There are several sightseeing trolleys, etc. to choose from in DC. We are interested mainly in the Mall sights. Trailmobile (double bus), is the most reasonably priced, allows unlimited off and on privileges, and suggests that I park my car at the garage at Arlington Cemetery and catch the trailmobile there. ($1.25 first 3 hrs., $2 @ hr. after). Does anyone have any experience or opinions regarding Trailmobile?

Thanks for all past DC replies.

Trailmobile or Tourmobile?

Sorry, it's Tourmobile.

Tourmobile is an excellent choice, for numerous reasons. I would park my car at the most convenient Metro stop and then take the Metro to Union station (for which you can also get an all day pass).

Catch the Tourmobile in front of Union Station. If you already know what you want to see, hop off the Tourmobile at the stops you want. If you don't know exactly what you want to see...take the Tourmobile on the full circuit once...and then on the second trip around, hop off and on at those attractions that interest you most. Depending on the time of year you go...the Tourmobile stops at least every 20 minutes. If you buy your ticket after 1p.m....ask them for the "extra day ticket" and for an additional $4 (I believe) you can ride the next day too. Tourmobile also offers a smaller shuttle bus for side trips off the main tour toFord Theatre and such (just ask about those when you board). Between the Metro and Tourmobile...you never have to drive or cab anywhere.

We have used the tourmodbile many times, & think it is a great way to get around to the sights on & near the mall. Especially good way to get around Arlington Cemetary, & Arlington House(Robert E. Lee). But just be aware, depending upon the time of year, if you take the tourmobile & get off at the Jefferson Memorial, that when you try to get back on the tourmobile to continue on, they are almost already filled & you may have to wait for 2 - 4 trains(15 - 20 minutes apart) (don't get out of line) before you get a seat, especially in the afternoon. This has happened to us a few times. If you plan on going to the Jefferson, go first thing in the morning, & you normally will not have any problem getting back on after your Jefferson visit. Also be aware that the last tourmobile is something like 5:30pm or 6pm. & it gets pretty crowded then also, especially at the museum stops. Take that into consideration. You may want to do your last visit of the day near a metro stop, where you can just walk to the metro to take that to where your car is parked, or take the prior to last tour mobile. We have usually taken the tourmobile direct to the sites we want to visit, early in the day, then after walking through & around those sites & having weary legs, get on the tourmobile & take the circle tour - a good way to rest your legs & see the sites from the outside.

I live in D.C. and routinely take visitors around via tour-mobile. I agree with the previous posts, with a few extra thoughts. First, try not to bring a stroller because it is difficult to manage. You have to leave it at the front, hop off at your stop, and run to the front to retrieve it. It really can't be anything bigger than an umbrella stroller. Second, I would not use it for the side route through Chinatown and Ford's theatre. They use small vans, and they were impossibly hot and crowded. Much better to take a cab or walk. Third, you can get a tour around Arlington Cemetary. This is worthwhile as it eliminates long, sweaty hikes through a graveyard. Fourth, hang onto your kids. There are no windows in the trams, and I've seen parents let their kids do some incredible things. Finally, I wouldn't use it if you are mostly doing museums. Better to just go to the Smithsonian stop on the mall and go where you want. At about $15 per person, Tourmobile is too expensive unless you are going to focus on the quicker outdoor sights, like the various memorials.