Big Bus Tours in Washington, DC

Where is the tour located?

Stop #1 for the Red Loop Tour is at the L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum - 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW (at crosswalk on NW corner of Spy Museum). You can hop on and off the tour at any stop. The first stop for the Blue Tour is at the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Stop #5.

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.

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

Day Tour - Red Loop - Official Tour of the National Mall: First Bus: 10:00am from Stop #1: L’Enfant Plaza Last Full-Circuit Tour: 5:00pm from Stop #1: L’Enfant Plaza Last Bus: 5:00pm from Stop #1: L’Enfant Plaza Full Circuit Time: 90 minutes (approx.). Bus Frequency: every 20-30 minutes. Day Tour - Blue Loop - American Heroes Shuttle: First Bus: 10:21am from Stop #5: Lincoln Memorial & Vietnam Veterans Memorial Last Full-Circuit Tour: 5:21pm from Stop #5: Lincoln Memorial & Vietnam Veterans Memorial Full Circuit Time: 30 minutes (approx.). Bus Frequency: every 20-30 minutes. Please note: Arlington Cemetery closes at 5:00pm.

What can I see and visit during the tour?

Red Loop Tour: Stop #1: L’Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum - 700 L'Enfant Plaza SW (at crosswalk on NW corner of Spy Museum) Stop #2: Washington Monument West - 215th St NW (On Raoul Wallenburg Place, between Jefferson & Independence Aves.) Stop #3: Jefferson Memorial - East Basin Dr SW at Jefferson Memorial (bus stop along from refreshment kiosk) Stop #4: FDR and MLK Memorial - 121 West Basin Dr. SW (between the MLK and FDR Memorials) Stop #5: Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial - 100 Daniel French Drive SW (next to Korean War Memorial) Stop #6: Arlington Cemetery - 1 Memorial Avenue (in the bus parking zone) Stop #7: Natural History Museum - Corner of 10th St NW & Constitution Ave (in front of the Natural History Museum) Stop #8: City Center & Chinatown - 610 10th Street NW (opposite St. Patrick's Church) Stop #9: The White House & Willard Hotel - 1401 Pennsylvannia Avenue NW (outside Willard Hotel, near corner with 15th St. NW) Stop #10: US Capitol at Garfield Circle - 2436 Rayburn House Office Bldg (East Side of Garfield Circle) Stop #11: Air & Space Museum - 600 Independence Ave SW (outside Air & Space Museum main entrance) Stop #12: The Wharf & Potomac Boat Cruise - 800 Maine Ave SW (north-east corner of Maine Ave SW & 9th St) Blue Loop Tour: Hop on our American Heroes Shuttle to cross the Potomac River and explore Arlington National Cemetery.

Do I need to specify a date of travel?

Yes – they'll ask you to select the date you’d like to hop on the bus. If you’re touring with them 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.

How will I know where to get off?

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

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.

Are accommodations available for persons with disabilities?

Yes, they operate wheelchair accessible vehicles with lifts that can accommodate a weight up to 650 pounds. Please be advised that their entire fleet in Washington DC is not wheelchair accessible. If you or your travelling partner(s) requires an ADA accessible vehicle, please contact the number on your e-ticket 48 hours prior to your planned tour commencement. They can then arrange for a suitable vehicle to be available at the time and location required. If you require a different accommodation, please also contact the number on your e-ticket 48 hours prior to your planned tour commencement so they can make arrangements for an accommodation. Please also note that passengers with mobility impairments may not be able to access the upper deck on their buses. They cannot guarantee the accessibility of the various attractions along the tour.

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 their drivers, who are doing their best to get to you as quickly (but safely) as possible.

Can I bring food and drink on the tour?

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

What is the policy on bringing pets?

No pets are allowed on board the bus, except ADA service animals.

Is luggage allowed on board the bus?

No, luggage is not permitted on board the bus at this time.