Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Reviewed · SAVANNAH TROLLEY & SIGHTSEEING LOOPS

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

4.7 · 1,640 reviews 1 day From $45 Operated by Historic Tours of America** - Savannah · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

That moss-and-magnolia look is the hook. The trolley adds the second hook: stories. I like that this is an easy, hop-on hop-off way to absorb Savannah’s layout without committing to long walks.

Two things I really like: the conductors bring the city to life with 270+ years of history plus trivia and jokes, and the route is structured around major sights you can revisit later. You’ll also get discount coupons for multiple attractions and restaurants, which can make the ticket feel less pricey once you start using them.

One drawback to plan for: the ride can feel tight, especially if you’re tall, and trolleys can fill up at popular stops. Also, not every stop is perfectly easy to spot from the street, so a moment of extra attention helps.

Key things I’d plan around

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - Key things I’d plan around

  • 270+ years narrated live so you’re not just looking out a window
  • 15 stops that let you pick your own pacing all day
  • Coupons that can offset what you spend once you hop off
  • Frequent trolley service (about every 20 minutes) to keep your day moving
  • Comfort trade-offs if you’re tall or easily cramped
  • Photo-and-walk timing matters at the quick stops

Why a hop-on trolley works so well in Savannah

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - Why a hop-on trolley works so well in Savannah
Savannah is a city of short distances and big visual payoffs: squares, churches, storefronts, river views, and those straight lines of old neighborhoods. A trolley loop makes sense because it acts like a moving map. You get context first, then you can decide where you actually want to slow down.

This is also one of the better-value ways to cover a lot of ground in a single day. The ticket is $45 per person for an all-day narrated loop with 15 stops, and the route is designed around places you’ll want to see even if you’re not trying to do a full museum day.

There’s a practical bonus too: you can depart from any of the boarding locations, and you get a map and a schedule at the place where you redeem your voucher. That means you’re not guessing your way through the day with zero plan.

There are more hop-on trolley loops around Savannah to ride

The conductors: where the “transportainment” happens

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - The conductors: where the “transportainment” happens
Old Town Trolley doesn’t just move you. It teaches you, with live narration from the conductor on board. The tour is built around a fun mix of facts and humor, so you’re more likely to remember what you saw once you’re back on the sidewalk.

I like that the narration isn’t generic. The experience is threaded through the city’s turning points—how Savannah grew, what the landmarks meant, and how neighborhoods connect. People also mention multiple guide personalities, with names like Red, Justice, Irish, Cash, Glenn, and Pops showing up in different rides. The content is consistent, but the delivery style changes, which keeps it from feeling like the exact same recording every time you board again.

One small caution: if you prefer silent sightseeing, this may feel like a lot of talking. Also, quick stops mean you’ll often be in-and-out rather than lingering unless you plan your hop-off time carefully.

The route in plain English: 15 stops you can build a day around

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - The route in plain English: 15 stops you can build a day around
You’ll see about 100 points of interest across Savannah, and the trolley stops are close to major landmarks. Because it’s hop-on hop-off, the key is to think in rounds: ride through once to get the geography, then hop off for a second pass where you want more time.

Here’s how each stop fits into a day.

301 MLK Blvd: Savannah Visitor Center

This is a useful starting point if you want to orient yourself before you start wandering. Even if you’re just passing, it’s a good reminder that the trolley is meant to plug into tourist info.

214 West Boundary: Old Town Trolley Welcome Center

This is where you’ll pick up what you need for the day—your map and schedule after you redeem your voucher. If you’re the type who likes to know what’s next, this stop reduces stress fast.

200 West Bryan Street: Ellis Square

Squares are Savannah’s organizing system. Ellis Square works as one of those “look around and get your bearings” moments, especially if you’re trying to understand how the historic core lays out.

6 West Harris Street: Madison Square

Another square stop that helps connect the dots between neighborhoods. If you hop off here, it’s a decent place for a short break without committing to a long detour.

622 Drayton Street: Forsyth Park

This is where your scenery changes from “street views” to “big park views.” It’s also a great stop to use for timing—hop off for a breather, then get back on when your feet (or your heat tolerance) want a reset.

222 Harris Street: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

This stop gets attention for a reason. Many people treat it as a highlight, and at least one rider recommends planning time to go inside for the beauty. If you’re doing it, do it intentionally rather than treating it like a quick photo-only stop.

Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard (drive-by segment)

The trolley heads along MLK Blvd, giving you a sense of direction and how different corridors connect. It’s useful for understanding where you are relative to the rest of your day.

217 West Julian Street: City Market

City Market is an easy hop-off because it’s built for strolling. It’s a good place to browse, grab a snack, and reset before moving back onto the trolley.

32 Abercorn Street: Lucas Theatre For the Arts

This is a “notice the landmark” stop. If you’re into architecture or want a quick look at Savannah’s cultural side, this fits well as a short visit.

301 East River Street: River Street (drive-and-view stop)

Now you’re back toward the water, where Savannah’s views feel bigger. River Street is also a natural pivot point—once you see it from the trolley, you can decide how long you want to spend there on foot.

531 River Street: The Waving Girl statue

This is an ideal photo stop because it’s specific and memorable. If you’re building your own loop, use this to anchor your riverfront time.

324 East State Street: Davenport House Museum

This is a classic historic-home stop for anyone who likes their Savannah learning in chunks. It can work especially well if you want one “tickets to a place” moment rather than only street-level walking.

