How Much Is The Hershey Trolley Tour? (And How Long It Will Take)
If you’re planning a family trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania—the “Sweetest Place on Earth”—then the Hershey Trolley Tour is probably on your radar. Rolling through this iconic chocolate town in a classic green trolley is one of our Double Decker Fam’s favorite memories from our cross-country adventures. But before you book this tasty trip, you’ll want to know: How much is the Hershey Trolley Tour? And, how long does it actually take? Let’s dig in and let our family’s real-life experience (yep, with six kids in tow) help you make the most out of your visit!
What is the Hershey Trolley Tour?
First, for anyone new to the Hershey scene, the Hershey Trolley Tour is a guided sightseeing adventure that takes you through the heritage, heart, and sweeter-than-chocolate history of Hershey, PA. As you wind through town in a cheerful, vintage-style trolley, your engaging conductor shares fascinating facts, sings (yes, really!), and even offers up irresistible chocolate samples. Think of it as Willy Wonka meets local history—fun for all ages and a total win for families.
Find all the details straight from the source at Hershey’s Chocolate World.
How Much Does the Hershey Trolley Tour Cost (2024)?
Alright, let’s talk numbers. For most of us traveling with our whole crew, budgeting is key! As of 2024, here are the ticket prices for the standard Original Trolley Show, the most popular (and family-friendly) option:
- Adults (ages 13–61): $15.95 per person
- Seniors (ages 62+): $14.95 per person
- Children (ages 3–12): $11.95 per person
- Children under 3: Free (must sit on parent’s lap)
Pro tip from our Double Decker Fam: If you’re traveling as a family of four or more (hello, big families!), keep an eye out for seasonal deals or combo packages that bundle the Hershey Trolley Tour with other Chocolate World attractions. Read more about those packages on VisitHersheyHarrisburg.com.
Additional Trolley Experiences & Pricing
Besides the Original Trolley Show, there are some seasonal or special event tours, like:
- Spring or Holiday Trolley Rides
- Hershey After Dark Trolley Tour
These vary in price—usually $18.95–$24.95 for adults and about $13.95–$17.95 for kids. Make sure to check the official Trolley Works site for the latest schedules and pricing before you go.
How Long Does the Hershey Trolley Tour Take?
- Original Trolley Show: 45–60 minutes
- Specialty & Holiday Tours: Expect 60–75 minutes
From our family’s two visits (one in mid-summer, one during the holidays!), we found the standard trolley tour takes just under an hour. This is the perfect sweet spot—not long enough for little ones to lose patience, and just enough to hit all the Hershey highlights (and get those free samples!).
Our first trip: With six kids ages 5–10, we breezed through the hour-long tour with almost no “are we there yet?” moments. The lively storytelling, classic songs, and frequent treats (did I mention the samples?) keep everyone entertained.
Good to know: In busy seasons (summer, weekends, Christmas), things can run a little longer due to loading/unloading or traffic downtown. Build in some wiggle room!
What Can You Expect on the Hershey Trolley Tour?
When we travel with our Double Decker Fam, I always look for family experiences that blend fun, learning, and local flavor. This tour totally hits the spot!
Here’s what you’ll experience:
- Fun & informative stories about Milton Hershey’s life and the birth of the town. Our conductor was equal parts historian and comedian!
- Chocolate samples at multiple stops—not just at the end, thank goodness.
- Singing and interactive bits (don’t worry, introverts, you don’t have to join in).
- A closer look at iconic Hershey landmarks, including the original Hershey factory, schools, and even downtown streetlights shaped like Hershey’s Kisses.
If you’re lucky, your “cast” might even perform skits to bring Hershey history alive. (Our kids still talk about “Mr. Hershey” popping aboard in costume.)
Tip: Bring a camera or smartphone—the trolley’s huge windows give you pretty solid photo ops. Plus, the conductors are more than happy to snap a quick family pic if you ask.
Is the Hershey Trolley Tour Worth It for Families?
Let’s be real: big-family attractions can add up fast. Here’s why we think the Hershey Trolley Tour is totally worth the spend—especially for families and RVers like us:
1. It’s All-Ages Friendly
No height requirements, no scary surprises, and the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Plus, toddlers ride free if they’re on your lap.
2. It’s Educational (But Not Boring!)
The hosts do an amazing job at making history fun. Even our five-year-old twins can tell you about Mr. Hershey and his chocolate empire.
3. It Breaks Up a Busy Day
Hersheypark and Chocolate World can be a lot, especially on crowded days. The trolley tour offers a relaxing hour to sit down, chill, and soak in the town before getting back to rides or chocolate tastings.
4. You Get Free Samples
No explanation needed!
Insider tip: Hershey Trolley tours do sell out in peak season! Buy in advance online if you can, especially if you have a big group like ours. Lines for walk-up tickets can get long, and trust me, you don’t want to disappoint a bus-full of chocolate-hyped kids.
Where Does the Trolley Tour Depart? Is Parking Free?
You’ll start and end right at Hershey’s Chocolate World, next to Hersheypark. There’s a huge parking lot (free for up to 3 hours if you’re just doing Chocolate World or the trolley tour). If you’re also hitting Hersheypark, parking is $20–$25 for the full day, but you can come and go between the attractions easily.
Helpful link: Check the latest parking and accessibility info at Hershey’s official FAQ.
When is the Best Time to Ride the Hershey Trolley?
We’ve done both the summer and winter/holiday versions. Here’s our honest take for families:
- Summer: Lots of families, best for first-timers seeing Hershey for the first time. Book early!
- Fall: Quieter, easier to score last-minute tickets. Beautiful leaves.
- Winter/Holidays: The Holiday Trolley is super magical—think Christmas carols and special treats.
If your schedule is flexible, aim for the earlier rides in the day. Fewer crowds, less waiting time, and everyone’s in a better mood.
Budget Tips For Big Families
Traveling with a large family (6 kids, anyone?) means thinking about every dollar. Here’s a few ways we stretched our budget in Hershey:
- Look for ticket combos: The Hershey Trolley is often bundled with Create Your Own Candy Bar or Hershey Unwrapped for small discounts.
- Use the free Chocolate World attractions: Don’t miss the complimentary Chocolate Tour ride inside the main building—no tickets required and includes a free mini sample.
- Pack snacks/water: Everyone gets a chocolate treat, but little ones will ask for drinks. Bringing your reusable water bottles saves cash.
- Arrive early or late: Avoid the worst crowds and maybe sneak in a cheaper meal before or after (the food court at Chocolate World is surprisingly affordable).
For more smart ways to save, Budget Travel Magazine always has great up-to-date family destination guides and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Need Reservations?
Yes (or at least, you really should). Especially with a big family, pre-book online to guarantee your spots.
Is the Tour Good For Toddlers?
If they can sit through about 45 minutes and enjoy a little singing and chocolate, absolutely!
Can You Bring Strollers?
Small collapsible strollers are fine—just check them with the conductor as you board.
Is It Worth the Price?
If your family enjoys stories, history, and sweets, 100% yes. Per person, it’s pretty affordable—especially compared to theme park tickets.
Final Thoughts: Would Our Family Do It Again?
Absolutely! The Hershey Trolley Tour is one of those rare attractions that appeals to all ages, moves at a nice, manageable pace, serves up awesome local history, and—of course—scratches that chocolatey itch. Whether you’re a Hershey first-timer or a repeat visitor, it’s a memory-maker for any