Newport Mansions Trolley Tour & Breakers Entry Ticket

Summary

Ride Newport’s mansion-lined avenues, step inside the Breakers, hear real Gilded Age tales

You’ll board a comfy trolley in Newport for a guided ride past famous Gilded Age mansions and Ocean Drive views before stepping inside the Breakers for 90 minutes. Expect local stories from your guide, movie set sightings, and tips on what to do next. You’ll leave with new favorite spots—and probably one or two mansion daydreams stuck in your head.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from the Newport Transit Center right on time — I was still fumbling with my coffee lid when our driver (Mike? Mark? I’m terrible with names) started pointing out these brick buildings downtown. The trolley seats were softer than I expected, which was a relief after our walk from Bowen’s Wharf. The air smelled faintly of salt and sunscreen, even though it wasn’t exactly beach weather. As we turned toward Fort Adams, he joked about Eisenhower’s summer house being “a bit more modest than the mansions,” which got a laugh from the back.

Ocean Drive sort of sneaks up on you — suddenly there’s all this open water and wind in your face if you crack a window. Our guide kept tossing out movie references: “That’s where they filmed The Gilded Age,” or “See that stone house? Hocus Pocus 2.” It was oddly fun trying to spot places I’d only seen on TV. When we passed Brenton Point State Park, I caught this sharp seaweed smell mixed with grass — not unpleasant, just very Rhode Island. The houses along Bellevue Ave look unreal from the outside; someone behind me whispered, “People actually lived here?”

I didn’t expect to feel much walking into the Breakers (main keyword here), but honestly it hit different inside. Gold everywhere, ceilings so high my neck hurt looking up. There was this hush in the main hall — except for a kid asking if he could touch something (he couldn’t). The audio guide mentioned how many people worked behind the scenes to keep things running back then; made me think about all those stories you never see in movies. I lost track of time wandering through rooms with names like “Morning Room” and “Billiard Room.”

On the way back, Mike pointed out Cliff Walk and gave tips on free parking spots (“Don’t pay unless you have to!”). Someone asked about lunch spots and he rattled off three places locals actually go — not just tourist traps. By then the sun had come out and everything looked brighter somehow. I still think about that view over Narragansett Bay as we looped back toward downtown — maybe it was just the light or maybe it was all that history packed into three hours. Anyway, if you want a real day trip around Newport’s mansions with some good stories thrown in, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Newport Gilded Age Mansions Trolley Tour

• Park at Newport Transit Center
• Board trolley at Bus Platform #2
• Show ticket to driver
• Receive Breaker's Mansion pass
• Tour Fort Adams and learn history
• Pass Brenton Point State Park
• Drive through Ocean Drive Historic District
• View mansions along Newport Cliff Walk
• Stop at Marble House mansion
• Stop at Rosecliff Mansion
• Visit The Breakers mansion interior
• Pass The Elms mansion
• Pass International Tennis Hall of Fame
• Explore Downtown Newport waterfront district

Top questions

How long does the Newport Mansions Trolley Tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 160-180 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Is entry to The Breakers mansion included?

Yes, admission to The Breakers is included if you select that option when booking.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from Bus Platform #2 at Newport Transit Center on America’s Cup Ave.

Are children allowed on this trolley tour?

The minimum age is 5 years old; youth under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; you meet at the Newport Transit Center for departure.

What attractions are seen during the tour?

You’ll pass Fort Adams State Park, Brenton Point State Park, Ocean Drive Historic District, Bellevue Ave mansions including Marble House and Rosecliff, The Elms, International Tennis Hall of Fame, Cliff Walk area, and downtown waterfront.

Is there free parking available?

Public parking is available at the Transit Center for a fee; some attractions have free parking nearby as noted by guides during the tour.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

The enclosed trolley operates rain or shine except during/after winter snow or ice events.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding a comfortable late-model trolley from downtown Newport with scenic narration as you pass over 150 points of interest—Colonial-era landmarks, Ocean Drive views, Bellevue Avenue mansions—and finishes with entry to explore inside The Breakers mansion for ninety minutes before returning downtown. All tickets are digital or printed; simply show them at boarding for easy access.