201 Abercorn Street: Colonial Park Cemetery

A cemetery stop isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, but Savannah does it well, and the trolley makes it approachable by keeping the rest of your day light. If you hop off, keep it short and respectful, then return to the trolley before you lose your rhythm.

10 East Oglethorpe Ave: Bull Street Corridor

This is a strong closing-style stop because it points you toward the everyday Savannah vibe—grand houses, long streets, and classic city energy. If you want to do a final wander before you’re done for the day, this corridor is a smart place to choose.

Where I’d spend extra time: cathedral, riverfront, and squares

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - Where I’d spend extra time: cathedral, riverfront, and squares
If you only hop off for the “big three,” I’d put them in this order: Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the riverfront around Waving Girl, then Forsyth Park or one of the squares depending on your interests.

The cathedral stop tends to be worth more time than you think, because it’s one of those places that looks good from the outside but really lands when you go in. One rider even paired it with an iced coffee nearby as a simple way to cool down and keep momentum.

For the riverfront, the Waving Girl statue is the cleanest “mission target.” It’s quick, it’s iconic, and it helps you frame what you want to do along River Street next—walk, snack, or just enjoy the view without overcommitting.

Forsyth Park is where you break up the density of historic buildings. Even if your visit is brief, it helps your day feel less like a checklist and more like Savannah.

Price and value: what $45 gets you (and how to make it pay off)

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - Price and value: what $45 gets you (and how to make it pay off)
For $45, you’re buying a lot more than a ride. You’re getting a full-day loop with live narration, access to 15 stops, and exposure to roughly 100 points of interest.

The part that can really improve value is the coupon booklet. You’re not just paying for transportation; you’re also being nudged toward attractions and restaurants around town. If you plan to spend money anyway—especially on a museum stop or a meal—coupons can turn the day from expensive-by-default into fair.

Also, the “hop on, hop off” format is how you avoid wasted time. If you ride once and then hop back off where you liked what you saw, you’re essentially doing a smart, self-guided itinerary using the trolley as your backbone.

Timing, crowds, and seat comfort on a long loop

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - Timing, crowds, and seat comfort on a long loop
Service is frequent, about every 20 minutes at stops, and in practice you may find the next trolley arrives faster. That’s important because Savannah days can stretch, and the whole idea is to keep your schedule from turning into guesswork.

Still, trolleys can fill up quickly, especially around popular stops. My advice: if you see space, get on. If you wait hoping for a later empty trolley, you might end up standing longer than you want.

Seat comfort is the most repeated concern. Several riders say the trolley seats can be tight, especially if you’re tall—knees can feel wedged and leg room may not be great. If you’re on the taller side, pick a spot where you can stretch a bit, and be ready for a slightly constrained ride.

There’s also one outlier concern that’s worth taking seriously. One rider reported a strong propane smell due to what appeared to be a leak on their trolley. If you ever smell anything unusual, tell the driver right away. This is the kind of issue you don’t sit through and hope it passes.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)
This is an excellent fit if you’re new to Savannah and want a low-effort way to get the layout plus a guided history walkthrough. It also works well if you have limited mobility needs, since the tour is wheelchair accessible and the stops are designed to reduce long walking stretches.

It’s also a strong choice for groups, because you can all start from different boarding points but still meet up again at major stops. People even mention hopping onto different trolleys and hearing different guide styles, which adds variety across the day.

If you dislike guided narration or you only want quiet self-guided wandering, you might find the live commentary intrusive. And if seat comfort is a top priority, go in knowing the layout can feel tight for taller riders.

Quick planning tips that make the day smoother

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - Quick planning tips that make the day smoother
A few small habits will help this run like clockwork:

  • Use the cathedral and riverfront stops as your planned “time sinks,” not the quick pass-bys.
  • When you hop on, watch the stop layout closely so you’re not guessing whether you’re at the right trolley stop.
  • If you’re photo-focused, choose your hop-off moments carefully since time at stops can be brief.

One more timing note: the tour can start later on some dates. For example, due to a Martin Luther King Parade on January 16, the start time shifts to 1:00 PM. If you’re visiting around then, check your day’s start time before you plan anything else.

Should you book this Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour?

Savannah: Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour - Should you book this Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour?
I’d book it if you want the best “first-day Savannah” value: a narrated loop with smart stop locations, enough flexibility to pace your day, and the ability to return later to whatever caught your eye.

I’d think twice if you’re tall and worried about cramped seating, or if you hate being on a schedule where quick stops are the norm. And if you’re the type who already knows Savannah well and wants only deep museum time, you may feel like you’re paying for some ride-by views.

If you’re arriving with limited time and want an honest, efficient introduction—this trolley is a very practical way to get it, while still giving you freedom to choose what you do next.

FAQ

How long is the Savannah Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off trolley tour?

The tour is listed as a 1-day experience.

How many stops are included?

The tour uses 15 stops.

What sites will the trolley stop near?

The route includes stops near the Savannah Visitor Center, Forsyth Park, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, City Market, River Street (including The Waving Girl), Davenport House Museum, Colonial Park Cemetery, and the Bull Street Corridor.

Can I board at any location?

Yes. You may depart from any of the Old Town Trolley boarding locations.

Is the tour narrated?

Yes. It includes a live narrated tour in English.

How often do the trolleys pick up and drop off?

Pickup/drop-off is approximately every 20 minutes at the convenient stops.

What should I bring to ride?

You must bring your voucher, and both printed and mobile vouchers are accepted.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Are pets allowed?

No, pets are not allowed.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.