philadelphia bus tour map

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Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker Tours

• Independence Visitor Center- SW Corner of 6th & Market
• Betsy Ross House
• United States Mint/Ben Franklin's Grave
• National Constitution Center
• Chinatown/Fashion District
• Reading Terminal Market/Convention Center Marriott/Macy's
• City Hall/Love Park
• Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul/Sister Cities
• Barnes Foundation
• Rodin Museum
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Perelman Building of Philadelphia Art Museum
• The Philadelphia Zoo
• Please Touch Museum/ Memorial Hall/Fairmount Park
• "Rocky Steps" Philadelphia Museum of Art East Entrance
• Philadelphia Museum of Art- West Entrance
• Franklin Institute/Logan Circle
• One Liberty Observation Deck, Philly From the Top
• The Bellevue/Rittenhouse Square
• Academy of Music/Broad Street
• Pine Street
• South Street/Head House Square
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Hilton Philadelphia at Penn's Landing/Columbus Boulevard/Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Penn's Landing/Waterfront
• Old City/Christ Church
• Museum of American Jewish History
• *All tours depart and end at 6th & Market Street
• * Seating on a first come first serve basis
• * All tours weather permitting

Our 90 minute Christmas Light tour takes you to all the best sites for viewing the holiday lights

Take the Philly By Night tour — an extension of the Big Bus Double Decker

Christmas Thru July Sale! Book now to save. Save 10% on Public Holiday Light Tours or Save $100 on Private Holiday Light Tours. Use Coupon Code "july23" during checkout. Offer Expires July 31st,2023

Big Bus Hop-on Hop-Off Double Decker Sightseeing Tour Departs From SW Corner of 6th and Market Streets: 1 Day Pass

Experience Philadelphia from the top of a modern Double Decker Bus! See the cultural attractions and historic sites from one of our open top Double Decker buses. Professional Tour Guides bring old and new Philadelphia to life on our 90 minute fully narrated hop on/hop off tour.

Operated by Philadelphia Trolley Works, the Big Bus Sightseeing Tours are offered 7 days per week with frequent departures from the Northeast Corner of 5th & Market streets. Climb aboard the Double Decker Big Bus and enjoy the history, cultural attractions, dining and shopping along the route. Hop on and off at any of our 27 stops or just sit back and enjoy the ride!

See the steps that Rocky climbed, Enjoy an authentic cheese steak or Philadelphia Soft pretzel, celebrate Ben Franklin's 309th birthday, retrace the steps of our founding fathers, visit America's first Zoo or shop along South Street.

See The Big Bus staff to have your ticket validated. Guests just show their ticket to reboard the bus. Parking options are available at Stop 1 in the Independence Visitor Center parking garage or visit spothero.com for additional options.

Choose from the 1 Day, 2 Day, or 3 Day PASS to see the sights and tour the city.

Please see Announcements page for schedule updates. Tours to depart from SW corner of 6th & Market Streets. 

Operated by Philadelphia Trolley Works, the Big Bus  Tours are offered 7 days per week with frequent departures from 6th and Market Street. Climb aboard the Double Decker Big Bus and enjoy the history, cultural attractions, and dining and shopping along the route. Run the Rocky Steps,  enjoy a cheesesteak or Philadelphia Soft pretzel, revisit the colonial past in Old City and Society Hill, visit America’s first zoo, or shop the unique boutiques along South Street. Hop on and off at any of our 27 stops or just sit back and enjoy the ride!

Big Bus staff  will validate your ticket. Use your ticket to hop on/hop off at any of the 27 Stops. Parking is available at the Independence Visitor’s Center or visit spothero.com for additional options.

Choose from the 1 Day, 2 Day, or 3 Day Pass to see the sights and tour the city.

TOUR DETAILS

Tours depart from the Southwest corner of 6th & Market Streets .

Free Courtesy Shuttle available from Center City locations, University City, 30th Street Station, City Line Ave Hotels, and Airport Hotels. To arrange for a pick up call us at 215-389-8687.

Select tours also offer prerecorded commentary in foreign languages: Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese, and Mandarin

The Hop On/Hop Off Tour operates daily except Christmas and New Year’s. All tours subject to availability and are on a first come / first serve basis.

In the event of inclement weather, Big Bus Double Decker vehicles may be substituted for Victorian Style Trolleys. Your pass is good for either vehicle.

Where we take you!

