DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with 17 Stops and Arlington Walking Tour

Name: DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with 17 Stops and Arlington Walking Tour
Brand: Big Bus Tours - USA
SKU: 5096DCHOHO
Price: 49 USD
Rating: 3.5 (3732 reviews)

Washington DC, USA

Trending

Booked 5+ times in 12 hours.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Discover the most popular sights in Washington, DC on this 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 Arlington National Cemetery. Select a 24, 48, or 72 hours pass then hop on at any of the stops on the Red Route and listen to the audio commentary.

Explore the city at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off bus tour
Discover the best of cherry blossom season during the limited Pink Route
Choose a 24 hours pass, a 48 hours pass or opt for a 72 hours day pass
The only tour authorized by the national park service and the preferred tour of the cherry blossom festival

What's Included

Unlimited hop-on and hop-off access (24, 48, or 72 hours)
Self-Guided Digital Walking Tour of Arlington National Cemetery
2-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour (if option selected)
Open-top Double Decker sightseeing buses with 17 stops
Digital audio commentary in multiple languages
Free 1-hour bike rental at Unlimited Biking
Free Big Bus app with route information and real-time bus tracking

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Departure Point

You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.

Itinerary

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 interesting 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.

Hop-off at any of the attractions for a closer look, then, hop back on when it’s convenient. See the sites on the Red Route (Official National Mall Tour), authorized by the National Park Service and National Mall and Memorial Parks.

Take 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. During the spring, you'll also admire the cherry blossoms.

Pick between 1-, 2-, or 3-day passes to fit your schedule. 2-day and 3-day passes include a Monuments Water Taxi Cruise

Red Route: Hop-on Hop-off

17 Stops

27 Points of Interest

Duration: 2 hours

Operating Schedule: Operating hours: 10AM-5PM Tours depart from Stop #1 Union Station (50 Massachusetts Ave NE, in front of Columbia Circle), or guests may board at any stop along the route. Download the Big Bus app for route info, live bus tracking, and customer assistance via chat.

Union Station

United States Capitol

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

International Spy Museum

The Wharf DC

Washington Monument

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Arlington National Cemetery

World War II Memorial

Washington Monument

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Chinatown

The White House

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

Download the free Big Bus app for city information and live bus tracking
Strollers must be folded while aboard bus
Free White House 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.
Visitors 18+ must show valid photo ID to enter Arlington National Cemetery. Explore this historic site with a self-guided digital walking tour, featuring the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington House, JFK's Gravesite, and the Memorial Amphitheater—complete with rich facts and stories at your own pace. 4o
Arlington National Cemetery walking tour is digital and self-guided

Supplied by

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:A bus arrives approximately every hour on both the Red Loop (Official Tour of the National Mall) and the Blue Loop (American Heroes Shuttle.)

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.

Questions?

Visit the Viator Help Centre for any further questions.

Product code: 5096DCHOHO

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

3.5

based on 3,733 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1559

641

389

429

715

We perform checks on reviews

Great way to plan a travel activity.

Dileep_M, Aug 2025

It was easy and convenient way to get around town. The BIG BUS drivers were friendly. You have to give some extra time for the bus to get around town, so plan your activities accrdingly.

This is a great way to...

Kathryn_B, Aug 2025

This is a great way to see so many tourist hot spots . Pick the 48 hour pass at least because there is way to much to try to see with the 24hour one .

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Kathryn! Thanks a lot for your review. We're delighted to learn that you had a wonderful time on our bus tours and got to see all the tourist spots you wanted. Can't wait to welcome you back! Warm regards, Ana from Big Bus.

Took a cab the last day

l_l, Aug 2025

Very hard to find the bus stops and sometimes hard when to know to get off. Bus was so hot. But on the other hand very friendly.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi l_l, Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! We apologise for the confusion created regarding the stops locations. Our Find a Stop function on the app can help you pinpoint exactly where a stop is, including a photo to make sure you are in the right spot. We're also available on Live Chat 24/7 if need any help. We hope that you will consider riding with us again, as we are sure you would have a better time! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours

Not so great.

David_G, Aug 2025

Not that great. Not enough onfo nor help with calls for info by anyone who knows anything. Schedules not consistent with brochures.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hell David, we are truly sorry to learn that your experience did not meet our usual high standards, but we value your honest feedback. We take great pride in our 5-star service and consistently update our staff training in all locations. Please contact our customer service team so we can gain a better understanding of what went wrong during your visit, and we look forward to welcoming you back for an enhanced experience the next time you travel in a Big Bus city. Wishing you all the best, Alice from Big Bus Tours

Hop On/Hop Off is the...

