Frequently Asked Questions
GrayLineDC.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is Gray Line DC’s history?
As an original founding member Gray Line, the largest sightseeing tour and activity organization in the world, we provide a unique tour experience for visitors to the Capital City. Our sightseeing expertise dates back to 1910, when we first began a sightseeing operation in Washington, DC. Our history makes us, Truly the Local Experts!
2. What tours does Gray Line DC currently offer?
We offer two full-day tours DC In a Day (DC), and Mount Vernon/Arlington National Cemetery Tour (VA). We also offer a Two-Day Grand Tour (G) that combines the DC In a Day Tour and the VA Tour over a two-day period. We have a 3-hour night tour, DC After Dark (L), and a full-day getaway tour to Gettysburg (O).
We also offer a Hop On-Hop Off tour product on the Big Bus open top vehicle. Please see the Hop On Hop Off Tour section.
3. Where may I purchase tickets?
Tour tickets may be purchased directly from a GrayLineDC agent at Union Station, or in advance, either online or by calling 202-779-9894. Advance purchases are not required, but recommended. Please go to www.graylinedc.com to see specific prices for each tour.
4. What is your recognized children’s age?
Our children’s age is recognized as 3-to-11.
5. What is your recognized senior age?
Our senior age is recognized as 62 and above.
6. Do you offer any individual discounts?
Yes. Please note the following: (Identification is required at point of sale)
- AAA Members (10%)
- Seniors, ages 62+ (10%)
- Active and Retired military personnel (15%)
- Travel agents (50% discount plus 10% discount for a traveling companion)
*Excludes all Hop on/Hop off tours*
7. How long do I have to use my ticket?
Tickets for any Gray Line DC tour are good for up to a year from the initial intended date of usage. Hop on / Hop off tickets must be used within 6 months. Also, please be advised that tickets for the Two-Day Grand Tour DO NOT have to be used consecutively.
8. Where do tours depart from where is your office located?
All Gray Line tours depart from and return to the Bus Terminal Level at Union Station. To get to the bus level, you will go to the center rear of Union Station and go up an escalator, then out the doors leading to the parking garage. Just outside those doors is a second escalator and elevator and we are located on the first level up on the left, next to the Greyhound office.
9. How do I redeem my voucher?
On the day of your tour please present your voucher at the Gray Line ticket window. Please arrive at approximately 30 minutes before your scheduled tour departure time to check in.
10. What is the tour itinerary?
Tour itineraries are available on our web site at www.graylinedc.com under each specific tour. However, please note that tour itineraries are at the discretion of the sightseeing driver and can be affected by special events, traffic, and other peripheral reasons that can affect the order of a tour.
11. What kind of coaches do you have?
Gray Line DC offers a variety of motor coaches. We have 55-passenger luxury motor coaches and 79-passenger open top double deck motor coaches that include restrooms with DVD/VCR capabilities and PA systems. They are air conditioned/heated vehicles.
12. Are food and drink allowed on the coaches?
No. Water is allowed, but other beverages are not.
13. Where may I eat?
Lunch/Dinner is not included in our tour experience, but our drivers will provide multiple eating options along the tour route. There are eateries or restaurants in the Smithsonian Museums, Ronald Reagan International Trade Building, along Pennsylvania Avenue, and a concession stand at the Lincoln Memorial. Additionally, there are also multiple food options at Union Station.
14. Where may I park my car?
Union Station has a private parking garage. Please visit www.unionstationdc.com for more information regarding pricing and availability.
15. How else can I get to Union Station?
Union Station is accessible by cab, foot and metro. Union Station’s metro stop is on the red line and places you three levels below the Bus Terminal Level when you arrive.
16. Does the Tour operate during inclement weather?
Yes. However, safety is always our first priority as we manage our operation. At times, the weather may delay or cancel our services during certain conditions. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause as we ensure the safety of our visitors and team members. Weather updates are available on our website at www.graylinedc.com or you may call (202) 779-9894.
17. Do the tours operate on weekends and holidays?
Yes, we are scheduled to operate year-round with the exception of New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Also, our DC After Dark night tour does not operate Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. Please note that special events in the Nation’s Capital may prohibit tour operation or cause tour route changes.
18. Are the vehicles wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we have accessible vehicles. Although not required, we ask that you contact us at [email protected] to inform us of your tour date.
19. Are there restrooms on the motor coaches?
Yes. Please be mindful that the vehicles will be used throughout the day for touring and limit use to liquid disposal. Larger facilities are available along the tour route.
20. Do you offer customized charter tours?
Yes, based on availability. Please call (202) 779-9894 or email us at [email protected].
