How to Reach Philadelphia

How to Reach

With a metropolitan population of over 6 million, Philadelphia is the second-largest city on the East Coast and ranks sixth. It boasts a thriving Centre City that is conveniently accessible. Travellers looking to unwind and enjoy their journey to the City of Brotherly Love can take Amtrak, which offers service along the Northeast Corridor, to destinations in the West and South. 

Alternatively, Greyhound operates a bus service throughout the region from its Chinatown terminal. The Megabus and BoltBus lines are both affordable and widely used. These bus services depart from outside William H. Grey III 30th Street Station and connect Philadelphia, Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Here are some ways to reach Philadelphia from different regions. 

Philadelphia Tourism Guide

Destination Info
  • IATA Code PHL
  • Airport Name Philadelphia International Airport
  • Airport Address 8500 Essington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19153, United States
  • No. of Runways 4
  • Airport Enquiry No. +1 215-937-6937
  • Official Site https://www.phl.org/
  • Country Code +1
  • Currency USD
  • Ideal Duration 3 Days
  • Visa Required Not Required for Domestic Traveller
  • Best Time to Visit March to May
  • Airline Serving Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, Eastern Airlines, Frontier Airlines
  • Attractions Philadelphia Museum of Art, Reading Terminal Market, Independence National Historical Park, Barnes Foundation
By Air

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is conveniently located only seven miles from Centre City. It is well-connected, serving all major domestic carriers, and is a significant international hub for American Airlines. Airlines serving Philadelphia International Airport include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Aer Lingus, Icelandair, and many more. Some cities connected to Philadelphia via air are Montreal, Amsterdam, Boston, Dublin, London, Manchester, Los Angeles, Paris, San Francisco, Barcelona, Athens, Detroit, Seattle, Frankfurt, Dallas, Washington, etc. 

By Train

Like many other cities in the USA, Philadelphia is readily accessible by train from any part of the country. While this option offers affordability, it does come with the trade-off of longer travel times compared to alternative modes of transportation. The primary station in Philadelphia is 30th Street Station, which falls under the authority of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). In addition, the city also has several other suburban railway stations. Visitors are greeted by the stunning art deco details and modern amenities of the nearly 100-year-old station, which beautifully complement its historic architectural features. 

Amtrak serves Philadelphia, providing rail service along the Northeast Corridor from Boston to Washington and other major cities in the United States and Canada. 

By Car

Getting to Philadelphia by car is remarkably easy. Philadelphia, conveniently located just a two-hour drive from both New York City and Baltimore, three hours from Washington, D.C., and approximately an hour from Lancaster County, Atlantic City, and the beautiful beaches of the New Jersey shore, is an ideal destination for a spontaneous day trip, a relaxing weekend getaway, or a well-deserved vacation. 

The posted meter, meterUP, and regulation signs can assist you in determining where and when to park. The red signs indicate areas where parking is prohibited, while the green signs provide information on when and how long parking is allowed. 

By Bus

Philadelphia has excellent bus connections to various parts of the country. Several operators provide services on these routes, including Greyhound, Peter Pan, Trailways, and Bieber Bus. If you want to travel to the city by bus, these options are safe and comfortable. Many buses, particularly Greyhound, offer multiple routes from various cities in the USA to Philadelphia. The Chinatown Bus is an additional bus operator that provides service between New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. Chinatown buses are generally more affordable than other bus services, but it's important to note that these cost savings may come at the expense of comfort during travel.

The roads that lead to Philadelphia are in excellent condition. You can be assured of a comfortable ride, regardless of the duration of your journey. When approaching the city, you may encounter traffic congestion during peak hours. If you are planning to travel long distances, bring along some light refreshments for the journey. 

Philadelphia Monthly Temperature

MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Low 26°F2926°F35°F46°F57°F65°F72°F69°F63°F52°F39°F49°F
High 41°F44°F53°F66°F76°F84°F89°F86°F80°F68°F55°F66°F

FAQs About How to Reach Philadelphia

1 What is the best way to get around Philadelphia?

The best way to get around Philadelphia depends on your needs and preferences. The SEPTA subway system is a good option if you're looking for a quick and convenient way to get around the city. If you prefer to travel above ground, plenty of bus routes and trolley lines exist. If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a bike or explore the city on foot.

2 How much does it cost to ride the SEPTA subway?

The cost of a SEPTA subway ride depends on the distance you're travelling. A one-way fare costs $2.50, while a day pass costs $13.75. If you plan to use SEPTA frequently during your stay in Philadelphia, purchasing a weekly or monthly pass is worth considering.

3 Are there any discounts available for SEPTA fares?

Yes, SEPTA offers discounts for seniors, children, and individuals with disabilities. Children under the age of 5 ride for free, while seniors and individuals with disabilities can purchase discounted fares. You may also be eligible for discounted fares if you're a student.

4 Is it safe to walk around Philadelphia at night?

Like any big city, certain neighbourhoods in Philadelphia are safer than others. However, if you take basic safety precautions, walking around Philadelphia at night shouldn't be a problem. Stick to well-lit areas, avoid walking alone, and be aware of your surroundings.

5 Can I take a taxi or ride-sharing service in Philadelphia?

Yes, plenty of taxis and ride-sharing services are available in Philadelphia. Uber and Lyft are both popular options, and there are also traditional taxi companies like PHL Taxi and 215 Get A Cab. Remember that taxis and ride-sharing services can be more expensive than public transportation, so it's worth comparing prices before you decide which option to choose.

6 What should I do if I get lost in Philadelphia?

If you get lost in Philadelphia, don't panic. Take a deep breath and try to get your bearings. If you have a smartphone, use a mapping app like Google Maps to help you find your way. Feel free to ask for help if you still need help. Philadelphians are known for their friendliness and are usually happy to assist visitors.