English
English
Route name: Blue Route
Attraction timings: 10am to 5pm
Philadelphia Big Bus Hop On Hop Off Tours
Routes
FREQUENCY20 minutes
FIRST DEPARTUREIndependence Visitor Center
at 9:30 AM
LAST DEPARTUREIndependence Visitor Center
at 4:30 PM
TimelineMap
1. Independence Visitor Center
Independence Mall
2 minutes walkMuseum of the American Revolution
5 minutes walk6. Reading Terminal Market
Reading Terminal Market
4 minutes walk
Masonic Temple
2 minutes walk8. Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul/Sister Cities
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul
1 minute walk
Parkway Central Library
2 minutes walk10. Rodin Museum
Rodin Museum
5 minutes walkThe Oval XP
4 minutes walk11. Eastern State Penitentiary
Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia Museum of Jewish Art
7 minutes walk12. Perelman Building of Philadelphia Art Museum
The Perelman Building
Boathouse Row
2 minutes walk13. Rocky Steps
Rocky Steps & Statue
3 minutes walk
Schuylkill River Trail
8 minutes walk23. Old City/Christ Church
Christ Church
4 minutes walk
Christ Church Burial Ground
2 minutes walkNational Liberty Museum
2 minutes walk24. Museum of American Jewish History
Liberty Bell Center
1 minute walkMuseum of American Jewish History
3 minutes walkSee the best of Philly on this 1/2/3-day tour with a live guide, audio commentary & more!
- Spend 1/2/3 days in Philadelphia, hopping on and off at stops as many times as you’d like & exploring the city’s famous landmarks.
- You can discover the 25 stops on the Blue Route at a flexible pace, as buses arrive every 20 minutes.
- Learn more about the city’s past, local traditions, and more from a live English-speaking guide.
- Take in scenic views from the open-top deck as you listen to pre-recorded audio commentary in 6 languages.
- Travel flexibly across the city and visit iconic landmarks like the Betsy Ross House, Rodin Museum & Ben Franklin’s Grave with just one pass.
See the best of Philly on this 1/2/3-day tour with a live guide, audio commentary & more!
- Spend 1/2/3 days in Philadelphia, hopping on and off at stops as many times as you’d like & exploring the city’s famous landmarks.
- You can discover the 25 stops on the Blue Route at a flexible pace, as buses arrive every 20 minutes.
- Learn more about the city’s past, local traditions, and more from a live English-speaking guide.
- Take in scenic views from the open-top deck as you listen to pre-recorded audio commentary in 6 languages.
- Travel flexibly across the city and visit iconic landmarks like the Betsy Ross House, Rodin Museum & Ben Franklin’s Grave with just one pass.
Inclusions
- 1/2/3-day unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
- Access to Blue Route
- Live English-speaking guide
- Audio guide in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese & Mandarin Chinese (on select buses)
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
Please click here for a detailed route map and its boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
City Highlights Tour (Blue Route)
Jump on board and head to Philadelphia's best-loved landmarks, from City Hall to the US Mint, on this route.
Popular stops: Betsy Ross House, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter, Rodin Museum
- Not all buses are wheelchair accessible. Please contact the service provider 48 hours before your tour begins so they can schedule an accessibility-friendly vehicle for you.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why choose the Big Bus Philadelphia tours?
Convenient access
Big Bus Philadelphia allows you to explore the city at your own pace. You can hop on and off at any designated stop, making sightseeing flexible and stress-free.
Comprehensive coverage
The tour covers major landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. You'll experience the best of Philadelphia's history and culture in one trip.
Engaging commentary
Enjoy engaging audio guides with insights into Philadelphia's history, culture, and landmarks, available in multiple languages for an enriching experience.
Live guides
Enjoy informative live commentary from a knowledgeable English-speaking guide as you travel. Their entertaining stories and insights enhance your understanding of Philadelphia's rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
Scenic views
Experience breathtaking views of the city from the open-top buses. This unique perspective allows you to take stunning photos and enjoy the sights while comfortably traveling.
Big Bus Philadelphia routes, stops and maps
Blue Route
Experience Philadelphia's unique history and beauty while enjoying spectacular views as expert guides share fascinating facts and fun stories about the city and its people.
- First stop: Independence Visitor Center
- Timings: 9:30am to 5:30pm
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- Number of stops: 27
- Full loop duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Highlights of your Big Bus Philadelphia tour
Rodin Museum
Suggested Big Bus Philadelphia Itineraries
Philadelphia in 1 day/24 hours
Philadelphia in 2 days/48 hours
Philadelphia in 3 days/72 hours
Blue Route
If you have just one day in Philadelphia, explore the city's highlights with Big Bus Tours, combining all three routes.
- Start at Independence Hall and explore the Liberty Bell.
- Hop off at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to see the famous Rocky Steps.
- Visit the historic Eastern State Penitentiary for a unique experience.
- Explore Reading Terminal Market for local treats and lunch.
- Discover the vibrant murals along the Magic Gardens route.
- End the day at Penn's Landing, enjoying views of the waterfront and Delaware River.
