Trolley Tours

Click below for answers to your questions on:

Philadelphia Trolly & The Big Bus Company Tours

1. What are the differences between the Big Bus and trolley tours?

   The tours follow the same route and you may board either tour vehicle throughout the day. The only difference is the vehicle style.

2. When does the trolley and the Big Bus run throughout the day?

   The weather determines how many trolleys and big bus vehicles we operate each day. There is generally always a minimum of one of each vehicle on tour. During the peak season there are more double decker buses to take advantage of the beautiful weather and panoramic views. In the colder months and when the weather is rainy you may find only trolleys operating for the comfort of our guests.

3. What days do the tours operate?

   The tours operate 363 days per year. They are closed on Christmas and New Year’s Day.

4. Where can I buy Trolley/Big Bus Tickets to tour Philadelphia or visit the top Philadelphia attractions?

   Tickets can be purchased at the following locations:
   1. On-line.
   2. On Board any vehicle.
   3. Most hotel concierge desks.
   4. Independence Visitor’s Center.

5. Do you take credit cards?

   Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover Card

6. How often do the tours run?

   Every 30 minutes from May through November at a minimum
   Every Hour from December through April

7. Do you pick-up at hotels?

   Our complimentary shuttle van will pick guests up at all Center City, Airport and City Line Avenue hotels. Please call our office at 215-389-TOUR to schedule a pick-up.

8. Where can I park? 

   There are several parking garages near the Independence Mall Area. They are located at 6th & Arch Street underneath the Visitor’s Center, 4th & Ranstead Street behind the Bourse Building, 2nd & Sansom Street (stop 2) and 11th & Filbert Street (stop 5). 

9. Can I get off the trolley/Big Bus and re-board?

   Yes, your 24 hour pass allows you to get off and on as often as youy like during the 24 hour period. 

10. What are the 20 stops?

    Please click on our downloadable brochure for a list of the tour stops. tour map

Horse Drawn Carriages

1. Where can I find a carriage?

   The main carriage stand is located at 5th & Chestnut Streets next to Independence Hall or at 6th & Market streets across from the Independence Visitors Center.

2. How can I purchase a carriage tour ride?

   Carriage tours can be purchased: 
   1. On-line.
   2. Ticket sales trolleys located at 5th & Chestnut Streets, 6th & Market Streets and 12th & Filbert Streets.
   3. The Independence Visitor’s Center.
   4. Pay the carriage driver directly

3. When do the carriages not operate?

   The carriages must go home by 3:30 pm each weekday. They also go home when the temperature exceeds 91°F or is below 26°F Wind Chill. 

4. Can I make a reservation for a special event?

   Yes, we recommend carriage reservations for weddings, proms, and other important events. All rides requiring a pick-up or drop-off at a location other than our carriage stand need a special event permit. Please give us 5-7 days advance notice for this type of service. We also recommend reservations for our popular evening rides around some of Philadelphia’s favorite attractions.

5. What kind of horses are used to pull the carriages?

   76 Carriage Company uses a variety of different breeds of horses for their carriage tours. The majority of our horses are draft horses or draft-cross horses. Our horses weigh an average of 1600 lbs with several weighing up to 2000 lbs. They are capable of easily pulling at least 3 times their body weight. 

6. Where do the horses live?

   During most of the year the horse live at stables located a few miles from Center City Philadelphia. They have large, spacious stalls and three different paddocks to run and play on their days off. Each horse gets a vacation at our Lancaster County farm for several months each year.

7. Do the horses like their job? 

   Yes, our horses receive extensive training to allow them to adjust to city traffic. They work only at a walk and receive excellent care. Each horse has its own carriage driver and they become a team working together. The horses enjoy being groomed and bathed and receiving treats from their drivers. 

8. What do the horses eat?

   Each horse has his own diet which includes plenty of hay and water. They also receive oats or horse chow, mineral supplements and electrolytes which is similar to Gatorade for horses. For treats they are fond of carrots and apples. 

9. What happens to the horses when they are done working?

   Once our carriage horses are retired and their job of guiding tourists around Philadelphia’s sights and attractions is done, most go to live on farms to spend their old age having fun. Some have gone to be companion horses or to live at small local petting zoos. See picture below of our recent retirement party for Theo, Commanche & Scooby who are now retired on a farm in Erieville, NY

10. How can I tell 76 Carriages from other companies?

    All 76 Carriages have a company logo on the side of the carriage. Our drivers are dressed in black and white company uniform. Be sure to ask for us by name when selecting your carriage.

General Questions

1. How do I reserve a trolley, bus or horse drawn carriage for a special event?

   Please call our offices to speak with one of our reservation specialists. They may be reached at 215-389-TOUR.

2. Where are your offices located?

   Our administrative offices are located at 1350 Schuylkill Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19146. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

3. What are your telephone office hours?

   Our offices are open 7 days per week from 8:00 am until 7:30 pm.

4. What is the fax number?

   Please send faxes to 215-389-1279.

5. How far can the buses and trolleys travel?

   Our motor coaches can travel throughout the United States. The trolleys can travel throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.