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 the choices to help you decide which one to pick. 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.
You might also be interested in:
➡️ A Local’s Take on the Best Things To Do in Savannah
➡️ Savannah’s Must-See Spots for First-Time Visitors
Non-Stop Trolley Tour Options
Currently, there are three non-stop trolleys to choose from: two are history tours and one is a comedy tour.
The Savannah for Morons comedy tour is the most popular. I guarantee you’ll laugh your way through the city if you take it!
However, if you’re ultra-conservative, I suggest taking one of the history tours instead.
Non-Stop Trolley Tours
- ➡️ Savannah for Morons | Check Rates
- ➡️ Narrated History Sightseeing Tour | Check Rates
- ➡️ Sightseeing Trolley w/Unlimited Shuttle | Check Rates
Perks of a Non-Stop Trolley Tour
- Faster than the hop-on/hop-off options, since you won’t have to repeatedly wait for passengers to load and unload
- Better for enjoying an uninterrupted historical narration of Savannah
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 Facebook groupWe did a good bit of walking too, but really enjoyed riding the trolley.
TOUR | COMPANY | DURATION | PERKS | PURCHASE TICKETS |
SIGHTSEEING TROLLEY W/UNLIMITED SHUTTLE | KELLY TOURS | 90 Minutes + Shuttle Use for 2 Days | Free Shuttle Use for 2 Days, Service Dogs Allowed | |
NARRATED HISTORIC SAVANNAH SIGHTSEEING TROLLEY | OLD SAVANNAH TOURS | 75 Minutes | Shortest Tour Option, Service Dogs Allowed | |
SAVANNAH FOR MORONS COMEDY TROLLEY | OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS | 100 Minutes | Stop Midway to Purchase Drinks to Carry on the Trolley |
NOTE: During the Christmas season, you can also do the nonstop Holiday Nights and Festive Lights nighttime trolley to see the lights on display throughout the Historic District.
Hop-on/Hop-Off Trolleys
Currently, Old Town Trolley is the only company offering hop-on/hop-off tours in Savannah. The company offers a one or two-day option.
Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolleys
- ➡️ Old Town Trolley Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley | Check Rates
Perks of the Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley Tours
- 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 visiting landmarks
- You’ll have a variety of drivers, so you’ll get a different take on the history from each one
I always suggest newbies take one of the hop-on/hop-off trolleys and take the whole tour before hopping 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 the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide Facebook group
COMPANY | HOP-ON HOP-OFF | PARKING | PERKS | PURCHASE TICKETS |
OLD TOWN TROLLEY | YES | 2 Free Lots + SAV Visitor Center Lot | Free Shuttle, Frequent Stops |
Destination Trolley Tours
Now, if you’re ready to explore beyond the Historic District, there are a few tours that will take you further out. For example, you can visit Wormsloe Historic Site, Bonaventure Cemetery, Tybee Island, and more!
Here are the options…
Bonaventure and Wormsloe
If you’re not familiar with these sites, Bonaventure Cemetery is known as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world and Wormsloe Historic Site is home to the famous “aisle of oaks” you’ve probably seen on magazine covers. Between visiting the two stops, the trolley drops riders off at Erica Davis Lowcountry for a yummy lunch break. It also stops at Byrd Cookies for dessert and/or souvenirs.
➡️ Check Rates
Land and Sea Combo
This tour is one part trolley tour, one part boat ride. You’ll see some of the top attractions in the Historic District via the trolley, but you’ll also enjoy a 90-minute tour of the city’s waterfront via the Georgia Queen Riverboat. (You can actually break up this tour and do them on separate days, if you want.)
➡️ Check Rates
Savannah to Tybee with a Dolphin Cruise
If you select this option, you’ll tour Savannah’s Historic District before heading out to Tybee Island. The trolley stops at the Crab Shack for lunch, and then you get to go on Captain Derek’s top-rated dolphin tour. You’ll be dropped off back at the starting point in Savannah afterwards.
➡️ Check Rates
TOUR | DURATION | PERKS | PURCHASE TICKETS |
BONAVENTURE + WORMSLOE TROLLEY TOUR | 6 Hours | Bonaventure, Wormsloe, Lunch Stop + Cookie Stop | |
SAVANNAH LAND + SEA COMBO | 90 Minutes Historic District + 90 Minutes Riverboat | Historic District, Fort Jackson + Riverboat Cruise | |
SAVANNAH TO TYBEE W/DOLPHIN CRUISE | 6 Hours | Tybee Tour, Crab Shack for Lunch + Dolphin Cruise |
Black History Trolley Tours
I’ve written extensively about Black history tours in Savannah, and I think every visitor should make a point to learn the significant contributions African Americans–both enslaved and freed–have made within this city.
