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

Exploring Savannah can be overwhelming with its charming squares, historic buildings, and lively streets. The Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour offers a practical way to see the city at your own pace, with 15 stops covering key sights, all for $45 per person. The tour spans 1 or 2 days, giving you ample opportunity to soak in the sights, hear stories, and make your own schedule. Expect to visit highlights like Reynolds Square, the Juliette Gordon Low Historic District, and Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, all narrated by friendly guides who bring the city’s stories to life.

What we love most about this experience is the flexibility it offers—being able to hop on and off at your leisure means you can linger longer at places that catch your interest. Plus, the entertaining guides make the journey enjoyable, mixing humor and facts seamlessly. We also appreciate the convenience of frequent trolley departures, roughly every 20 minutes, so you’re rarely waiting long.

A potential consideration is the crowding and timing—especially during peak hours, the trolleys can fill up quickly, and the tour stops by 5 or 7 pm, which might limit your evening plans. Still, for most visitors wanting a rundown of Savannah in a short time, it’s a smart choice.

This tour suits travelers who want an introduction to Savannah’s historic, architectural, and cultural landmarks without the hassle of navigating on their own. It’s particularly appealing for those with limited mobility, as the trolleys are accessible, and the hop-on-hop-off format offers both ease and variety.

Key Points

• Flexible sightseeing with hop-on hop-off stops at over 100 points of interest.
• Entertaining and knowledgeable guides who provide engaging narratives.
• Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Savannah.
• Scenic routes through historic neighborhoods, squares, and moss-draped avenues.
• Two-day option allows more leisurely exploration for those who want it.
• Affordable value considering the access to multiple sights and discounts.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Savannah Old Town Trolley Experience

An Overview of What You Can Expect

Starting at one of 15 central locations—such as the Savannah Visitor Center or Ellis Square—you’ll board a classic trolley that promises a blend of transportation and entertainment, or ‘Transportainment’ as some reviews call it. The live narrated tour is in English, and guides are generally praised for their knowledgeability and humor. Expect to see more than 270 years of history, told with a lively touch, peppered with interesting trivia and stories that keep the ride engaging.

The itinerary covers an impressive list of landmarks and neighborhoods. You’ll glide past magnolia-lined streets, moss-draped oaks, and historic homes, with stops at key spots like Forsyth Park, City Market, River Street, and the Juliette Gordon Low Historic District. Notably, the tour also includes visits to Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens and Reynolds Square, giving a well-rounded view of Savannah’s natural beauty and historic significance.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

One of the biggest perks is the flexibility to hop on and off. Several reviews highlight how this feature allows visitors to explore at their own pace, whether that’s grabbing a quick coffee, taking photos, or spending more time at a particular neighborhood. As one reviewer put it, “It was a lot of fun; the guides are very informative,” and “you can get off at the spots that interest you,” making it a personalized experience.

The guides are a definite highlight. Reviewers consistently mention guides like Irish, Red, Cindy, and Miss Q for their entertaining storytelling, humor, and local insights. Their personalities and storytelling styles make the journey lively and memorable. You might find, as one visitor did, that “Red is the best guide”, and that their local knowledge adds depth to the sightseeing experience.

The Stops and Sights

The 15 stops are thoughtfully positioned for easy access to major attractions. For example, the River Street stop puts you right at the historic waterfront, where you can enjoy shops, cafes, and river views. The City Market stop offers a vibrant spot for shopping, dining, and people-watching. The Forsyth Park stop provides a chance to see the iconic fountain, lush gardens, and open spaces.

At Reynolds Square, you can see the statue of John Wesley, adding a glimpse into Savannah’s spiritual history. The Calhoun Square and Colonial Park Cemetery stops allow for exploring historic squares and graves that tell stories of the city’s past. The River Street Waving Girl statue, a famous local landmark, is also easily accessible.

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The Experience on the Trolley

Most reviews mention the regularity of the trolley schedule, with buses arriving roughly every 20 minutes, meaning you’re seldom waiting long. The trolleys are open-air, letting you enjoy the breeze and views, which is ideal for sunny days. Although some mention that full trolleys can mean waiting for the next round, especially during peak times, the overall consensus is that the system runs smoothly.

The cost of $45 per person for a 1 or 2-day ticket** represents solid value, especially when you consider it includes discount coupons for attractions and restaurants. Several reviewers appreciated that the tour helped them plan their day, with some stating it allowed them to see so much in a short amount of time.

Guides and Narration: The Heart of the Tour

The guides’ personalities elevate this experience. From funny anecdotes to detailed historical facts, they keep the ride lively and informative. One reviewer noted, “Our tour guide Justice was amazing! She was very engaging, relayed historical information accurately & with a sense of humor.” Another praised Miss Cindy for being hilarious and knowledgeable, highlighting how guides’ personalities and storytelling flair significantly enhance the ride.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The tour is wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize safety, with social distancing practices in place. You’ll need to bring a voucher (printed or mobile), and the trolleys pick up and drop off conveniently at any of the 15 stops. The stops are generally close to many points of interest, making it easy to explore on foot after hopping off.

Considerations and Limitations

While most reviews praise the tour’s value and guides, some mention that trolleys can get crowded, especially during busy seasons. The tour stops by 5 pm or 7 pm, which could be limiting if you’re hoping to explore later into the evening or have dinner plans. Also, waiting for a trolley during peak hours might take longer if the system is busy.

Some visitors suggest longer hours or later evening departures to maximize sightseeing, especially if you want to enjoy dinner or evening activities. Plus, for taller travelers, some found seating a bit tight, but this is a minor point given the overall comfort.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Old Town Trolley Tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Savannah’s major sights. It’s equally suitable for those with limited mobility, given the accessible vehicles. Families, couples, or groups who want a blend of education and entertainment will find guides like Irish or Miss Q particularly charming. If you’re a traveler who values flexibility and prefers to customize your day by hopping on and off, this tour delivers.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for an intimate, in-depth exploration or evening activities, you might want to supplement this tour with other excursions. Still, as an introductory experience, it offers a fantastic way to get a broad sense of Savannah’s historic charm.

The Sum Up

The Savannah Old Town Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour offers excellent value for travelers eager to see the city with minimal hassle. It combines entertaining guides, scenic routes, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Most reviews rave about knowledgeable guides and clean, timely trolleys, making it a reliable and enjoyable way to start your Savannah adventure.

This tour is especially suited for those new to Savannah, families, and visitors who want a light yet rundown. Its affordable price point and multiple stops mean you can customize your day, taking in the sights that excite you most. Whether you’re here for a quick overview or a laid-back exploration, this tour delivers a friendly, informative, and scenic introduction to Georgia’s oldest city.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour is designed for 2 days, but you can choose a 1-day option. The buses run approximately every 20 minutes, giving you flexibility to spend more or less time at each stop.

Can I hop off and on during the tour?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off format allows you to disembark at any of the 15 stops and hop back on when you’re ready to continue exploring.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

What’s included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers a live narrated tour with 15 stops, discount coupons to attractions and restaurants, and the convenience of multiple days of sightseeing.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to reserve your spot ahead of time. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning.

What time does the tour start?
Start times vary; for example, during events like the Martin Luther King Parade, the tour may begin at 1:00 pm. Standard times are available upon booking, and you’ll receive a schedule at the ticket depot.

You can check availability for your dates here: