To improve the visitor experience at Independence National Historical Park (INHP), a timed and dated ticket system will soon be in place. Beginning June 1, 2002, all visitors will need a free ticket for the Independence Hall tour during peak visitation seasons. This system will free visitors from waiting in line, and allow them to see more of historic Philadelphia. Below are some questions and answers on the ticket system.

• Who needs a ticket?

Every visitor needs a ticket, even infants

There are two ways to obtain tickets:

1. On the day of your visit, you may get "walk-up" tickets at the Independence Visitor Center. See the "Walk-up" procedures below.

2. Visitors can reserve tickets as early as twelve months before their visit through the reservation system operated by the Spherix Corporation in Cumberland, Maryland. Spherix operates the National Park Reservation System under contract to the National Park Service.

• How do I contact Spherix for advance tickets?

The call center will begin to handle reservations on March 15, 2002, and can be reached at 1-800-967-2283 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily (Eastern Time). You may also go to the web site: www.reservation.nps.gov to reserve tickets. Individuals may reserve up to six tickets.

• I’m a group tour operator. How many tickets can I reserve?

Tour operators with a commercial tour ID number can reserve up to 60 tickets per call by calling Spherix. Other group leaders, such as schoolteachers, may also reserve up to 60 tickets per call in their name. A letter on school or organization stationery is required for ticket pickup. Reservations for multiple days must be made with a separate phone call for each date.

• How much are the tickets?

The tickets are free; there is a $1.50 per ticket handling fee when reserved in advance. For each paid reservation, one free ticket can be reserved for a child under three years old.

• Are discounts available?

There are no discounts; $1.50 per ticket is the standard charge.

• Can I use my Golden Eagle Passport or National Park Pass to save the service charge?

The passes only waive park admission charges; not handling fees for free tickets.

• What is the refund policy?

No refunds are available for individuals or groups who are denied access to the site due to failing to pass security clearance, or for those who fail to claim their tickets in time. If INHP cancels a tour, the Spherix Corporation will give refunds. No refunds are given on site.

• Where do I pick up my tickets?

Tickets can be picked up at the "will call" window at the Independence Visitor Center at 6th and Market Streets.

• When should I pick up my tickets?

Tickets must be picked up at least one half-hour before your tour begins, on the day of your tour only. Tickets not picked up at least one half hour before your tour will be made available for walk-up visitors.

• Will tickets be used all year round?

This year, the tickets will be required starting June 1, 2002. In the future, tickets will be used from March 1 – October 31, the four days during Thanksgiving weekend, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

• What is the "walk-up" ticket policy?

• Each visitor can request up to six tickets in person at the ticket desk in the Independence Visitor Center (IVC). The other members in the family/group are not required to be inside the IVC when the tickets are picked up.

• A family or other group with more than six members must send one person to the desk for every six people in the group. The other members in the family/group are not required to be inside the IVC when the tickets are picked up.
   
• Organized tour group leaders (such as a schoolteacher or private tour guide) can obtain walk-up tickets for the entire group, if the group is present in the IVC at the time of the request.
   
• Tickets will be distributed for any available time during the day, on the day of the visit only.

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