Our Big Bus Sightseeing Tours take in all of Philadelphia’s main sights. Take a look at our full list of stops below.

• United States Mint/Ben Franklin’s Grave
• Reading Terminal Market/Convention Center Marriott/Macy’s
• “Rocky Steps” Philadelphia Museum of Art East Entrance
• Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing/Columbus Boulevard/Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Penn’s Landing/Waterfront

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• Please Call : 215-389-TOUR (8687)
• Fax : 215-389-1279
• Email : [email protected] for general info, charter or special information
• Email : [email protected] for Public Big Bus Tour information
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Philadelphia Bus Tours

Experience bus tours in philadelphia and see iconic landmarks.

Discover the iconic landmark sites of Philadelphia. Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours offer a fun, educational and family friendly experience. There is so much to see and do in Philadelphia, and our tours cover a wide range of attractions throughout the city. See them all with our Hop On/Hop Off open top double-decker tour buses. With 28 different stops, our tours place you within walking distance of more than 100 attractions.

• Most Popular!

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in Philadelphia

Experience Philadelphia with an expert-guided tour of the city on our hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing Philadelphia double-decker bus tours . Choose from one-, two-, and three-day tickets, with multi-language audio commentary and a total of 28 stops over a 16 mile loop.

• Hour Glass 1 Day , 2 Days , 3 Days

Looking for combo tickets for bus tours in Philadelphia?

Hop-on hop-off combo tickets.

Learn More »

Need a charter?

Our bus tours in philadelphia speak your language.

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How our hop-on/hop-off bus tours work

Our daily Hop On/Hop Off city tour begins at the Historic Bourse Building located at 21 S. 5th Street, located directly across from the Liberty Bell. You will receive a boarding pass when you redeem your voucher. Frequent departures allow for flexibility in your planning. Throughout the duration of your tour, you can ride as much as you want within ONE, TWO, OR THREE multi-day options!   Download and/or view our B rochure and Map.

Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

The Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour offers visitors a flexible and immersive way to explore the vibrant history and culture of Philadelphia. With a range of ticket options, travelers can discover over 28 iconic landmarks at their own pace, gaining insights from an English-speaking guide and multilingual audio commentary. From the Liberty Bell to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, this tour promises panoramic views and a deeper understanding of the city’s rich heritage. Whether you’ve got a day or three, this sightseeing adventure might just be the perfect introduction to the City of Brotherly Love .

• The Philadelphia Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour offers a 16-mile journey covering over 28 attractions with convenient departures every 30 minutes from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
• The tour provides an engaging experience with a live English-speaking guide and multilingual audio commentary to enhance the sightseeing experience.
• Key stops include the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and other iconic landmarks, allowing visitors to explore the city’s rich history and culture.
• Ticketing options range from 1 to 3 days, providing flexibility for travelers to explore the city at their own pace.
• The open-top bus transportation offers panoramic views of the city and a comfortable, enjoyable atmosphere for sightseeing.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Dark Philly Adult Night Tour
• Philadelphia Old City Historic Walking Tour With 10+ Top Sites
• Revolution and the Founders: History Tour of Philadelphia
• Explore Philadelphia: Founding Fathers Walking Tour

Tour Overview

The "Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour " offers visitors a comprehensive way to explore the historic city.

Priced from CZK 806 per person, the tour provides 1-, 2-, or 3-day ticket options with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Travelers can climb aboard an open-top bus for a 16-mile journey , listening to multilingual audio commentary while visiting over 28 attractions , including the Liberty Bell and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The tour features an English-speaking live guide , with the option to access additional languages through the audio guide.

With tours departing every 30 minutes from 10 AM to 4:30 PM, this sightseeing experience offers convenience and flexibility for visitors exploring Philadelphia.

Experience and Itinerary

Visitors can expect a duration of 1 to 3 days for the Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour .

The tour features a live English-speaking guide with multilingual audio commentary available in several languages. Departing from key locations like Lerardi Patrice DDS, Eightegrity, and Bourse Building, the journey visits over 28 attractions, including:

• Liberty Bell
• Betsy Ross House
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Reading Terminal Market
• One Liberty Observation Deck

Highlights include climbing the iconic Rocky Steps and exploring Philadelphia’s historic landmarks and skyline .

On the Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour , travelers explore over 28 attractions across the city.

