Enjoy an entertaining and informative tour of America's most historic city aboard the trolley. Learn about the many famous and interesting people and events that have taken place since the city was established in 1728. If you listen closely, you may even pick up a few amusing and not-so-well known facts!
During your guided tour of the Historic District and Fredericksburg Battlefield, you'll learn about the local history and many attractions of Fredericksburg. Highlights include:
Rising Sun Tavern - Fredericksburg's only proper tavern and the former home of Charles Washington
Dr. Hugh Mercer's apothecary shop
Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center
Kenmore Plantation
Living history museums, homes and businesses of people like George and Mary Washington, and James Monroe
Your tour will take you back through time. From the days when the Native Americans hunted and farmed the area through the arrival of settlers from Jamestown, Yorktown and other far away lands in the 1600s, and on through the birth of our Nation and its growing pains during the time of the Civil War.
Experience the past, present and future of a city so rich in history and teeming with historic monuments, markers and historic attractions for all ages, as well as many unique shops and restaurants still operating in buildings hundreds of years old!
Meeting Location
Olde Towne, Charlotte & Caroline Streets (Fredericksburg, VA)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
We will visit many of Fredericksburg's most historic monuments and markers, including: Mary Washington's home, James Monroe museum, Kenmore Plantation, and the Fredericksburg Civil War Battlefield at Marye's Heights.
How much does it cost for children under five (5)?
Children under the age of 5 may ride free of charge but depending upon available seating may need to ride on the lap of a parent. For those of you not wanting to hold your child in your lap for the tour we recommend purchasing a children’s ticket thereby reserving them a seat.
Can we eat and drink on the trolleys?
Coffee cups with lids, and bottled water are generally allowed on the trolley. We do ask that adults with young children hold their child’s drink to help eliminate accidental spills. Please be sure to remove your trash when you exit the trolley. Dairy products (excluding infant formula), food and snacks are strictly prohibited aboard the trolley.
Are the trolleys heated?
Yes. During cold weather the trolleys are closed in with windowed panels and fully heated.
Are the trolleys air-conditioned?
Generally yes. However in the rare event the a/c isn't working properly or a trolley without a/c is being used for the regularly scheduled tours window panels are removed and the trolley is cooled by natural air flow.
Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is strongly recommended and tours often sell out. To maximize your chances of getting the day and time you prefer, please book well in advance. Any remaining tickets will be sold on the day of the tour only at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center beginning at 9 am.
Does the trolley stop and let individuals off to tour different sights?
In an effort to keep the tour time down to 75 minutes and minimize safety concerns, we do not let passengers on and off the trolley except at the designated boarding zone located at the beginning of the tour. For those passengers requesting to leave the trolley during the tour for special circumstances (unruly children, need for public restroom facilities, etc.) we are unable to make arrangements to let you re-board and refunds are not given. We strongly recommend that you make any necessary arrangements before boarding at the beginning of the tour.
What happens in bad weather?
The trolley is equipped to protect passengers from inclement weather and tours will continue to operate as scheduled.
Are there bathrooms on the trolley?
Unfortunately, we do not have any bathroom facilities aboard the trolley. We also will not be making any stops during the tour, so please use the bathroom beforehand. Public restrooms facilities are available at the departure point.
Can we sit together?
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The trolley is generally open for seating 15 minutes before departure time. We recommend boarding for your tour as early as possible to ensure seat selection. To “hold” a seat next to you for someone else, you must be present.
Where is the best place to sit?
The monuments, markers and attractions viewed during the tour will be about evenly split between the left and right sides of the trolley.
Where does the tour end?
The tour concludes at the same place it starts in Olde Towne Fredericksburg, near Charlotte and Caroline Streets.
Can I take photos?
Taking photographs is encouraged. Enjoy!
Are the trolleys equipped for the handicapped?
Due to the age and authenticity of the trolleys they are not currently A.D.A equipped. Since the company strives to make its services available to everyone, newer equipment added to the fleet will be A.D.A equipped. In the interim, the driver will help you get onto the trolley and assist you in any way s/he can. You will need to have some limited mobility and the physical range of motion to step up the boarding stairs. Please keep in mind we do not have room to store the wheelchair on the trolley.
Can I store a stroller or wheelchair on the trolley?
Unfortunately, we do not have room for you to store your stroller or wheelchair. Most of our guests choose to store their larger belongings in their cars.
Do you offer AAA, AARP, or senior discounts?
Our goal over the years has been to make the price of the tours affordable to everyone by keeping the ticket cost as low as possible. At the present time we do not offer ticket discounts.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, for groups of 20 or more Adults there is a discount of two dollars per Adult ticket. This discount will automatically be applied at the time of purchase. Please contact Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg, Inc. directly to inquire further about this discount.
How long does the tour last?
Narrated tours of the downtown historic district and the Civil War Battlefield last approximately 75 minutes.
Are tours conducted in English only?
Yes, tours are conducted in English, but many of our non-English speaking guests enjoy the unique experience of riding a trolley and seeing the Fredericksburg sites.
Are gift certificates available for the trip?
Yes, we do offer gift certificates. For more information, click on the "Contact FredTrolley" link.
Do you offer private tours?
Privately chartered tours are available. Click on the "Contact FredTrolley" link for more information. In addition to private tours our trolleys are also available for private events, such as weddings, reunions, parties, and corporate events.
Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg, established in 1994, is a family owned and operated business. Its original founder, Butch Wimmer lived in and around the Fredericksburg area for over 50 years and was dedicated to providing visitors with the most entertaining and informative tours of the towns historic district and battlefield. The company continues to continue to provide the same exceptional level of service today.
All Trolley Tours guides and drivers are rigorously trained by the company, and licensed as guides by the City of Fredericksburg.
Since our beginning, Trolley Tours has transported more than 100,000 happy passengers of all ages and from all parts of the world. Our tours have been consistently awarded "Best Tour" and "Best Guided Tour" in Fredericksburg's Front Porch newspaper, and were rated #1 in the Guidebook's Things-To-Do-With-Kids in Virginia.
