Best Boston Trolley Bus Tours
See the best of Boston aboard a Hop On Hop Off bus, a flexible sightseeing experience that brings history and modern charm together. Journey through America’s Freedom Trail, admire the harbour views, and stop by iconic places like Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and the USS Constitution. With open-top seating and expert commentary, the tour lets you uncover the stories behind one of America’s oldest and most fascinating cities at your own pace.
How the Hop On Hop Off Bus Works in Boston
The Hop On Hop Off bus in Boston operates across a comprehensive route that connects more than 15 stops around the city’s most famous attractions. The service typically runs from 9am to 5pm, with buses arriving every 20 to 30 minutes depending on the season. You can choose between one-day or two-day tickets, both offering unlimited rides within the validity period. The main loop circles through historic districts such as Beacon Hill, Charlestown, and Back Bay, giving passengers a chance to explore landmarks like Boston Common, Quincy Market, and the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Most tours feature live or recorded guides who share engaging insights into Boston’s Revolutionary past, maritime heritage, and cultural scene. During warmer months, the open-top deck provides a refreshing breeze and panoramic views of the skyline and harbour.
Top Stops and Attractions
- Faneuil Hall Marketplace – A lively hub for shopping, dining, and street performances, located in the heart of Boston’s historic district.
- Boston Common – The oldest public park in America, perfect for a stroll before continuing along the Freedom Trail.
- USS Constitution Museum – Step into naval history aboard “Old Ironsides”, the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat.
- Harvard Square – Visit the world-famous Harvard University campus, filled with bookshops, cafés, and student energy.
- New England Aquarium – Located on the waterfront, this family favourite showcases marine life from the Atlantic and beyond.
Why It’s Worth Taking
Boston’s Hop On Hop Off experience stands out for its deep connection to American history and its blend of classic and contemporary sights. Unlike larger cities, Boston’s layout is compact yet rich in heritage, allowing travellers to see major landmarks without long travel times. From the cobbled streets of Beacon Hill to the glass towers of the Financial District, the route highlights how Boston bridges the past and present. Riding along the Charles River or passing Fenway Park, you’ll get a sense of the city’s local pride and cultural diversity. It’s a relaxing way to explore neighbourhoods that helped shape the United States, while still having the freedom to hop off and enjoy museums, parks, and seafood spots at your leisure.
Planning Tips
- Start early to make the most of your ticket, especially if you plan to walk sections of the Freedom Trail or visit museums along the route.
- Choose a 48-hour ticket to enjoy both daytime sightseeing and sunset rides along the harbourfront, where the skyline looks stunning in golden light.
- Bring layers — Boston’s weather can change quickly, and coastal breezes can feel cool even in summer on the open deck.
- Combine your Hop On Hop Off experience with a harbour cruise for a complete view of the city by land and sea.
Tickets and Access
Tickets for the Boston Hop On Hop Off bus are available online, at main stops, or from hotel concierges. Popular boarding points include Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, and the Aquarium area. Options typically include 1-day and 2-day passes, with discounts for families and seniors. Most buses feature live English-speaking commentary, while some provide recorded audio in multiple languages. The vehicles are wheelchair accessible and include covered lower decks for year-round comfort. In peak season, it’s best to begin early to secure good seats on the open-top level and to plan your route around attraction opening hours. With unlimited rides, you can return to your favourite spots or simply enjoy the scenic loop to absorb Boston’s atmosphere from a comfortable seat.
The Hop On Hop Off bus in Boston offers a relaxed way to explore major landmarks at your own pace, combining comfort, flexibility, and scenic views — ideal for first-time visitors who want to make the most of their time in Boston.
1. Old Town Trolley Tour of Boston
Duration:
Flexible
- Have the liberty to hop on or off all day and explore Boston with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour pass.
- Select between a 1, 2, or 3-day validity ticket and have access to 18 bus stops.
- Explore at the Historic District, Cheers Bar, Skywalk Observatory, Copley Square, and a lot more.
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2. Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour
Duration:
Flexible
- Have a memorable tour and go to top attractions in Boston onboard a hop-on-hop-off bus.
- Build your own travel plan and choose between a 1, 2, or 3-day ticket validity.
- Option to select the spots to focus on and skip those that don’t interest you.
- See the Old State House and Dreamland Wax Museum.
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3. Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour
Duration:
Flexible
- Travel through Boston’s historic streets onboard a hop-on-hop-off bus.
- Learn the reason why Boston is called the Cradle of Liberty.
- Visit John F Kennedy National Historic Site, the Old State House and the Faneuil Hall.
- Listen to the onboard narration by a professional guide about historical events such as
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4. Boston Shore Excursion: Boston Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour
Duration:
Flexible
- Ride through Boston streets onboard a hop-on-hop-off bus.
- Hop on and off as you please within the 24-hour period and see the attractions at your own pace. Complete the whole loop in 1 hour and 45 minutes without stopping.
- Visit the best museums such as the Institute of Contemporary Art, Harvard Art Museums and the Museum of
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5. 1 or 2 Day Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour with Harbor Cruise Option
Duration:
2 hours
- Ride Boston's affordable trolley tour! CityView's silver trolleys take you through the streets of Boston and take in the highlights with a convenient and easy hop-on hop-off service. Learn about historical places and events, including the Freedom Trail, Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s Ride, the Boston Massacre, and Bostonians' role in America's... read more
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6. Private Group Boston Trolley Tour with Guide
Duration:
3 hours
- Discover the top visitor spots of Boston and Cambridge on this fully narrated Private Group Sightseeing Trolley Tour. Enjoy 3 hours of customized, private, guided fun as you discover the area's best neighborhoods, such as the North End, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and more. Enjoy our 3 picture stops at Fenway Park - Home of the Boston Red Sox, Copley... read more
