25 Best Trolley Rides in the United States

By VacationIdea Staff on June 14, 2022 - Updated

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Traveling to a new destination can be a thrilling experience. However, sometimes getting around can be a little daunting as some attractions might be many miles away. While there are transportation services available, they aren’t always free and might not give you an interesting perspective of the area. Because of this, many towns and cities often have trolley rides available which allow visitors to travel through them without hassles while also learning more about the sites they are seeing. Below you’ll discover some of the best trolley rides in the United States.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.ABQ Trolley Co.

The Albuquerque Tourism & Sightseeing Factory created the ABQ Trolley Company as a way to help tourists easily explore this iconic New Mexican city. It offers a few different tours, such as a city tour which will take you by the city’s most famous sites. There is also a Breaking Bad tour that will take visitors to spots used in this popular show. You’ll also find a few other options, such as a hop-on-hop-off brewery tour. The trolley will pick you up at various areas in the city, including many in Albuquerque’s Old Town. Tickets can be bought online and prices range based on age.

330 Tijeras Ave NW Ste. Q, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87102, Phone: 505-200-2642

2.Boston Tours by Old Town Trolley

Boston Tours by Old Town Trolley will take you through this historic East Coast city with the help of vibrant orange and green trolleys, allowing you to view many historic sites, such as the Old State House, Charles Street, and Beacon Hill. After buying your tickets, you’ll be able to use the trolley throughout the day and hop-on-hop-off at several stops. Your trolley ride also includes a few other perks, such as free admission to a handful of the city’s museums. While riding the trolley, the conductor will narrate your tour allowing you to learn more about the sites on your journey.

200 Atlantic Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, Phone: 617-269-7010

3.Crater Lake Trolley

Situated in Crater Lake National Park near the Rim Village, the Crater Lake Trolley runs from early July to September. The trolley will take you by Crater Lake which is known for its stunning blue color. Visitors will be able to view the lake and surrounding landscape while listening to a ranger explain more about the natural wonders surrounding you. The trolley, which can hold up to 25 people, makes around seven stops during its two-hour duration, allowing you to get out and take pictures. Tickets are required to ride and can be bought online or at the trolley station.

445 S Spring St, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97603, Phone: 541-882-1896

4.Denver Trolley

The Denver Trolley is designed to help immerse visitors into Denver’s rich history. This bright yellow trolley will take guests through the city providing views of Denver’s beautiful skyline and of the nearby Platte River. A few stops you’ll be able to experience along the way include Confluence Park, Elitch Garden, and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. The trolley also operates as a Broncos shuttle during the football season when this team plays at its home stadium. The Denver Trolley doesn’t run on Tuesday and Wednesday and tickets can be bought at various locations around the city, such as at the Denver International Airport and Colorado Convention Center.

1400 Water Street, Denver, Colorado 80202, Phone: 303-458-6255

5.Door County Trolley

Door County Trolley began in 2000 and is the brainchild of AJ Frank. This trolley service offers a variety of unique tours visitors can sign up for, such as a winter wine tour, lighthouse tour, holiday pub crawl, narrated scenic tour, and ghost tour. There is also a Wisconsin Supper Club Tour that lets you enjoy a traditional Wisconsin meal at various eateries. The trolley will take you around Wisconsin’s historic Door County and provides you with exclusive access to local shops and restaurants. You’ll also get views of the surrounding bluffs and islands. Tours can last anywhere from one to five hours depending on the one you sign up for. Private tours are also available.

8030 WI-42, Egg Harbor, Wisconsin 54209, Phone: 920-868-1100

6.Galena Trolley Tours

Located in Galena, Illinois, the Galena Trolley Tours will take you through this historic town on charming red trolleys. There are two tours visitors can sign up for. One is a non-stop trolley tour which lasts about an hour and drives around the town’s historic district. The other tour lasts two hours and will showcase the town’s historic homes, such as the U.S. Grant Home, Belvedere Mansion, and Dowling House (one of the oldest stone structures in the state). Tours are offered year-round and many are free. Children can also ride free with an adult. Tickets can be bought at its station where you’ll also find a small gift shop.

314 Main Street, Galena, Illinois 61036, Phone: 815-777-1248

7.Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods spans over 1,300 acres and is filled with breathtaking sandstone formations. To help visitors better experience it, there is a trolley tour. This trolley tour features a unique 1909 theme and the drivers are often dressed in appropriate time-period clothing for the occasion. The trolley seats 14 people and will take you around the park for 45 minutes with a guided narration. The tours depart each hour, although sometimes they might not be available during the winter due to the weather. Tickets need to be bought at the park as there are no advance reservations allowed.

1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904, Phone: 719-634-6666

8.Gray Line Portland - Pink Trolley Sightseeing

The Gray Line Portland drives you around this iconic Oregon city in a vibrant pink trolley. This hop-on-hop-off service departs every hour and follows a loop route that takes visitors by attractions such as the Pearl District, Chinese Garden, South Park Blocks, and Caruthers Park. The trolley operates from May to October and starts running at 10 a.m. each day. The tour is also narrated by the driver who will tell you more about the sites you pass. Prices for tickets vary depending on age and there are passes available if you’d like to use the trolley for a few days.