Many of the trolley tours listed above omit some of the crucial details regarding how this city came to be, but the Black history tours help provide a more well-rounded picture.
I highly recommend both of these trolley options!
Slavery to Freedom Trolley Tour
The Slavery to Freedom Tour is narrated by a Savannah native and the city’s most well-known Gullah Geechee storyteller. You can feel the wisdom of the ancestors speaking through Sistah Patt, and I dare you not to be moved by her words.
➡️ Check Rates
Savannah Black History Trolley Tour
The Savannah Black History Tour is led by Rita Fuller-Yates, an author and historian who hails from Columbus, Ohio. Rita is passionate about sharing Savannah’s history, and I love that she focuses on the many incredible accomplishments of African Americans in Savannah. Hers is a positive, uplifting tour!
➡️ Check Rates
During both tours, you’ll cover significant cultural points of interest that include stops such as First Bryan Baptist Church, First African Baptist Church, Second African Baptist Church, River Street, the African American Monument, the Cluskey Vaults along historic Factors Walk, Yamacraw Square, and more.
TOUR NAME | DURATION | PARKING | PERKS | PURCHASE TICKETS |
SLAVERY TO FREEDOM TOUR | 2 - 2.5 Hours | Savannah Visitor | Narrated by Local Gullah Geechee "Sistah Patt" | |
SAVANNAH BLACK HISTORY TOUR | 90 Minutes | Savannah Visitor Center Lot | Small Group Size, Focuses on Positivity and Resilience |
Savannah Ghost Tour Trolleys
Have you heard the news?! Savannah is the most haunted city in the world!
This city loves to celebrate all things spooky.
If you’re nervous to go wandering around after dark on one of Savannah’s many ghost tours, then a haunted trolley might be just the thing for you! There is currently only one option, and it’s not super scary.
Savannah Ghost Tour Trolleys
- ➡️ Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour | Check Rates
It’s not really scary but more of a history lesson, in my opinion. The last stop inside the chandlery might be scary, depending on your child. It’s dark, and at one point thunder cracks. A woman in our group got spooked and screamed!
Tiffany B. via the Savannah First-Timer’s Guide Facebook group
TOUR NAME | DURATION | PARKING | PERKS | PURCHASE TICKETS |
GHOSTS & GRAVESTONES | 90 Minutes | Try Finding Spots in Morrell Park | Free Admission to Andrew Low House Museum | . . |
More Reviews Here: Savannah Ghost Tour Trolleys: Honest Reviews from Recent Visitors
Should You Do a Savannah Trolley Tour?
My personal opinion is that Savannah is best seen on 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, if you have mobility issues or prefer not to walk for hours on end, I totally understand the appeal of the trolleys!
One of the biggest perks of a trolley tour is that you can let someone else do the driving on your first day in the city versus trying to drive around 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.
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.
Perks of Doing a Trolley Tour
All of the trolley tours offer these benefits…
- A narrated history of Savannah
- Licensed drivers and guides
- Restaurant and sightseeing suggestions from your guide
- Breaks from the heat to enjoy the air conditioning (or heat, during the winter season)
- 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
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, check each company’s individual website or call them directly.
Most of the trolleys run year-round — even on holidays!
St. Patrick’s and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are the two primary exceptions, since there are large parades downtown on those days.
A Deep Dive Into Each Trolley Tour Company in Savannah
Now, since each trolley company has its own individual strengths, let’s cover what makes each one unique.
Kelly Tours (Grayline)
Even though Kelly Tours doesn’t offer a hop-on/hop-off tour, it’s still a fantastic option.
If you purchase their non-stop trolley tour, they offer unlimited pick-ups and drop-offs both on the day of your tour and the following day via 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 many areas, such as the Historic District, Victorian District, and 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.
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?
Yes, and their free shuttle service also has A/C.
Can you board anywhere?
No. The trolley departs from the Savannah Visitor Center, so you’ll need to meet there.
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
Old Savannah Trolley Tours
As mentioned previously, Old Savannah Tours was acquired by Old Town Trolley’s parent company, Historic Tours of America, in February of 2025.
The nonstop trolley tour still lives on, though — it’s just run by Old Town Trolley/Historic Tours of America these days.
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. Guests can park for free at their Welcome Center, which is located at 217 W Boundary Street. Parking is limited and on a first come/first serve basis. If spaces run out, park at the nearby Savannah Visitor Center.
Are pets allowed?
Service dogs are the only animals 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 their Welcome Center, which is located at 217 W Boundary Street.
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 multiple tours, from the popular Savannah for Morons tour to the hop-on/hop-off trolley to the nighttime Ghosts and Gravestones option.
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. 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.
Are pets allowed?
Service dogs are the only animals allowed.
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?
Yes. If you purchase a 2-day pass, you must 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!