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Boston Duck Tours

The quackiest way to see boston.

For years I’ve seen the Boston Duck Tours driving through the streets of downtown Boston. I noticed them as randomly decorated military truck type things, but I never even considered taking a ride on one – that was a  touristy thing to do , and I wasn’t a tourist!

Then one weekend, my cousin and her boyfriend came to town and what did they want to do? One of the Boston Duck Tours!

Fortunately, these days I have two incentives to try out the touristy activities I once ignored: 1. Share my hometown with my husband and daughter who really are like tourists. 2. Get the inside scoop so I can share it with you!

So… we picked a date, bought our tickets online (super easy), and off we went for our first Boston Duck Tour.

The only slight negative of the entire experience was that it was fairly chaotic when we first get to the Prudential Center. There wasn’t a clear line to stand in and we weren’t assigned to a particular duck or group, so we found a bench to sit on and waited to be directed.

From there on, we were nothing less than impressed.

We were seated on “Old Gloria”, the duck with a big American flag painted onto it, and were soon introduced to our tour leader, Captain Kidding (who described himself as a pirate from Wyoming who, trying to follow the call of the sea, took a $57,000 cab ride to Boston and has been working for the Boston Duck Tours in order to pay off his cab fare ever since!).

To say the least, Captain Kidding was highly entertaining and highly informative. I think I could listen to his narrative 10 times over and still learn something new.

Within about a minute of leaving “home base” on our duck, we were “quacking” at the passers by (not required, but actually pretty fun if you let yourself get into it – and, of course, my 3-year old LOVED it!).

Our tour guide did a fabulous job of giving us an understanding of the history of different Boston neighborhoods, sharing important historical events, and showing us the beauty and quirks of our city.

Of course, all of this was done completely “in character” as well, so everyone was engaged and it never felt like we were sitting through a history lesson.

When we got to the Charles River, the W.W.II style amphibious landing vehicle (as the Boston Duck Tours describe it) miraculously transformed into a boat. Which reminds me, there was  one  more downside to our journey…

Captain Kidding let all of the kids on the boat take turns driving it (and even a grown-up or two got in there). However, he either didn’t see Siena, or thought she was too young to want a try, so we were left to calm a very distressed 2.5 year old when we ran out of time to request a turn for her… Alas, the challenges a toddler faces!

A testament to how engaging the duck tour was – Siena managed to stay awake in a moving vehicle right during naptime… until the last three minutes. She slept through lunch, of course, but was talking about the duck boat for days afterwards!

Here are a few logistics for you…

• Museum of Science
• Prudential Center
• New England Aquarium
• Adults: $48.99 ($53.44 with taxes & fees)
• Senior(65+)/Active Military: $39.99 ($43.99 with taxes & fees)
• Children aged 3 to 11: $33.99 ($37.69 with taxes & fees)
• Children under 3 (including infants): $10.99 ($13.54 with taxes & fees)

Check out my book on Amazon!

You Might Also Be Interested in These Articles:

• Boston Taxi Companies
• Boston Trolley Tours
• Fenway Park Public Tours

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Hop on Hop off Boston Bus Tours

Comparing boston bus tours.

This post covers the various Boston bus tours, including hop-on hop-off trolley tours, amphibious vehicles, themed tours, and day trips.

If you are unsure which option is best, or which ticket to choose, know that you are not alone.

We regularly answer questions about bus tours from people like you in our Boston Travel Tips Facebook group.

We are a group of local tour walking tour guides, and many of us also lead or have led tours on the city's buses, so, we know a thing or two about all of them.

There's no simple answer to which one is best because a lot depends on what you want or need, your budget, your interests, etc.

And, in this post, we don't actually rank the options, rather we do our best to illustrate for whom each deck is best suited.

