2-Hour Richmond Historic Landmark Trolley Tour
4
2-Hour Richmond Historic Landmark Trolley Tour
By RVA Trolley
About
Cover more than 400 years of Richmond history without breaking a sweat on a trolley tour around the Virginian capital. The short excursion is perfect for history-buffs in a hurry and travelers who prefer to explore the city from a comfortable seated position. Listen to dynamic narration, with a few jokes mixed in, as you pass Monument Avenue, the State Capital, and other noteworthy landmarks.
Ages 0-99
Duration: 2h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Highlights
- Get a quick overview of the city's landmarks
- Orient yourself to the city for future exploring
- Listen to live narration during the tour
- Make the most of your limited time in Richmond
- Live commentary
What's not included- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- 1301 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219, USAThis is the address for our storefront! You will see a black and white awning on the right-hand side of the street that says RVA on Wheels, and that's us! Come on in and check in before your tour!
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44494P1
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Dress code is casual
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 44494P1
Itinerary
- You'll start at1301 E Cary St1301 E Cary St, Richmond, VA 23219, USAThis is the address for our storefront! You will see a black and white awning on the right-hand side of the street that says RVA on Wheels, and that's us! Come on in and check in before your tour!See address & details
- Pass byVirginia State Capitol
- 1Libby Hill ParkStop: 10 minutesThis is where the city of Richmond was namedRead more
- You'll return to the starting point
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- hen21680 contributionsInformative and comprehensive tour!It’s was a very comprehensive tour of Richmond(very informative) and gives me even more pride in my newly adopted city. Only suggestion is to bring something to pad your back/butt since trolleys seats are not comfortable. Also would appreciate at least one more stretch your legs moment or let the tour be a hop on and off option for the full day!Written 11 February 2024
- Texasamazon1110 contributionsAverage w/ Room for ImprovementWhile the guide was certainly knowledgeable, the tour was basically a history lecture. There wasn't a single stop to get out and see anything outside of the uncomfortable trolley - or even to stretch your legs. Many sites were photo worthy, but we could never get out to see anything but a passing glance. Some of the guide's comments were well intentioned but a little culturally insensitive. This wasn't horrible, but there is room for improvement.Written 13 January 2024
- Explore4011740 contributionsGreat Outing for the FamilyMy family took the gem car tour of Hollywood Cemetary. Our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The cemetary is beautiful and the stories about the people buried there are fascinating. I would suggest not trying this tour on foot. It was the perfect way to get around.Written 11 October 2023
- Wesley G0 contributionsTour was excellent, city has problems though.Our guide Steven was excellent along with the driver. Best way to see the city without harassment from the urban outdoors people. Tour is two hours long, but didn’t drag at any point. We were about to write Richmond off until this tour.Written 6 August 2022
- EdieB400 contributionsExcellent Tour! Highly Recommend.What an excellent tour! Our guide, Steve, was extremely knowledgeable on the history of Richmond, and was able to present the information in a way that informed and entertained. We had lived in Richmond 40 years ago, and this tour was a great to reacquainted with the city and learn about things we never knew.Written 3 July 2022
- BigSteve470 contributionsTour RichmondIf you want to see Richmond, this is the place. Their friendly and knowledgeable personnel can provide guidance on what to see, as well as almost anything with wheels to go see the sites. Bikes, both pedal powered and electric, are available for sale or rent. Guided tours are also available via Segway, Gem Cars, or trolley. The trolley looks old fashioned and the tour takes two hours. Our guide was fascinating and extremely knowledgeable. He talked for 2 straight hours and was never boring. Street parking only.Written 27 June 2022
- GoogleUser780280 contributionsGreat Tour - Fabulous Tour Guide!Steven was a wonderful tour guide! We are a group of families of WWII veterans and we meet every summer for a reunion. We book a private tour in each location we visit. Steven’s tour surpassed most every tour we have been on, and we thought he was the best guide we’ve ever had.! The audio system in the trolley allowed his voice to be heard clearly and his delivery was excellent! Our driver was excellent as well! Thank you both! I was just reviewing some of the former reviews about the seats being small, etc. It’s a trolley! The ONLY reason I did not give a five star rating is because the air conditioning in the trolley was not working properly and it was a very hot day in Richmond. In spite of being a little warm and uncomfortable, our group only had nice things to say about the overall experience!Written 24 July 2021
