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Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in Philadelphia

Experience Philadelphia with an expert-guided tour of the city on our hop-on, hop-off double-decker bus tours.

Quick Details

• Choose a ticket, select your date, and hop on!
• 90-minute Philadelphia tour, for the full loop, with 28 stops
• Expert live local guide commentary, and multi-language audio commentary in French, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, and Hindi
• Hop-on, hop-off service on a London-style double-decker bus
• All guests must check in and start at 21 S. 5th St. in front of the Bourse building
• Ticket vouchers can be purchased and redeemed at stops 1, 5, and 28
• See our FAQ for a detailed explanation of the difference between the 1/2/3 day and 24/48/72 hour tickets

Experience a Philadelphia Tour with an Expert Guide!

Our dedicated route provides locals and visitors with access to over 100 sites and attractions throughout Philadelphia. Travelling over 16 miles of the city, Philadelphia Sightseeing Tour buses provide the perfect combination of expert commentary and transportation so that our riders can gain a truly local experience when touring the City of Brotherly Love. You hear all about Philadelphias’ rich history and culture while traveling aboard an open-top double-decker bus. Our city tour is a must when you visit Philadelphia!

Philadelphia is a city of neighborhoods and many different experiences. Review our route map of Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours’ hop-on, hop-off services to see what Philadelphia landmarks you can easily visit via our 28 different stops along the way. The daytime hop-on, hop-off loops begin at the Bourse Building in the Independence National Historic Park, right across from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Multi-language audio commentary in French, German, Mandarin, Spanish, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, and Hindi.

Top Sightseeing Spots in Philadelphia

Beginning at the Bourse Building right across from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, plug into our multi-lingual headphone audio to discover the origins of America, since Philadelphia is where America’s Founding Fathers first declared independence from England, and then ratified the US Constitution and Bill of Rights to start the new nation. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of such historic landmarks including the Christ Church Burial Grounds, Elfreth’s Alley, the Betsy Ross House, and Independence Hall, to name just a few.

As you head west, see the Friendship Gate in Chinatown, be amazed by the architecture of Philadelphia’s City Hall, and be sure to explore the various museums along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, including the Barnes Foundation – known as the world’s largest collection of post-impressionistic art in the world. As you continue your journey, marvel at Philadelphia’s growing skyline and get a bird’s-eye view from atop the One Liberty Observation Deck. Your loop finishes up after touring through the charming neighborhood of Society Hill and a drive along the banks of the Delaware River.

Choose a ticket for your Philadelphia tour!

TICKET PRICE INCLUDES HOP-ON, HOP-OFF TOUR TICKET AND TAXES. ADMISSION FEES TO ATTRACTIONS AND HISTORIC SIGHTS NOT INCLUDED.

1-Day Open Top Tour

This 1-day ticket provides you access to all Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours double-decker buses operating on a 28 stop hop-on, hop-off city loop tour.

THIS TICKET IS VALID FOR 1 DAY. JOURNEY TERMINATES AT THE END OF BUSINESS DAY 1

2-Day Open Top Tour

There’s lots to see in Philadelphia – so we recommend purchasing our “Two-Day Open Top Tour” to ensure you have easy access to Philadelphia’s biggest landmarks. Perfect for weekend getaways and extended stays in Philadelphia, our 2-day ticket allows you to hop aboard Philadelphia Sightseeing Tours’ double-deckers for two consecutive days.

THIS TICKET IS VALID FOR 2 CONSECUTIVE DAYS. JOURNEY TERMINATES AT THE END OF BUSINESS DAY 2

3-Day Open Top Tour

Make the most of your visit to Philadelphia, the Birthplace of America and City of Brotherly Love. Our “Three-Day Open Top Tour” provides you with easy and convenient access to many of Philadelphia’s most famous historic and modern-day sights. Over the course of three consecutive days, you’re able to hop on and off at 28 stops to see the historic, cultural, artistic, and fun sides of Philadelphia.

THIS TICKET IS VALID FOR 3 CONSECUTIVE DAYS. JOURNEY TERMINATES AT THE END OF BUSINESS DAY 3

Our Philadelphia tours speak your language

Related Bus Tours

• Hour Glass 90 minutes

Founding Fathers and Mothers

Explore the Philadelphia of the people caught up in the world changing events of 1776. A professional tour guide will lead you on a one mile walking tour through Philadelphia’s most historic square mile in Old City to see some of the city’s most famous sights!

• Hour Glass 24 Hours

Night Tour of Philadelphia

See the dazzling lights of the city from atop a double decker bus! Learn about Philadelphia history, including iconic people and buildings, from a professional tour guide as the twilight turns to a starry sky above you. Recorded audio commentary is available in 9 different languages.

THE 10 BEST Philadelphia Bus Tours

Bus tours in philadelphia.

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The Top Tours of Greater Philadelphia

Go on a guided venture by foot, horse, car, segway, bike, boat and more….

