Let's be honest. Savannah in August feels like walking through warm soup. I learned this the hard way during my first visit, trying to cover Forsyth Park to River Street on foot. By noon, my enthusiasm had melted faster than a praline in the sun. That's when I spotted one of those iconic green-and-orange trolleys gliding past. Best decision I made that trip.
Why Old Trolley Tours Rule Savannah Sightseeing
See, Savannah's Historic District spreads across 2.5 square miles. Sounds manageable until you factor in 100-degree humidity and uneven cobblestones. Old trolley tours of Savannah solve this beautifully. They're not just transport – they're mobile history lessons with AC. Actually, most trolleys are open-air (more on that later).
I've taken six different trolley tours over three visits. Some dazzled me. One put me to sleep. Here’s the real scoop.
Why locals recommend trolleys: "Our historic squares weren't designed for tour buses," says Martha, a guide I met at Colonial Park Cemetery. "Trolleys navigate tight corners buses can't touch. You see the real Savannah."
Top Savannah Trolley Companies Compared
Not all trolley tours are created equal. After testing the big three, here's my breakdown:
| Company | Price (Adult) | Stops | What I Loved | What Annoyed Me |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Town Trolley | $39.75 | 15 | On/off flexibility. Guides like Hank who tell scandalous ghost stories | Can get crowded after 11 AM |
| Old Savannah Tours | $42.50 | 12 | Free River Street parking voucher. Actors hop on at squares (fun for kids!) | Less frequent departures in winter |
| Savannah Trolley Tours | $37.00 | 10 | Smallest groups. Veteran drivers who know every alley | Fewer trolleys = longer wait times |
Pro tip: Old Town’s combo ticket bundles the trolley with Owens-Thomas House entry. Saves about $12 if you planned to visit anyway.
Insider’s Guide to Booking Your Trolley Tour
Booking strategies matter. My first time, I paid full price at the visitor center. Big mistake. Here’s how to save:
- Discounts work: AAA members save 10% at Old Savannah Tours. Military discounts exist but rarely advertised – ask!
- Bundle deals: Both Old Town and Old Savannah offer "trolley + riverboat cruise" packages. Worth it IF you want both.
- Timing hack: Board before 10 AM or after 2 PM. Midday crowds mean fighting for window seats.
Parking tip: Most trolley tours start near Ellis Square. Park at the Whitaker Street Garage ($15/day). Old Savannah Tours validates parking – saves $7.
What to Expect Onboard
Picture this: You're rolling down Bull Street, Spanish moss dripping from oaks, when your driver suddenly belts out a Ray Charles lyric. Happened on my Old Town trolley last June. Memorable? Absolutely. Typical? Not really.
Here's the real deal:
- Seating: Bench-style wooden seats. Not plush but surprisingly comfy. Back rows are bumpiest.
- Narration: Live guides beat pre-recorded every time. Savannah Trolley Tours wins here – their guides answer questions mid-route.
- Weather woes: Most trolleys have roll-down plastic curtains. They help in rain but fog up. Pack a towel.
Personal gripe? Some companies blast narration through tinny speakers. Bring earplugs if sensitive to that.
Route Deep Dive: Hidden Gems Along the Tracks
Many trolley tours of Savannah follow similar loops. But smart riders know where to hop off:
Must-Visit Stops
- Stop #4 (Forsyth Park): Not just for photos. Saturdays host farmers markets with peach cider donuts.
- Stop #7 (Wormsloe Historic Site): Only Old Savannah Tours includes this. Those oak alleys are magical.
- Stop #11 (River Street): Avoid tourist traps. Slide into Huey’s for beignets instead.
Fun fact: Old Town Trolley’s “Ghost Track” route detours past Sorrel-Weed House after dark. Saw shadows moving in windows. Spooky? Maybe. Real ghosts? Doubtful. Cool stories? Absolutely.
Savannah Trolley Tours FAQ
Questions I get asked constantly:
How long does the full loop take?
About 90 minutes if you stay on. But hopping off extends it. Budget 3-4 hours minimum.
Are trolleys wheelchair accessible?
Old Town Trolley has two ADA-compliant vehicles. Must reserve 24 hours ahead. Others? Not reliably.
Can kids handle it?
My 8-year-old nephew loved it. Toddlers? Tricky. No seatbelts. Bring snacks.
Best photo spots?
Left side seating when heading east. Catches cathedral spires perfectly.
Beyond the Trolley: Making Your Tour Shine
Trolleys are fantastic starters. But Savannah rewards diggers. After years of visiting, here’s my ritual:
- Take full trolley loop first thing Day 1 (see what interests you)
- Hop off at Lafayette Square for lunch at Olde Pink House (reserve weeks ahead)
- Walk between adjacent squares post-lunch (shaded and magical)
- Do specialty tour on Day 2 (ghost tours work best at night)
Last thing: Skip the “free” maps at hotels. Grab Savannah Morning News instead. Their events calendar beats any brochure.
When Trolleys Disappoint (And How to Avoid It)
Not every ride dazzles. My worst experience? A 3 PM July trolley with broken AC. Guide droned through scripted jokes. Lesson learned:
- Morning tours rule: Guides are fresher. Temperatures are kinder.
- Check trolley condition: Peek inside before paying. Worn seats often mean neglected maintenance.
- Rain plan: Sudden downpours? Duck into the Jepson Center – stunning modern art and trolley tickets work as rain checks.
Ultimately, old trolley tours of Savannah give you breathing room in a city begging to be savored slowly. They’re imperfect. Occasionally bumpy. But like Savannah itself – utterly worth it.
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