Right off the bat I’m going to tell you there is no “best” trolley tour in Savannah…you just need to decide on the ideal option for your particular situation! Today I’m going to break down your choices and help you decide which is right for you. I’ve also included some Savannah trolley tour reviews and lots of helpful input from members of my private Facebook group.
Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.
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Savannah Trolley Tour Options
I’m only going to focus on the three main tour companies, and I’ll review them in alphabetical order: Kelly Tours, Old Savannah Tours, and Old Town Trolley.
Old Town Trolley is currently the only company offering a Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour.
ALL of the tours are narrated.
Just FYI, I only compared history trolley tours on this post. I wrote a separate post comparing the ghost tour trolleys since those are so different from the history tours.
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick comparison chart of the various options (you may need to scroll to the right to see all of the columns):
COMPANY | HOP-ON HOP-OFF | DURATION | PARKING | PERKS | PURCHASE TICKETS |
KELLY TOURS | NO | 1 Day | Savannah Visitor | Includes the Starland District, Free Shuttle Use for 2 Days | |
KELLY TOURS | NO | 90 Minutes | 1 Free Lot + SAV Visitor Center Lot | Convertible Rooftop Offers Better Photo Ops, | |
OLD SAVANNAH TOURS | NO | 100 Minutes | 2 Free Lots + SAV Visitor Center Lot | Characters to Illustrate History, Free Shuttle, Small Pets Allowed | |
OLD TOWN TROLLEY | YES | 1 Day | 2 Free Lots + SAV Visitor Center Lot | GPS | |
OLD TOWN TROLLEY | YES | 2 Days | 2 Free Lots + SAV Visitor Center Lot | GPS |
You might also be interested in:
➡️ A Local’s Take on the Best Things To Do in Savannah
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🚎 Old Savannah Trolley Tours 1-Day Itinerary
Should You Do a Savannah Trolley Tour?
My personal opinion is that Savannah is best seen by foot.
The Historic District is small and very walkable, and you’ll notice so many more details when you’re strolling through the squares versus peering out the window of a trolley.
For that reason, I always suggest a walking tour if you’re physically able.
However, I realize many people have mobility issues or prefer not to walk for hours on end — especially in Savannah’s soul-sucking heat and humidity — so I totally understand the lure of the trolleys!
Another decent reason to opt for a trolley tour is because I think it’s better to let someone else do the driving on your first day in the city versus driving around the city yourself.
Hear me out…
Savannah isn’t always the easiest place for newcomers to navigate; it’s filled with notoriously bad drivers, one-way streets, cyclists, and SCAD students rushing to class.
There are also 22 squares that you have to detour around when you’re driving, and sometimes newcomers have trouble navigating them. (FYI: Yield to the car already circling the square, not to those entering the square.)
The solution? Let a tour guide shuttle you around!
That way you can get familiar with the layout of the Historic District while enjoying a narrated overview of the city.
Hop-On/Hop-Off Tours vs. Nonstop Tours
One of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make when selecting a tour is whether to do the Hop-On/Hop-Off option or the 1.5-hour Nonstop Narrated History Tour instead.
If you’re not in any rush and are operating on Savannah time, aka: as slow as a Southern drawl, my suggestion is to purchase the Hop-On/Hop-Off ticket and then ride it all the way around once without hopping off.
That way you’ll get a good overview of the Historic District and can make note of the attractions you want to see most.
Then, on your second loop around, “hop off” to visit the attractions you noted.
Walk around to explore the nearby squares and anything else that catches your eye before “hopping” back on at one of the next stops.
I always suggest newbies take one of the trolleys and take the whole tour before doing the on and off. I suggest they bring a pen and circle on the map the things they want to see/stop at after the first go-round.
Lori M.S. via my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group
If you’re super short on time, I vote for a non-stop tour instead (especially if you’re just doing a day trip).
The uninterrupted tours are faster, since you won’t waste precious time waiting for others to board.
Once you’ve done the uninterrupted tour and have determined what interests you most, make a beeline to those spots on foot or take the free DOT shuttle to get to them.