Carol_B, Aug 2025

Hop On/Hop Off is the best way to see DC. It gets you around to so many sights with a great, informative audio tour. I do this in every city I visit - never disappointed.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Carol! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed our DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour! It was great to see so many sights, and we're pleased that you found our commentary informative. We hope to welcome you back soon, and we truly appreciate your feedback! Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours

Big Bus DC tour

Chris_P, Aug 2025

Great experience! Best way to see DC efficiently! Night tour was awesome. Easy on and off bus. Plenty of stops, gives you flexibility.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Chris_P. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you had a great time with us in Washington DC. We are delighted to learn the service was easy to use, flexible and enjoyable. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.

funday day Friday......hit DC in a fun fashion

Joe_R, Aug 2025

I was scared to sign up for the Big Red Bus after reading some negative comments but went for it anyway It was fantastic and I went on a Friday Because I was cautious , I went to Union Station ( first station ) The Big Red Bus departed every 20 to 25 minutes as they claim I actually went inside Union Station and checked out the eateries ( McDonalds, Chic-Fila, Raising Canes and many more places ) Then got in line to board bus ( right outfront ) Bus loaded up and it was then about 70% full Every stop had a Big Red Bus employee standing at Drop off/ Pick up spot Everything went smoothly, Bus was never full to 100% capacity on my day I rode up Top all the times I was on bus......Temperature was 88 but no problem They even handed out ear buds for commentary

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Joe! We're happy that despite the negative comments, you still decided to join our DC tour, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience! Our frequent service and the fact that the bus wasn't at full capacity contributed to everything going smoothly during your day tour. We look forward to seeing you again soon, and we truly appreciate your kind words and positive feedback! Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours

Very nice

Christy_L, Aug 2025

It was very nice. My daughter and I had a blast learning about our nation's monuments. We loved the fact of the sunset tour made everything look so magical

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello Christy, thank you for taking the time to share your review. We are thrilled to know that you and your daughter had a wonderful experience on our DC: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and enjoyed discovering the nation's monuments. Not to mention the enchanting views during our sunset tour. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you back on board soon. Thank you, Alice - Big Bus Tours

Very bad experience

Michelle_A, Aug 2025

My experience was not good and talking to others they had similar experiences. First most of the buses don't have properly working air conditioning. Second the pre- recorded tour that you listen to by headphones, not all devices work. So if you can't listen to recordings you may not know what stop they are at because no announcements. There is a map but you would have to be counting stops and know where you are. Third some of the drivers were waiting at stops extended periods of time instead of doing a hop off, hop on. The first bus we got on almost took the whole complete 2 hour length and we only got half way so we're unable to go see some of the sights. Very disappointing and waste of money because we wanted to get to Arlington Cemetery and because bus took long at stops we weren't able to get there before 4pm. First bus our driver stay at one stop about 20+ minutes with poorly working air conditioning. Know it wasn't normal because other drivers did quick stops and didn't wait at sights like this driver did. Don't recommend.

Problem with tickets purchase

Ricardo_G, Aug 2025

I make a mistake buying the tickets instead all day I get evening I call costumer service they can't help me in any way changing to all day or cancel the transaction they tell me why I dont read the information before getting the tickets to cancel i have to wait I call my bank to cancel and request the refund I dont use the tickets I ended up buying for full day with representative of the big bus on street is better service instead online With the service of the bus is terrible I get off at Arlington cemetery at 4.45 pm the driver tell us there is 3 more busses coming after him unfortunately cemetery close at 5 pm we cant do the tour immediately we back to the stop at 5.05pm we was there for 1 hour waiting for the bus we have to call a Uber to get us to ur car driver never said is the last bus going to cemetery it's a bad service I'm very disappointed with the company

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Ricardo_G! Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback and we're very sorry to hear about your experience while purchasing the tickets, and with the longer than expected wait times. We hope to hear more from you regarding this within a message through the Contact Us form found at the Big Bus Tours website and we will gladly provide an appropriate resolution. Eugen, Big Bus Tours

Best city tour

Jeff_J, Aug 2025

Amazing tour, the sun set tour is so beautiful The guides were amazing and very friendly Very kind and loving

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Jeff! We're happy to learn that you have enjoyed traveling with us and that you were able to enjoy the sunset while on board. We're looking forward to your next visit! Eugen, Big Bus Tours

Hope on hop off bus

Max_G, Aug 2025

Perfect way to get around Washington DC. Excellent view ing of all the top sites.open bus top is a must .

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Max_G. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your tour in Washington DC. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.

Very friendly driver and...

Brian_S, Aug 2025

Very friendly driver and the day was perfect! Bus was not overcrowded and we made a few stops along the way.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello Brian_S! 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 friendly driver made your experience even better. We're thrilled you could hop on and off to explore the sights. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Best wishes, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.

