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Annual Census
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Guidelines for Sightseeing Trolleys

Driving around Boston can be tricky. We have maps and information to help Sightseeing Trolley drivers find their way.

The City of Boston uses the phrases "Sightseeing Trolleys" and "Tour Buses" to refer to two similar, but different commercial vehicles. Sightseeing Trolleys typically shuttle tourists around the City itself. Hop-on hop-off buses, duck boats, and vans are good examples. Tour Buses are typically large coach buses that bring tourists in from outside of the City. This article is primarily about Sightseeing Trolleys, but some information may be useful to Tour Buses.

 

2025 Approved Sightseeing Trolley Companies

  • Boston Duck Tours
  • Mobsters and Lobsters
  • Old Town Trolley
  • CityView Trolley Tours
  • Don Quijote Tours
  • Top Tours New England
  • Trailblazer Tours
  • Boston Sightseeing

Sightseeing Trolley Routes

Boston’s many approved sightseeing tours visit a variety of attractions. The interactive map below shows all of their routes. The icon in the top left will open a sidebar that lets you see routes by company.

 

Sightseeing Trolley and Tour Bus Signs

Sightseeing trolleys and Tour Buses have a few unique signs that apply to just them. Since they're easy to confuse, here's a side by side comparison.  

Tour Bus Stop Sign

Tour Bus Stop

This sign designates curbs where approved Tour Buses are allowed to park for up to 15 minutes. These spaces are for pricking up and dropping off customers, not for longer breaks. Sightseeing Trolleys should avoid using these spaces. 

Tour Bus Parking Sign

Tour Bus Parking

This sign designates curbs where approved Tour Buses are allowed to park for up to 3 hours. These spaces are typically used for layovers, operator breaks, and preparing buses to start a new route. Sightseeing Trolleys should avoid using these spaces. 

City Licensed Sightseeing Bus Stop

Sightseeing Trolley Stop

This sign designates curbs where approved Sightseeing Trolleys are allowed to stop for 10-15 minutes. These spaces are for pricking up and dropping off customers, not for longer breaks. Tour Buses should not use these spaces.

City Licensed Sightseeing Trolley Stand Sign