525 S.W. Naito Parkway, Portland, Oregon 97204, Phone: 503-241-7373

9.Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville

Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville gives visitors a unique perspective of this charming North Carolina city nestled beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its hop-on-hop-off tour features 10 stops that are located on the trolley’s 15-mile drive. A few destinations you’ll be able to stop by at with the tour include the Haywood Park Hotel, Grove Arcade, Biltmore Village, and Pack Square. Along the way, you’ll be able to listen to the history of the town and how it has become an important area for the arts. During the winter, there is a Christmas trolley tour where visitors will be taken through the city to view the decorations and listen to carolers.

P. O. Box 2115, Asheville, North Carolina 28802, Phone: 828-251-4269

10.Hornblower Classic Cable Cars

This unique cable car ride allows you to hop on one of San Francisco’s classic trolleys. These historic cars are handcrafted and made of brass and oak. Visitors can sign up for a few different tours of the city, such as one that will take you to Alcatraz and another that will give you a tour of Fisherman’s Wharf. In addition to this, there is a holiday night tour during December which lets you to view the city as it’s decked out in colorful lights for this festive time of the year. Tour guides will usually accompany you to better explain the sites you are seeing.

6000 3rd Street Unit B, San Francisco, California 94124, Phone: 844-922-2532

11.Loretto Line Tours

Loretto Line Tours gives visitors exclusive access to many of Santa Fe’s iconic sites. As one of the oldest trolley car companies in the city, Loretto Line Tours will take you to many intriguing attractions, such as Canyon Road, the Santa Fe Museum Hill area, and Santa Fe Plaza. The tours last around an hour and 15 minutes and take you on a 10-mile loop through the city. Visitors can catch a trolley at two locations: the Loretto Chapel or La Fonda Hotel. Ticket prices range according to age and the trolley tour season usually lasts from mid-Match to late fall.

207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501, Phone: 505-982-0092

12.Naples Trolley Tours

Naples Trolley Tours will take you on a relaxing excursion through the balmy city of Naples. Guests can jump on one of the many red and blue trolleys that will take you to several stops throughout the city. This includes destinations such as Tin City, Inn of Naples, City Dock, and the Vanderbilt Beach Resort. The trolley tour begins at the Experience Naples building and guests can hop on or off the trolley at various stops. Tickets are required, but there are a few discounts available.

1010 6th Avenue South, Naples, Florida 34102, Phone: 800-592-0848

13.Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville

This trolley tour will take you through Nashville, Tennessee's capital. This southern city is known for being home to many historic country music destinations, some of which you’ll be able to see with this trolley tour. Other stops visitors will be able to view during their Old Town Trolley Tour include the Patsy Cline Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Frist Center, the Gulch, and Legislative Plaza. Old Town Trolley Tours Nashville also offers a night tour where you’ll be able to learn about the city’s nightlife. There are one-day or two-day ticket options, both of which come with free access to a few local museums.

201 Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee 37201, Phone: 629-208-0200

14.Old Town Trolley Tours San Diego

Old Town Trolley Tours San Diego gives visitors the ability to explore this busy city with ease. Some stops along the way include Old Town Market, Embarcadero Marina, Horton Plaza Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Hotel del Coronado. You can hop on or off the trolley at any stop along the way and you can use the trolley map given to you to help you find future stops. In addition to an old town tour, this trolley company also has a ghost night tour and one of San Diego’s best beaches. Trolley operation times depend on the season you plan to visit the city, although during the summer there are usually extended hours.

4010 Twiggs St, San Diego, California 92101, Phone: 619-298-8687

15.Old Town Trolley Tours St. Augustine

Visitors can climb aboard one of the many green and orange Old Town trolleys to explore the famous city of St. Augustine. The trolleys will take you on a loop-tour of the city where you’ll be able to view many of its notable sites, such as the Old Jail, Potter’s Wax Museum, Colonial Quarter, St. George Street, and the Villa Zorayda Museum. Another trolley tour option is a ghost tour that will take you through the city at night as storytellers recite spooky ghost tales. Old Town Trolley Tour tickets come with free admission to the St. Augustine History Museum and access to Alligator Farm.

167 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine, Florida 32084, Phone: 904-829-3800

16.Red Rock Magic Trolley

The Red Rock Magic Trolley gives you a stunning tour of Sedona, Arizona. It offers three different trolley tours visitors can choose from. The first one is the Boynton Canyon Trolley Tour which explores local Native American sites and tells of old Western movies filmed in the area. The second tour is the Sedona Hi-Points Tour which will show you some of Sedona’s most beautiful natural wonders, like Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Chapel of the Holy Cross. The last tour option takes you exclusively into Chapel of the Holy Cross. Tour times will vary depending on the one you sign up for.