- william s0 contributionsFantastic TourDriven by Clarence and guided by Steven, this was a great and highly informative two hour tour. A great way to learn the past and current life of Richmond. Yes it was a Trolley not a modern van or bus. It was a great introduction to Richmond including the drive of Monument Ave in both directions. Steven or Stephen was great! Kudos to all. See photos.Written 28 October 2019
- DDavistraveler0 contributionsGreat way to start!Our guide Steven loves to share Richmond with visitors. He had great suggestions for dining and other tours. Two hours pass very quickly as you are lead through this beautiful historic city. I love all the architecture (some dating back to the 1700’s), amazing ironwork and incredible views. We only have two days to see Richmond this overview is a great way to narrow down what we really want to see. Per Steven’s recommendations we had lunch at Mama J’s and toured the Capital building. Both were wonderful.Written 10 October 2019
- funPlaces20190 contributionsNeeds some updating.I took my out-of-state family on this, thinking it'd be good for those who - due to health problems - couldn't really see RVA any other way. Air conditioned trolley tour sounds great, right? AC is not built for the trolley. Some had some serious heat related issues due to no shade, no windows that opened, and insufficient AC. PLEASE update this - then I think it'd be nice.Written 8 October 2019
- donnd3860 contributionsWhat a way to learn about Richmond!Our guide was Steven Pugh, a native of Richmond who provided us with a running commentary of the history of Richmond and the architecture, the people, the happenings in the city, especially relative to and after the Civil War. This tour of the city gave us such a greater understanding of the city and a greater appreciation of it that is simply indescribable. This tour, at least with Steven, is a cannot miss tour. The only negative is over the 2 hour duration of the tour the wooden seats on the trolley got real uncomfortable.Written 4 October 2019
- Jemmie330630 contributionsA nice way to be introduced to RichmondEmily was our guide and she truly loves the city, the trip takes about 2 hours with one break to enjoy a lovely view. The trolley was only running once a day because of the heat and the trolley even though air conditioned gets warm when it is full. This was a good way to get an overview of Richmond. If you are interested in the Hollywood cemetery,this tour does not visit that area of town. Seek other tours for that area.Written 17 August 2019
- tmacco10 contributionsnever understood the volunteer tour guide because of loud engine. Seats hurt my butt!Tour guide gets on with boom box and a microphone. I moved closer, so I could understand but the engine was so loud, the car so squeaky, that I never understood everything he was saying. Not a comfortable ride. They need to add a real public speaking system in the bus, upholster the seats and find a way to quiet the engine.Written 25 July 2019
- ImKlem10 contributionsFun on Segways!!We had so much fun on this tour!! Our guide was knowledgeable and fun (I’d like him to take a photography course though, LOL), and because he was able to talk and ride simultaneously, we spent lots and lots of time riding! For 2 full hours, we wended our way through a very busy, important city, learning history we had forgotten. The price was very reasonable and the entire staff was fun!! I’d highly recommend!!!Written 21 May 2019
- Robert H0 contributions"This should be the First thing you do in Richmond!"Richmond is beautiful and full of history. The tour is full of specific and personal details you won't find wondering through the streets. Our guides Steve and Roscoe shared endless intriguing background facts, providing us the lay of the land to plan our Richmond adventures!Written 23 October 2018
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.0
51 reviews
Excellent
21
Very good
14
Average
6
Poor
5
Terrible
5
Kath_fowler
Washington, PA3 contributions
So disappointed in so many areas. Richmond is known for its history in the Civil War, but this was barely mentioned. We heard more about their college and Hospital which was not only extremely boring but little to do with the history of the city. The trolley was freezing, noisy and equipped with cramped, very small, very uncomfortable seats for a 2-hr tour. Now the outrageous price tag of $38/adult! In comparison, we took the Fredericksburg tour the day prior for $20/adult. In that tour we heard the history of the city and involvement in the Civil War, it was worth every penny. The Richmond guide and driver were friendly and guide was knowledgeable but about the college and Hospital system which was of no importance and frankly no interest to the average tourist. We should've just gotten a map and drove to the few sites of interest that the trolley 'flew' past and bypassed the hospital and college nonsense that occupied so much of the tour time. Very Disappointed. Save yourself some major cash and skip this tour.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L C
Raleigh, NC50 contributions
Sept 2018 • Friends
Took this tour with two relatives to see and learn about Richmond. Our guide was wonderful, she shared interesting facts and anecdotes about the city, it's past and present, pointing out many things along the way, while also covering a wide geographical area. I suspect she might have been a history teacher and she had a great personality too.
