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11 Aug 2025
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If you’re visiting Savannah for the first time—or even if you’ve been before—there’s no better way to get your bearings than by hopping aboard an Old Town Trolley Tour. With its signature orange and green cars and friendly, knowledgeable guides, this iconic hop-on, hop-off experience makes exploring Savannah’s Historic District fun, easy, and informative.

For guests staying in Southern Belle Vacation Rentals properties, especially those near the heart of downtown, the Old Town Trolley is a convenient and relaxing way to dive into the city’s architecture, culture, and stories—without the need to navigate parking or cobblestone streets on foot.

How the Trolley Works: Hop On, Hop Off

Old Town Trolley Tours operates a loop-style route around the Historic District, with 15 designated stops near major attractions, museums, squares, and restaurants. You can hop off at any stop, explore at your own pace, and hop back on the next trolley when you're ready to move on.

Trolleys arrive at each stop approximately every 15–20 minutes, so you’re never waiting long. Your ticket is valid for the entire day, allowing you to customize your sightseeing based on your interests and schedule.

What You’ll See on the Tour

The full loop takes about 90 minutes if you stay on for the entire ride without getting off. Throughout the journey, you’ll enjoy live narration from local guides who share Savannah’s colorful history, ghost stories, celebrity cameos, architectural facts, and fun pop culture references.

Key highlights along the route include:

  • Forsyth Park – Savannah’s largest green space, home to the iconic fountain

  • City Market – A lively area with shops, dining, and street performers

  • River Street – The cobblestone waterfront lined with historic buildings and restaurants

  • Cathedral of St. John the Baptist – A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture

  • Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace – The home of the Girl Scouts’ founder

  • Mercer-Williams House – Made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Each guide offers their own storytelling style, so you might even want to ride multiple loops just to hear different takes!

Ticket Options & Accessibility

Tickets can be purchased online, at kiosks around town, or directly from your driver at select stops. They offer:

  • Single-Day Tickets – Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a flexible day of sightseeing.

  • Two-Day Passes – Perfect if you want to take your time and explore deeper.

  • Combo Tickets – Bundled with attractions like Ghosts & Gravestones, the American Prohibition Museum, or riverboat cruises.

Accessibility: Old Town Trolley has ADA-compliant vehicles in its fleet, but not every trolley is wheelchair accessible. If needed, it’s best to call ahead and arrange an accessible trolley at your starting stop.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Ride

1. Start early.
Beginning your tour in the morning gives you the full day to explore at a relaxed pace. The first trolleys usually depart around 9:00 AM, and service ends between 4:30 and 6:00 PM, depending on the season.

2. Ride the full loop first.
If you’re unfamiliar with the layout of Savannah, consider staying on for the entire loop the first time to get an overview. Then go back to your favorite spots.

3. Pair stops with nearby attractions.

  • Hop off at Stop 5 (Forsyth Park) and grab lunch at Collins Quarter

  • From Stop 10  (Lucas Theatre), walk to Ellis Square for a sweet treat from Leopold’s Ice Cream.

  • At Stop 11 (River Street), browse the shops or enjoy a drink with a view of the water.

4. Don’t skip the little-known gems.
Your guide will point out hidden courtyards, movie filming spots, and architectural secrets that you might miss on your own.

5. Dress for comfort.
Savannah can be warm and humid, so bring a water bottle, wear sunscreen, and pack comfortable walking shoes for when you hop off.

Why It’s Perfect for Southern Belle Guests

Staying in a Southern Belle Vacation Rentals home gives you a local’s comfort with a traveler’s access. Many of our homes are just a short walk from trolley stops, which means you can start your tour right outside your door. It's ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers who want to make the most of Savannah without the hassle of driving and parking downtown.

Final Thought:
The Old Town Trolley isn’t just transportation—it’s your rolling front-row seat to Savannah’s stories, squares, and Southern charm. Hop on, hop off, and make your Savannah stay as memorable as the city itself.