Frequently Asked Questions
Ticket FAQs
Do you sell tickets on your website for the Trolley Tours?
Yes! Tickets are only available thru our website and you can purchase tickets for our Trolley Tours up to 48 hours in advance. Click on the “Purchase Tickets” from the top of any page on this website.
We generally sell out 24-48 hours in advance and encourage you to book your tours early.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes! Viking Tours Newport values the security of your personal information and that is why our ticket sales are hosted through a noted online ticketing software agency that has a long track record with other successful national businesses. Knowing that our clients’ data is always secure through the entire transaction was an important part of our decision to offer online booking.
I just purchased my tickets for the tour – now what?
After completing your order, you will receive an email from us momently confirming your upcoming trolley tour. If you do not receive an email from us, please call our office at 401-847-6921 so we can accommodate with your needs. You will receive a booking confirmation number which you will not need to print since it is not necessary. Also, you will not receive any form of barcodes since the confirmation number will be your tickets moving forward. On the day of your tour as you on board the trolley, the driver will need to see your confirmation number. If you do not have it on you, don’t fret, just tell the driver who you are and how many people are in your party, and they will be expecting you from there.
What if I have a small child who’s not even a year old? Do I need to purchase a ticket for them?
As long as the child remains in your lap throughout the entire trolley ride, then the short answer for that would be no. Please call our office at 401-847-6921 if you have any further questions.
Tour FAQs
Where do the Trolley Tours leave from?
Our trolley tours depart from the Newport Transportation Center (formally the Gateway Visitor Center) at bus platform #3, 23 America’s Cup Avenue, adjacent to the Newport Marriott Hotel in downtown Newport. There is a paid parking garage located at the Newport Transportation Center as well as additional parking lots located within a block or two of the Newport Transportation Center.
For information regarding parking rates at the Newport Transportation Center click here.
What happens if I miss my pre-purchased scheduled tour?
Unfortunately, because all of our tours are sold on a limited inventory basis we cannot exchange tickets for tour times other than what has been purchased.
I am taking the Grand Mansion Tour (Tour 2A or Tour 2B) – after visiting the Mansion how do I get back to the Newport Transportation Center?
Once you finish your tour of the mansion of your choosing, your trolley will be outside waiting for you to re-board and continue your tour. If you are planning on staying at one of the mansions longer than expected and wish not to hop back on board the trolley to finish the remainder of the tour, we ask that you let the driver know in advance. You will be responsible for providing your own transportation back to the starting location of the tour.
Do your trolley tours still operate even if it’s raining outside?
Yes, we operate our trolley tours rain or shine regardless of the weather.
I am taking the Vanderbilt’s Newport Tour (Tour 3) – Do I have to walk between the two Mansions?
Of course not! The trolley will be at each stop to continue your tour and return you in a timely manner to the Newport Transportation Center.
Is this a "Hop on, Hop off" type of tour?
Unfortunately, we are not a “Hop on, Hop off” type of tour. The only time you would “Hop on and Hop off” the trolley is if you are planning to do the Tour 2- Grand Mansion tour with a mansion of your choosing (The Marble House or The Breakers) or the Tour 3 Two House Vanderbilts Tour which allows you admission to both The Marble House and The Breakers. If you choose to do the Tour 1- Scenic Overview Tour, you will remain in the trolley throughout the entire tour which you will not be able to “hop off” the trolley until the end of the tour.
Is the Cliff Walk part of the tour?
Unfortunately, the cliff walk is not part of our trolley tours. However, if you wish to go on the cliff walk, you can do that on your own time.
Trolley FAQs
Are the Trolleys ADA Compliant?
Some of our trolleys have ADA compliant lifts and we always try to run at least one tour a day with a wheelchair lift. Please not that mobile scooters are not permitted on the trolley due to the weight limit on the lift. We only allow foldable wheelchairs at this time. You may call our office at 401-847-6921to check on the tours with wheelchair lifts or ask any additional questions you may have. If you or someone you know is planning on booking a tour with Viking Tours and is in need of ADA assistance, please book ahead of time within 48 hours of your planned scheduled tour date so that we can make special arrangements.
Can I bring a beverage on the Trolley with me?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring a soft drink, water or coffee onboard the trolley with you. We just ask you that you don’t bring on anything in a glass container and to please place your empty cans or cups in the trash at the front of the trolley when you exit.
I have a large group that wants to take a private Trolley Tour. Is this possible?
For larger groups who would like to arrange a private trolley tour for their group or convention here in Newport, we suggest that you contact our sales office at 401-847-6921 or go to the Charters / Meetings page for more information. Any of our helpful staff will be happy to arrange a trolley tour to fit your needs as well as a convenient time frame. Since this is a private tour for just your group, we can arrange the itinerary based on your time needs as well as picking your group up at your host hotel or other location.
Can I bring pets on the trolley?
The simple answer for that question would be no. We don’t usually allow pets on board the trolley. However, we do allow service pets onboard the trolley. We ask that if you plan on bringing your service pet on board the trolley you will be required to bring appropriate paperwork to present to the driver declaring that your pet is indeed a service pet.
Are your trolleys air conditioned?
Yes, our trolleys have air conditioning.
Cruise Ship FAQs
I am visiting Newport on a Cruise Ship – Can I purchase tickets in advance?
On certain dates, such as when large cruise ships are in port, tickets are not available for purchase on line or in advance. On these dates, tickets may be purchased at the Newport Visitors Center on the day of the tour. We do this for a number of reasons, but mainly, because Newport is a tender port and there is no pier or terminal for the cruise ships to dock. Being a tender port, some guests might experience brief delays in getting off of the cruise ship and into Newport in time for their selected tours. Unfortunately, we cannot accept your ticket for a time other than the one purchased. The Visitor Center is just one block from the tender pier and tickets are available at the ticket counter inside the building. The Center opens at 9:00 AM every morning.
On Cruise Ship days – are there additional Trolley Tours and times?
We normally try to add a few additional trolley departures on days when a cruise ship is in port. You’ll be able to get all the available offerings and times at the Visitors Center – plus all the information you need to make your visit to Newport enjoyable! We feel that it is in everyone’s best interest to head to the Visitor Center once they arrive in Newport and purchase their tickets for the next available tour.
