Savannah is known for its rich history and many cultural attractions. This also means there’s plenty of places to explore, and if you have just a few days to visit, it can definitely be overwhelming. We believe that booking one of the popular Savannah Trolley Tours is the most relaxing and efficient way to discover what Savannah has to offer. In this comprehensive area guide, we will break down exactly why these tours are worth your time, compare the different types of excursions available, and help you choose the perfect ride for your vacation.
Table of Contents
Why Book a Savannah Trolley Tour
Trying to drive around downtown Savannah yourself is honestly a headache. Between navigating our twenty-two historic squares, hunting for tight parallel parking spots, and dodging pedestrians, you will spend more time stressing than looking at the scenery. When you hop on a trolley instead, you can let a local expert handle all the traffic. You get to just sit back, enjoy the breeze, and actually look at the beautiful historic landmarks instead of staring at a GPS map on your phone.
With trolley tours, you get a great introduction to the city that a regular travel brochure and map just can’t give you. The drivers and guides tell excellent stories, share interesting local history facts, and point out the best spots for you to grab lunch or dinner. We love treating it like a quick yet fun orientation of the city. It helps you get your bearings on day one so you can figure out exactly which squares, shops, or historic spots you want to walk back to later.
Discovering the Different Tour Types
Everyone travels a bit differently, so local companies offer a few different types of rides depending on your pace.
Hop-on Hop-Off Trolley Tours
The most popular choice is the hop-on hop-off tour. This option essentially acts as your personal shuttle around downtown. You can jump off whenever a specific shop, park, or restaurant catches your eye, spend an hour exploring, and then just catch the next trolley that rolls by.
Non-Stop Trolley Tours
If you do not want to keep getting on and off, you can opt for a non-stop tour instead. These rides are perfect if you just want a quick, ninety-minute history lesson without all the constant stopping to let people on and off. It is a great way to take photos right from your seat and get a complete overview of the town in one go. You can also find specialized evening rides, like ghost tours or themed comedy trips, if you want something a bit more unique after dark.
Savannah’s Best Trolley Tour Experiences
The Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Routes
If you want total control over your schedule, the classic multi-stop loops are your best bet. A company called Old Town Trolley Tours runs a great sixteen-stop route that covers almost the entire historic center. Their drivers tell a lot of jokes and keep things lighthearted as you ride from the riverfront up to the Victorian district. It is a really solid option if you just want to explore at your own pace and not worry about waiting long for the next ride to show up.
Recommended Local Operator: Old Town Trolley Tours of Savannah
Nighttime Ghost Tours
When the sun goes down, the city gets a lot spookier, so taking a night tour is practically a tradition here. The Ghosts & Gravestones tour is one of the most popular options for exploring our haunted history. You get to ride through the dark, misty streets while a guide tells creepy stories about local spirits and old legends. They even let you step inside notoriously haunted spots like the Andrew Low House after hours, giving you a fun thrill without any cheap jump-scares.
Recommended Local Operator: Ghosts & Gravestones, Ghost City Tours
Combo and Day Trip Packages
You can also find longer day trips if you want to see things outside the immediate downtown area without renting a car. Some trolley packages will take you straight out to the famous tree-lined avenue at Wormsloe or the beautiful, quiet grounds of Bonaventure Cemetery. Other operators offer combo tickets that pair a morning street tour with an afternoon boat cruise on the Savannah Riverboat. These packages are perfect because they handle all the tickets and driving for you.
Recommended Local Operator: Kelly Tours (Savannah Gray Line)
Recommended Stops Along Your Sightseeing Route
Forsyth Park
You definitely need to check out Forsyth Park on the southern edge of downtown. The trolley stops right here, so you can walk over to the famous nineteenth-century fountain for a quick photo. It is a great spot to jump off, grab a cold coffee from a local cafe, and walk under the big trees.
Historic River Street and City Market
Head down toward the riverfront if you want to find good food, shopping, and busy crowds. When you hop off near River Street, you can explore old brick warehouses that now hold souvenir shops and candy boutiques. Just a few blocks away is City Market, an outdoor courtyard filled with local art galleries, live music, and fresh pralines.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
If you love old architecture, make sure to get off the trolley at this huge French Gothic cathedral. Its tall spires dominate the downtown skyline, and the inside has beautiful stained-glass windows that are over a century old. You can easily step inside to look around for a bit before catching the next trolley on the route.
Looking for a Comfortable Place to Stay After the Tour?
Taking a ride around town is easily the best way to see the sights without stressing over traffic. Once you finish your tour and wrap up a busy day of exploring, it feels great to head back to a place that will give you the best comfort. Our Savannah vacation rentals have all the amenities you’ll need for a complete stay. From private pools, hot tubs, game rooms, and even a karaoke room and pickleball. It is the perfect way to cap off your day and get a good night’s sleep.
We hope this guide makes it easy to choose the right Savannah Trolley Tours for your upcoming trip itinerary. Have fun exploring Savannah!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a complete Savannah trolley tour take?
A full, non-stop loop on a classic sightseeing trolley takes approximately 90 minutes. If you decide to hop off at various historic landmarks, you can easily turn the tour into a full-day adventure.
Can you buy tickets for Savannah trolley tours on the day of the tour?
Yes, you can buy tickets on the day of the tour at various visitor centers and booths. Booking online in advance saves you money and secures your preferred seating time.
Are the trolleys wheelchair accessible?
Yes, both major trolley companies offer ADA-accessible vehicles equipped with motorized wheelchair lifts. We highly recommend notifying the company 24 hours in advance so they can ensure that a lift-equipped trolley is ready.
Are pets allowed on the trolley tours?
Only trained service animals are allowed on standard public trolley tours. Small pets may occasionally be permitted on private charter rentals if arranged ahead of time.
Can you bring food and drinks onto the trolley?
Most tour companies allow food and non-alcoholic drinks onto the trolley.
Is it worth buying a two-day trolley pass?
A two-day pass is definitely worth it if you have a full week to explore Savannah. For shorter stays, we suggest booking for a day and exploring other attractions in Savannah like Tybee Island.