Day 1
Explore Philadelphia over two days with the Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Blue Route to discover the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
- Start at the Independence Visitor Center to gather information about the city’s historical significance.
- Visit the Liberty Bell and take photos of this iconic symbol of freedom.
- Explore Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
- Stop by the Betsy Ross House to learn about the woman who sewed the first American flag.
- Enjoy lunch at Reading Terminal Market, sampling local favorites like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.
- Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and run up the famous "Rocky Steps."
Day 2
Explore Philadelphia over two days with the Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Blue Route to discover the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
- Begin at the Eastern State Penitentiary for a fascinating glimpse into prison history.
- Explore the Rodin Museum to see an impressive collection of sculptures.
- Visit the Barnes Foundation to admire its renowned art collection.
- Stop at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul for stunning architecture.
- End your day at Love Park for a photo with the iconic LOVE sculpture.
Day 1
Explore Philadelphia over three days with the Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Blue Route to fully immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
- Start at Independence Hall, exploring the birthplace of American democracy.
- Visit the Liberty Bell for a glimpse of this iconic symbol.
- Explore the National Constitution Center for an interactive history lesson.
- Stroll through the historic streets of Old City, enjoying its colonial architecture and charming shops.
- End the day at Penn's Landing with a scenic view of the Delaware River.
Day 2
Explore Philadelphia over three days with the Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Blue Route to fully immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
- Begin at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, including the famous Rocky Steps.
- Visit the Rodin Museum for stunning sculptures.
- Discover the Barnes Foundation, home to an impressive art collection.
- Enjoy lunch at the Reading Terminal Market, sampling local foods.
- Spend the afternoon at the Franklin Institute, exploring science exhibits.
Day 3
Explore Philadelphia over three days with the Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Blue Route to fully immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
- Start at the Philadelphia Zoo, America's oldest zoo.
- Visit the Please Touch Museum, perfect for kids with its interactive exhibits.
- Explore the Eastern State Penitentiary for a unique historical experience.
- Head to the Magic Gardens, an artistic mosaic wonderland.
- Conclude your trip with a walk through the vibrant South Street area, enjoying its eclectic shops and eateries.
Big Bus Philadelphia: FAQ's
How do Big Bus hop-on hop-off buses work in Philadelphia?
The buses allow you to explore the city at your own pace. You can board and disembark at designated stops, enjoying flexibility and convenience.
What is included in a Big Bus Philadelphia Tour ticket?
Tickets include unlimited hop-on hop-off access for 24 or 48 hours, live guided commentary in English, and access to various attractions along the route.
How often are the Philadelphia Big Bus hop-on hop-off buses?
Buses run every 20 minutes.
How many Big Bus Philadelphia routes are there?
There is only one main route - the Blue Route - covering all major landmarks.
Are there audio guides on the Big Bus Philadelphia hop-on hop-off bus tours?
Yes, Big Bus Philadelphia provides audio guides in multiple languages, offering insightful commentary on the city's history, culture, and landmarks.
Are the Big Bus Philadelphia hop-on hop-off bus tours accessibility-friendly?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible.
How long is my ticket valid for?
Tickets are typically valid for 1, 2, or 3 days, depending on the type of ticket purchased.
From happy customers
Judy
United StatesOkt., 2025
Both sets of tour guides and drivers were awesome. Have to take a star away for unfriendly to mobility challenged (like we older folks). A lot of extra walking (always due to construction, which I never observed). Would be great to have some where to set when waiting for the bus.
Big Bus: Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Amy
United StatesSept., 2025
Having never been to Philadelphia before, we found this tour to be the perfect way to start out visit here. We loved hearing the historical information and seeing the sights at the same time. Our host was informative and funny.
Big Bus: Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Raymond
United StatesJuli, 2025
it was a very convenient way to first, explore the city, and then go back to some things that interested us.
All the staff were very nice, with a special shout out for Larry O. who went above and beyond.
Big Bus: Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Donna
United StatesApr., 2025
Easy to order and use
Tour guide was loud clear and made the experience interesting
Saw things i passed often but never noticed
Best way to see the city, jad a friend from England woth us and she felt she saw the city comprehensively
I think everyone should see the city this way
Big Bus: Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Dwana
United StatesApr., 2025
The speakers were great with tons of historical information, city facts and funny stories. And the drivers.......I don't know how they do it!! It's amazing how they can maneuver those massive busses with the ten billion other drivers, busses, ongoing construction, work trucks and just the general lack of road width and overall space.
Big Bus: Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Alexander
Apr., 2025
Purchased tix on-line without problems. What would have made the tour awesome you have nothing to do with: weather, it rained and was windy. Sunshine would have enhanced the experience unfortunately it was the only day we had. Riding through old city under the canopy of trees was quite a sight to see.
Big Bus: Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Timothy
Okt., 2024
Our guide was very knowledgeable of the various architecture, history and art in the Philly area. He pointed so much as we toured Philly. Very much worth the cost and time.
Big Bus: Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Anthony
United StatesSept., 2024
Great way to see the highlights of the city. We like the hear the guides give you insight into the city.
We always use the hop on hop off when we go to a new city.
Big Bus: Philadelphia Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour