The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
In short: Philadelphia: Double-Decker Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour is a bus ticket valid 1, 2 or 3 days. According to the listing, 90-minute tours depart every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting at the Philadelphia Bourse, 111 S Independence Mall E, with 26 stops over 16 miles. The Liberty Bell is one stop. The listing states that it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
What it is
A double-decker sightseeing loop of Philadelphia that riders can leave and rejoin at the listed stops while the ticket is valid. The listing gives a live guide in English and recorded audio in Spanish, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese and Hindi.
The stops, as the listing names them
The listing counts 26 stops over 16 miles and names these among them:
- The Philadelphia Bourse, 111 S Independence Mall E: the starting point.
- Betsy Ross House.
- The National Constitution Center.
- Reading Terminal Market.
- Love Park.
- Eastern State Penitentiary.
- The Rocky Steps and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- The Museum of the American Revolution.
- Christ Church.
- The Liberty Bell and the Independence Hall area.
This list follows the listing’s description, not necessarily the order of the stops on the road.
What it shows of the bell
A stop. Riders who get off at the Liberty Bell decide for themselves whether to join the line. Entry to the Liberty Bell Center at 526 Market Street is free, with no ticket and first come, first served entry, open daily 9 am to 5 pm according to the NPS (check nps.gov before visiting). The listing says entrance fees to attractions are not included, which makes no difference at the bell, since it has no entrance fee. Wait times helps with fitting the line around the bus.
Who it suits
Visitors who want to reach the places beyond the historic core, such as the Rocky Steps, Eastern State Penitentiary and Reading Terminal Market, without planning transport, and who want a narrated overview first. The 2- and 3-day options suit longer stays; how many days in Philadelphia covers that. The listing states that the bus is not suitable for wheelchair users.
What travellers mention
Gary from the UK mentions a live guide narrating rather than a recording, and calls it engaging. Ana from the US says she learned more about the city and about Rocky.
Practicalities
Included
- Ticket valid 1, 2 or 3 days
- Bus transport
- Live guide in English
- Audio commentary in several languages
Not included
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Food and drinks
The listing does not allow pets, smoking, luggage or large bags on board. The Bourse is on Independence Mall, a short walk from the Liberty Bell Center. How to get there covers SEPTA and the Independence Visitor Center.
The last listed departure is 4:30 p.m. and the Liberty Bell Center closes at 5 pm, per the NPS, so a visit inside fits better earlier in the day.
Two alternatives
Includes Independence HallPhiladelphia: Revolution and The Founders History Tour
Walk + museum demoPhiladelphia: History, Highlights & Revolution Walking Tour
Frequently asked questions
Does the hop-on hop-off bus stop at the Liberty Bell?
Yes, the listing names the Liberty Bell and the Independence Hall area among its 26 stops. Entry to the Liberty Bell Center is free and needs no ticket; do you need tickets explains the line.
How often does the bus run?
According to the listing, 90-minute tours depart every 30 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Start times on a given date show in the booking widget.
Is the hop-on hop-off bus wheelchair accessible?
The listing states that it is not suitable for wheelchair users. The founders tour, the highlights walk and the museum entry are listed as wheelchair accessible; which tour sets this out by product.