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 –we’ll ask you to select the date you’d like to hop on the bus. If you’re touring with us 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.

How will I know where to get off?

Our 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, we operate wheelchair accessible vehicles with lifts that can accommodate weight up to 650 pounds. Please be advised that our entire fleet in Washington DC is not wheelchair accessible. If you or your travelling partner(s) requires an ADA accessible vehicle, please contact us no less than 48 hours prior to your planned tour commencement. 

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 our 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.