Perks of Both Tours
Both the Hop-On/Hop-Off tours and the nonstop history tours offer…
- A narrated history of Savannah
- Restaurant and sightseeing suggestions from your guide
- Breaks from the heat to enjoy a nice breeze
- A respite from the rain or cold on bad weather days (the trolley windows can be closed)
- An easier way to cover a lot of ground for seniors, families lugging babies around, or anyone with mobility issues
We took the trolley tour this past weekend & LOVED it! We learned so much! Riding in the breeze felt much better than walking in the hot sun.
– member of my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook groupWe did a good bit of walking too, but really enjoyed riding the trolley.
All tours offer accessibility friendly options, such as storage for wheelchairs, scooters, and foldable baby strollers.
If you have specific special needs you’re concerned about, be sure check each company’s individual website or call them directly.
Most of the trolleys run year-round — even on holidays!
The St. Patrick’s and Martin Luther King holidays are the two primary exceptions, since there are large parades downtown on those days.
Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Perks
- Pick and choose where you “hop off”
- Skip certain attractions if you aren’t interested
- Use the trolley to rest your feet for short periods of time while between landmarks
- You’ll have a variety of drivers, so you’ll get a different take on the history from each one
Non-Stop History Tour Perks
- Faster than the Hop-On/Hop-Off, since you won’t have to repeatedly wait for passengers to load and unload
- Better for enjoying an uninterrupted historical narration of Savannah
Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Tour Map
Here’s a helpful map of the current Hop-On/Hop-Off locations for Old Town Trolley Tours:
You can click on each icon to read more about the attractions near each stop.
If you click on each icon, you can read more about the attractions near that stop and I’ve also linked out to pertinent articles that include additional photos and tips.
Savannah Trolley Tour Reviews
Even though I try not to play favorites, I do make every effort to support local businesses on this site!
Old Savannah Tours was the original trolley tour company in Savannah, and it was locally owned for decades, so it was consistently my go-to recommendation.
However, the company was acquired by Old Town Trolley Tours in February of 2025. Old Town Trolley is a corporation based out of Florida.
For now, you can still take the old Old Savannah Tours nonstop trolley route, but now it’s called the Narrated Historic Savannah Sightseeing Trolley Tour and it’s run by by Old Town Trolley.
Confusing, eh?
The hop-on/hop-off tour that Old Savannah Tours used to offer merged with Old Town Trolley, so Old Town Trolley’s Hop-On/Hop-Off Tour is currently the only hop-on/hop-off option.
No matter which trolley company you opt for, I suggest also adding a Black history tour of Savannah to your itinerary.
The narrated trolley tours tend to omit many of the crucial details regarding how this city came to be, so the Black history tours help complete the picture.
Now, since each trolley company has its own individual strengths, let’s delve into what makes each one unique.
Kelly Tours (Grayline)
Even though Kelly Tours doesn’t offer a hop-on/hop-off tour, they’re still a fantastic option.
If you purchase either of their uninterrupted tours, they offer unlimited pick-ups and drop-offs both on the day of your tour and the following day on their smaller free shuttle service. **That’s a huge bonus!**
The smaller shuttle bus is enclosed and air-conditioned, which is a huge perk during the heat and humidity of Savannah’s summer months. Trust me on that!
We did Kelly Tours; booked through our concierge. Picked us up in a shuttle, took us to the start of the 90-minute tour, dropped us off where we wanted to revisit, and shuttled us to wherever we wanted that day and the next. Highly recommend.
Karen H. via my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group
Their uninterrupted tours aren’t scripted, so you get a fresh take on each attraction as you drive past it.
The trolleys visit the Historic District, the Victorian District, and the Starland District, so you’ll get a better overview of an extended area if you choose Kelly Tours.
A few highlights of their uninterrupted tours include drives past River Street, City Market, Forsyth Park, the Starland District, and the beautiful Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
If you’re trying to decide between the regular Non-Stop Narrated Trolley Tour or their 360° Panoramic Tour, note that the 360° tour is smaller and more personalized.
It’s in a Mercedes Sprinter with a convertible top, so they’ll remove the top on nice weather days and you’ll get a fantastic view of the city.
📸 Photo Tip: If you’re a photographer or Instagrammer, the 360° Panoramic Tour would be the ideal option for you. The convertible roof is ideal for photographing churches and the architectural features of the city.
FAQs About Kelly Tours
Do they have a free shuttle?