21. Are your tours narrated?
Gray Line DC provides licensed sightseeing drivers for our tours. They provide a comprehensive and enjoyable sightseeing experience. Please note that they do not get off and accompany you to the monuments, memorials, and museums.
22. Do you offer tours in other languages?
No. However, we do offer a Hop-On, Hop-Off tour product that has commentary available in other languages at no additional cost. Please see a Big Bus agent at Union Station for more information.
23. May I use my credit card?
Yes. We accept most major credit cards.
24. Can I bring my luggage with me while I tour?
Yes. Our coaches have luggage compartments available and some have smaller spaces inside the coaches for carry-on size bags. Additionally, storage is available in Union Station near Gate A on the Amtrak concourse.
25. What special events or street closures may affect my travel when I visit the Washington, DC area?
The Nation’s Capital is home to many special events throughout the year, please visit www.capitalregionupdates.gov for more information.
26. Where is your Gray Line ticket office located?
The ticket office is on the Bus Terminal Level at Union Station.
Arriving at the front entrance of Union Station, walk to the center hallway in the rear and go up the escalator. Exit through the doors that lead to the parking garage. Take the first escalator up and we are located at the top on the left next to the Greyhound ticket office.
Parking in the garage, take the escalator down to the bus level. The office is to the right.
27. Refund Policy
All refunds are subject to a 20% refund fee
28. How may I contact the Gray Line DC office?
Write: Martz Gray Line
50 Massachusetts Avenue NE
Washington, DC 20002
Call: (202) 779 – 9894
Daily – (8:30am – 6:30pm)
Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Tours
1. Tell me about the Big Bus Tour of Washington DC?
The Big Bus tour of Washington DC is a sightseeing tour on an open-top double-decker bus. You may choose either an entertaining commentary provided by an experienced guide or a recorded commentary available in several languages. You may hop-on and off at any of the stops to visit attractions and places of interest.
2. What can I see and visit?
There are many locations where you can hop on and off the Washington DC tour. Each has been selected because it provides access to an attraction or place of interest. You can hop-on and off as many times as you wish, and are of course welcome to stay on board for the entire circuit.
3. What is the child policy?
A child ticket is available for children aged between 5 and 15 years. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children aged 4 years and under may travel free of charge. Children aged 4 years and under must be accompanied by a dedicated adult. Strollers must be folded and stowed on the lower deck.
4. What time do tours start and how often do buses run?
The first bus departs at 9:00am on Red Loop from Union Station. The first departure on the Blue and Yellow Loops is at 9:00am from the Lincoln Memorial North & Vietnam Memorial. Buses run approximately every 15 minutes on the Red Loop, and every 30 minutes on the Yellow and Blue Loops. The Last departure for all Loops is at 5:00pm. Final departures depart from Union Station, (Red Loop) and the Lincoln Memorial North & Vietnam Memorial (Blue and Yellow Loops).
Bus frequency is subject to traffic conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
5. Where can I start the tour?
You may start your tour at any of the ‘hop-on, hop-off’ bus stops.
6. How long does the tour take?
A full circuit of the Red Loop takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. A full circuit of the Blue Loop takes approximately 1 hour. A full circuit of the Yellow Loop takes approximately 2 hours.
7. Where can I buy a ticket for the tour?
You can purchase tickets on this website or from a Ticket Agent at Union Station in the Bus Terminal.
8. Do I need to specify a date for travel?
If you purchase a fixed date ticket on this website then yes, you must travel on the date selected.
If you purchase a ticket that offers validity for more than 1 day or 24 hours, you must travel on consecutive days.
9. Is there a discount available for groups?
Yes, discounts are available for groups of twenty or more. For more information on group sales please email us at [email protected]
10. What time are the first and last buses?
The first bus departs at 9:00am and the last departure is at 5:00pm for all Loops.
11. How will I know where to get off?
The commentary on the bus will inform you where you can hop-off and the number of the next stop. You can also download the Big Bus App for more information on what to see and do at each hop-on and off location.
12. On which days does the tour operate?
The Big Bus Washington D.C. tour operates every day of the year. Closures due to inclement weather will be advised. Check the Service by calling 1-877-332-8689.
13. What is the policy on bringing pets?
No pets allowed except ADA service animals.
14. What is the food and drink policy?
No food allowed. Drinks in screw top bottles are permitted. No alcohol permitted.
15. Are the buses ADA Accessibile?
The Big Bus vehicles with wheelchair ramps with a capacity of up to 650lbs are available. Customers with limited mobility might not be able to access the upper deck. Please contact Big Bus directly at 1-877-332-8689 for further information.
16. What is included within the ticket?
All Loops – 24hrs includes Madame Tussauds entry.
All Loops – 48hrs includes a free Night Tour and Madame Tussauds entry.