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You can learn a lot about Philadelphia just by strolling around. (After all, we’re talking about one of the most walkable cities in the country .) But when you want to dig a little (or a lot) deeper, a guided tour is the way to go — and Philly’s tour game is strong.

A wide range of local tour companies offer lots of entertaining and informative options from must-see history to iconic food and from varied architecture to colorful murals. Expert guides show you around during a walk — or by car, bus, Segway, bike or even kayak.

And the sightseeing fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Those who come out at night can join tours that showcase a different side of the city after dark and call upon spirits from beyond (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Below, find a curated list of just some of the great tours and tour companies in Philadelphia and the Countryside.

Companies with Multiple Tour Themes

Founding footsteps.

This highly rated tour company offers a smart, sassy and thoroughly truthful take on both well-trod and well-hidden Philly history. The Philly Phables Walking Tour dedicates 90 history-rich minutes to exploring historic Old City . The company also offers a murder-focused Bad Things Happen in Philly tour, a fun seasonal holiday lights tour, and a Beer & Band trolley tour, featuring live music and stops at beer gardens and breweries. Private tours are also available.

• Must-book Tour: Historically Hilarious BYOB (Bring-Your-Own-Bottle) Tours of Philadelphia . Bring a six-pack for this two-hour trolley tour of major historic sites and off-the-beaten-track highlights.

Where: Tours depart from various locations including the Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street

Free Tours by Foot

Take your pick from a selection of expert-led walking tours focusing on areas like Independence Hall , the Italian Market and Chinatown . Bonus: Tours are pay what you wish (unless you book a private guided tour for a set fee).

• Must-book Tour: The Good, The Bad, The Philly . This 90-minute tour explores the Logan Square area of the city, from its stunning architecture to religious riots to a citywide curse.

Where: Tours depart from various locations including 919 S. 9th Street

These walking and driving tours cover a lot of ground, from iconic Philly foods to public art in South Philly to attractions (like Longwood Gardens ) in the nearby Brandywine Valley. There’s even a private tour of locations featured in the Rocky movies that you can fully customize for your group.

• Must-book Tour: Valley Forge: American Revolution Tour . This half-day tour departs from Center City, heading out into the scenic countryside, where you’ll explore one of the most important sites of the American Revolutionary War on foot.

Where: Tours depart from various locations including outside of the Masonic Temple, 1 N. Broad Street

Art & Architecture Tours

Mural arts tours.

An excellent way to get a close-up view of Philadelphia’s fascinating neighborhoods — and see some impressive art while you’re at it — is to sign up for one of Mural Arts’ walking or trolley tours . Professionally trained guides take you through commercial districts and residential blocks in Center City and beyond, dishing on the stories behind just some of the city’s 4,000-plus murals.

• Must-book Tour: Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour . This classic 90-minute tour through Midtown Village , the Gayborhood and Market East makes for the perfect introduction to the “City of Murals.”

Where: Tours depart from various locations including the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118-128 N. Broad Street

Neighborhood Walking Tours of Philadelphia from the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia

The Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia offers guided walking tours that interpret the past, present and future of the Philadelphia region as expressed through architecture, urban design and social history. Private tours are available year-round by emailing [email protected] .

• Must-book Tour: Littlest Streets . These two-hour tours take guests through some of the charming pockets of historical houses that make up quaint mini-villages within the city.

Where: Tours depart from various locations including Kahn Park, 11th & Pine streets

History Tours

Beyond the bell tours.

These tours offer a fresh take on Philly, with a focus on “movements, activism and resistance.” Guides focus on women and LGBTQ history makers who are often left out of traditional historical overviews.

• Must-book Tour: Badass Women’s History Walking Tour . This two-hour walking tour covers 1.5 miles of stories highlighting women entrepreneurs, doctors, artists, activists and others who shaped the city, including the Gayborhood’s LGBTQ leaders.

Where: Various locations including Rittenhouse Square, 210 W. Rittenhouse Square

Black History Maven Tours

Listen in as Kalela Williams — a writer, historian and the author of the forthcoming young adult novel The Tangleroot Papers — shares fascinating stories of women’s history, Revolutionary scandals and more. During her newest tour, she offers a living history journey through Old City, covering the roots of slavery and the area’s thriving free Black community.

• Must-book Tour: Black History: The Seventh Ward . Williams’ most popular tour examines the Black community where Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman met with Philadelphia’s activists to help end slavery.

Where: Various locations including Old City

The Constitutional Walking Tour of Philadelphia

Learn more about the many historic sites throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District on this 75-minute, 1.25-mile tour , offered daily from April through November. Private/group tours are available as well with advance reservations.

• Must-book Tour: Combo Package – The Constitutional and Spirits of ’76 Ghost Tour . Explore Philadelphia’s top sites during the day, then get spooked during the evening hours listening to haunted tales while walking along the city’s cobblestone streets.

Where: Tour departs from the National Constitution Center, 525 Arch Street

The Great Philadelphia Comedy Magic Walk

The magical history tour is waiting to take you away. This walking tour through Old City combines magic, comedy and history to shed a comedic light on some of Philly’s oldest tales. Award-winning magician Robert Malissa leads visitors through 75 minutes of Philly history, pausing at a number of stops to perform some mind-bending magic in between historic anecdotes. Note: This tour features some humor that is appropriate for those age 13-plus.

Where: Tour departs from behind The Bourse, 400 Ranstead Street

The Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour

Tour Philadelphia’s Historic District on this seasonal tour led by a rotating cast of costumed history makers. Each 45-minute tour is led by an actor portraying one of three real-life Philadelphians: colonial brewer Trooper Robert Hare; Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and James Forten, a free Black man and abolitionist who was present at the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. Tours depart from the Independence Visitor Center at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each Saturday and make stops outside of The President’s House, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Congress Hall and Franklin Court. Bonus: Each tour includes a warm beverage from the Independence Visitor Center Cafe. Tickets are required.

Where: Tours depart from the Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street

Philly’s Vegetarian Pioneers Walking Tour

Philly went vegan long before it was hip. Need proof? Organized by the American Vegan Center, this 76-minute walking tour focuses on Philly’s deep ties to the history of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. Learn how the history of meat-free living often intersected with the abolitionist and women’s rights movements in the early days of the United States. The tour stops at several locations in Old City where tourgoers learn about trailblazing (and sometimes surprising) pioneers of vegetarian lifestyles, including Benjamin Lay, Sylvester Graham and even Benjamin Franklin . Tour guide and cartoonist Vance Lehmkuhl’s humorous illustrations allow visitors to meat meet these veggie-fueled pioneers at each stop, adding a comedic flair to the interesting history.

Where: Tour departs from the American Vegan Center, 17 N. 2nd Street

Real Philly History Tours

Guide Jim Murphy is the author of Real Philly History, Real Fast, a collection of mini-profiles of historical people and sites. His walking tours bring some of these fascinating stories to life, from tales of Philadelphia “superstars” Ben Franklin and William Penn to Philly’s forgotten naval heroes.

• Must-book Tour: 5 Philly-Tough Women . Through stories covering three centuries, Murphy brings to life the “guts, grit and perseverance” Philadelphians are known for.

Where: Tours depart from various locations including Society Hill

Religion & History Tours

From Temple University’s Dialogue Institute, these tours are designed to advance intrareligious, interreligious and intercultural dialogue in the hopes of sparking open and honest conversations. Topics include religious freedom in early Philadelphia and the yellow fever epidemic of 1793.

• Must-book Tour: Customize your own itinerary hosted by scholars according to your interests and schedule; extended programming over multiple days or weeks is available.

Where: Locations vary by tour

Bike, Boat & Segway Tours

Big red pedal tours.

On a Big Red Pedal Tour , riders explore Philly by day or night aboard a 15-passenger pedicycle. Together, the group pedals the open-air “tour bus” on a pub crawl through some of the city’s hottest neighborhoods, including Old City and Midtown Village.

• Must-book Tour: Old City Bars Galore . Prefer not to walk? This leisurely bike ride gives you a good sense of the charming Old City neighborhood.

Where: Tours starts at Big Ass Slices Bar & Grill, 224 Market Street

Patriot Harbor Lines

Up to 25 guests board a reproduction 1920s commuter yacht for private tours of the Delaware or Schuylkill rivers, offering stellar views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, Race Street Pier and more. Bonus: The 40-foot yacht is equipped with a full bar.

• Must-book Tour: Delaware River Sunset Cruise. This one-hour trip is perfect for romantics who appreciate a relaxed pace — not to mention a scenic skyline.

Where: Tours depart from various locations including outside the Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard

Philly By Segway

After a half-hour hands-on training, visitors take off on motorized Segways on one of four tours . Options include a two-hour, 10-mile showcase of historic landmarks from river to river, as well as a two-hour Mural Arts Philadelphia tour through Old City, Chinatown and Northern Liberties .

• Must-book Tour: Philly Cheesesteak Tour. Hit five top cheesesteak spots as you zoom across town.

Where: Tours depart from Pier 5, 7 N. Columbus Boulevard, Suite 7B

Schuylkill Banks Kayak Tours

Visitors receive 30 minutes of kayaking instruction before heading out on the Schuylkill River for these fun excursions , which run on select dates through September. Specialty experiences, including private group tours, are also available.

• Must-book Tour: Moonlight Kayak Tour . This tour (for ages 12 and up) departs at 8 p.m. to give you an excellent view of the twinkling lights of the skyline as you paddle along the river.

Where: Tours depart from Walnut Street Dock, 2501 Walnut Street

Big Bus Tours

Hop on and hop off this open-top bus tour featuring a live tour guide who points out Philadelphia’s greatest-hit landmarks. It takes 90 minutes to go through the entire ride straight through, but you’re encouraged to disembark to see the sights along the way. Buses run about every 20 to 25 minutes.

