Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Philadelphia Bus Tours: Prices, Routes & FAQs
By Absolutely! 🐍🏛️ Philadelphia — the birthplace of the U.S. — is loaded with iconic landmarks, rich history, and delicious eats (hello, cheesesteaks!). A Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) bus tour is one of the best ways to explore the city’s key sites without walking miles or navigating SEPTA.
Here’s your full guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Philadelphia, including prices, routes, and helpful FAQs.
🏙️ Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Philadelphia Bus Tours
1. Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours – Official HOHO Tour (Double-Decker Buses)
- Price: ~$36 (1-Day), ~$65 (2-Day), ~$79 (3-Day)
- Route: 28 stops
- Highlights: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Eastern State Penitentiary
- Map: HOHO Route Map (PDF)
- Extras: Live guide narration on all buses
- Best For: Classic, all-inclusive city intro
2. Big Bus Philadelphia
- Price: ~$36 (1-Day), ~$55 (2-Day)
- Route: Similar to Philly Sightseeing
- Highlights: Same major stops, includes narration
- Best For: Visitors familiar with Big Bus brand & mobile app
3. HOHO Bus + Eastern State Penitentiary Combo
- Price: ~$59
- Includes: HOHO Day Pass + Entry to the historic prison museum
- Best For: True crime/history buffs 🕵️
4. HOHO + Philadelphia Museum of Art Combo
- Price: ~$59
- Includes: 1-Day HOHO Pass + Entry to the Art Museum (home of the “Rocky Steps” 🥊)
- Great For: Art lovers and film fans alike
5. HOHO + Franklin Institute Science Museum
- Price: ~$65
- Includes: Bus tour + Entry to Philly’s most hands-on science museum
- Best For: Families with kids and curious minds 🔬
6. GetYourGuide Philadelphia HOHO Ticket
- Price: ~$36 (1-Day)
- Route: Same as Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours
- Best For: Flexible cancellation and mobile ticket options
7. CityPass Philly (Includes HOHO Option)
- Price: ~$59
- Includes: Entry to 3 attractions + optional HOHO pass
- Great For: Budget travelers doing multiple things in a day
8. Night Bus Tour of Philadelphia (Not HOHO)
- Price: ~$45
- Route: Fixed loop
- Highlights: Lit-up landmarks, City Hall, Art Museum, historic areas
- Duration: ~1.5 hours
- Best For: Seeing Philly glow after dark
9. Philadelphia HOHO + Liberty Bell Walking Tour Combo
- Price: ~$59
- Includes: HOHO Pass + 75-minute guided tour of Independence Mall
- Best For: American history fans 🇺🇸
10. Private Mini-Bus HOHO-Style Tour (Small Group)
- Price: ~$149–$199 per person
- Includes: Air-conditioned van, flexible itinerary, small group sizes
- Best For: Premium or VIP travelers wanting a less-crowded ride
🗺️ Most Popular HOHO Stops in Philadelphia
| Stop | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Independence Visitor Center | Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, National Constitution Center |
| Betsy Ross House | America’s most famous seamstress |
| Christ Church / Elfreth’s Alley | Oldest continuously inhabited street in the U.S. |
| City Hall | Observation deck + Masonic Temple |
| Philadelphia Museum of Art | “Rocky Steps”, iconic art collections |
| Eastern State Penitentiary | Creepy & historic — guided and audio tours available |
| Franklin Institute | Science museum, planetarium, flight simulators |
| Reading Terminal Market | Cheesesteaks, pretzels, roast pork, sweets 🥪 |
| South Street | Eclectic shops, Philly Magic Gardens, nightlife |
| Love Park | Iconic LOVE sculpture |
❓FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Philadelphia
✅ Is a HOHO bus worth it in Philly?
Yes! Philly is walkable but very spread out, especially if you want to visit Art Museum, Eastern State, and Old City in the same day.
🕒 How long is the full loop?
- Around 1.75–2 hours without hopping off
- Buses run every 20–30 minutes
📍 Where should I start?
Most tours start at the Independence Visitor Center (Stop #1), but you can board at any official stop.
🗣️ Do they have guides?
Yes — most buses include live guides who share fun Philly history and local tips along the route.
📱 Is there an app?
Yes! Big Bus and Philly Sightseeing Tours both offer live GPS tracking apps and interactive maps.
📅 When do HOHO buses operate?
- Daily, usually 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Seasonal schedules may vary slightly in winter
♿ Are buses accessible?
Yes, but not every bus is accessible. Call ahead if you require wheelchair access or assistance.
Would you like help creating a custom day plan using the HOHO route — with food stops, museums, or maybe even a ghost tour at night? 👻
Or I can make a Google Map with all the stops and recommended spots at each one — just let me know! 🗺️✨