252 AZ-89A, Sedona, Arizona 86336, Phone: 928-821-6706

17.Royal Trolley Tours

Royal Trolley Tours offers a three-hour morning or night tour option of Washington, D.C. This sightseeing tour will give you beautiful views of many of America’s most renowned landmarks, such as the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Capitol Building. You’ll also be able to see many of the city’s iconic museums and natural wonders, such as the Smithsonian and Potomac River. The night tour loops around D.C. and showcases the illuminated city landmarks. Each tour features a guide who will explain more about the structures and areas you are passing through. The trolley windows are also open to provide you with unobstructed views.

1220 L St NW, Washington, DC 20005, Phone: 202-803-6880

18.Salt Lake Trolley Tours

Bright red trolley cars will whisk you away through Salt Lake City where you’ll learn about and see many of the city’s famous landmarks. During your journey, you’ll also be entertained by a few theatrical performers who will put on various acts to entertain you while also teaching you about the sites you’re passing. Some areas you’ll view during your adventure include Temple Square, Capitol Hill, and the historic districts that are known for their cathedrals and mansions. Reservations are required ahead of time and tours last about 90 minutes.

161 W 600 S, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101, Phone: 801-521-7373

19.Savannah Tours by Old Town Trolley

Savannah Tours by Old Town Trolley takes visitors through this famous city where they can learn more about its history and numerous attractions. The tour has over 15 stops which include Bull Street Corridor, Madison Square, City Market, the Davenport House, and River Street. Guests can get on or off the trolley at any stop on the route. During the drive, you’ll be able to listen to a narration of the sites you’re passing and interesting facts about them. This trolley tour also hosts a Ghosts and Gravestones trolley tour at night where you can explore some of Savannah’s spooky destinations.

234 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Savannah, Georgia 31401, Phone: 855-245-8992

20.Sedona Trolley

Sedona is a desert town is filled with breathtaking views and is best known for its red buttes. The Sedona Trolley, which has been in operation since 1993, will take you through the area with two different tour options. Tour A lasts 55 minutes and drives you through South Sedona and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Tour B also is 55 minutes but takes you to West Sedona and Boynton Canyon. You can choose to go on one tour or travel on both. Trolleys leave every two hours and feature commentary as you drive through the local scenery. It’s often recommended that you make reservations well ahead of time.

276 SR 89A, Suite B, Sedona Arizona 86336, Phone: 928-282-4211

21.Solvang Trolley & Carriage Tours

Solvang Trolley & Carriage Tours has been serving the city of Solvang for over 50 years. Nestled inside the Santa Ynez Valley, the tours will take you through this charming Danish-inspired city with a horse-drawn trolley car which has been built to resemble a 1915 Honen trolley. Visitors will be able to see many notable sites along the way, such as windmills, shops, restaurants, and bakeries. The tours usually take about 25 minutes and will guide you through Downtown Solvang. Tour guides on board will also comment on various sites as you pass them and explain their history and connection to Denmark.

1618 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, California 93463, Phone: 805-794-8958

22.Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley takes you deep into the heart of the Sonoma Valley on a classic cable car. You’ll stop at four different vineyards where you can learn more about how they grow their grapes and produce wine. While at the vineyards, you can also try samples of wine and munch on some snacks. As you travel to each location, a tour guide will tell you more about the surrounding area and intriguing attractions you pass by. During Christmas, the trolley is decked out in garlands and lights and offers a special tour through the surrounding Victorian neighborhoods and Downtown Napa.

21707 8th Street East, Suite B, Sonoma, California 95476, Phone: 707-938-2600

23.St. Louis Trolley Tours

This trolley tour will take you through St. Louis and passes by 18 of the city’s most notable attractions. Along the way, your tour guide will explain more behind the history of the sites and interesting facts about them. There are three trolley pick-up locations which are at Union Station, Ballpark Hilton, and Ballpark Village. Each makes a complete loop around the city. St. Louis Trolley Tours offers a Holiday Light Tour during December where you can listen to festive music as you drive through nearby neighborhoods to view lights. Tickets for the tours can be bought online and there are special discounts for seniors and military personnel.

1000 Cerre Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63102, Phone: 314-241-1400

24.Tombstone Trolley LLC

Located in Tombstone, Arizona, this trolley service allows you to explore the Wild West. The trolleys will take you through Tombstone to different destinations, including historic Boot Hill Cemetery. Along the way, you might come across gunfighters who put on a thrilling show for spectators. The conductor will explain more about the sites you see and even tell you a few legends that exist about them. The trolley also offers a ghost and murder tour which lasts about one hour and tells more about the spirits that are believed to haunt the land. Tours last about 30 minutes and are pet-friendly. Visitors need to purchase tickets and prices for them range based on age.

137 S 4th Street, Tombstone, Arizona 85638, Phone: 520-955-3090