• Hop-On-Hop-Off
• Comparing Bus Tours
• Night Tours + Ghost Bus
• Boston TV + Movie Tour
• Day Trips from Boston
• Combo Tickets + Packages
• Previous Travelers' Reviews

HOP-ON-HOP-OFF BOSTON BUS TOURS & TROLLEY TOURS

Through these tours, you will explore Boston attractions like Old North Church, seaport, historic Copley Square, Copp’s Hill Burying Ground, and much more.

You also get a chance to explore historic Boston, be a part of the revolution, and learn the tales of adventurers from the birthplace of American Independence regarding the new world and the rebellion in opposition to the British Crown.

Here is the list of attractions you might visit:

• Freedom Trail
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace
• Paul Revere House
• Old North Church
• USS Constitution Museum
• Bunker Hill Monument
• Massachusetts State House
• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
• King's Chapel and Burying Ground
• Old State House Museum

We also provide tips on promotional credits and value and inform you about all relevant services on Boston Trolley Tours, like full refunds and others.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hop-on hop-off bus tours?

Hop-on hop-off tours provide an accessible and flexible way to explore new places, covering vast areas and multiple landmarks.

Despite infrequent service and a lack of assigned seating, the advantages, such as onboard commentary, panoramic views, and the ability to customize your itinerary, often outweigh the disadvantages.

TIP:  If you are considering a tourist pass for your time in Boston, be sure to read our guide to Boston tourist attraction passes .

OLD TOWN TROLLEY

This company offers 18 best hop-on and hop-off stops where you can get on and off as often as you wish (within your ticket time period).

Old Town Trolley Tours operate from 9 am - 5 pm from April through October and 9 am - 4 pm from November through March.

Tours are not available on Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.

If you need a wheelchair-accessible trolley, you must tell us at the time of booking to avoid any inconvenience.

The expert tour conductors are at your service to make it a great introduction to Boston.

As far as pets are concerned, only service animals are allowed, no emotional support animals.

Infants and animals must sit on laps.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Old Town Trolley Tours (@oldtowntrolley)

Stops are made at the USS Constitution, Famous Boston Common, North Station, Historic North End, Copp’s Hill Burying Grounds, the Cheers Bar, Fenway Park, the Boston Convention Center, and more.

The Old Town Trolley runs every 20 or 30 minutes.

The tour takes approximately 1 and a half hours with the utmost satisfaction guarantee.

Of all the trolley companies, Old Town Trolley is the best-reviewed company of all the 4 trolley companies in Boston, but it is also the most expensive.

Although there are a few negative comments here and there, this company has a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating overall on TripAdvisor.

Reviews for their hop-on, hop-off service are generally favorable, with most passengers reporting that this is a very good deal.

A lot of guests enjoy the ability to hop off whenever they wish, exploring the city at their own pace.

Recommended for:  Those looking for a premium hop-on, hop-off Boston bus service.

The prices listed below are for advanced online purchases for either a 1-day hop-on, hop-off ticket, or a 2-day ticket.

All tickets include 50% off a historic harbor cruise for free from April - November.

Each ticket also includes $6 off admission to the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum.

As if that weren't enough, you can also use this ticket to get $10 off the Ghosts & Gravestones Tour!

If you purchase a ticket on board, the prices are slightly more expensive. 

1 Day ticket:

• 1-Day Hop on Hop Off Trolley Tour
• 50% off Historic Harbor Cruise
• $10 off Ghosts & Gravestones Tour
• $5 off Summer Nights Sightseeing Bus Tour
• $6 off Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
• Adults - $52.45
• Children (4-12) - $30.40
• Children (under 4) - FREE

2 Day ticket + Harbor Tour:

• 2-Day Hop on Hop Off Trolley Tour
• Adults - $104.90
• Children (4-12) - $57.90
• Purchase your tickets here .

TIP: You can save an extra 5% off using Tiqets !

NOTE: The Summer Nights Sightseeing Tour is only available from June - September.

CITY VIEW TROLLEY

This hop-on-hop-off company offers Boston tours year-round and their first stop is at Long Wharf Boston.

