Philadelphia Bus Tours

How the loop works

The listing describes a 90-minute circuit with departures every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The starting point is the Philadelphia Bourse, 111 S Independence Mall E, on the east side of Independence Mall. A ticket holder rides the full loop or steps off at a stop and boards a later bus. The 2-day and 3-day options spread the same route over more time. The listing states free cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund.

The Independence Visitor Center, at 6th and Market Streets, is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, per the NPS, and has restrooms; the Liberty Bell Center has no restrooms inside, per the NPS, so the Visitor Center is the nearest place for them before or after the bus.

The Liberty Bell stop

The Liberty Bell and the Independence Hall area are both listed among the stops. The bus ticket does not include entrance fees to attractions, per the listing, but that does not affect the bell: the NPS states that admission to the Liberty Bell Center is free and that no tickets are required. A rider who steps off joins the same first-come, first-served line as everyone else and goes through the same security screening. The NPS lists a visit at 15 to 55 minutes, plus the wait. Independence Hall’s guided tours need a separate free timed ticket, which the bus listing does not mention; the Independence Hall tickets page explains it.

Stops beyond Independence Mall

The listing names these among its 26 stops:

• the Philadelphia Bourse, the Liberty Bell and the Independence Hall area
• the Museum of the American Revolution and Christ Church
• the Betsy Ross House
• the National Constitution Center
• Reading Terminal Market
• Love Park
• Eastern State Penitentiary
• the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rocky Steps

The listing states that entrance fees to attractions are not included. The National Constitution Center and Museum of the American Revolution pages cover two of them, and the things to do nearby page lists the sights within walking distance of the bell.

Commentary and languages

The listing states a live guide in English. Recorded audio is available in Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Hindi. Gary from the UK mentions the live guide narrating rather than a recording, and Ana from the US says she learned more about the city and about Rocky.

One, two or three days

The number of days changes how many stops fit in. A single loop takes 90 minutes, the NPS gives 15 to 55 minutes for the Liberty Bell Center plus the wait, and the Museum of the American Revolution’s own listing advises planning 3 or more hours. A day built around Independence Mall and one or two stops further out fits one ticket day; a plan that adds the Art Museum, Eastern State Penitentiary and Reading Terminal Market on top has more to fit. The how many days page and the one-day plan go through the options.

Access and restrictions, per the listing

The listing states that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It does not allow pets, smoking, luggage or large bags. Food and drinks are not included. For visitors using a wheelchair, the Liberty Bell Center is wheelchair accessible according to the NPS, and the which tour page lists the products whose listings state wheelchair access.

Check dates for the hop-on hop-off bus

A ticket valid 1, 2 or 3 days, with the Liberty Bell among the listed stops.

Frequently asked questions