Where: Guests can hop on at one of 27 stops including the Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad Street

City Sightseeing Philadelphia

With double-decker buses running every 20 to 30 minutes, this hop-on-hop-off service hits more than 100 attractions throughout the city. Audio commentary is available in several languages.

Where: Guests can hop on at one of 28 stops including Eastern State Penitentiary, 2027 Fairmount Avenue

It’s Always Sunny Tour of Philadelphia

Follow in The Gang’s footsteps during an afternoon of shenanigans in South Philly. This 2.5-hour walking tour stops at recognizable It’s Always Sunny filming locations, including Dennis and Mac’s apartment, “Cheesesteak Vegas,” the Waitress’s coffee shop and more featured spots along South Street . Experience the (organized) chaos of the show while also learning more about Philly culture. Tours depart from outside Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens on South Street and reservations are required .

Where: Tours depart from outside of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street

Philadelphia Intrepid Urban Adventures

A knowledgeable, energetic team dedicated to maximizing visitors’ Philly experiences designs these tours that offer fresh insights into the city, its residents and attractions. Tour guides who are passionate about public art, history, food, entertainment, food sustainability, conservation and re-imagined spaces guide the public on daily walking tours, lead private driving tours or create custom tours, including for large groups.

• Must-book Tour: Philadelphia Markets, Mosaics & Magic Discovery. This combo art and food tour hits the mosaics at Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens , as well as three food stops in the Italian Market.

Where: Tours depart from various locations including South & South 9th streets

The Yo, Philly! Rocky Film Tour

In a town of Rocky impersonators, Mike Kunda is one of the most dedicated. His popular three-hour, by-reservation-only tour takes fans through Philly to every important stop — from Rocky to Creed II .

Where: Various locations including the Rocky Steps, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Tiny Table Tours

Attention foodies: These casual and fun food tours guide small groups off the beaten path through some of Philly’s most interesting and delicious neighborhoods.

• Must-book Tour : Beyond the Italian Market . Offered on weekends, this lunchtime small-group food tour brings guests to some of the most beloved eateries in South Philly. Be sure to come hungry: This walking lunch makes several stops for food and drink tastings along the 2-mile route. Tickets include all food and drinks.

Where: Tours depart from The Singing Fountain, 1538 S. 11th Street

Ghost Tours

Ghost tour of philadelphia.

Do spectral spirits really inhabit Independence Hall , St. Peter’s Cemetery, the Powel House , battleship Olympia and other historic landmarks? Visitors find out when they listen to the ghost stories and visit real haunted houses during this candlelight walking tour of Independence National Historical Park, Society Hill and Old City. Private tours are also available.

Where: Various locations including outside Independence Hall, 520 Chestnut Street

Ghost Tours of New Hope

On Saturday nights from June through November, author and ghost investigator Adi-Kent Thomas Jeffrey leads lantern-lit tours of New Hope , highlighting stories about the town’s spine-chilling hauntings. Spirit-spotting opportunities increase in October, with tours Friday and Saturday nights and on Halloween, and private tours are available year-round.

Where: Tours depart from Main Street & Ferry Street, New Hope

Grim Philly Twilight Tours

Authors and professors lead these highly researched, grown-ups-only, off-the-beaten-path tours. All are historic, and many are quite scary. Walking tours run from the mythical (ghosts, vampires, witches) to the despicable (serial killers) and more.

• Must-book Tour: Dark Philly Adult Night Tour . This tour reveals secrets of the Founding Fathers and their contemporaries, touching on espionage, murder, blackmail and sexual impropriety.

Where: Tours depart from Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market Street

Spirits of '76 Ghost Tour

The paranormal stories on this ghost tour are “one part history, two parts haunt.” Guests who dare to take this 75-minute outdoor walking journey see 20 of Philly’s frights, including possibly-haunted historic homes and graveyards.

Where: Tours depart from South 4th & Chestnut streets

• Tours in Philadelphia
• Center City
• Historic District
• Penn's Landing / Delaware River Waterfront
• Philadelphia Neighborhoods

The Perfect Hotel Package for an Easy Philly Escape

The  Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.

30 Self-Guided Walking & Driving Tours of Greater...

How to do Philly your own way — and at your own pace...

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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

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Join us for the moving tea room experience of a lifetime.

Savor fine teas, spectacular 360 views, delish bites, live entertainment and luxe floral vibes. we offer the following experiences for reservation:.

Tea Around Town 4.6

Sip, savor, sightsee, and enjoy tea & treats in a cozy immersive experience.

Private Events VIP

Book the full Tea Around Town experience privately for you and your guests.

Travel Lush

See What the Fuss Is About

We’re popular, but don’t just take our word for it.

Definitely pay for the premium.

My friend and I enjoyed the premium Tea Around Town experience in early January, and it was such a treat! You can tell the team puts a lot of heart and intention into making it a special time for their guests. The interior of the bus was beautiful! Definitely pay for the premium seating if you can.

The experience was lovely

The experience was lovely even though the weather was dreary. Kudos to the staff. Excellent, professional service. Joe, Jhana and Isla were great. The presentation of the food and the bus were beautiful. The hors d'oeuvres were tasty and plentiful.

