By Absolutely! Here’s your complete guide to the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — a fun and flexible way to explore the City of Brotherly Love 🚌🔔🇺🇸
🏛️ Hop-On Hop-Off Philadelphia – Quick Guide
🚌 What Is It?
A double-decker open-top sightseeing tour that lets you explore Philly’s top historic, cultural, and culinary stops. You can hop off at any stop, explore the area, and hop back on when you’re ready.
🟢 Main operator: Big Bus Tours Philadelphia
(Previously operated as Philadelphia Trolley Works / City Sightseeing — now under Big Bus)
🕐 Operating Hours
- Runs daily
- First tour departs: ~9:30 AM
- Last full loop begins: ~4:30 PM
- Buses arrive every 20–30 minutes
- Full loop (no stops): ~90 minutes
🎟️ Ticket Prices (via bigbustours.com)
- 1-Day Classic Ticket: ~$36–39 (adult) / ~$22 (child 3–12)
- 2-Day Premium Ticket: ~$52
- Infants (under 3): Ride free
🎫 Includes unlimited hop-on hop-off access and live guides
🗺️ Top Stops on the Route (25+ stops!)
- Independence Hall
- Liberty Bell Center
- Betsy Ross House
- Reading Terminal Market
- City Hall / LOVE Park
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky Steps 🥊)
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Franklin Institute / Science Museum
- South Street / Magic Gardens
- Old City / Elfreth’s Alley
- Penn’s Landing / Delaware River Waterfront
- Chinatown / Convention Center
- University of Pennsylvania / Drexel
🗺️ Full map: bigbustours.com/philadelphia
🎧 Tour Features
- Live guides on board (not just pre-recorded!)
- Entertaining mix of history, fun facts, and local culture
- Optional audio narration available in multiple languages
📱 How to Book
- Online: bigbustours.com/philadelphia
- In person: At Independence Visitor Center or major stops
- Apps: Viator, GetYourGuide, Go City Philadelphia Pass
🌧️ Rain or Shine?
✅ Yes — tours operate rain or shine
- Buses have covered lower levels
- Ponchos may be provided in wet weather
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly?
Absolutely!
- Kids love the double-decker views
- Easy access to kid-friendly spots like:
- Franklin Square (carousel & mini golf)
- Please Touch Museum
- Philly pretzels at Reading Terminal!
💡 Why It’s Worth It
- Covers all of historic Old City + modern museums + neighborhoods
- Great for first-timers, families, and history lovers
- Avoids the hassle of driving or parking
- Stops right at Philly’s most iconic sights
Want the FAQ version or a custom 1-day Philly itinerary using the bus (history + food + museums)? Just say the word — I got you!
Absolutely! Here’s your full Hop-On Hop-Off Philadelphia – FAQ to help you explore the birthplace of America with ease, history, and fun 🚌🔔📜
🏛️ Hop-On Hop-Off Philadelphia – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ What is a hop-on hop-off bus tour?
A sightseeing tour that lets you ride a loop through Philadelphia’s top attractions. You can hop off at any stop, explore, then hop back on when you’re ready — all with unlimited rides for the day(s) your ticket is valid.
🚌 Who operates the hop-on hop-off tours in Philly?
✅ Big Bus Tours Philadelphia
They run classic open-top, double-decker buses with live guides and multiple stops throughout the city.
🕐 What are the operating hours?
- Daily service, year-round
- First bus: ~9:30 AM
- Last full loop departs: ~4:30 PM
- Buses arrive every 20–30 minutes
- Full loop (no stops): ~90 minutes
🕐 Hours may vary slightly by season or during major events/holidays
💰 How much do tickets cost?
As of current rates (via Big Bus Tours):
- 1-Day Classic Ticket: ~$36–39 (adult) / ~$22 (child 3–12)
- 2-Day Premium Ticket: ~$52
- Children under 3: Ride free
🎟️ Tickets include live guided narration and unlimited on/off access
🗺️ What attractions are included in the route?
There are 25+ stops, including:
- Independence Hall & Liberty Bell 🔔
- Betsy Ross House
- Reading Terminal Market 🥨
- LOVE Park & City Hall
- Philadelphia Museum of Art (Rocky Steps)
- Franklin Institute & Science Museum
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- South Street / Magic Gardens
- Chinatown & Convention Center
- Old City / Elfreth’s Alley
- Penn’s Landing & Waterfront
- University of Pennsylvania / Drexel
🗺️ Full map: bigbustours.com/philadelphia
🎧 Do the buses have guides?
Yes!
- Most tours have live guides on board
- Some buses may offer recorded narration in multiple languages (ask at boarding)
📍 Where do I get on the bus?
You can hop on at any official stop, but the main starting point is usually:
- 📍 Stop #1 – Independence Visitor Center (6th & Market Streets)
📱 How do I buy tickets?
You can buy:
- Online: Big Bus Tours Philadelphia
- In person: At Independence Visitor Center
- Apps: Viator, GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor, or Go City Philadelphia
🌧️ Does it run in bad weather?
✅ Yes — tours run rain or shine
- The lower deck is enclosed and covered
- Top deck is open-air (great for views in good weather)
☔ Ponchos may be provided on rainy days
🔁 How long is my pass valid?
- 1-Day Pass: Valid for the calendar day you first use it
- 2-Day Pass: Valid on two consecutive days
👨👩👧👦 Is it good for families?
Totally!
- Kids love riding on the top deck
- Great for history-loving families
- Easy access to:
- Franklin Square (carousel, mini golf)
- Please Touch Museum (short rideshare away)
- Ice cream & pretzels at Reading Terminal
🧳 Can I bring bags or food?
- Small backpacks, snacks, and water bottles: ✅
- Large luggage: ❌ (not allowed)
- Eating is generally discouraged on board, but a drink/snack is fine
🎁 Are there combo or discounted packages?
Yes! You can combine your bus ticket with:
- 🎫 Philadelphia Museum of Art entry
- 🧳 Eastern State Penitentiary
- 📜 Go City Philadelphia Pass (includes Big Bus access + 30+ attractions)
💡 Why ride the Hop-On Hop-Off in Philly?
- See all the major historic & cultural sites in one loop
- Learn while you ride with fun, live narration
- Avoid parking, traffic, and walking long distances
- Perfect for first-timers, cruise passengers, or weekend visits
Need help building a 1- or 2-day itinerary using the bus (like Liberty Bell + food + murals + museums)? Just ask — I’d love to help!
