Getting Around Philadelphia

Philadelphia may be the second largest metropolis on the east coast, but that doesn't mean it's hard to navigate your way through the city. Buses, taxis, trains and all other types of transportation are readily accessible to help you explore every part of the city with ease.

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves as the principal gateway for the fifth largest metropolitan population in the United States. The airport is located eight miles southwest of the city off I-95. Taxis into town cost around $20 and the South East Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) runs trains every thirty minutes (6 a.m.-midnight; $5.50) to three downtown destinations: 30th Street near the university, Suburban Station near City Hall and Market East, adjacent to the Greyhound terminal at 1001 Filbert St. The very grand 30th Street Amtrak station, the second busiest in the US, is just across the Schuylkill River in the university area (Amtrak passengers can transfer downtown on SEPTA for free), opposite the city's main post office at 30th and Market.

The city is easily accessible by car as numerous Instate Highways are near the city. Thinking of the city as a rectangle, I-95 is located at the bottom and on the right; I-276, also called the Pennsylvania Turnpike, is on the top edge; and I-76 spits off the left side into the city. I-676 traverses Center City and connects back into I-76 to nearby Camden, New Jersey, via a bridge. The blue route of I-476 forms a left edge about 15 miles from the city and connect I-276 and I-76 at the northern end with I-95 to the south.

SEPTA runs an extensive bus system and a subway. The most useful subway lines cross the city east-west (Market-Frankford line) and north-south (Broad Street line); the handiest bus route is #76 , which runs from Penn's Landing and the Independence Hall area out along Market Street past City Hall to the museums and Fairmount Park. Bus and subway services require exact fares of $2; day passes, which are also good for a ride to or from the airport, go for $6. Bright purple PHLASH buses run a handy downtown loop ($2 one way, $4 day pass, exact change required).

All of the major car rental companies as well as taxi and limousine service are available at the airport as well as throughout the city.

Philadelphia is a very pedestrian friendly city and therefore it is quite easy to leave the car and walk to many of the interesting sites and attractions.