Washington DC Sightseeing Bus

Experience the essence of Washington, DC in a way that combines both comfort and convenience. Discover the rich history of the American capital as you visit its key attractions aboard an open-top double-decker bus, allowing you the flexibility to hop on and off at any stop. Choose between 24, 48, or 72 hours to explore the city at your own pace.

Routes and Stops

The hop-on hop-off bus in Washington features two distinct routes, known as the red line and the blue line, which navigate through the city's major landmarks. Highlights include the National Mall, Jefferson Memorial, and Arlington Cemetery. Along the journey, you can listen to recorded commentary enhancing your understanding of each sight.

Notable stops encompass the Capitol, the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Pentagon, and Arlington Cemetery, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s heritage.

You can explore the available routes and associated stops via this map:

• Sightseeing bus routes and stops for Washington DC

Bike Rental

Your ticket grants access to a promotional bike rental offer: rent a bike for one hour at a cost of 8 USD and receive an additional hour free. Bikes are available for pick-up at the Unlimited Biking Washington DC location: 998 Maine Avenue SW, Washington DC 20024.

Ticket Options

Select from the following personalized ticket options to enhance your Big Bus experience:

• 24-hour ticket for the red line: valid for 24 hours of unlimited travel on the red line.
• 24-hour ticket for both lines: offers unlimited access to both the red and blue lines for 24 hours, including a walking tour and bike rental.
• 24-hour ticket for both lines + Water taxi: includes unlimited access for both lines, plus a picturesque water taxi ride on the Potomac River, showcasing locations such as The Wharf, Georgetown, and Old Town Alexandria.
• 48-hour ticket: enjoy 48 hours of unlimited travel on both lines, a walking tour, and a bike rental.
• 72-hour ticket: grants the same unlimited access as the 48-hour option for 72 consecutive hours.

How It Works

Your ticket remains valid for 24, 48, or 72 consecutive hours starting from the first use. This allows you to get on and off the buses as often as you prefer while exploring the signature monuments of Washington, DC at your leisure.

Though a date selection is needed when booking, your ticket will stay valid for 12 months from that date. Upon booking, a voucher will be emailed to you. On your first day of use, redeem the voucher at the initial stop on the route, as indicated in the section on temporary closures and timetables.

Departure Times & Frequency

The Washington hop-on hop-off bus service runs every day from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with buses departing every 30 to 45 minutes.