They can visit iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross House, which offer insights into America’s revolutionary past. The tour also stops at the Eastern State Penitentiary , a former prison now open as a museum.

Art enthusiasts can admire the collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art , home to renowned works. For a panoramic city view, the tour includes access to the One Liberty Observation Deck.

Plus, travelers can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Reading Terminal Market , a bustling indoor food hall.

Tour Features

The Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour offers an open-top bus with a 16-mile journey, allowing travelers to explore the city comfortably.

The tour includes a multilingual audio guide , providing commentary in multiple languages. While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, it offers a convenient way to see the city’s top attractions.

The tour doesn’t include food or drinks, and gratuities aren’t included. However, the tour runs frequently, with 90-minute tours departing every 30 minutes from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Key tour features include:

• Open-top bus transportation
• Multilingual audio guide
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Food and drinks not included
• Frequent 90-minute tour departures

Transportation Options

The Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour features an open-top bus that covers a 16-mile journey through the city.

This mode of transportation allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of Philadelphia’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. The audio commentary , available in multiple languages, provides informative narration as the bus travels between over 28 different stops.

This hop-on, hop-off format gives guests the flexibility to explore attractions at their own pace and convenience. The open-top design of the bus ensures a comfortable and enjoyable sightseeing experience, allowing guests to feel the breeze and take in the city’s vibrant atmosphere .

Audio Commentary

A multilingual audio guide is included with the Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour, providing informative narration in multiple languages.

The guide is available in:

Riders can tune in to learn fascinating facts and historical tidbits about Philadelphia’s top landmarks and attractions as they explore the city from the open-top bus.

The audio commentary enhances the sightseeing experience, allowing visitors to customize their tour and gain deeper insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage .

Important Considerations

When planning a visit to Philadelphia, it’s important to consider a few key factors.

First, comfortable shoes are a must for this sightseeing tour, as you’ll be doing plenty of walking to explore the city’s historic landmarks.

Plus, pets, smoking, and large bags aren’t allowed on the tour, so be sure to leave those items behind.

The tour operates on a 90-minute schedule , with buses departing every 30 minutes from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, allowing visitors to maximize their time.

Lastly, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so those with mobility limitations may need to explore alternative options.

Customer Reviews

Visitors have shared overwhelmingly positive experiences with the Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour, awarding it an impressive 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 531 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted several key strengths:

• Engaging and knowledgeable guides who provided insightful commentary
• Convenient and efficient transportation , with buses arriving every 30 minutes
• Exceptional customer service and tour organization
• The ability to customize their sightseeing experience by hopping on and off at will
• The tour’s comprehensive coverage of the city’s top attractions, including iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• True Crime Philadelphia and History Tour
• Flavors of Philly Food Tour
• Museum of the American Revolution Admission Ticket With Audio Guided Option
• Half-Day American Revolution Tour in The Valley Forge
• Center City Philadelphia Food Tour With Reading Market
• Chef-Led Taste of the Italian Market Food Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

You can bring your own snacks on the tour, but food and drinks are not included as part of the package. The tour does not provide any food or beverages, so bringing your own is allowed.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

There is no mention of discounts for students or seniors on this tour. The tour information focuses on ticket options, pricing, and inclusions rather than any special pricing tiers. Passengers should check with the tour operator for any available discount offers.

Can I Get off the Bus at Any Stop and Reboard Later?

Yes, with this hop-on hop-off tour, passengers can get off at any stop and reboard the bus later. This flexibility allows them to explore attractions at their own pace and revisit sites they find most interesting.

Is Photography Allowed on the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed on the tour. Guests are free to take photos throughout the journey to capture the city’s sights and landmarks. However, it’s best to check any specific restrictions with the tour operator prior to departure.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour does not have scheduled restroom breaks, but passengers can hop on and off at various stops to use the facilities as needed. The open-top buses allow for flexibility throughout the tour.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Philadelphia: Private Electric Car Tour of the City
• Philadelphia: South Philly Art- Small Group Walking Tour
• Philadelphia: History, Highlights & Revolution Walking Tour
• Philadelphia: Small-Group Hamilton Walking Tour
• Philadelphia: Private 2-Hour Historic Walking Tour in German
• Philadelphia: Colonial Philadelphia Walking Tour
• Nostalgic South Philly Italian Dinner Tour by Chef Jacquie
• Taste of Philadelphia Mobile Car Tour
• Philadelphia Private Driving Tour – Half or Full-Day
• Enchanted Evening: Art & Romance in South Philadelphia
• Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Private Transfer to Philadelphia
• A Magical Christmas Tour in Philadelphia
• Private Lancaster County Amish Tour From Philadelphia
• Revolutionary Footsteps: Philadelphia’s Founding Fathers
• Private Brandywine and Longwood Gardens Driving Tour

The Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour offers a flexible and engaging way to explore Philadelphia’s vibrant history and culture. With the ability to customize your itinerary, informative commentary, and panoramic views, this tour provides an efficient and enjoyable way to discover the city’s iconic landmarks at your own pace.