Depending on the season, they also offer a 45-minute harbor cruise with the purchase of tickets.

This is one of the more affordable options available to the visitor.

It also doesn’t hurt that the company has a 4 ½ out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( see some of the reviews ).

Most reviews for this service are very favorable, with some guests indicating that they do a good job of staying on schedule.

Other comments suggest that this is a great way to discover the city before heading out on your own.

Trolley Tour (1 day):

• Adults (13 years or over) - $48
• Seniors (62+) - $46
• Children (5-12) - $24
• Children (under 4) - Free

Trolley Tour (2 days):

• Adults (13 years or over) - $88
• Seniors (62+) - $84
• Children (5-12) - $42

Purchase your tickets here  with a 24-hour cancelation policy.

NOTE: This tour is included at no extra cost with the Boston Go City All-Inclusive Pass .

Hours: 

• April to August: Daily. 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, Trolleys run at 10-15 minute frequency
• September, October, and November:  Daily, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm; Trolleys depart every 20-30 minutes

BEANTOWN TROLLEY

Offered by Gray Line, this company provides hop-on, hop-off tours year-round.

With a total of 20 stops, a full circuit takes approximately 90 minutes.

That being said, if you decide to hop off and enjoy the sites for a while, you could easily spend all day exploring some of the most notable locations in Boston!

In addition, you can add a 45-minute Boston Harbor cruise to each ticket option for an extra $12 .

This is a great way to enjoy two different tours and see as much of the city as possible in a short amount of time. Their TripAdvisor reviews are average at best.

Recommended for those who are also looking for a harbor cruise and/or to save money.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Beantown Trolley Tours (@beantowntrolleytoursofboston)

1-Day Ticket:

• Adults - $40
• Children (3-12) - $18
• Children (under 3) - Free

2-Day Ticket:

• Adults - $47
• Children (3-12) - $23
• You could purchase 2-day tickets directly here .

Not currently available.

BOSTON TROLLEY TOURS COMPARED

This section will directly compare each of the trolley tours in Boston so that you can see which is the most affordable and highest quality service (at least according to reviewers).

When you compare all of this information, it seems pretty clear that City View is the best deal here. Their prices are lower, they offer senior pricing, and their ratings are still just as high as their competitors.

The only loser here is Beantown, which is clearly more for a reason -- its low ratings. This company currently isn't offering their trolley service, and there's no indication they will be back.

BOSTON DUCK TOURS

One of the most popular bus tours in this city is the famous Duck Tours of Boston.

This company uses WWII-era amphibious landing vehicles, which work surprisingly well for touring, to take the guests on both a short city tour and a short water cruise on the Charles River.

The Duck Tours are not a hop-off/hop-on tour like many of the other bus tours in the area, but in 90 minutes they cover a lot of ground and the guides are usually very knowledgeable as well as entertaining.

In Boston, the duck tours leave at three different locations: one on the waterfront behind Faneuil Hall, another in the Back Bay behind the Prudential Center, and a third in Cambridge at the Museum of Science.

Recommended for: families

The reviews for Boston Duck Tours are pretty good, and the company has received an accumulated rating of 4 ½ stars on TripAdvisor. 

• Adults - $52.99
• Children (3-11) - $37.99
• Infants (0-2) - $10.99
• Seniors - $43.99
• Military - $43.99

Additionally, if you are on a cruise ship for a quick stopover in Boston, this company has a dock at the Black Falcon Terminal.

They will shuttle you to our tour meeting sites and will take you back to the Terminal when it is time to return to your cruise ship.

NIGHT BOSTON BUS TOURS

GHOST AND GRAVESTONES BUS TOUR

If you’re looking for a more spooky experience in Beantown, perhaps a haunted bus tour is in order.

Hear about Boston’s dark side on this 90-minute ghost bus tour with numerous costumed guides.

The tour takes place at 7 pm from April 2nd – November 15th. During the winter, you can take this tour either at 6 pm or 8 pm.