The food and tea were above average

Afternoon tea is one of my favorite things in the entire world. I’ve done it in many places here in the US, all around the UK, and as far away as Dubai. I’ve had tea on a double-decker bus in London and in Dublin. Tea Around Town in NYC was wonderful.

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Runs Every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.

April 29 - May 26:

Weekend service (Friday – Sunday)

May 27 - September 5:

Daily Service

March 28 – April 28:

May 1 – September 2:

September 6 – November 24:

November 29 – December 30:

No service Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. Special programming and services provided by PHLASH® will be announced throughout the season.

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Contact the Visitor Center

800.537.7676

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484.881.3574

Available on PHLASH service days, 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.

• Independence Visitor Center

Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. June – August, Open until 7 p.m.

Phone: 800.537.7676

Email: [email protected]

Chestnut St. Overpass

Penn’s Landing

Last drop-off & Final Stop/End of service: 6:15 p.m.

• Spruce Street Harbor Park
• Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest

First Pickup: 10:00 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:30 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:00 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:30 p.m.

• Museums & Attractions
• Visitor Center
• “Park & Ride” Garages

3rd & Market Sts

• Betsy Ross House
• Benjamin Franklin Museum

First Pickup: 10:03 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:33 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:03 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:33 p.m.

6th and Market Sts

Independence visitor center

• Museum of illusions
• AutoPark at Independence Mall
• National Constitution Center

First Pickup: 10:05 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:35 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:05 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:35 p.m.

12th & Market Sts

Pennsylvania convention center.

• Reading Terminal Market
• Parkade on 8th St.

First Pickup: 10:07 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:37 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:07 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:37 p.m.

16th St. & John F. Kennedy Blvd.

• LOVE Park Visitor Center
• Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

First Pickup: 10:10 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:40 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:10 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:40 p.m.

18th Street and John F. Kennedy Blvd.

• Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul
• The Academy of Natural Sciences
• Children’s Discovery Garden

First Pickup: 10:12 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:42 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:12 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:42 p.m.

20th St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.

• The Barnes Foundation
• Free Library of Philadelphia

First Pickup: 10:14 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:44 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:14 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:44 p.m.

22nd St. & Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.

Rodin Museum

• The Rodin Museum

First Pickup: 10:15 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:45 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:15 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:45 p.m.

22nd St. & Fairmount Ave.

• Eastern State Penitentiary

First Pickup: 10:17 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:47 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:17 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:47 p.m.

• Philadelphia Museum of Art

First Pickup: 10:22 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:52 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:22 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:52 p.m.

Rocky Statue & Steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

• Eakins Oval

First Pickup: 10:25 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:55 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:25 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:55 p.m.

20th & Race Sts

• The Franklin Institute

First Pickup: 10:27 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:57 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:27 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:57 p.m.

18th & Market Sts

Comcast Center Campus

• Rittenhouse Square
• The Comcast Center
• Mütter Museum

First Pickup: 10:32 a.m. — Last Pickup: 6:02 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:32 a.m.

Last Pickup: 6:02 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:39 a.m. — Last Pickup: 6:09 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:39 a.m.

Last Pickup: 6:09 p.m.

6th & Market Sts

Liberty Bell Center

16th St. & Market Sts.

• Franklin Square

First Pickup: 10:42am — Last Pickup: 6:12pm

First Pickup: 10:42am

Last Pickup: 6:12pm

3rd & Chestnut Streets

Museum of the American Revolution

• AutoPark at Jefferson

First Pickup: 10:44 a.m. — Last Pickup: 5:14 p.m.

First Pickup: 10:44 a.m.

Last Pickup: 5:14 p.m.

Pennsylvania & Fairmount Aves

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May 08, 2024

A giant pink bus is hosting tea parties while giving tours of Philly

The sightseeing experience adds a fancy twist with finger sandwiches and floral decor..

A tea party on wheels is now rolling through Philadelphia.

Tourists and residents alike can sip tea and snack on finger sandwiches while admiring quintessential Philadelphia sites thanks to a giant pink tour bus that recently rolled into town.

Tea Around Town, an experience run by New York City-based TopView Sightseeing, launched Philly tours last month. The tea party on wheels serves hot beverages and fancy snacks while traveling past local landmarks such as the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.

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"The response from Philly-area people who have ridden the bus has been simply amazing," said John Cella, of TopView Sightseeing. "We've received tremendous interest and support from both the local community and tourists, which has been incredibly rewarding. It's been wonderful to see guests of all ages and backgrounds excited to join our experience, truly embodying the inclusive spirit of Tea Around Town."

The bus' interior is decorated in florals and outfitted with booths for riders to sit in while enjoying the fare. Tea blends range from classics like English breakfast and Earl Grey to unique seasonal blends like mixed berry hibiscus and raspberry pomegranate. Sweet and savory treats served on board include salted caramel cheesecake, mini lemon meringue, savory ribeye symphony and lobster pot puff. 