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Getting around, see the city by foot, by bike, by bus and more.

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Philly on Foot

Year after year, Philadelphia is rated as one of the best walking cities in the country. And it’s no wonder why – the city layout is simple to master and our neighborhood streets are filled with fun and diverse shops, restaurants, museums, parks and people.

The compact Center City boasts founder William Penn’s easy-to-follow grid street design. It spans just 25 blocks between two rivers: the Schuylkill and the Delaware. In between, the north/south streets are numbered and the east/west streets have tree names (e.g., Walnut, Spruce, Pine).

Walk from City Hall to the Liberty Bell in just 15 minutes

In addition, Philadelphia’s five original public squares — Franklin, Washington, Rittenhouse, Logan and Centre (now City Hall) — are conveniently spread out, serving as perfect rest stops during a long day out. Curb cut-outs make the city stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Colorful “Walk! Philadelphia” directional signs can be found throughout the downtown area to help visitors navigate even more easily. Center City District, the organization responsible for the award-winning signage, also populates the streets with uniformed community service representatives (CSRs) who act as strolling concierges and goodwill ambassadors. CSRs answer questions, give directions, administer first aid and stay in radio contact with Philadelphia police to promote public safety.

And when the feet get tired, there are plenty of options for getting around town — some practical, some just plain fun.

Historic Philadelphia Map

The Historic District is very walkable   — Courtesy of Historic Philadelphia

Indego Philly Bike Share   — Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

Philly By Bike

Philadelphia has become one of the most bike-friendly big cities in the country with dedicated bike lanes on city streets, hundreds of miles of trails and a growing number of bicycle commuters.

• 440+ miles of dedicated bike lanes
• 750 miles of bike trails in the works with 300+ miles completed so far
• 1,300+ bikes that can be rented at more than 140 stations across the city

  — Photo by M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia

Philly is more bike-friendly than ever with Indego, a city-wide bike sharing service that offers rentals starting at just $4 per ride.

Launched in 2015 with 1,000 bikes and 100 stations, Indego continues to expand its program, adding more than 40 new stations and 300 additional bikes over the last two years. Stations are located throughout the city, from the Delaware River across the Schuylkill River into West Philadelphia and University City, and from South Philadelphia to North Philadelphia, including on Temple University’s main campus.

Cyclists can walk up to any Indego station and check out bikes for trips around the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week (riders are encouraged to follow the rules of the road and to always wear a helmet). Using a touchscreen kiosk, bikes are released from their docks when payment is made with a credit card or a pre-paid Indego Key. This quick and convenient system also allows bikers to return rentals to the nearest station after their ride is complete.

Indego is an initiative of the City of Philadelphia and is sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.

  — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop

Ride Philly PHLASH to access the city’s top attractions.

The most convenient way to see some of the city’s top attractions is aboard the Philadelphia PHLASH Downtown Loop . Single rides are just $2 per person or $5 for an all-day pass. Children 4 and under, seniors and SEPTA pass and key card holders ride FREE. Attractions accessible via PHLASH’s visitor-friendly stops across the city include Penn’s Landing, Independence Mall, The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia Zoo, Please Touch Museum and many more.

PHLASH service is seasonal. Click the button below to read more.

  — Photo courtesy SEPTA

Using Public Transit

Aside from walking, Philadelphia’s excellent transit system is the best way to get around town. Both accessible and bike-friendly,  SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) is one of the most comprehensive bus/subway/commuter-rail systems in the United States. SEPTA’s vast public transportation network will get you anywhere you need to go — or at least very close.

  — Image courtesy SEPTA

SEPTA Key & Contactless Payments

The SEPTA Key fare program , which replaces tokens, passes and paper transfers, is a convenient and easy way to get around the city. SEPTA Key cards use chip technology, allowing riders to pay by simply passing it over the turnstile validator.

