About this experience
This hop-on hop-off bus tour around Washington DC provides you with a convenient and flexible way to explore famous landmarks and attractions, including the White House, Capitol Hill, Jefferson Memorial, and Smithsonian Castle. The tour covers multiple stops, allowing you to explore the best of the US capital at your own pace. With audio guides available in multiple languages, you can learn about the city's rich history and culture as you travel.
Why you'll love it
What to expect
- 1
Red Route — Stop 1: Washington Monument
The natural starting point: board near the iconic obelisk at the heart of the National Mall.
- 2
Red Route — Stop 2: Natural History Museum
Hop off for the Smithsonian's free natural history collection, one of the most visited museums in the world.
- 3
Red Route — Stop 3: National Japanese American Memorial
A quiet and moving tribute to Japanese Americans who served during World War II.
- 4
Red Route — Stop 4: US Capitol at Garfield Circle
Disembark for close-up views of the Capitol dome and the surrounding congressional buildings.
- 5
Red Route — Stop 5: Air & Space Museum
Home to the Wright Flyer and Apollo 11 command module — allow plenty of time if you step inside.
- 6
Red Route — Stop 6: L'Enfant Plaza & International Spy Museum
The Spy Museum is one of DC's most popular paid attractions and well worth a stop.
- 7
Red Route — Stop 7: The Wharf & Potomac Boat Cruise
DC's vibrant waterfront district, with restaurants, live music and Potomac River cruise connections.
- 8
Red Route — Stop 8: Smithsonian Metro
A central interchange stop giving easy access to multiple Smithsonian museums along the Mall.
- 9
Red Route — Stop 9: Bureau of Engraving & Holocaust Museum
See where US currency is printed, or pay your respects at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
- 10
Red Route — Stop 10: Jefferson Memorial
The neoclassical rotunda on the Tidal Basin is one of DC's most photographed monuments.
- 11
Red Route — Stop 11: FDR and MLK Memorial
Two powerful memorials side by side on the western Tidal Basin — ideal for a reflective walk.
- 12
Blue Route — Stop 12: World War II Memorial
The sweeping granite memorial honouring the 16 million Americans who served in the Second World War.
- 13
Blue Route — Stop 13: Lincoln Memorial & Korean War Memorial
Climb the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for one of the finest views down the length of the Reflecting Pool.
- 14
Blue Route — Stop 14: Arlington Cemetery
Cross the Potomac to visit the national cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- 15
Blue Route — Stop 15: Constitution Gardens
A peaceful landscaped park on the Mall, home to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.
- 16
Blue Route — Stop 16: The White House
Disembark for exterior views and photographs of the most famous address in American politics.
- 17
Blue Route — Stop 17: Ford's Theater
The historic theatre where President Lincoln was assassinated in 1865, now a working venue and museum.
- 18
Blue Route — Stop 18: The Willard Hotel / US Treasury
End the Blue Route near Pennsylvania Avenue, steps from the Treasury Building and the Capitol.
Hop on and off at any stop along the route.
What's included
What's included
Not included
Meeting point
L'Enfant Plaza, L'Enfant Plaza Southwest, Southwest Federal Center, Washington, DC, USA
You can board at any designated Big Bus stop on the Red or Blue route — no need to start at the meeting point address. Show your mobile ticket to the driver when boarding. For a full route map, stop locations and departure times, visit bigbustours.com/en/washington-dc/washington-dc-routes-and-tour-maps.
Open in Google MapsWhat to bring
- Your mobile ticket (screenshot or live screen both accepted)
- A layer for the open-top deck — it can be breezy even on warm days
Know before you go
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. Your ticket is delivered digitally and can be shown on your phone screen when boarding. No printing is required.
Which route should I start with?
Both routes begin at the Washington Monument stop, so it's a natural first board. The Red Route covers the Mall and Tidal Basin memorials; the Blue Route takes in the Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Cemetery and the White House. You can switch between routes freely throughout your ticket validity.
How long does each full loop take?
Loop durations vary by traffic and the number of stops. For current frequency and approximate loop times, check the official Big Bus route map at bigbustours.com — details are subject to change.
Is the Sunset Tour a separate ticket from the day passes?
Yes. The Sunset Tour is a standalone ticket option and is listed separately at checkout. It's designed as an evening experience to see the monuments in golden-hour and twilight light.
Can children travel free?
Children under 3 travel free but are not entitled to their own seat. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The buses operate in most weather conditions. The open-top upper deck is exposed, so bring a waterproof layer if rain is forecast. The lower deck is covered and enclosed.
Big Bus Tours
Big Bus Tours is the world's largest open-top sightseeing bus operator, running hop-on hop-off tours in more than 20 cities across four continents.