Entertainment will also be offered during the tours  in the form of live music and storytelling,  creating what Cella calls a "lively and welcoming" atmosphere.

Passengers aboard the Tea Around Town bus can snack on scones and sweets while sipping tea.

Tickets for the limited-seating tours, which are available for people ages 3 and older, can be purchased online . Admission starts at $80 for the Petite package, which includes food, "sky deck seating" with 360-degree views, a private table and souvenir tea tumbler. Riders who are feeling fancy can upgrade to the Luxe experience, starting at $120, which offers everything from the Petite experience plus priority boarding and extra menu items.

"Tea Around Town is perfect for celebrating special occasions like birthdays or bridal showers," Cella said. "You can charter a private event or simply purchase tickets with friends to enjoy a memorable experience together."

Each trip is approximately 90 minutes long and departs from a meeting point in front of 616 Market St., at the southwest corner of Market Street and South 6th Street. Passengers are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow time for boarding. 

Tea Around Town is running a Mother's Day discount through Sunday, offering up to 14% off tickets. 

Tea Around Town Philadelphia

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Franki Rudnesky PhillyVoice Staff

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Black-owned business bus tour rolls through West Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- The inaugural 'Black-Owned Businesses Bus Tour' was created to coincide with the 2024 National Small Business Week.

It was a collaboration between The Enterprise Center, Urban Affairs Coalition, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, African American Chamber of Commerce, Wonderspring Early Education, and ACHIEVEability. Members of these organizations were invited to come on board.

The bus weaved through West Philadelphia to give passengers a taste of local businesses such as Blk Ivy Thrift, HoneySuckle, Smokin Sone's, 48th Street Grille, Center for Culinary Enterprises, Hakim, Prodressnal, Bookers, and Siddiq Real Fruit Water Ice.

Watch our video to see the bus tour in action.

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Philadelphia woman dead, dozens injured in party bus crash on I-95 in Harford County

By Andrew Adeolu , Tara Lynch , Adam Thompson

Updated on: May 7, 2024 / 6:17 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE – A Philadelphia woman died and multiple people were injured when a party bus crashed into a guardrail Sunday morning on I-95 in Harford County.

Maryland State Police said 24 people were on the bus around 6 a.m. when it lost control and crashed near mile marker 77 along the northbound lanes.

1 Person is dead following morning party bus accident on I95 in #belcamp pic.twitter.com/AKOpiy8HV9 — Joppa-Magnolia VFC (@jmvfc8) May 5, 2024

Troopers said 30-year-old Alexis Nicole Kegler, from Philadelphia, died at the scene and 23 were taken to hospitals, according to the Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company.

According to a post by the volunteer fire company on X, formerly known as Twitter, the bus belonged to Just Becuz Entertainment, which is based in Philadelphia. The company's website says it provides transportation from Philadelphia to New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

I-95 northbound in Harford County is back open after it was closed for several hours.

At this time, officials say no charges have been filed. 

The Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Harford County Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Police Crash Team are investigating this crash.

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How to get to the Jersey Shore from Philly

Y es, there are other ways to get to the Shore besides driving down in the family car. From a 12-minute jaunt in a private jet to a four-hour scenic tour by bus, here are some alternatives to getting behind the wheel:

New Jersey Transit’s Atlantic City Rail Line is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to get to the Shore from Philly. The train to A.C. leaves 30th Street Station 12 times daily, from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. A one-way ride costs $10.75 and takes about an hour and a half. The final stop is in Atlantic City though, if you need to get to another Shore town, you can take an NJ Transit bus or ridesharing service. njtransit.com/acrl

NJ Transit buses offer connections with most Shore towns, so check the website to see those options. There are plenty. A trip to Cape May from the Greyhound terminal at 10th and Filbert Streets in Center City, for example, costs $23.70 to $24.75 and takes about 4 hours. Routes that require transfers often make riders change buses in Atlantic City, so consider combining a train trip to get to A.C., then picking up a bus from there. njtransit.com

There are also Greyhound buses available with direct service to Atlantic City and they’re cheaper and faster than NJ Transit buses at around $13 for an hour-and-a-half one-way trip. The Greyhound only goes to AC, so if the final destination is at another Shore town, you’ll need to get an NJ Transit bus or get a ride with Uber or Lyft to where you need to go. greyhound.com

By Uber or Lyft

Ridesharing through Uber or Lyft can get you there, but it’ll cost you. Prices vary according to factors like the service you choose, distance of trip, and time of day. Getting an Uber or Lyft ride to Atlantic City from Philadelphia at a low-demand time can be $100 to a little over $110. Sea Isle City puts you closer to $120, and Long Beach Island would run $130. Those rates would go up during peak times. There are more expensive options through both services — if you want to ride in larger or higher-end vehicles — but cheaper options like sharing a trip with strangers are not available on longer trips to the Shore.