The “stored value” cards can be loaded and reloaded with the fare that best meets riders’ travel needs with the added benefits of more payment options, including online and at kiosks.

SEPTA also now accepts contactless payment methods (credit/debit card or Apple/Google/Samsung Pay) for travel on buses, trolleys and both subway lines (Market-Frankford Line and the Broad Street Line.)

Click the button to read more about SEPTA Key.

One Day Anywhere Flex & Neighborhood Passes

You can also explore the Philadelphia region with the One Day Anywhere Flex Pass , which allows up to 10 rides on SEPTA buses, trolleys, subways and trains, taking you everywhere from Bensalem to the Phillies, from Alden to the Art Museum or Springfield to South Street. Passes are $13 and can be loaded directly on to a SEPTA Key Card. Also available: a One Day Neighborhood Flex pass , which allows up to 10 rides on buses, subways, trolleys and trains (up to any Zone 2 station) for just $10.

Broad Street Line

The Broad Street Line is great for going to a game or concert at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, getting between hotels and cultural attractions on Center City’s impressive Avenue of the Arts, visiting one of South Philly’s famous Italian restaurants, or getting to one of the many activities and cultural institutions in the burgeoning neighborhood surrounding Temple University in North Philadelphia.

Market-Frankford Line

The Market-Frankford Lin e, which quickly connects several highly visited neighborhoods in Philadelphia, is great for traveling between Northern Liberties, Old City, the Historic District, Market East, the Convention Center and Chinatown, City Hall, Rittenhouse Square, University City, West Fairmount Park, Spruce Hill and many other locations.

Regional Rail 

SEPTA Regional Rail , Philly’s extensive commuter train service, connects you with all of the surrounding areas to conveniently take you to popular destinations like East Falls, Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Ardmore’s Suburban Square, Villanova, Swarthmore, Doylestown and Downingtown. Leaving on a jet plane? SEPTA’s Airport Line will take you from Center City to Philadelphia International Airport.

SEPTA’s extensive bus system serves a number of neighborhoods and even more destinations throughout the five-county region. Routes are designed to connect at nearby intersections, as well as with terminals, loops and transportation centers, where riders can continue their journeys. Several “Night Owl” bus routes run 24 hours a day.

Go old school and hop on one of SEPTA’s Subway-Surface Trolley Lines , which operate on street-level tracks and underground in West Philadelphia, North Philadelphia and Center City. Select trolleys also service the surrounding Towns of the Philadelphia Countryside .

The view of City Hall from the Benjamin Franklin Parkway   — Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Taxis, Uber, Lyft & More

Hail a Taxi

Taxis can be found all over town and are a great way to get to various destinations throughout the city if you’re in a hurry. Cabs are easy to find at transportation hubs like the Philadelphia International Airport and  William H. Gray III  30th   Street  Station, but you can also hail one the old fashioned way on most busy city streets.

Uber & Lyft 

Taking  Uber or  Lyft  is a convenient and easy way to navigate Philadelphia. Just download the Uber or Lyft app, sign up for an account, hail a ride using your phone and start exploring the city.

  — Photo courtesy Lyft

Limo Service

For those seeking luxury, there are several dependable limousine services in the region offering everything from private cars to stretch rides.

Rent/Share a Car

If you’re renting, all major car rental companies have outlets at the airport or in Center City; New Yorkers in particular will find car rentals a bargain in Philadelphia.

For those looking for more long-term car rental options, try out car sharing services like Enterprise CarShare and Zipcar .

Parking in the City

  — Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parking Authority

Driving into the city in your own car or a rental? Then you’ll definitely want to be familiar with Philly’s parking regulations to avoid ticketing or towing. With thousands of metered spots and plenty of affordable garages, it’s easy to stash the car and enjoy your visit. Click the button below to learn more about parking in Philadelphia.

Accessibility Information

Philadelphia proudly offers visitors the ability to explore the city with a sense of independence.

In 2019, the city welcomed 46 million visitors and with a wealth of accessible attractions, travelers of all abilities can be confident that they have choices in the City of Brotherly Love.

The Accessible Philadelphia guide is the first stop for people with disabilities who are considering trips to the city and making plans to explore. The guide serves as a jumping off point to connect residents and visitors to resources that help them navigate hotels, historic sites, museums, transportation and more.

