Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing in Savannah
If you’re planning your first vacation to Savannah soon, chances are, you’ll want to see as much of the city’s historic buildings and landmarks as possible during your trip. And while Savannah’s Historic District is well-known for its walkable layout, sometimes finding a quicker, easier way to get around the city can help you really make the most of your time in Savannah, GA.
That’s where trolley tours come in as a fantastic option for first-time visitors! In this post, we’ll share how trolley tours are ideal for sightseeing in Savannah — offering a blend of history and entertainment with self-guided exploration — and explain how to choose the best trolley tour for you.
Key Takeaways
- Trolley tours are an excellent sightseeing opportunity in Savannah’s Historic District, allowing you to see and learn about many of the city’s most famous attractions with the ability to get on or off the trolley at each stop to explore the landmarks at your own pace.
- Most 90-minute trolley tours in Savannah come with a knowledgeable guide who shares interesting stories and historical facts about Savannah during the ride and include stops at Forsyth Park, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and Davenport House.
- Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah is our top pick for trolley tour companies in Savannah for visitors who are looking for the true hop-on, hop-off experience in open-air trolleys.
What Can I Expect on a Trolley Tour in Savannah’s Historic District?
Sightseeing Opportunities
Trolley tours are, first and foremost, sightseeing tours of Savannah. You’ll have the chance to see some of Savannah’s most famous landmarks from the comfort of an open-air trolley while learning more about the city’s fascinating history and stories from highly trained, knowledgeable local guides.
Unlimited Shuttle Service
Most of Savannah’s trolley tours follow a 90-minute route. However, with the tour’s hop-on, hop-off format, you can get off the trolley at any stop that interests you and hop back on another trolley later in the day. Trolleys run all day long, though frequency varies with the time of year, traffic, and weather.
Popular Stops & Landmarks
Savannah’s trolley tours stop at (or pass by) the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions, making them a great “first day” activity to get acquainted with Savannah. Some of the most popular trolley stops include City Market (where you can tour the American Prohibition Museum), Forsyth Park, River Street and the Savannah River, Davenport House, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
Storytelling Experience
One of the highlights of Savannah trolley tours is the guided live narration. Each tour (and trolley) includes a trained guide who can share insights into Savannah’s history and architecture, as well as local legends and fun facts. You’ll definitely walk away with some newfound knowledge! Most guides infuse their tours with humor and personality to keep you entertained the entire time.
Best Savannah Trolley Tours
#1. Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah (Our Top Pick!)
We highly recommend choosing Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah for your trolley tour. As the only company that offers a true hop-on, hop-off open-air trolley experience in Savannah, this tour is ideal for visitors who want the chance to both see and experience Savannah’s most famous attractions.
Old Town Trolley Tours travels through the Historic District and Victorian District during its tours and stops at the Old Savannah Distillery, Franklin Square, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, Madison Square, Forsyth Park, Taylor Square, Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, the Visitors Center, Old Town Trolley Tours Welcome Center, City Market, Christ Church Parish House, River Street, River Street Marketplace, The Waving Girl, Davenport House, and the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
#2. Gray Line Savannah
Gray Line Savannah is another tour operator that offers trolley tours through Savannah’s Historic, Victorian, and Starland Districts. Popular stops include the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, Forsyth Park, River Street, Chippewa Square, City Market, and Andrew Low House.
While this 90-minute tour is a great option to learn about Savannah’s history with live narration and see popular historic landmarks, the tour does not include hop-on and hop-off capabilities, though it does include an unlimited shuttle service that will transport you to your next destination after the tour is over.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley Tours: How Do They Work?
Ready to embark on your Savannah trolley tour experience? Assuming you select Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah for a hop-on, hop-off experience, here’s how the process works.
- Step #1: Choose Your Tickets — Go online and purchase your tickets for either a one- or two-day hop-on, hop-off trolley tour through Savannah. Your ticket will give you full access to the trolley from 9 AM to 5 PM for the day (or days) for which you purchase the tour.
- Step #2: Hop Aboard the Trolley — When the day of your trolley tour arrives, you can board at any of the 16 convenient trolley stops in Savannah’s Historic District. We recommend choosing the one closest to your vacation rental! Tours depart approximately every 20 minutes.
- Step #3: Enjoy the Ride — From start to finish, the entire trolley tour experience takes about 90 minutes. We recommend riding the trolley all the way through first — so you can get acquainted with the city and hear the live narration and stories from your guide — and the second time around, hop off at any stops that grabbed your attention.
Tips for Maximizing Your Trolley Tour Experience During Your Trip to Savannah’s Historic District
- Time — Starting your trolley tour first thing in the morning is a great way to beat the midday heat and the crowds. This way, you’ll be able to complete a full loop on the trolley before the crowds arrive (especially during busy seasons), and you can start hopping off to explore the city sooner!
- Pace — Most tourists find that a one-day trolley tour provides enough time to see and explore the city — especially if you’re on a tight timeline, like a weekend trip. However, if you’ll be spending longer in Savannah and want to stop at every historic home, museum, and square, you might find that a two-day tour allows you more time to explore at a leisurely pace.
- Extras — In addition to hop-on, hop-off trolley tours, Savannah Tours also offers several other trolley tours, including a comedy trolley tour and a ghost trolley tour. Explore all the options to determine which is best for your trip to Savannah!
Savannah Trolley FAQs
Do the tours run on holidays and holiday weekends?
The trolley runs on every holiday except St. Patrick’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day because of the large parades held in Savannah that restrict the trolley route.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Trolley tours in Savannah are family-friendly, and children aged four and under can ride for free. Collapsible strollers can be stored at the front of the trolley with the conductor.
Is the tour accessible for all guests?
Some trolleys — but not all — can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters with a motorized lift. If you book a tour and will need mobility assistance, please notify the tour provider at least 24 hours in advance so arrangements can be made for your ride. The only stop on the tour with loading and unloading privileges is Stop 9 – Welcome Center. For more information about accessibility services, click here.
How far in advance should I book my trolley tour?
It’s smart to purchase your trolley tickets online as soon as your travel dates have been confirmed to secure the best discounts. However, tickets rarely run out, and you can almost always purchase tickets on the day of (or the day before) your ride.
Stay Right Next to Savannah’s Top Attractions & Popular Trolley Stops with South Key
From ease of transportation and flexible sightseeing to historical insight and insider knowledge, there is no doubt that a Savannah trolley tour is one of the best ways to experience Savannah’s Historic District! And, as an affiliate partner with Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah, South Key can offer exclusive discounts on one- or two-day trolley tours to our guests when you book through our exclusive link.
If you’d like to stay right next to some of the most popular trolley stops for convenient hop-on, hop-off access, look no further than our charming collection of luxury vacation homes in Savannah’s Historic District. From cozy studios and condos to spacious homes and townhomes, we have 100+ properties to choose from, making it easy to plan a Savannah getaway that feels just right for you.