The guide and the driver worked well as a team and he slowed down when appropriate. I thought it was a good value for $35 and it even ran over the two-hour allotted time. We picked it up at the lovely Visitor's Center in downtown Richmond, which has a nice gift shop.
However, the tour management stinks. We were originally booked on the 2 pm trolley. After purchasing our tickets, we were contacted and bumped because some outside group wanted to rent the 2 pm trolley and we were told we would have to go on the 11 am tour instead. This forced us to rearrange our plans for the day, including lunch. This was not a case of a tour guide being ill or a trolley needing repair, causing a time change. We were flat-out bumped because someone threw money at management and they caved and bumped all of the 2 pm trolley customers.
While we were there, a couple from New York wanted to catch the 11 am trolley tour and were told there was no room and they went away very disappointed. But, when we boarded, we noticed that there was indeed room for them but by that time they had left.
So, management get your act together, go to charm school, and figure out how to treat customers the right way. We will NOT be recommending this tour to anyone.
The guide and the driver worked well as a team and he slowed down when appropriate. I thought it was a good value for $35 and it even ran over the two-hour allotted time. We picked it up at the lovely Visitor's Center in downtown Richmond, which has a nice gift shop.
However, the tour management stinks. We were originally booked on the 2 pm trolley. After purchasing our tickets, we were contacted and bumped because some outside group wanted to rent the 2 pm trolley and we were told we would have to go on the 11 am tour instead. This forced us to rearrange our plans for the day, including lunch. This was not a case of a tour guide being ill or a trolley needing repair, causing a time change. We were flat-out bumped because someone threw money at management and they caved and bumped all of the 2 pm trolley customers.
While we were there, a couple from New York wanted to catch the 11 am trolley tour and were told there was no room and they went away very disappointed. But, when we boarded, we noticed that there was indeed room for them but by that time they had left.
So, management get your act together, go to charm school, and figure out how to treat customers the right way. We will NOT be recommending this tour to anyone.
Written 1 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BJ0128
Mesa, AZ24 contributions
Today was at least 90 degrees. The air conditioned trolley, was not air conditioned. As soon as you got on the trolley it felt like a sauna. There are little windows above the viewing windows...we opened the windows ourselves. I am sure it was better than if it was closed. The trolley kept “dying” and had to be restarted. Not to far from the end of the tour, it died completely...it was hinted that they ran out of gas! Really??? Sit on a bus with 20 some odd sweaty people! Glad it was not stinky! If the bus cannot be kept cool, have water for the riders...and maybe hand fans...or fix the air conditioner! Other than that tour guide was pleasant and knowledgeable. In fact all staff members were great. If you are thinking about going on this tour, try an earlier one or check what the temperatures will be for the day.
Written 4 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
virginiasuitcase
Richmond, VA22 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
tour guide and driver, 5 star. trolley car 1 star. summer in Richmond and the a/c not operating up to par...not a good welcome to our city.
Written 19 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheri V
Mechanicsville, VA9 contributions
Tour was good. Tour guide was entertaining and informative. The trolley was ****NOT***** in any way air conditioned. It was cooler standing outside in the sun. Have no idea what the last half hour was - just wanted it to be over. If it isn't air conditioned and the windows won't come down - CANCEL THE DARN TOUR!!!