Yes. As mentioned, their free shuttles will not only pick you up and drop you off at your hotel within the Historic District on the day of your tour, but the driver will also deliver you to various points of interest the following day.
Do they have free parking?
Some. They offer a very limited number of free spots behind their Welcome Center on a first come/first serve basis. You’ll probably end up parking at the Savannah Visitor Center, which is just steps away.
Are the trolleys air-conditioned?
Sort-of. Technically they are, but since the trolleys are open-air, you won’t be able to feel the A/C much. The free shuttles have A/C, though!
Can you board anywhere?
No. The trolley departs from the Savannah Visitor Center, so you’ll need to meet there. If you opt for their 360° Panoramic Tour, it’s a smaller and more personalized tour, and they’ll pick you up at your hotel.
What time does the last tour of the day depart?
The last tour departs between 3 and 3:30 in order to return to the Savannah Visitor Center by 5 pm.
Purchase Kelly Tours Trolley Tickets
PRO TIP: Don’t forget to pack a hat and wear sunscreen if you choose the 360° Panoramic Tour!
Old Savannah Trolley Tours
As mentioned previously, Old Savannah Tours was acquired by Old Town Trolley in February of 2025.
The nonstop trolley tour with the costumed characters who board the trolleys still lives on, though! (The trolleys are just owned by Old Town Trolley now.)
The most popular person to board is usually Forrest Gump, but there are quite a few other characters, too.
Old Savannah tours are my very favorite. I love the characters at certain stops that give a narrations about that stop.
Lori M.S. via my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group
We used Old Savannah Tours. It’s a good way to see a large portion of the main areas. And the costumed actors were an unexpected bonus!
– Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group member
FAQs About Old Savannah Tours
Do they have a free shuttle?
Yes. You can arrange for complimentary pick-up and drop-off at your hotel within the Historic District.
Do they have free parking?
Yes, they have two lots, and both are very close to the Savannah Visitor Center. The larger lot is located at their Welcome Center, which is at 215 W Boundary Street. The second lot is at a former bank building located at 255 Montgomery Street (directly across the street from the Savannah Visitor Center). Parking at both free lots is limited and on a first come/first serve basis. If they run out, park at the Savannah Visitor Center.
Are pets allowed?
Dogs used to be welcome on the Old Savannah Tours trolleys, but now that they’ve been acquired by the new company, dogs are no longer allowed.
Are the trolleys air-conditioned?
Yes, the trolleys have air conditioning.
Can you board anywhere?
Since this trolley is nonstop, you’ll need to board at the beginning. The trolleys depart from the Savannah Visitor Center.
What time does the last tour of the day depart?
During April, May, and June, the final tour of the day departs at 5 pm, which means the last drop-off at the Visitor Center is at 6:30 pm. The final drop-off is closer to 5 pm during the remaining portion of the year (August through March).
Purchase Old Savannah Tours Tickets
Old Town Trolley Tours
Old Town Trolley Tours operates the largest number of trolleys in Savannah, so they usually have the shortest wait times.
If a particular stop is overly crowded, they can send a backup trolley out to lessen the wait time.
We walked everywhere on Day 1 and purchased a 2-day trolley pass for the next two days. It is nice to be able to rest and ride and just listen and then walk. We did the Hop-On/Hop-Off Old Town Trolley. Very enjoyable. Just remember that they go in numerical order for the stops. Plan accordingly. Sometimes the buses are full, and you may have to wait for the next bus for about 8 minutes.
– Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group member
FAQs About Old Town Trolley Tours
Do they have a free shuttle?
Yes. You can arrange for complimentary pick-up and drop-off at your hotel within the Historic District.
Do they have free parking?
Yes. Guests can park for free in the Old Town Trolley lot , which is across the street from the Visitor Center (Stop #1). The address is 234 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. They offer additional parking a few blocks away at their Welcome Center, which is located at 214 W Boundary Street (Stop #2).
Are pets allowed?
No.
Are the trolleys air-conditioned?
Yes, the trolleys have air conditioning.
Do the 2-day passes have to be used two days in a row?
No. If you purchase a 2-day pass, you do not need to use them on consecutive days.
When is the last tour of the day?
