Trolleys Redefined 

Two years ago, we introduced readers to Rehoboth Beach’s unique transportation service, Jolly Trolley. If you’re not yet familiar with those nostalgic trolley cars traveling its summertime route between Rehoboth and Dewey, it’s a good idea to consider it for affordable and parking-hassle-free transportation when you’ve got grandchildren or houseguests visiting during crowded weekends or holidays. 

Jolly Trolley, “Rehoboth Beach’s Original Mass Transit System,” now over 50 years young has indeed been an attraction and a mainstay during the summer, and also for shuttling guests to events, bachelorette “crawls” and other attractions.  

They even offer several day trips including the Philadelphia Flower Show (sold out for 2024), NASA’s Wallop’s Island Space Center, Washington’s Cherry Blossoms, Winterthur and more. Take a peek at the line ups and PLAN AHEAD, as many trips get sold out: click here.

Under the operation since 1992 by the Hastings family, the company has grown from a beach shuttle to a much larger operation that includes limousine (or trolley bus) travel to BWI and Philadelphia International Airport. Passengers ride in comfort and easily avoid the hassles of parking and shuttling from parking lots to the terminals. And driving through traffic – a source of stress when trying to get to your flight on time. 

For private events such as weddings, pub and winery tours, two sizes of trolleys are available, the larger “Jolly Bus” being able to accommodate up to 34 people. 

Other relatively new services include safe transportation to performances at the Freeman Arts Pavilion. There are also partnerships with area hotels and B&Bs, providing guests with rides to and from events such as weddings. 

The most recognizable service of course is Jolly Trolley’s iconic beach shuttle service, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Ridership fees for 2024 are $4 for a one-way ride, or $7 round trip, and $2 for children under the age of 5. If you think about it, that’s less than one might pay for metered parking and a possible meter violation ticket. 

The trolley runs a loop from Rehoboth Beach through Dewey Beach and back, with several stops in between. Passengers can now track the trolley on their phones to estimate when the next one will swing by their stop. 

A route map is available and can be downloaded from the Jolly Trolley website. Fares are available for purchase online; otherwise, payment must be paid upon boarding. Tickets and reservations for the popular day trips are also available on the website. 

By Bridget FitzPatrick