The tour covers 4 different haunted locations, which include walks through two of the city’s oldest graveyards and sights related to the Boston Strangler.

Discover some of the grisly history of this city on a fun and hair-raising bus trip. 

Recommended for: Families with kids over 6.

Almost all of the reviews for this service are very positive, which has led to the 4 ½ star rating that Ghosts and Gravestones Bus Tours has received on TripAdvisor.

Many guests have said that the cast of tour guides on this trip are very entertaining and informative.

Other comments suggest that this may, in fact, be the best tour in Boston, and that might be true if you’re interested in the haunted history of the city.

• Adults - $44.84
• Child (6-12) - $37.86
• Children under 6 not permitted
• Purchase tickets here ( save 5% with Trusted Tours!)

TIP: Don't forget that if you get tickets for the Old Town Trolley, you can actually save $10 off tickets for the Ghosts & Graveyards Tour.

BOSTON TV + MOVIE TOURS

On-Location Tours offers a "Boston Movie Mile" Walking Tour from April to October.

It is approximately 90 minutes long and covers over 30 TV shows & movie locales. 

The tour starts at the Old Town Trolley Stop store and heads through beautiful Beacon Hill, the most filmed area of Boston.

Sites include locales from The Thomas Crown Affair, Good Will Hunting, Parent Trap, The Real World, The Departed, and more.

The tour concludes at that place where everybody knows your name -- the original Cheers™

• Children (ages 6-9) $26
• Under 6 - free
• Purchase tickets here .

NOTE: This tour is often included with the Go City Boston Pass .

DAY TRIPS FROM BOSTON

There are a lot of exciting activities and interesting historic locations both in and around the Boston area.

If you’ve ever wanted to visit Martha’s Vineyard or get a good look at Cape Cod, a day trip from Beantown is an excellent idea. 

Plymouth, Quincy, and Mayflower II – Walk the Pilgrim’s path and watch history come to life for $149 per Adult and $129 per Child (1-12).

Fabulous Newport – Discover the mansions of Newport and enjoy a free Trolley tour for $139 per Adult and $119 per Child (1-12).

Martha's Vineyard – Visit one of the most beautiful areas of New England for $119 per Adult and $99 per Child (1-12).

Fall Foliage Spectacular – Take in the sights and sounds of New England in the fall for $145 per Adult and $120 per Child (1-12).

COMBO PACKAGES AND DEALS

If you’re looking to partake in more than one tour during your visit to Beantown, a combo package could save you a lot of money.

There are a variety of combo packages and deals available for various attractions and tours.

Here are a few options you might want to consider before booking two or more individual trips in and around the Boston area.

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GO CITY BOSTON CARD

If you’re going to be spending more than a few days in Boston, this could be an excellent opportunity to save money and experience a lot of the attractions and tours available in the area.

The Go City Boston Card offers an All-Inclusive Pass and an Explorer Pass with plenty of different tours and activities to enjoy.

If you want to combine a Trolley Tour with tickets to one or more of the many wonderful locations in Beantown, consider picking up one of these passes!

Be sure to read our post, which compares all the different tourist attraction passes available in Boston.

Here are the Bus and Trolley tours available with the Go City Boston Card:

City View Trolley Tour 2-Day Ticket – Included with every All-Inclusive pass and Explorer Pass.

Liberty Ride Trolley Tour – Only included with the All-Inclusive pass.

Previous Travelers' Ranks and Reviews

A great resource to find tips from real people is to pick the brains of members of our Boston Travel Tips Facebook group.

There are dozens of posts where members ask questions, give recommendations, rank options, answer polls, or simply help people understand what's available.

Our group is made up of locals, like our tour guides, expats, regular visitors, as well as newbies.

You don't need to be a member to search for and read these posts and recommendations.

It's very easy to get answers. Just watch this video below.

And much, much more

About the author.