Not worth the money

Machell_B, Aug 2025

The guide said the buses would be at the stops every 20 minutes. It wound up being every 30+. We didnt get to visit several stops we wanted to see because we wound up walking most of the way because of the long wait forbthe bus.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Machell! We are sorry to hear that the bus frequency did not meet your expectations and that you missed several stops you wanted to visit, resulting in more walking than anticipated. We truly value your feedback! As you might understand, traffic can be quite unpredictable and can sometimes let us down, even though we do our best to keep an eye on it every day. If you're willing, feel free to reach out to us through the live chat feature in the app or by visiting our contact page on the official website. We look forward to hearing from you! Alexandra I. @ Big Bus Tours

Good route, old busses

lorenzo_c, Aug 2025

Good route and the App is great. But busses are very old, several have no functioning air-conditioning.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi lorenzo_c, We appreciate your feedback! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and our app, however we apologise that our buses did not meet your expectations this time. Unfortunately, not all our buses in Washington DC have air conditioning, however we hope to upgrade all our buses soon for you, as we want our guests to feel comfortable while enjoying the sights. In situations like these, we recommend taking advantage of the Ticket Flexibility feature which allows you to change the date of your booking anytime. You just have to contact us via live chat, as we are available 24/7 for you! We would be grateful to see you again in the future! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours

Friendly staff, some delays

Nicole_H, Aug 2025

It is a bit difficult to know what stops you are at. Putting numbers on the bus stop signs would help this. Use the headphones to know when you are at a stop and not just stopped. Sometimes buses are full and you may have to stand. We were an hour late to our museum time because one bus was late and then we were transfered to another that just sat for 15-20 minutes, so we were almost an hour late in the end. On the up side, all the big bus employees were super friendly and willing to answer questions. Pay attention to when buses start and stop at each stop.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Nicole_H, Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! It really helps us to improve our services. We apologise for the delays with the buses, and for the confusion created with the bus stops. The frequency of our buses may be affected by traffic conditions, leading to possible delays. If you intend to hop off at a certain stop, you can also check-out our website or app, as we have pictures with every stop, so that it can be easier for you to locate them. We hope to see you again in the future! Best regards, Cristian T, Big Bus Tours

Fix the air conditioner

arlinplouie, Aug 2025

The tour was nice and had plenty of stops but the bus itself was hot. It was hotter in the downstairs, air conditioned portion of the bus than it was upstairs in the open air portion of the bus.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hello arlinplouie. Thank you for your feedback! We're sorry to learn that the AC wasn't functioning as it should. We're continuously improving our AC systems, but since the buses have an open top, warm air can still enter. Therefore, we recommend our guests to stay hydrated and dress appropriately on hot days. We look forward to welcoming you back soon. Best regards, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.

Disappointing Experience

john_g, Aug 2025

Hop-on-Hop-Off is a great concept but fails in the application when the volume of customers is excessive as it was for our experience, We got on comfortably at Union Station but abandoned at the Lincoln Memorial when space was too tight or unavailable on busses. We would not choose this option again!

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi john_g, Thank you for your feedback! We are sorry to hear that high number of guests created discomfort. Buses may reach full capacity during peak seasons, and seat availability cannot be guaranteed. In situations like these, we recommend taking advantage of the Ticket Flexibility feature which allows you to change the date of your booking anytime. You just have to contact us via live chat, as we are available 24/7 for you! We would love to see you on our buses again in the future, as we are sure you would have a better time! Best wishes. Cristian T, Big Bus Tours

Friendly drivers, helpful...

Colleen_S, Aug 2025

Friendly drivers, helpful narration. Pay attention to route details. We didn't notice that the last lap does not go to Arlington National Cemetery and got stuck on the mall. And if you buy the 3 day pass that "includes water taxi", it does not.

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Colleen_S. We wish to thank you for your feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour, and that our friendly and helpful drivers enhanced the time spent with us. We hope to have you back soon. Best, Vlad from Big Bus Tours.

Never again

Vickie_B, Aug 2025

Hot on some buses. Felt unorganized. The windows were obscured so you couldn't see out. Way too crowded. The headphones were weird

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Hi Vickie, I'm really sorry to learn that your ride on the open-top bus was uncomfortable because of the heat. Since our buses are designed to be open-top, it's challenging to maintain a cooler environment like that of enclosed vehicles. However, we're in the process of upgrading our fleet to Electric Buses, which feature better cooling technology. We also value your candid feedback regarding our headphones. We look forward to having you with us again soon, ideally on a cooler day! Best, Alice @ Big Bus

From $49.00

per person

Date

Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

- Secure your spot while staying flexible

Book ahead!

On average, this is booked 15 days in advance.

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