Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, is a vibrant and historic destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. Located in the northeastern United States, Philly is easily accessible by car, bus, train, or plane. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a sports fan, Philadelphia has something to offer everyone. In this article, we'll provide you with detailed directions to Philly, as well as some insider tips on how to make the most of your trip.
Key Points
- Philadelphia is located at the intersection of I-76 and I-95, making it easily accessible by car.
- The city is served by Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which offers flights to over 120 destinations worldwide.
- Amtrak's 30th Street Station is a major transportation hub, with frequent trains to New York City, Washington, D.C., and other East Coast cities.
- SEPTA, the city's public transportation system, offers an extensive network of buses, trolleys, and subways.
- Philadelphia is a walkable city, with many popular attractions located within a short distance of each other.
Getting to Philly by Car
Philadelphia is located at the intersection of two major highways: I-76 (the Schuylkill Expressway) and I-95. If you’re driving from the north, take I-95 South to exit 22 (I-676/Center City). From the south, take I-95 North to exit 22 (I-676/Center City). From the west, take I-76 East to exit 345 (30th Street Station). Be aware that traffic in Philly can be heavy, especially during rush hour, so be sure to check for updates before you leave.
Parking in Philly
Once you arrive in Philly, you’ll need to find a place to park your car. The city has a number of parking garages and lots, including the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s Park & Ride facilities. You can also use street parking, but be aware that metered parking is limited to two hours in many areas. Some popular parking options include the Reading Terminal Market parking garage, the Philadelphia Museum of Art parking garage, and the Independence Mall parking garage.
| Parking Option | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Terminal Market parking garage | 12th and Filbert streets | 24/7 |
| Philadelphia Museum of Art parking garage | 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | 24/7 |
| Independence Mall parking garage | 5th and Market streets | 24/7 |
Getting to Philly by Air
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located about 7 miles southwest of Center City. The airport offers flights to over 120 destinations worldwide, including major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, and London. You can get to Philly from the airport by taking a taxi, Uber, or Lyft, or by using public transportation. The SEPTA Airport Line train runs from the airport to Center City, with a journey time of about 25 minutes.
SEPTA Airport Line
The SEPTA Airport Line is a convenient and affordable way to get to Philly from the airport. The train runs from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM, Monday through Friday, and from 6:00 AM to 12:30 AM on weekends. The journey takes about 25 minutes, and the fare is $6.75. You can catch the train at the airport’s Terminal A, B, C, D, or E.
Getting to Philly by Train
Amtrak’s 30th Street Station is a major transportation hub, with frequent trains to New York City, Washington, D.C., and other East Coast cities. You can take the Acela Express, the Northeast Regional, or the Keystone Service to get to Philly. The station is located at 2955 Market Street, and it’s within walking distance of many popular attractions.
Amtrak Schedules
Amtrak offers a range of schedules to suit your needs. You can check the latest schedules and book your tickets on the Amtrak website. Some popular routes include:
- Acela Express: Boston to Washington, D.C. with stops in Philly and New York City
- Northeast Regional: Boston to New York City with stops in Philly and Baltimore
- Keystone Service: New York City to Philly with stops in Trenton and Princeton
Getting Around Philly
Once you arrive in Philly, you can get around the city using public transportation, walking, or biking. SEPTA, the city’s public transportation system, offers an extensive network of buses, trolleys, and subways. You can buy a SEPTA Key card or a single-ride ticket to use the system. Philly is also a very walkable city, with many popular attractions located within a short distance of each other.
SEPTA Maps
You can plan your route using the SEPTA website or by picking up a map at a SEPTA station. Some popular routes include:
- Broad Street Line: runs from Fern Rock to Pattison Avenue
- Market-Frankford Line: runs from Frankford to 69th Street
- Bus 17: runs from South Philadelphia to Center City
What is the best way to get to Philly from the airport?
+The best way to get to Philly from the airport is by taking the SEPTA Airport Line train. The journey takes about 25 minutes, and the fare is $6.75.
How do I get around Philly without a car?
+You can get around Philly using public transportation, walking, or biking. SEPTA offers an extensive network of buses, trolleys, and subways, and you can buy a SEPTA Key card or a single-ride ticket to use the system.
What are the best attractions to visit in Philly?
+Some popular attractions to visit in Philly include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Reading Terminal Market. You can also walk through Fairmount Park, visit the Philadelphia Zoo, or take a tour of the city's many historic neighborhoods.
Meta description suggestion: “Get directions to Philly and learn how to navigate the city using public transportation, walking, or biking. Discover the best attractions to visit and insider tips on how to make the most of your trip.” (149 characters)