Click the button below to learn more about accessibility in Philadelphia.

More Ways to Get Around

Big Bus Tours

Boarding an open-top Big Bus, modeled after the famous double-decker buses in London, is just one more way to see Philadelphia’s top attractions. Sightseers can hop on and off at more than 25 stops or sit back and enjoy the beauty of the city during the 90-minute tour. One-day, two-day and three-day tours are available.

Philadelphia Trolley Works

Another option is the Philadelphia Trolley Works tour. Take in Philadelphia’s famous sights and attractions aboard a Victorian-style, open-air trolley, led by colorful guides who entertain riders with fascinating and humorous stories about Philly’s history. Bonus: tickets for Big Bus Tours and Trolley Works are interchangeable.

RiverLink Ferry

Take an excursion across the Delaware River on the RiverLink Ferry, which connects Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia to the Camden, N.J., waterfront. Attractions on both sides of the river include Spruce Street Harbor Park, Adventure Aquarium, Independence Seaport Museum and Battleship New Jersey. Service is seasonal.

Segway & More

There are even more ways to explore the City of Brotherly Love. Glide around in style on a Philadelphia Segway Tour , get a bird’s eye view of the city from the Philadelphia Zoo balloon and more.

Stay in Touch

Other helpful information.

Getting Here

Maps & Directions

Parking in Philadelphia

A Guide to the Philly PHLASH for 2024

Accessible Philadelphia

The Top Tours of Greater Philadelphia

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Which Philadelphia Bus Tours Are The Best?

This post reviews and compares the many different Philadelphia bus tours available to you, including hop-on-hop-off to night tours and trolleys. 

• Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
• Night Tours
• Combos and Discounts
• Walking Tours

HOP-ON-HOP-OFF PHILADELPHIA: BIG BUS

This may be one of the best ways to discover the birthplace of America. Explore the city at your own pace as you travel from one landmark to the next.

These services perform an entire circuit around Philadelphia and allow you to jump off at various locations for a closer look.

There are 2 commercial companies and one do-it-yourself option. Expect ticket prices to range from $30-$50 on average for the commercial tours.

BIG BUS TOURS

When it comes to the hop-on-hop-off tours, this company is one of the biggest names in the industry.

They offer services all over the world, providing narration and transportation for travelers everywhere.

In Philadelphia, they offer daily bus tours, trolley tours, and even horse and carriage tours .

Click on the map to expand.

The full circuit will take you roughly 90 minutes to complete, giving you plenty of time to explore all of the different locations on this trip.

One ticket is good for both bus and trolley travel. A free courtesy shuttle is available from the airport and other areas such as the city center.

Live English tour guides on all buses, with audio in 11 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, Mandarin, Korean and Arabic.  

They also offer a night tour option  as well as combination tickets .

The Philadelphia branch of Big Bus Tours has an incredibly high rating of 4 ½ of 5 stars on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ). 

Ticket Prices

1-Day Ticket

• $35 for Adults
• $12 for Children (4-12 years)

2-Day Ticket

• $55 for Adults
• $18 for Children

3-Day Ticket

• $75 for Adults
• $26 for Children 
• More info and to book .

CITY SIGHTSEEING BUS TOURS  

(also known as Philadelphia Sightseeing)

City Sightseeing is also well known for providing hop-on-hop-off bus tours all around the country. In the City of Brotherly Love, they offer very similar services to what you’ll find with their competition.

This company provides live commentary in English for all of their tours. Headsets are available for tours in English, French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin.  

It takes about 90 minutes to complete the circuit, but there are so many significant locations to see that you might want to consider a multi-day pass.

Prices for their 2 and 3-day tickets are a little bit cheaper than Big Bus, which makes this an excellent alternative.  

They also offer night tours and combination tickets .

This bus tour currently has a  4 ½ out of 5-star  rating on TripAdvisor and Viator ( read the reviews ). 

Ticket Prices 

• 1-Day Ticket: $34 for Adults | $32 for Seniors | $12 for Children
• 2-Day Ticket: $54 for Adults | $51 for Seniors | $18 for Children
• 3-Day Ticket: $69 for Adults | $65 for Seniors | $26 for Children
• More information and to book .

PHILLY PHLASH

If you’re looking for a more affordable alternative to hop-on-hop-off tours, the city of Philadelphia actually offers their own special bus service for tourists.