If money is no obstacle, charter flights are available. A trip for four on a private jet from Philadelphia International Airport to Cape May County Airport costs between $6,700 and $9,500, according to Executive Jet Management. It’s about the same price to most Shore destinations. Travel time: 12 minutes. executivejetmanagement.com

This story has been updated since it first published.

©2023 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Philly’s roving Greyhound station could soon move to an Old City parking garage. Neighbors are surprised and alarmed.

City officials are looking for yet another temporary station for Greyhound, Flixbus, Megabus, and Peter Pan buses that travel between cities.

City officials are considering the first level of an Old City parking garage as the site for a new temporary bus terminal for Greyhound and other intercity carriers, the latest plot twist in an ongoing municipal soap opera.

Neighbors of the AutoPark at South Second and Walnut Streets say they were blindsided by the news, which began circulating late last week. They’re fighting back.

A Change.org petition against the proposal by a group of concerned Old City residents had more than 950 signatures on Wednesday. Lawyers are involved. Amigos, a Spanish immersion preschool 25 feet from the garage entrance, is mobilizing parents to protest.

South Second Street, a narrow colonial-era roadway, is already crowded with delivery vehicles and three SEPTA bus lines, residents say. They fear more dangerous traffic and pollution and say that a stream of Greyhounds and the like would ruin the ambience of Old City.

“This area is a museum,” said Sara Rabinovic, who has lived in the Society Hill Towers for two decades. “A bus station in the middle of a museum doesn’t make sense.”

Besides, she said, “this would be forced on us without consulting us.”

The Second Street garage is only “one of the locations being considered” for a temporary station, the city’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Services (OTIS) said in a statement Tuesday. It did not define temporary.

“Everyone agrees that the city and bus riders deserve a better location and facilities,” said Job Itzkowitz, executive director of the Old City District, who said city officials briefed him Friday on the outlines of the Second Street option.

“The question is how to get there in both the short term and the long term,” he said. The district has not taken a position on the idea.

There could be “up to 70 buses serving as many as 2,600 passengers that will operate 19 hours per day,” Brett Scioli, general manager of Society Hill Towers, told residents Monday in an e-mailed message summarizing what community leaders say they have been told.

The city’s preferred permanent home for intercity bus service is adjacent to 30th Street Station, but that possibility is years away.

10 months of bus drama

City officials have had to scramble to make other arrangements when Greyhound abruptly closed its longtime, leased Filbert Street station in June 2023, a cost-cutting move common in the industry. The former depot also is on the footprint of the Sixers’ proposed $1.55 billion new arena.

The bus carriers first moved to Seventh and Market Streets. Operations angered nearby business owners and became an embarrassment for the city as passengers waited in the elements with no food, water or shelter. Buses and double-parked personal vehicles clogged Market Street.

Greyhound, Flixbus, Peter Pan Bus and Megabus — the biggest carriers serving Philadelphia — are now using their second temporary open-air bus station in less than a year, without adequate amenities. That’s inequitable and unacceptable, city officials said.

“We need to move past the mindset of reserving basic expectations like accessible restrooms for train stations and airports and not for bus riders who are currently coping with a hodgepodge of curbside sidewalk options,” OTIS said in the statement.

Since last November, long-distance buses have docked at the curb near Spring Garden and North Front Streets, with some queuing up on Christopher Columbus Boulevard and others near the Market-Frankford Line’s Spring Garden Station, which is not ADA-accessible. Passengers wait on sidewalks, unsheltered from weather.

The setup has been a mess at times, said Jeff Hornstein, president of the Northern Liberties Neighbors, with rideshare vehicles clogging the streets and people loitering in front of businesses.

But the association has worked closely with OTIS and some improvements have been made, he said. Recently, the neighborhood group was negotiating with the city about a possible third temporary bus station — with waiting rooms and other amenities in an underused surface parking lot on Spring Garden Street.

As the association was trying to set up another public meeting on the possibility for April 24, Hornstein said, he was told that OTIS no longer thought the Spring Garden lot was an appropriate location.

“We were surprised, but not unpleasantly,” he said. “We said, ‘Godspeed and good luck.” Hornstein also said OTIS was a “good partner to work with” in a difficult situation.

AutoPark’s pros

On several levels the AutoPark garage has features that appear to make it a better temporary base of operations.

The first level of the garage, operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority, has 13 berths for tour buses , and potential terminal space that has plumbing and is wired for electric service.

The garage was built in the early 1970s, intended as a drop-off and pickup location for tour buses; tour guides would begin walks at Welcome Park next door.

It is within a few blocks of the Second Street station on the Market-Frankford Line, which is accessible to people with disabilities and is a transfer point for at least six bus routes.

But some issues could complicate using the site. It’s owned by the National Park Service, which would have to get approvals in Washington, considering historic preservation and environmental standards.

Under the concept, the buses would drop off and pick up passengers in the garage but would be parked and lay over elsewhere, possibly in the Callowhill neighborhood, several people with knowledge of the city’s thinking said.