Brian Burgess

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Boston, Moscow, and Ducklings

Do you remember Make Way for Ducklings?

Robert McCloskey told the tale of a duck family with eight small ducklings who make their way (with the help of a kindly policeman) through the Boston area. He wrote and illustrated the children’s story. The book, which features the story of a father duck going off on adventures, a mother duck seeking a home for her family, and eight small and at times rambunctious ducklings, was first published in 1941 and is turning seventy five years old this year.

The tale of the mallards, who decide to raise their family on an island in the Boston Public Garden, has sold more than two million copies. The endearing illustrations of the ducks and the engaging depictions of Boston geography have remained popular with children and adults across the decades. The book won the Caldecott Medal for McCloskey’s illustrations. The city of Boston loves the book, too: in 2003 it was made the official children’s book of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in recognition of the attention brought to the city and of the love that the people of Boston and beyond have for the book.

A duck’s eye view of flying over the Charles, the swan boats in the Public Gardens and a footbridge there, and gates, brickwork, cars, people and streets of Boston all feature in the book. McCloskey attended art school in Boston and often fed ducks in the Public Garden as he walked to his classes. Later, this helped give him the idea for the story. He studied stuffed ducks and eventually even bought live ducks to frolic in his bathtub and run around his studio so he could get the drawing of them right.

Buildings, cars, bridges, fences and gardens of Boston frame the story in Make Way for Ducklings. One of the neighborhoods the ducks visit is Beacon Hill, where the young illustrator was once hired to paint murals on the sides of a building. Though he was living in New York at the time he wrote Ducklings, McCloskey returned to Boston to sketch and make sure he got the well loved details of the city he remembered right too.

Years later, the ducklings took on another form: Mrs. Mallard and her eight ducklings became part of the life of Boston’s Public Garden themselves.

Sculptor Nancy Schon was commissioned to create the ducks in bronze. The sculpture, which spans some thirty five feet in length (the ducks are many times life size) and sets the ducks atop weathered Boston cobblestones, was installed in 1987 and quickly became a part of the fabric of Boston beloved by children and adults alike. Kids (and adults) love to climb on the statutes, to hug them and pat them, so much so that park workers say the sculptures never need to be polished. It’s also not unusual to see the ducks decked out in holiday finery, for Christmas, say, or Saint Patrick’s Day , and you might also find them wearing hats and sweaters in the colors of local sports teams in season.

There’s an international connection, too: there are duckling sculptures in Moscow, in Novodevichy Park.

In 1991, then US First Lady Barbara Bush and then Russian First Lady Raisa Gorbachev visited the duck sculpture in Boston. Bob McCloskey’s daughter Jane writes “Mrs. Bush decided that, as part of the peacemaking effort between the two nations, the children of the United States should give replicas of the Ducks to the children of the Soviet Union. The Duck replicas were cast and shipped to Moscow. When the peace ceremonies were celebrated and the START treaty signed, Nancy [Schon] and Bob [McCloskey] went with the Bushes to the Soviet Union to take part in the Duck installation.”

These days, the ducks — the real ones and the ones in bronze — in Boston’s Public Garden and in the book Make Way for Ducklings remain as popular as ever, with visitors and Bostonians alike.

Photograph of Moscow ducklings courtesy of Nancy Schon. Photographs of Boston ducklings and Beacon hill sites by Kerry Dexter. Thank you for respecting copyright.

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About the author.

Kerry Dexter

Kerry Dexter is one of six writers who contribute to Perceptive Travel’s blog. You will often find her writing about places, events, and people connected with music, history, and the arts in Europe and North America. You may find more of Kerry's work at her site Music Road as well as in Wandering Educators, National Geographic Traveler, Ireland and the Americas, and other places online and in print.

wow that place is looking so beautiful and statue of ducks are most important thing of that beautiful place.

Did not know about the Moscow ducklings. Thanks. Also, kids love to sit on them in the Boston Garden.

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