful to know that you enjoyed the bus tour! Your kind words mean a great deal to us, and we appreciate your valuable insights. We cannot wait to welcome you back soon. Razvan @ Big Bus Tours.
Michelle_V, Aug 2025
Great nighttime view of the whole city! We got gorgeous pics of all the monuments and we stopped to see Lincoln memorial at night for 15 minutes and bathroom break. It was perfect!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Michelle_V. Thank you very much for dedicating your time to share your thoughts with us. We are delighted to hear that you had a wonderful experience on the bus tour! Your positive comments are greatly valued, and we thank you for your insights. We eagerly anticipate your next visit. Razvan @ Big Bus Tours.
marsha_k, Aug 2025
The people that work here are absolutely the most caring, considerate, and fun workers that we have ever had in Washington… They are fabulous
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hello marsha_k! Thank you so much for your feedback. We're thrilled to know that you had an amazing tour and that our team contributed to your experience with their caring, thoughtful, and fun energy. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best wishes, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Cindy_H, Jul 2025
It is only dark for the ride about 30 min at the end. Communication was not good. At only stop, driver said “be back in 15 min. Go take pictures.” When I I asked where are we, he pointed at Lincoln sign & that is all I got. The ONLY reason we booked was to see the Korean War & Vietnam memorials. When back on bus, I asked him where the Korean War memorial was, he pointed toward it & said - here. I wouldn’t have missed it if he communicated better when we got off.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Cindy_H. Thank you so much for your feedback. We're sorry to learn that the tour didn't meet your expectations. Please rest assured that we are diligently working on improving our staff training to provide our guests with the excellent service they deserve. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.
Danielle_T, Jul 2025
The initial bus we got on was broken, therefore we switched buses. Instead of driving saying please choose the same seats it became a mad dash to the next bus for seats. We arrived an hour early to ensure good seats which were then taken. In addition the new bus was filthy. We spent the trip grabbing trash off of ourselves and from flying onto streets. The driver ran three red lights and stopped at two green lights. She was clearly flustered. Our stop at Lincoln moment was only 10 minutes instead of adverse 15 which caused us to run onto the bus. The trip was also at least 20 minutes less than 2 hours. We started about 30 minutes late and returned about 10 minutes early. Overall I am not recommending this company to friends.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Danielle!
We are truly sorry to hear that your experience in DC was impacted by the cleanliness of the bus, driver safety, and the route being shorter than what was advertised. Thank you for sharing your honest feedback with us! We are committed to keeping our buses clean and will be installing additional trash bins in the future. Moreover, our drivers undergo regular training to guarantee a smooth and safe journey, as the safety of our guests is our highest priority. Lastly, please note that the duration of the Night Tour can be influenced by current traffic conditions. We look forward to welcoming you back soon with this information in mind!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
Regina_L, Jul 2025
The tour hit all the major sites in Washington DC the staff were pleasant and allowed us to get off the bus for a few minutes at some sites to take a closer look and take pictures
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hi Regina, we appreciate your time to share this experience with us! we're happy you found our staff to be so supportive and understanding during your experience. Have a lovely day, Anca from Big Bus
Charles_T, Jul 2025
do not take when days are long, i.e. in June, July the daylight makes it so no monuments are seen lite up
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Hello Charles! We appreciate your feedback. We're sorry to learn that the daylight caused the monuments to appear too bright. We look forward to seeing you again soon! Best, Ana from Big Bus.
MaryAnne_T, Jun 2025
Don’t do it. There were streets blocked off and we didn’t see all of the monuments as promised in the advertisement. When I reached out to the company about a potential refund, I was told that there was nothing wrong with the tour. People were getting off the bus early because they couldn’t see the monuments. Even the bus driver was apologetic and told me to reach out to the company. Never again.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi MaryAnne!
We sincerely apologize for hearing that your DC Night Tour did not meet your expectations because some streets were closed, preventing you from seeing all the advertised monuments. Your honest feedback is greatly appreciated! We are continuously updating our website regarding closures and diversions that might impact our regular tours. We look forward to welcoming you back soon, keeping this information in mind!
Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours
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