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.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Transportation
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1 City Hall Square
Room 721Boston, MA 02201-2026
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
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
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.
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.
Sightseeing Trolley Stand
This sign designates curbs where approved Sightseeing Trolleys are allowed to wait for longer periods of time. These spaces are typically used for layovers, operator breaks, and preparing buses to start a new route. Tour Buses should not use these spaces.
No Idling
Within the City of Boston, it's illegal for any vehicle to idle for more than 5 minutes. This applies to Sightseeing Trolleys and Tour Buses too! For the health and safety of all, please turn off your bus when not actively in use.
Idling violations are punishable by fines up to $100 for the first offense and up to $500 thereafter.
Check out this page from the City of Boston Air Pollution Control Commission to learn more!
Regulations for Duck Boats
Since April 2017, duck boats have been subject to a few extra regulations. The specifics of the law can be found here, but a summary is provided below.
- Duck boats are required to have blind zone cameras and proximity sensors. These safety devices help these large vehicles navigate Boston's narrow streets.
- Duck boats need at least two-person crews. One to focus on driving and the other to focus on entertaining and informing guests. At no point should someone be driving and trying to give a tour at the same time.
Traffic Notices
Looking for updates on traffic in the City of Boston? Check these resources.
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Still have questions? Contact:
Transportation
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-
1 City Hall Square
Room 721Boston, MA 02201-2026
