DC: Hop-on Hop-off, Arlington Walking Tour, and Night Tour

Exploring Washington, DC can feel overwhelming with so many iconic sights spread across a sprawling city. This bundled tour offers a practical way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning individual tickets or navigating public transit alone. While it’s not perfect—some buses can be crowded—it provides a flexible, engaging, and visually stunning introduction to the US capital.

What we really like about this experience is its combination of unlimited hop-on hop-off access, an educational Arlington Cemetery tour, and a breathtaking night tour. These elements together create a well-rounded overview of the city’s history, monuments, and hidden stories. Plus, the chance to explore at your own pace is a huge plus, especially for those wanting a more personalized adventure.

That said, a few considerations are worth noting. Some reviews mention crowded buses and inconsistent bus frequency. If you’re someone who values smooth logistics and quiet comfort, these might be minor drawbacks. But for most travelers, the value and diversity of this package make it an appealing choice.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive, flexible, and affordable way to explore DC without the stress of fixed itineraries. Whether you’re a first-timer or returning visitor, it offers a good balance of guided insights and free exploration.

Good To Know

• Flexible sightseeing with unlimited hop-on hop-off options across 17 stops.
• Includes a guided Arlington Cemetery walking tour—great for history buffs.
• Breathtaking night tour with illuminated monuments that transform the city’s skyline.
• Cost-effective bundle that offers up to 40% savings for multiple experiences.
• Self-guided digital commentary enriches the audio experience aboard the bus.
• Additional perks like free White House photos and bike rentals add extra value.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Components

This package is truly designed to help you see Washington DC from multiple angles—literally and figuratively. The core of this experience is the Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tour, which lets you explore at your leisure. With 17 stops, you’re never far from iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Museums, and the White House, which is conveniently close to the starting point at Union Station.

The Bus Experience

The buses are open-top double-deckers, giving you excellent vantage points for photos and sightseeing. The digital commentary, available in multiple languages, makes it easy to learn about each site without straining to hear guides in noisy environments. However, some reviews highlight that buses can sometimes be crowded and not as frequent as hoped, leading to a wait during busy times. If you’re traveling during peak season, arriving early or planning your day around bus schedules may help.

Arlington Cemetery Guided Tour

The highlight of the cemetery visit is a 2-hour guided walking tour led by an expert local guide. The tour operates only from September to October and departs at 1 PM from the Arlington Visitors Center—an important detail if you want to plan your day accordingly. Walking past the white headstones, you’ll hear stories about American heroes, and witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier—a deeply moving moment.

Reviewers have commented that the stories brought the cemetery to life, making it more than just a sightseeing stop. One traveler from Austria mentioned that the tour was very good, though they noted that newer buses would improve the experience. Another pointed out that the cemetery visit provides a meaningful way to connect with American history.

Night Tour Experience

Ending your day with a 2-hour panoramic night tour is an ideal way to see the city in a different light. The illuminated monuments—like the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, and Washington Monument—look spectacular after dusk. This part of the tour is not hop-on hop-off but a dedicated ride meant to showcase the city’s landmarks glowing against the night sky. It’s an excellent opportunity for photos and to appreciate the architectural grandeur without the daytime crowds.

Travelers have remarked that this tour offers a fresh perspective, with some noting that the views are simply stunning. It’s a peaceful, reflective way to wrap up a busy day of sightseeing.

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What’s Included & What’s Not

This package provides up to 72 hours of bus access, which is ample time to spread out sightseeing across multiple days. It also includes a 2-hour Arlington Cemetery tour and a sunset tour—a perfect photo opportunity as the city’s skyline turns golden. Additional perks like a free Oval Office commemorative photo and a bike rental make it feel like a well-rounded value.

However, note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to plan your transportation to and from the meeting points, primarily Union Station or other stops along the route.

The Practicalities: Transport, Timing & Experience

The Big Bus app, with real-time bus tracking and route info, is a handy tool that helps you avoid long waits. You can also activate your tickets either through the app or in person at Stop #1 in front of Union Station. The flexibility to hop on and off at any of the stops means you can customize your day—whether you want to linger at the Smithsonian or quickly dash between monuments.

The ticket prices are around $75 per person, which, while not cheap, is reasonable considering the number of experiences included. When you factor in the cost of individual museum tickets, guided tours, and nighttime outings, this bundle offers good value, especially with up to 40% savings.

The Experience from the Reviews

Many reviewers appreciated the overall value and the chance to see so much in one trip. A US traveler appreciated the “history” aspect, while some noted that buses could be crowded or less frequent. One traveler from South Africa wished the commentary was richer, hinting at the potential for a more immersive narrative. The feedback suggests that this tour is most enjoyable for those who are flexible and eager to explore at their own pace.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This is an excellent option for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of DC’s most famous landmarks. It’s also perfect for groups or families who prefer a mix of guided and self-guided exploration without the hassle of multiple bookings. If you’re interested in historic sites like Arlington Cemetery and enjoy seeing city sights illuminated at night, this package ticks all those boxes.

Those who prefer a more relaxed schedule or dislike crowded buses might want to plan for early morning start times or consider visiting the more popular stops during off-peak hours.

Final Thoughts

This combined tour offers a practical and engaging way to explore Washington DC. It balances guided insights with the freedom to explore, making it suitable for a broad range of travelers. The inclusion of a guided cemetery tour and a stunning night ride adds depth and variety to the experience, transforming a simple sightseeing day into a memorable journey through history and architecture.

For travelers seeking value, flexibility, and a visually stunning overview of the city’s most iconic sights, this package delivers. It’s especially ideal if you want to maximize your time and avoid the stress of individual ticket purchases or transportation planning.

While some buses may be crowded, the overall convenience, combined with the breathtaking views from the night tour and the meaningful Arlington Cemetery visit, make it a worthwhile choice for most visitors.

FAQ

How do I activate my ticket?
You can activate your ticket via the Big Bus app by entering your booking reference, or at Stop #1 in front of Union Station with a staff member.

Are there different durations available?
Yes, tickets are valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours, providing plenty of flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Is the Arlington Cemetery tour guided?
Yes, it’s a 2-hour guided walking tour led by an expert local guide, departing at 1 PM from Arlington Visitors Center (Sept-Oct only).

What’s included in the night tour?
A 2-hour panoramic ride featuring illuminated DC landmarks, offering spectacular views and photo opportunities after dark.

Are there any extra perks?
Yes, you get a free Oval Office commemorative photo at White House Gifts, and a free 1-hour bike rental with roadside assistance.

Can I do this tour on separate days?
Yes, the tours can be taken on different days to suit your schedule, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

Whether you’re after an efficient way to see the city, a meaningful cemetery visit, or a spectacular nighttime skyline, this package offers a well-rounded, practical way to enjoy Washington, DC.

You can check if your dates are available here: