FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I make a reservation?Reservations for regular tours are made online by clicking the book now button on the tour option you want/is available or calling the office during office hours at 317-634-3400. If you make a reservation you must pay at the time of booking.
Can I book more than 1 carriage?Yes, you can book more than one carriage as long as the time slots by reservation are open. You will need to book each time slot separately. Please note the carriages generally run on slightly different times so expecting them to go on tour wagon-train style is unlikely.
What if I have a gift voucher to use? To redeem your gift voucher you can book online, call the office, or e-mail us and we will book your tour. Expired gift vouchers cannot be honored.
What if we have more than 6 people?Carriages are designed to hold 4 people comfortably, but can fit up to 6 average-sized adults. 2 children, 3 and under may be allowed on laps if there are already 6 people. If you have more people then stated above you will need to book an additional carriages. City Ordinance states that we are not allowed to have more than 6 passengers in one carriage.
Where do carriages pick up and drop off?All tours pick up and drop off at Monument Circle. The stand location for GPS is 1 Monument Circle. Our carriage stand is located outside the pillars on Monument Circle across from the AES building, Hilbert Circle Theatre, and Rocket Fizz Candy Store. Any other pick up or drop off is a custom ride and must be booked through the office. We can not guarantee that we can pick you up or drop you off at your desired location.
I booked a reservation but wish to change my ride time. Is this possible?If you booked online, you are able to change your reservation by using the login information set up while booking your reservation. We can not guarantee that the time slot/day you are wanting to change the booking to is available. However, the calendar will bring up all available dates/times. You must make changes 24 hours in advance if doing so online.
If you made a reservation through the office, need help rescheduling, or you can no longer change the reservation yourself, you can call the office or e-mail. This must be done during office hours or through e-mail on the day of your reservation. We understand that emergencies happen so if one were to occur please email before your scheduled reservation time and we will provide you with a credit. If you fail to contact us BEFORE your scheduled time then you will be marked as a no show and not given a credit.
Where do the carriages go on a ride? Tours all start at Monument Circle. Carriages stay within the mile square. We try to stick to our standard routes, but all routes are subject to change due to traffic, events going on downtown, construction, etc. If all the routes are clear then we will offer our route options to each ride. All 55 min tours have the choice of going to Lockerbie Square or by the Canal. Lockerbie square is the oldest neighborhood in Indianapolis with the last original cobblestone road. The Canal tour overlooks a small part of the canal and combines with the South Route. All 25 min tours have the choice of the North Route or South Route. North Route goes by the parks along North Meridian and Pennsylvania, World War Memorial, and various statues/fountains. South Route goes by the State Capitol Building, Convention Center, Arts Garden, and the hustle and bustle of the restaurants and hotels. What if its raining???All carriages have tops and panels. Carriages are not watertight so if rain is eminent please dress accordingly. If it is raining (not a downpour or storming) and we feel conditions are safe we will be operating. If conditions deteriorate we will attempt to notify you as soon as possible if you have made a reservation. * We reserve the right to cancel our service at anytime and without notice due to weather.*We will not endanger our staff, horses, or customers. This can be an inconvenience and we apologize for any inconvenience. However, Indiana is know for extreme weather changes that can happen quickly without warning. Thank You Where can I park? We do not have a specific parking area for our customers. You can park at any available parking meter or parking garage in the area.
When do the carriages operate?In season (March to December), tours begin at 6pm Wednesday through Friday and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. (These days and times do fluctuate during our slower months). During football season and certain holidays, those times may change. Any firework displays, street closings, or Monument Circle closings may also effect our hours of operation. We will also have heat delays if the temperature is too hot for our horses to operate. Weather and demand determine how late we operate. Reservations booked online will show hours available.
May we have beverages on the carriage?You may bring a beverage if it is in a closed container, such as a cup with a lid. No glass containers are allowed. You may have alcoholic beverages as well. We do not serve or sell any type of beverages.
Do you supply blankets?We keep blankets on the carriage when the weather is cold. However, you may wish to bring your own. We always recommend that you check the weather and dress appropriately for your tour.
Are the carriages heated?No, the carriages are not heated. We enclose all carriages with clear panels that do not completely obstruct your view of the city to block wind and extreme weather when needed. We always recommend that you check the weather and dress appropriately for your tour. Are the carriages and horses safe to tour with?Our horses are highly trained, however they are live animals and may sometimes react to situations in their environment. Our drivers must go through a training program with a experienced driver before they are on their own. The safest routes are chosen for our tours. Carriages are routinely inspected by qualified personnel.
I noticed that you only offer 25 min tours on your website. What if we want a longer tour? This is so we do not overbook our carriages. If you wish to take a 50 min tour, you can book a carriage back to back if the time slots are available. Example: Book a 6:00pm and 6:30pm time slot.
What if my reservation needs to be canceled at the last minute?You can cancel your reservation online up to 24 hours in advance or through the office during office hours. You must cancel your reservation through the office by 2pm, or e-mail us before your scheduled ride time. If you fail to do so then you forfeit your carriage ride and thus do not receive a credit for a later date. You will be marked as a no show in our system. If either party cancels your reservation we do not offer refunds. A credit will be added to your account so that you can use it for a future ride. Do not reply to email appointment reminders.
What if I have a reservation and my carriage is late?We do our best to navigate traffic with the welfare of our horses in mind. Unfortunately, there may be times when we will be late for your appointment. Some situations are out of our control due to streets being closed and events going on in the downtown area. Be assured, you will still receive your full carriage tour.
Are same day online reservations available?Online reservations must be booked 24 hours in advance. When carriages are at their stands, our reservation book is closed. You still have the option for walk-up rides on a first come, first serve basis. In season March to December same day reservations may be made by phone during office hours.
Is your pricing per couple, per carriage, or...?Our prices are per carriage with carriages holding up to 6 average sized adults. 4 adults fit more comfortably and with more room. Children 3 and under may sit on a lap if the carriage is full however, there is a limit of 2.
I am at Monument Circle and Blue Ribbon Carriages/Yellow Rose Carriages are not here. Why?Periodically the city closes our carriages stands without notice. If you have a reservation we will attempt to notify you by e-mail, text, or phone call for an alternate pick up location. Please make sure we have a way to contact you prior to your ride time. We also may not be downtown due to slow business. If our carriages are not picking up rides then we will leave downtown despite our business hours. If there are long periods of heavy rain or severe weather we might cancel our shift. How do I book a pick up or drop off that is NOT on Monument Circle? What is a custom ride?A custom ride is any pick up or drop off from any location other than Monument Circle. Custom rides are not offered from Thanksgiving until December 31. Custom rides can only be booked in during regular season (March to the day before Thanksgiving) Carriages must stay within the mile square of downtown. (North, South, East, and West Street). We are not able to go to all places within the mile square so we can not guarantee we will be able to fulfill your request. You must call the office or e-mail to book a custom ride.
How do I book a special event such as a wedding or birthday? What is a special event?
Email us at brcarriages@gmail.com with your name, day, date, time of event, and a estimate of how long you will need the carriage. A special event is any request for 1 or more carriages for a specific event that is during or outside of our normal operational hours within the mile square of downtown Indianapolis.
What is the mile square? The mile square is boarded by the following streets..North St., South St. West St, and East St. There are very few exceptions to our carriages crossing outside these borders. Do You haul for special events? Unfortunately, we are currently not hauling for any on location events. All rides must be taken within the mile square of downtown Indianapolis. How is payment accepted?To book in advance, via phone or our website, payment is made by a debit or credit card upon booking. All other rides are paid at time of service to the carriage driver by cash or credit card.
