Getting Around Philadelphia
Find the best way to access the city from anywhere.
Philadelphia Airport information
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the largest airport in Pennsylvania and a major Northeast travel hub, serving over 25 million passengers annually. Located just eight miles from Center City, the airport provides quick and convenient access to downtown, making it a preferred choice for business and leisure travelers. Passengers can access the city via taxi, rideshare, SEPTA’s Airport Line, or rental cars. The airport is continually modernizing to enhance passenger experience with expanded facilities and services.
Distance to Center City: ~15 minutes by car (8 miles)
Taxi fare: Flat rate of $30–35 USD to Center City (approx. 15 minutes)
SEPTA Airport Line: Direct train service every 30 minutes to 30th Street Station, Jefferson Station, and Suburban Station (~25 minutes, $6.75 fare)
Rental Cars: All major providers (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National) located at the airport’s rental car facility
Rideshare: Uber, Lyft widely available; slightly cheaper than taxi fares depending on time of day.
Distance to Center City: ~15 minutes by car (8 miles)
Taxi fare: Flat rate of $30–35 USD to Center City (approx. 15 minutes)
SEPTA Airport Line: Direct train service every 30 minutes to 30th Street Station, Jefferson Station, and Suburban Station (~25 minutes, $6.75 fare)
Rental Cars: All major providers (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National) located at the airport’s rental car facility
Rideshare: Uber, Lyft widely available; slightly cheaper than taxi fares depending on time of day.
Philadelphia Train information
Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station is an architectural landmark and one of Amtrak’s busiest hubs, connecting the city to major East Coast and Midwest destinations. Serving over 4 million Amtrak passengers annually, it is the 3rd busiest Amtrak station in the U.S. and connects directly to SEPTA’s regional lines. The station plays a key role for travelers heading to New York, Washington, Boston, and Chicago.
Amtrak Routes: Includes Acela, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Keystone Service, Pennsylvanian, Northeast Regional, Silver Service/Palmetto, and Vermonter
Access: Direct service to New York (1h 10m), Washington D.C. (1h 40m), and Boston (5h)
Commuter Volume: Over 25,000 daily travelers (Amtrak + SEPTA + NJ Transit)
Connection: Linked to SEPTA Market–Frankford Line, trolleys, and direct buses for citywide transport
Amenities: Dining, shopping, Amtrak lounges, business traveler facilities
Amtrak Routes: Includes Acela, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Keystone Service, Pennsylvanian, Northeast Regional, Silver Service/Palmetto, and Vermonter
Access: Direct service to New York (1h 10m), Washington D.C. (1h 40m), and Boston (5h)
Commuter Volume: Over 25,000 daily travelers (Amtrak + SEPTA + NJ Transit)
Connection: Linked to SEPTA Market–Frankford Line, trolleys, and direct buses for citywide transport
Amenities: Dining, shopping, Amtrak lounges, business traveler facilities
Philadelphia Public information
Philadelphia’s public transit system, managed by SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), is one of the largest in the U.S., covering the city and surrounding suburbs. SEPTA provides access via subway, buses, trolleys, and regional rail linking directly to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Philadelphia International Airport. It is a highly affordable and convenient way to explore the city and wider metro area.
Coverage: 2,200 square miles across Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Delaware
Network:
Regional Rail – 13 lines including Airport Line (connects airport to Center City)
Subway-Elevated – Market–Frankford Line (blue), Broad Street Line (orange)
Surface Transit – 76 city bus routes, 42 suburban routes, 8 trolley routes
Fares: $2.00 (using SEPTA Key Card), $2.50 cash fare; Regional Rail varies by zone
Pass Options: One-Day Convenience Pass ($9) valid for 8 rides on subways, buses, trolleys (not Regional Rail)
PHILLY PHLASH: $2 hop-on/hop-off trolley service (May–Oct) connecting top tourist attractions and downtown hotels
Convention Center Access: Nearest stations – Jefferson Station (Regional Rail) & 11th/Market Street for SEPTA buses
Coverage: 2,200 square miles across Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Delaware
Network:
Regional Rail – 13 lines including Airport Line (connects airport to Center City)
Subway-Elevated – Market–Frankford Line (blue), Broad Street Line (orange)
Surface Transit – 76 city bus routes, 42 suburban routes, 8 trolley routes
Fares: $2.00 (using SEPTA Key Card), $2.50 cash fare; Regional Rail varies by zone
Pass Options: One-Day Convenience Pass ($9) valid for 8 rides on subways, buses, trolleys (not Regional Rail)
PHILLY PHLASH: $2 hop-on/hop-off trolley service (May–Oct) connecting top tourist attractions and downtown hotels
Convention Center Access: Nearest stations – Jefferson Station (Regional Rail) & 11th/Market Street for SEPTA buses
Philadelphia Ground Transportation
Alongside world-class public transit, Philadelphia offers a variety of convenient ground transportation options for local and out-of-town visitors. Whether through licensed cabs, rideshares, or affordable bus connections, travelers can easily move around the city’s neighborhoods and business hubs.
Taxis: Over 1,600 licensed cabs; flat $30 flat rate from PHL Airport to Center City (~15 mins)
Rideshare: Uber & Lyft widely used; costs vary between $25–$35 for airport to downtown
Rental Cars: Major agencies based near the airport; shuttle buses available from baggage claim
Bus Network: Extensive city and suburban bus coverage, including express routes to major hubs
Convention Center Access:
Bus routes: 12, 17, 33, 44 stop near 11th & Market Streets or 13th & Market Streets
Market–Frankford subway line for fast east-west travel
Taxis: Over 1,600 licensed cabs; flat $30 flat rate from PHL Airport to Center City (~15 mins)
Rideshare: Uber & Lyft widely used; costs vary between $25–$35 for airport to downtown
Rental Cars: Major agencies based near the airport; shuttle buses available from baggage claim
Bus Network: Extensive city and suburban bus coverage, including express routes to major hubs
Convention Center Access:
Bus routes: 12, 17, 33, 44 stop near 11th & Market Streets or 13th & Market Streets
Market–Frankford subway line for fast east-west travel