With a total of 22 stops, the Philly Phlash will take you to almost all of the same locations as a major tour bus at a fraction of the cost.

Unfortunately, this transportation doesn’t offer any audio or a live guide and it doesn't run year-round.

That being said, if you’re considering one of our free guided or self-guided tours, the Phlash is an excellent method for getting around town. 

The services operate from 8:30 am until 6 pm (20:00) daily (May-August) and more limited service throughout the year (no service in January, February and half of March.

Buses typically run every 15 minutes.  

Surprisingly, this service has an excellent overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.  

Many reviewers feel that this bus is a convenient way to save money while discovering as much of the city as possible.

• $2 per ride | $5 for all-day pass | $7 for a Two-Day Pass | Children under 4 ride free
• SEPTA Pass/Key Card holders ride for free
• More information

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NIGHT BUS TOURS IN PHILADELPHIA

In addition to the standard hop-on-hop-off bus service, you will also find a few night tours in Philadelphia.

Although you won’t have the opportunity to hop off at various locations around the city, you will see a different side of Philly once the sun goes down. 

Each excursion includes live commentary. 

Unfortunately, these tour options are only available during the warmer months, so they won’t be accessible for anyone visiting during the winter.

PHILLY BY NIGHT- BIG BUS TOURS  

Whether you’re looking for a bit more than their typical bus trip or you just want to experience Philadelphia after dark, the Philly By Night tour should do the trick.

Clocking in at 120 minutes in length, the night tour will last about as long as a full circuit with their hop-on-hop-off service.

Starting in the spring, this bus tour will depart at 8 pm ( almost every night.

Although prices are comparable to their all-day tickets, you can actually save money by purchasing a combo pass . 

If possible, reviews for Philly By Night are even better than the ratings for their standard service.

• $30 for Adults | $20 for Children (Ages 4-12)
• Note: Courtesy shuttle available from Center City Hotels
• More info and to book

TWILIGHT PHILLY- CITY SIGHTSEEING TOURS  

Not to be outdone, this company also offers a very similar night tour entitled Twilight Philly .  Note that this bus tour is SEASONAL and only operates between the months of May and October, departing every night at 8 PM.

This trip will also last for approximately 90 minutes, giving you plenty of time to discover the city after dark. A local tour guide will provide a plethora of information about the various locations you will visit on your journey. 

• $30 for Adults | $20 for Children

COMBO DEALS & DISCOUNTS

If you plan on visiting a wide variety of locations in Philadelphia, you may want to consider one of the following options.

With a tourist attraction discount pass, you pay one lump sum for access to a lot of different locations and the transportation necessary to visit each landmark.

Plan out your itinerary ahead of time and save money on all of your activities!

PHILADELPHIA PASS  

Although this tourist pass will cost more per day than one of the bus tours listed above, it also includes admission to several attractions.

If you want to do more than just see the sights, the Philadelphia Pass is a great way to experience the city on a tight budget.

Each pass comes with a 2-day hop-on-hop-off ticket from Big Bus Tours.

Instead of just visiting each location and looking around, now you can actually gain entrance into landmarks and important sites such as the Betsy Ross House, the National Constitution Center, and One Liberty Observation Deck.

If you want to learn more about this opportunity, check out our comparison of each Philadelphia tourist pass .

• 1-Day Pass: $59 for Adults | $49 for Children
• 2-Day Pass: $89 for Adults | $79 for Children
• 3-Day Pass: $109 for Adults | $99 for Children
• 5-Day Pass: $129 for Adults | $119 for Children

Tip: Check their website for regular discounts!

Find out more information  here .

Much like their competitors, this company also works with Big Bus Tours to provide a free hop-on, hop-off bus ticket. However, you won’t have access to nearly as many attractions with the CityPASS.

Rather than offering admission to dozens of different locations, this tourist pass focuses on just four activities.

In addition to a bus tour, you’ll also gain entrance into the Franklin Institute, One Liberty Observation Deck, and your choice of either the Adventure Aquarium or Philadelphia Zoo.

The main advantage of this option is that you will have a total of 9 days to take advantage of each individual activity. 

General admission for all of these tours and attractions can cost over $90 without this pass.

If you’d rather take your time exploring the city, this might be one of the best ways to save some cash.

For more information, look at our comparison between each tourist pass .

• $55 for Adults | $35 for Children
• Find out more here .

And much, much more

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