Written 2 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kenfr
Effingham, IL87 contributions
We got tour guide Melissa - she was excellent! And so was Cleve our driver ! We stayed at the Berkeley hotel which was a 3 minute walk to where we got on the trolley ! If you go to Richmond, take the tour with all the history and information you learn , it is very worth it!
Written 2 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LT T
Midlothian, VA514 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Wanting to share our historic and beautiful city with out of town guests we arranged for the 2 hour trolley tour for our group. Knowing July in Richmond is hot we opted for the air conditioned trolley over the segway tour. The two ladies that we checked in with were pleasant and helpful. I was excited about the tour when I met our tour guide Mr. Butterworth. He was delightful and had a lot to share about Richmond. Once we were on the trolley I noticed the temperature quickly began to rise as the heat of the engine filtered up and the heat of the sun beat down. As the trolley climbed the hills in the city the engine was very loud. The trolley had speakers in the ceiling, but the guide used a portable speaker which was difficult to hear over the loud engine and rattling trolley doors. I was sorry to miss some of the stories Mr. Butterworth shared. The potential for a wonderful learning city tour is definitely possible once more efforts are put toward trolley improvements. RVA Trolley lets do our city proud....maintain the trolleys better.
Written 18 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melanie M
Rochester, NY67 contributions
Spent a wonderful two hours with our knowledgeable guide, seeing many key sights. Highly recommend!!
Written 26 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JanTurnerCar
Washington Crossing, PA44 contributions
Sept 2018
We had never been to Richmond VA before so taking this trolley tour gave us a better idea of what the city is all about. Our 96 year Aunt (limited sight) accompanied us on the tour and it was great for her because she could listen to the stories and information but we only got off the trolley once. Steven Pugh was full of information and fun! It was a great way to start to get to know a historical city!! Thank you
Written 22 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
judithDymond
Southport, NC19 contributions
We arrived in Richmond fleeing the storm. Took this tour and were given a wonderful into to the city. Steve and driver Roscoe took us all over Richmond and we felt we "knew" the city although we hadn't been there before. After the tour we visited the Walker house- a spot pointed out on the tour. Today we visited other spots of interest we had seen. We recommend it highly.
Written 14 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joyce F
Painted Post, NY52 contributions
What is the earliest your time on Saturday morning and the latest time on Friday? Thank You
sjw9876
Edina, MN27 contributions
I really don’t know the trolley hours. But if you go, position yourself right in front of the speaker with his microphone so it won’t be a waste of your time
On this tour do you just ride or do they stop so you can get off and look at things.?
Be Kind T
Greenville, SC75 contributions
I just took the 10.30 tour and we got off for about 10 min about halfway through.
Is there a difference between the Historic Trolley Ride and the Historic Trolley Tour?
L C
Raleigh, NC50 contributions
It is the same thing.
LC
D228BFbarbarah
Chesapeake, VA17 contributions
We are plannng to visit this month (Jan) and I understand it’s supposed to be extremely cold. Is the trolley closed in and heated?
DeWayne K
5 contributions
We were there in the summer. The trolley is enclosed, and had air conditioning running in the summer. I would guess they have heat as well, but would definitely check with the trolley company to be sure!
Hoosierhoney2000
Hanover, IN2 contributions
Is Trolley handicap accessible to a wheelchair?
jack
Annapolis, MD68 contributions
You need to talk with trolley company
lauriecobb
Ludlow, VT2 contributions
Is there a promo code?
Thomas S
Houston, TX8 contributions
I dont'n know.
JuliaZ15
Greensburg, PA14 contributions
Is there free parking for the trolley tour?
virginiasuitcase
Richmond, VA22 contributions
no free parking, parking garage for $35.00. metered parking is available, but 2 hr limit...not long enough for trolley tour
poteet1211
Charlotte, NC
Hello, is the trolley air conditioned?
BJ0128
Mesa, AZ24 contributions
Well...they say it is. It might be cool first thing in the morning; however, afternoon it is HOT HOT HOT! Said something to the tour guide and she acknowledged it and said they have been talking to the owner about the issue.