Hop-on Hop-off Tours Washington DC

Big Bus: Washington DC Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional Sunset Tour

4.2/5(448)

Neva H

Couple

Verified booking

Last week

I loved learning about the monuments and the history of Washington, DC. The headphones worked as far as clear sound and the information that was given, but this kind of presentation lacked the personality and ability to ask questions that having a live person guiding the tour. But the bus kept on schedule and if there was traffic the recording kept time with whatever was happening with the bus- traffic or not. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Dewey O

Couple

Verified booking

Jul 2026

Loved sitting in front with expansive view. Paid for 2 days. Never used2nd day. Paid $100 for sunset drive. It was only a partial trip due to road closures. Not really driver or guides' faults but some kind of compensation could've been offered. It was last night for Washington monument illumination and we didn't get to see it!!

Claudia B

Couple

Verified booking

Apr 2026

I liked the way they explain the different places. I also like that you can get off wherever you want to spend more time, and then check the app’s map to see when the next bus is coming.

Beverly W

Group

Verified booking

Mar 2026

We enjoyed it. There were some issues but none to ruin my whole day. Tours start at 10:30 on Saturdays, not 9:30! Most of the workers were very knowledgeable and helpful!

Speed through Washington DC on a 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour and explore the capital's must-see spots on your terms.

Your DC trip is running on your schedule as the Red and Blue route have 19 stops and buses every 30-45 mins – hop on, hop off, and repeat.

Upgrade to a 48-hour pass to take a 2.5-hour sunset tour, enjoy a self-guided walking tour of Arlington Cemetery, and enjoy sweet discounts!

Jump on a double-decker bus, tune in to the audio guide in 5 languages, and let the US capital's history unfold as you ride.

Discover landmarks like the Jefferson Memorial, White House, and the Korean War Memorial as an Authorized National Park Service concessioner.

24/48/72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour

Access to Red & Blue routes

Self-guided walking tour of Arlington Cemetery

2.5-hour sunset tour with 25% off (based on option selected)

Morning shuttle transfers from Mayflower, Hilton & Marriott (based on option selected)

Discounts at I Love DC Gifts, Artechouse, International Spy Museum Store & Unlimited Biking (based on option selected)

Free commemorative Oval Office photo from White House Gifts (based on option selected)

Pre-recorded audio commentary in English, French, German, Spanish & Brazilian Portuguese (on the bus)

Exclusive drop-offs close to monuments

Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking

TOTAL DURATION1 hour 50 minutes
FREQUENCYEvery 30-45 minutes
FIRST DEPARTUREWashington Monument at 9:30 AM
LAST DEPARTUREWashington Monument at 4:30 PM
Timeline
Map
1. Washington Monument
Get direction
2 attractions
Artechouse
5 minutes walk
Tidal Basin
5 minutes walk
2. Natural History Museum
Get direction
2 attractions
National Archives Museum
1 minute walk
Ford’s Theatre
4 minutes walk
3. US Capitol at Garfield Circle
Get direction
2 attractions
Library of Congress
4 minutes walk
Supreme Court of the United States
4 minutes walk
4. Air & Space Museum
Get direction
2 attractions
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
4 minutes walk
National Museum of the American Indian
2 minutes walk
5. L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum
Get direction
2 attractions
L’Enfant Plaza
2 minutes walk
Smithsonian Castle
3 minutes walk
6. The Wharf & Potomac Boat Cruise
Get direction
2 attractions
Potomac River
9 minutes walk
East Potomac Park
8 minutes walk
7. Smithsonian Metro / ARTECHOUSE
Get direction
1 attraction
City Center
6 minutes walk
8. Bureau of Engraving & Holocaust Musuem
Get direction
3 attractions
Bureau of Engraving and Printing
2 minutes walk
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
2 minutes walk
Smithsonian American History Museum
3 minutes walk
9. Jefferson Memorial
Get direction
1 attraction
George Mason Memorial
1 minute walk
10. FDR and MLK Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
4 minutes walk
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
9 minutes walk
Japanese Pagoda
4 minutes walk
TOTAL DURATION1 hour 15 minutes
FREQUENCYEvery 30-45 minutes
FIRST DEPARTUREWashington Monument at 9:30 AM
LAST DEPARTUREWashington Monument at 4:30 PM
Timeline
Map
1. Washington Monument
Get direction
1 attraction
Tidal Basin
5 minutes walk
2. World War II Memorial
Get direction
2 attractions
D.C. War Memorial
1 minute walk
Floral Library
4 minutes walk
3. Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial
Get direction
3 attractions
Lincoln Memorial
Korean War Veterans Memorial
5 minutes walk
Albert Einstein Memorial
5 minutes walk
4. Arlington Cemetery
Get direction
2 attractions
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
5 minutes walk
Arlington House
5 minutes walk
5. Constitution Gardens
Get direction
6. The White House
Get direction
1 attraction
Eisenhower Executive Office Building
7 minutes walk
7. Ford’s Theater
Get direction
8. The Willard Hotel / US Treasury
Get direction
1 attraction
US Treasury
1 minute walk

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

448 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United Kingdom, Italy, Australia and over 11 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Neva H
Couple
Verified booking
Last week
I loved learning about the monuments and the history of Washington, DC. The headphones worked as far as clear sound and the information that was given, but this kind of presentation lacked the personality and ability to ask questions that having a live person guiding the tour. But the bus kept on schedule and if there was traffic the recording kept time with whatever was happening with the bus- traffic or not. We really enjoyed ourselves.
Rudi G
Solo
Verified booking
3 weeks ago
Unfortunately, BigBus didn't even announce on the app that the routes had been completely changed due to the mall being closed. Some stops were eliminated. The two lines were merged into one and shortened accordingly. It wasn't until I contacted customer support (automated chat) that I was made aware of the changes. That was a shame, but the price didn't change because of it! The staff were friendly, but there wasn't a single word of apology, etc.
Dewey O
Couple
Verified booking
Jul 2026
Loved sitting in front with expansive view. Paid for 2 days. Never used2nd day. Paid $100 for sunset drive. It was only a partial trip due to road closures. Not really driver or guides' faults but some kind of compensation could've been offered. It was last night for Washington monument illumination and we didn't get to see it!!
Emily B
Group
Verified booking
Jun 2026
The buses came frequently and there was always room for us to get on. Drivers greeted you with a smile and were helpful!
Sara B
Family
Verified booking
Jun 2026
The views from on top and the commentary. The drivers were all professional and friendly.

What's not allowed

Keep in mind food & alcohol (except non-alcoholic drinks in screw-top bottles) are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!

Accessibility

The buses are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Your safety comes first so visitors with mobility issues are restricted on the upper decks.

Due to restrictions on the bus, pets (except ADA service animals) are not allowed onboard.

Additional information

The tour remains closed on Independence Day (Jul 4), Oct 29 & Christmas (Dec 25).

The Sunset Tour is a non-stop bus tour, and not a hop-on hop-off service.

Specific details related to the add-ons in your tickets will be shared post-booking.

Tour details

2-hour Sunset tour

Departure: 6:30pm from stop #6 (L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum)

Hotel shuttle transfer

Departure: 9:20am from Mayflower Hotel, 9:30am from Washington Hilton & 9:45am from Georgetown Marriott

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.