Is it customary to tip our driver?Yes, it is customary to tip the driver as they are providing a service however, it is not required. Our prices do not include a tip. A customary tip is typically 20%. You are able to add a tip while making a reservation or you can tip in cash. There are multiple tipping options online.
When are tours available? Usually Wednesday-Sunday, weather permitting, and within season (March -December). We are generally on Monument Circle starting at 6pm Wednesday through Friday and at 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Downtown events, closings, heat delays, and slower months will affect this schedule for reservations and/or walk ups. What lights will we see at Christmas? The Circle is decorated with lights, and there are are few trees scattered around, however the route we use is not always decorated. The city dictates how and where holiday lights are displayed. We never know from one year to the next what decorations may or may not be displayed.
Do your carriages light up/have lights?All of our carriages light up, but they do differ depending on the style of carriage. If you want to insure a lighted carriage please book after sunset. This is when we turn on the carriage lights.
How fast do the horses go? On average a horse pulling a carriage at a walk will go 1 mile per every 40 minutes.
Where do the carriages go on a ride? Tours all start at Monument Circle. Carriages stay within the mile square. We try to stick to our standard routes, but all routes are subject to change due to traffic, events going on downtown, construction, etc. If all the routes are clear then we will offer our route options to each ride. All 55 min tours have the choice of going to Lockerbie Square or by the Canal. Lockerbie square is the oldest neighborhood in Indianapolis with the last original cobblestone road. The Canal tour overlooks a small part of the canal and combines with the South Route. All 25 min tours have the choice of the North Route or South Route. North Route goes by the parks along North Meridian and Pennsylvania, World War Memorial, and various statues/fountains. South Route goes by the State Capitol Building, Convention Center, Arts Garden, and the hustle and bustle of the restaurants and hotels. What if its raining???All carriages have tops and panels. Carriages are not watertight so if rain is eminent please dress accordingly. If it is raining (not a downpour or storming) and we feel conditions are safe we will be operating. If conditions deteriorate we will attempt to notify you as soon as possible if you have made a reservation. * We reserve the right to cancel our service at anytime and without notice due to weather.*We will not endanger our staff, horses, or customers. This can be an inconvenience and we apologize for any inconvenience. However, Indiana is know for extreme weather changes that can happen quickly without warning. Thank You Where can I park? We do not have a specific parking area for our customers. You can park at any available parking meter or parking garage in the area.
When do the carriages operate?In season (March to December), tours begin at 6pm Wednesday through Friday and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. (These days and times do fluctuate during our slower months). During football season and certain holidays, those times may change. Any firework displays, street closings, or Monument Circle closings may also effect our hours of operation. We will also have heat delays if the temperature is too hot for our horses to operate. Weather and demand determine how late we operate. Reservations booked online will show hours available.
May we have beverages on the carriage?You may bring a beverage if it is in a closed container, such as a cup with a lid. No glass containers are allowed. You may have alcoholic beverages as well. We do not serve or sell any type of beverages.
Do you supply blankets?We keep blankets on the carriage when the weather is cold. However, you may wish to bring your own. We always recommend that you check the weather and dress appropriately for your tour.
Are the carriages heated?No, the carriages are not heated. We enclose all carriages with clear panels that do not completely obstruct your view of the city to block wind and extreme weather when needed. We always recommend that you check the weather and dress appropriately for your tour. Are the carriages and horses safe to tour with?Our horses are highly trained, however they are live animals and may sometimes react to situations in their environment. Our drivers must go through a training program with a experienced driver before they are on their own. The safest routes are chosen for our tours. Carriages are routinely inspected by qualified personnel.
I noticed that you only offer 25 min tours on your website. What if we want a longer tour? This is so we do not overbook our carriages. If you wish to take a 50 min tour, you can book a carriage back to back if the time slots are available. Example: Book a 6:00pm and 6:30pm time slot.
