Big Bus DC: Monuments and Memorials Night Tour by Open-top Bus

Washington DC, USA

From $59.00

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

2 hours
Offered in: English

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Overview

Discover a new perspective on Washington DC's best-known sights—and enjoy a comfortable way to travel, without the crowds and hassle—on this nighttime open-top bus tour. Prepare to see many of the city's key monuments and memorials lit up after dark, from the White House to the Lincoln Memorial. As you go, the on-board narration will illuminate the city's rich history.

This tour offers the perfect introduction for first-time visitors
Experience unobstructed views from your open-top double-decker bus
Learn insider stories about DC from the recorded or live commentary
Leave all the driving and logistics to someone else

What's Included

120 minute Night tour, note not a hop-on hop-off
Live Guided Weekend tours
Audio Guided Tour Monday - Thursday

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

700 L'Enfant Plaza SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA
Night Tour departs at 6.30 pm Thursday - Sunday. Be advised, in DC, street closures and protests affect timing of routes and availability.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Exchange your voucher and find your seat on the top or bottom deck; seats are first come, first served.

As you take off through the Washington DC landscape, lit up for the night, listen to live or recorded audio commentary, depending on whether you travel during the week or on the weekends.

You'll pass landmarks and highlights such as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Memorial, the White House, and many more. Admire the sights and capture nighttime photos, all while enjoying the comparative lack of crowds and traffic.

Finally, after spending several hours seeing the sights, return to your original departure point.

Big Bus Tours

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

White House (Pass By)

Lincoln Memorial (Pass By)

Jefferson Memorial (Pass By)

U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial (Pass By)

Black Lives Matter Plaza (Pass By)

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Infants must sit on laps
Wheelchair accessible
Panoramic night tour operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early to secure your seat. Everyone sits up top unless otherwise requested (if option selected)
Night Tour is not a hop-on hop-off tour
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Operation times are subject to change without notice

Near public transportation
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
Most travelers can participate
Customers are advised to download the Big Bus app to find out real-time bus tracking information and Stop location. Alternatively please visit the Big Bus website.
Live Guides are available Friday - Sunday Only.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:Can I hop on and off during the Big Bus Washington DC Night Tour?

A:The night tour is one continuous tour to view the lights of Washington DC after dark. There are no stops during the night tour.

Mar 2021

Q:Do I have to go to a central location to redeem my ticket for the Big Bus Washington DC Night Tour?

A:Our night tours operate daily from Stop # 1 - L'Enfant Plaza. Please arrive 20 - 30 minutes before your preferred tour as seats are subject to availability.

Mar 2021

Q:How long is the Big Bus Washington DC Night Tour?

A:The Big Bus Washington DC Night Tour is approximately 2 hours and will return to the original departure location at the end of the tour.

Mar 2021

Q:Is the Big Bus Washington DC Night Tour wheelchair accessible?

A:Yes, we operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles with lifts that can accommodate up to 650 pounds however, not all vehicles are equipped. If you require an accessible vehicle, please let us know in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Mar 2021

Q:Can I bring a pet with me on the Big Bus Washington DC Night Tour?

A:No pets are allowed onboard the bus, except ADA service animals.

Mar 2021

Q:Can I bring food or drink with me on the Big Bus Washington DC Night Tour?

A:No food or alcohol is permitted onboard the bus. Non-alcoholic drinks in screw-top bottles are permitted.

Mar 2021

Q:Can I bring luggage on the Big Bus Washington DC Night Tour?

A:No, luggage is not permitted onboard the bus at this time.

Mar 2021

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.0

865 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 865 reviews

Don’t go

steven_s, Apr 2024

We were scheduled for 6:30 pm and didn’t leave until 6:50. We were supposed to return at 8:30 and returned at 9:10. We were dropped off at L’Enfant Plaza late and it was dark and nothing open at that hour. When I called the next day, I was told the tour was at 7 when it states in the website the tour was at 6:30. The Viator rep was rude.

Very nice

Sandra_D, Apr 2024

Lincoln memorial at night was spectacular, but we did not have enough time. Iwo Jima memorial and other moments were great at dusk. However very cold up top & outside.