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As the bus turns: New proposal for intercity bus stop is Old City parking garage 

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The city’s wandering bus terminal for Greyhound, Megabus and other intercity carriers may soon be moving to a Philadelphia Parking Authority garage on 2nd Street near Walnut Street in Old City.

City officials want to use the AutoPark at Olde City as a “pilot” terminal while they hire a firm to study options for a permanent location, according to City Councilmember Mark Squilla, who said he was briefed on the proposal Monday. 

Old City District executive director Job Itzkowitz said he also met with city officials Friday to discuss the idea. Greyhound and other carriers have already been running buses in and out of the garage to test its feasibility, according to Concerned Old City Neighbors, a newly formed neighborhood group.

Carriers currently pick up and drop off customers on a stretch of a curb along Spring Garden Street at the southeastern corner of Northern Liberties. The site has drawn complaints for its out-of-the-way location, minimal shelter options for passengers, and disruptions to nearby businesses.

The city’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, or OTIS, declined to confirm the Old City proposal, saying in a statement only that it “has closely engaged with a variety of stakeholders including the bus carriers and neighborhood organizations for feedback and recommendations.”

“Currently, ideas are still being developed, options are being weighed, and no plans for relocation have been finalized,” the statement said.

OTIS said intercity bus operations “will not be moving from the [current] Spring Garden location at this time.” However, the agency recently said it intends for buses to stop using the current site by Labor Day , which is four months away.

The AutoPark proposal is already drawing criticism from nearby residents who say they have yet to be officially informed or given an opportunity to weigh in.

“We don’t understand if or how the city intends to engage in a serious site selection process that includes all but the most perfunctory community engagement,” the Concerned Old City Neighbors group wrote in a Change.org petition opposing the proposal.

The fourth terminal in less than a year

The city has been wrestling with how to handle intercity buses since last July, when Greyhound shut down its more than 35-year-old station on Filbert Street, near Reading Terminal Market and Chinatown.

For a few months the bus companies operated from the Market Street curb near Sixth Street in Old City, but the site was heavily criticized for lacking a bathroom or shelter, crowding the sidewalk, and displacing a SEPTA bus top. 

In November, the city moved the terminal to Spring Garden Street, which initially lacked a bathroom and offered just a small ticket office as shelter, among other issues. 

In March, OTIS and the Philadelphia Parking Authority floated the idea of building a long-term temporary terminal with a modular ticketing building on a parking lot on Spring Garden, across from the current curb pickup spot. But OTIS subsequently withdrew that plan and said the terminal would be relocated away from Northern Liberties entirely by Labor Day.

The parking authority runs garages, on-street meters, and parking permits. It has not previously been involved in bus operations, but its executive director Rich Lazer has lately been trying to broaden the agency’s portfolio and increasing its focus on quality of life issues like illegal parking.

A PPA spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“Blindsided” by the proposal

OTIS did not provide any information about how the terminal would operate, but according to information posted by the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, AutoPark has a dozen parking spaces for tourist buses, which are currently available on a first come, first served basis.

The management of Society Hill Towers, a large condo complex about two blocks from the garage, said in an email to tenants that the AutoPark has space for 16 buses, a waiting room, and restrooms, and is within walking distance of the Market-Frankford subway line.

“Up to 70 buses serving as many as 2,600 passengers will operate 19 hours per day, with one additional beat patrol officer potentially assigned to the area,” according to copies of the message obtained by Billy Penn.

“The city will not commit to a date when the temporary bus terminal will cease to operate, which could be years,” it said. The Society Hill Tower board could not immediately be reached for comment.

The email noted that the Old City District has not decided whether to support or oppose the proposal, and was negotiating with city officials to set up an information session for residents. 

Intercity buses would apparently come down 2nd Street, enter the garage’s first floor, drop off and pick up passengers, and exit through the back of the building onto Front Street. They could then turn left on Dock Street to reach Delaware Boulevard and head north to an on-ramp to I-95.

A separate entrance leads to a ramp for cars to park on the structure’s upper floors.

The Old City Concerned Neighbors group said it had retained an attorney to represent nearby residents’ concerns about the relocation. Rumors of the proposal had “blindsided everyone, including homeowners, condominium associations, retailers, corporate offices, and a preschool located just 25 feet from the proposed bus station waiting room,” the group wrote its online petition.

The garage is next to Welcome Park , an open plaza run by the National Park Service, and across the street from the entrance to the parking lot for the U.S. Custom House, a federal building that contains a passport office, Homeland Security offices, and other agencies.

Old City Concerned Neighbors is “asking that the city of Philadelphia refrains from moving forward with this project without significant research and community engagement,” the group said, in a press release provided by Change.org.

“This location is a terrible choice,” resident Erin Paulson said in the release. “It will impede tourism in the surrounding historic area, and for obvious safety reasons, a busy bus terminal should not be directly next to a daycare for young children.”

Meir Rinde is an investigative reporter at Billy Penn covering topics ranging from politics and government to history and pop culture. He’s previously written for PlanPhilly, Shelterforce, NJ Spotlight,... More by Meir Rinde

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