What if my reservation needs to be canceled at the last minute?You can cancel your reservation online up to 24 hours in advance or through the office during office hours. You must cancel your reservation through the office by 2pm, or e-mail us before your scheduled ride time. If you fail to do so then you forfeit your carriage ride and thus do not receive a credit for a later date. You will be marked as a no show in our system. If either party cancels your reservation we do not offer refunds. A credit will be added to your account so that you can use it for a future ride. Do not reply to email appointment reminders.
What if I have a reservation and my carriage is late?We do our best to navigate traffic with the welfare of our horses in mind. Unfortunately, there may be times when we will be late for your appointment. Some situations are out of our control due to streets being closed and events going on in the downtown area. Be assured, you will still receive your full carriage tour.
Are same day online reservations available?Online reservations must be booked 24 hours in advance. When carriages are at their stands, our reservation book is closed. You still have the option for walk-up rides on a first come, first serve basis. In season March to December same day reservations may be made by phone during office hours.
Is your pricing per couple, per carriage, or...?Our prices are per carriage with carriages holding up to 6 average sized adults. 4 adults fit more comfortably and with more room. Children 3 and under may sit on a lap if the carriage is full however, there is a limit of 2.
I am at Monument Circle and Blue Ribbon Carriages/Yellow Rose Carriages are not here. Why?Periodically the city closes our carriages stands without notice. If you have a reservation we will attempt to notify you by e-mail, text, or phone call for an alternate pick up location. Please make sure we have a way to contact you prior to your ride time. We also may not be downtown due to slow business. If our carriages are not picking up rides then we will leave downtown despite our business hours. If there are long periods of heavy rain or severe weather we might cancel our shift. How do I book a pick up or drop off that is NOT on Monument Circle? What is a custom ride?A custom ride is any pick up or drop off from any location other than Monument Circle. Custom rides are not offered from Thanksgiving until December 31. Custom rides can only be booked in during regular season (March to the day before Thanksgiving) Carriages must stay within the mile square of downtown. (North, South, East, and West Street). We are not able to go to all places within the mile square so we can not guarantee we will be able to fulfill your request. You must call the office or e-mail to book a custom ride.
How do I book a special event such as a wedding or birthday? What is a special event?
Email us at brcarriages@gmail.com with your name, day, date, time of event, and a estimate of how long you will need the carriage. A special event is any request for 1 or more carriages for a specific event that is during or outside of our normal operational hours within the mile square of downtown Indianapolis.
What is the mile square? The mile square is boarded by the following streets..North St., South St. West St, and East St. There are very few exceptions to our carriages crossing outside these borders. Do You haul for special events? Unfortunately, we are currently not hauling for any on location events. All rides must be taken within the mile square of downtown Indianapolis. How is payment accepted?To book in advance, via phone or our website, payment is made by a debit or credit card upon booking. All other rides are paid at time of service to the carriage driver by cash or credit card.
Is it customary to tip our driver?Yes, it is customary to tip the driver as they are providing a service however, it is not required. Our prices do not include a tip. A customary tip is typically 20%. You are able to add a tip while making a reservation or you can tip in cash. There are multiple tipping options online.
When are tours available? Usually Wednesday-Sunday, weather permitting, and within season (March -December). We are generally on Monument Circle starting at 6pm Wednesday through Friday and at 4pm Saturday and Sunday. Downtown events, closings, heat delays, and slower months will affect this schedule for reservations and/or walk ups. What lights will we see at Christmas? The Circle is decorated with lights, and there are are few trees scattered around, however the route we use is not always decorated. The city dictates how and where holiday lights are displayed. We never know from one year to the next what decorations may or may not be displayed.
Do your carriages light up/have lights?All of our carriages light up, but they do differ depending on the style of carriage. If you want to insure a lighted carriage please book after sunset. This is when we turn on the carriage lights.
How fast do the horses go? On average a horse pulling a carriage at a walk will go 1 mile per every 40 minutes.
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