Ausio should have a back up plan in case of such problems,

Janet_Z, Mar 2024

First we stood on the incorrect corner of the Spy museum and watched an empty bus, there were buses on our side of the street blocking the bus that was loading. frustrating to finally step around and see the 2nd bus down the street. So we missed the ear phone hand out. On the ride a person gave us a pair because the system was not working. We passed the pair to the kids and they were able to hear the audio on their side of the bus, a relief since it was there 1st time there. The tour was boring on our side of the bus, since we had no idea what the highlights were to look at as we passed them. It was a bit of tha disappointment

Perfect

Debra_E, Mar 2024

It was perfect for what I was looking for…. To see all the Must Sees without walking miles and within a short period of time.

Great Tour

Jessica_B, Mar 2024

Adam was an excellent guide and the monuments are beautiful at night when lit up! Really enjoyable your!

Wonderful nighttime tour!🌙

Karen_A, Nov 2023

The tour was beautiful at night! Our guide/driver was very hospitable:) We all had a great time viewing the monuments, White House, Capital Bldg, etc!

Big Bus night tour was LIT!

Mark_L, Nov 2023

Beautiful lighted perspective on the sights! Was 50° when we went, but we were prepared with cold weather gear and were comfortable.

Maine recommends BBT!

Amanda_S, Nov 2023

Maurice and Kev were fantastic! Made history fun and would highly recommend the BBT for the young and not as young!

Exciting even if you have been here before!

Scott_K, Nov 2023

We have traveled to DC many times, but never done the night tour. It was great fun and many monuments are on the route. It made our anniversary evening very special. As my deceased German uncle would say, the United States is the best country in the world!

Depart at 7 but left at 6:30

Erica_T, Nov 2023

Terrible…arrived at 6:34 said would depart at 7pm. Bus there mentioned it was overflow bus. There was 10 people there waiting. I need refund. The overflow bus driver tried to reschedule me. I’m in DC for business. The only time had time to do the tour. Erica T

Undecided

Felicia_B, Nov 2023

The bus left us and we didn’t get to take the tour. We arrived at 6:35pm. I sent the tour director two messages to let home know that we couldn’t find the location where we needed to be. He never responded and still hasn’t responded. The tour stated that they would depart at 7pm. We are still waiting to hear back from someone about a refund. Via helped me on the phone and was very helpful. Thanks to her. There was two other people there also that the bus left because they thought departure time was 7pm.

Scam

Jacoby_B, Nov 2023

My tour said to arrive at 630 pm for a departure time of 7pm. I showed up 30 minutes early for my trip and the buss was late. When I attempted to get on the buss the driver told me they had already done their final tour. I asked why the tour said times were incorrect and why he was back at the loading point if they were done for the night. He told me to call the office (surprise, there isn't one). I assume my partner amd I were the only ones to book the tour, and the deiver/guide decided to cut out early and say we were a no show. The driver proceeded to sit there until 7pm (presumptive to log the GPS location) then drove off at the 7pm start time. I have time stamped photos of all of this, to I clue booking schedule. Pretty sure the employees are intentionally scamming customers.

Nice!

Leah_M, Nov 2023

Very nice guide/knowledgeable and made the trip fun. We were a little cold but well worth it and good value.

Poor service

Christy_B, Sep 2023

None! My guests were not able to come at the last minute from Milwaukee to dC, and when I asked if I could change dates or get some part of the prepayment refunded, I got no response.

DC Day Tour

Francine_F, Sep 2023

Going inside the Capital. Seeing the White House and all the monuments Wouldn't be able to see in one daybwithout this tour.

Amazing finale to our time in DC.

Barbara_B, Sep 2023

This was the highlight of our time in Washington DC. The driver was kind and patient. I overheard complaints that we returned later than scheduled but I saw no reason for those comments and would definitely dismiss them if you get remarks from that couple. It was such a joy seeing the beautiful city of DC all lit up.

DC Night Tour

Cleo_P, Sep 2023

The bus operator Kevin was the best! He did not rush and provided additional details not on the recorded tour.

Great Way to See the Sights

Jessica_L, Aug 2023

Great driver! I totally spaced on his name but he stayed on for our tour because they filled a 3rd bus.

Great Daddy Daughter Date!

David_R, Aug 2023

I took my 9 year old daughter with me on the Big Bus tour! We went on the night tour and it was spectacular. Danny greeted us and we waited to start the tour! I also loved our great driver, Gail. She was very nice and explained everything to us! This is a great way to see DC!

DC sightseeing

Guilene_D, Aug 2023

The driver and the whole crew that day was friendly, informative and made the whole night cruising great.

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