During April, May, and June, the final tour of the day departs at 5 pm, which means the last drop-off at the Visitor Center is at 6:30 pm. The final drop-off is closer to 5 pm during the remaining portion of the year (August through March).
Purchase Old Town Trolley Tickets
A Note on Parking….
The tour companies all offer free parking, but each lot only has a limited number of spaces. They’re usually on a first come/first serve basis.
All of the companies are located in the vicinity of the Savannah Visitor Center, which makes a great place for overflow parking.
The first hour of parking at the Visitor Center is free. It costs $1 per hour thereafter. Make note that you’ll need to have your car out by 8 p.m.
The Visitor Center has bathrooms, free WiFi, a snack center, and gift shop.
The Savannah History Museum is also located in the same building.
Related Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Parking in Savannah
A Note on Tipping….
Tipping isn’t included in any of the tour prices, so it’s always nice to tip your driver at the end if they do a good job.
I’m impressed with how well they navigate the narrow streets of Savannah while dodging pedestrians AND keeping up with the historical narration. Kudos to them!
I would definitely include a tip if they make the extra effort of picking you up and dropping you off at your hotel.
We did Old Savannah Trolley Tours. Great tour, we just stayed on the trolley. We also got to bring our furbaby with us on the tour, which was a plus! They also provided transportation to and from our door without additional cost. We tipped the driver, of course.
Sherri H. via my Savannah First-Timer’s Guide private Facebook group
Savannah Travel Guide Info
My Savannah First-Timer’s Guide combines my top Savannah travel tips from this website into one helpful ebook. If you find it helpful to have all of the research done for you, it’s available for purchase here.
Not Ready to Go Just Yet?
Awesome! It makes me happy when visitors want to stick around. Here are some more helpful posts you might be interested in reading…
- Bonaventure Cemetery Tour: Top Tips & Must-See Spots
- Black History Tours Savannah: Which Ones Are Best?
- 9 Unique and Fun Things To Do in Savannah Georgia
- The Most Haunted Places in Savannah GA (Map Included!)
If you have any questions about these Savannah trolley tour reviews, feel free to drop them in the comments below!
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Erin authored the Savannah First-Timer's Guide and loves helping first-time visitors plan their trips. She lives in the artsy Starland District and enjoys exploring Savannah's hidden gems, as well as the surrounding Lowcountry.
I always enjoy going on hop-on hop-off tours when they are available. You get to see all the best places and then you can go back and spend longer in the places you liked the most. I never knew there were so many in Savannah.
Believe it or not, this is only a fraction of the trolley tours! There are others that go further out to attractions like Wormsloe and Bonaventure, and then there are quite a few haunted trolley tours, too. Trolleys are a big business in Savannah. lol
This was the one thing I didn’t do in Savannah! I love the comparison of all the different companies too!
Great tips and info on whether to choose a trolley tour and if so which one! I prefer walking as much as possible but sometimes it’s so nice to take a break and enjoy the sights by vehicle especially if short on time.
I’m a fan of walking, too — especially here in Savannah. It’s so much easier to notice all of the details when you’re on foot. During the heat of the summertime, though, the trolleys are a godsend.
I so much love the concept of hop on hop off buses. They actually let you see the whole city at your convenience and time.
Love that you put all this information together. I’m always someone that has to research all the options and the pros/cons of each one. I didn’t do a trolley tour in Savannah when I visited so I would like to next time. This will be really useful in helping me decide!
These trolleys are adorable! We would love to ride one and hop around the city. Would make for excellent photography as well!!!
They do make for some cute photos!
This is perfect for those hot and humid Southern days when you just need a break from walking.
I love taking hop on hop off buses whenever I am in a new city. It is such a great way of being able to go everywhere and see whatever interests you.
Your whole site is amazing. I have been to Savannah twice now and there’s so much more I want to see. Wonderfully detailed posts and photos. Thank you for helping me plan my next trip!
Do i need to go to a specific place to buy on off tickets or can i purchase them at any stop?
Hi Joyce! I suggest buying them online in advance. If you want to purchase them in person, I only know how it works with Old Savannah Tours. With them, you need to purchase at one of their two ticketing locations (the 215 W Boundary Street location or the 255 Montgomery Street location). Hope that helps!