Washington DC: Monuments by Moonlight Nighttime Trolley Tour
About This Experience
If you come to Washington by train rather than on a coach, this is the easiest guided tour to add: one option departs from Union Station, where Amtrak trains from New York arrive. It runs after dark, for about two and a half hours, and has more than 1,600 reviews.
The trolley has stadium-style seating and a guide who talks the whole way. You get off twice for about 30 minutes each: once at the Lincoln Memorial with the Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials beside it, and once at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials. Between stops you pass the Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument and the Jefferson Memorial, all floodlit.
The Iwo Jima stop is suspended because of a bridge closure, and the World War II Memorial stands in for it. As a night tour it suits an overnight stay best, or a day trip with a late train home.
Highlights
- The most-reviewed night tour on this site: 4.6 from more than 1,600 reviews
- Departs from Union Station, a short walk from your Amtrak platform
- 30 minutes on foot at the Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean War Veterans Memorials
- 30 minutes at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials
- Floodlit views of the Capitol, White House, Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial
- Stadium-style trolley seating and live commentary from a professional guide
What's Included
- ✓ Professional tour guide with live commentary
- ✓ Trolley transportation for the whole route
- ✓ 30-minute stop at the Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans Memorials
- ✓ 30-minute stop at the FDR and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials
- ✓ A stop at the World War II Memorial while the Iwo Jima stop is suspended
- ✓ Slow-downs for photos at the sights with no formal stop
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Tips
What to Bring
- A warm layer: the trolley is open to the evening air at the stops
- Comfortable shoes for the memorial walks
- A phone or camera that handles low light
Good to Know & Caveats
- The Iwo Jima (U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial) stop is currently skipped because of a bridge closure; the World War II Memorial replaces it.
- No luggage or large bags on board, so leave bags at the station or your hotel first.
- No pets, smoking or alcohol.
- If you are day-tripping by train, check the tour ends in time for your return train to New York.
Meeting Point
Washington DC Welcome Center, or Union Station if you book that option. Union Station is where Amtrak trains from New York arrive.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.6/5 by 1,607 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
Excellent evening tour with a hop-on, hop-off bus. An evening tour provides a unique perspective and view that can’t be accomplished during the day. The weather was cooperative for the event. Bryon the entertainer was a great guide being both knowledgeable and engaging with the guest. Bryon rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was a great way to end the evening. The trolley use of dropping many of us off at the Metro Station was much appreciated for being late at night and tired at the end of the day.
— R., September 14, 2026
A very enjoyable tour. We explored Washington, D.C., in the evening. It was an amazing experience. Our guide, Mike, was a fantastic guy with a wealth of knowledge. We highly recommend it.
— Marcin, August 25, 2026
Smiley, our driver was amazing! What an enjoyable evening seeing these iconic places. Absolute must do!
— James, July 14, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do the Monuments by Moonlight tour on a day trip from New York?
Only if you take a late train home or stay the night. The tour runs in the evening for about two and a half hours, so it suits an overnight stay or a late Amtrak departure from Union Station.
Where does the trolley tour start?
From the Washington DC Welcome Center, or from Union Station if you choose that option when booking.
Do you get off the trolley?
Yes, twice for about 30 minutes each: at the Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean War memorials, and at the FDR and Martin Luther King Jr. memorials.
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