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Philadelphia Visitor Basics

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Everything you need to navigate Philadelphia

Get Oriented

Thanks to founder William Penn's smart and simple grid street design, the heart of the City is easy to navigate. The Schuylkill River borders Center City to the west, and the Delaware River forms its eastern boundary. Streets running east and west are named after trees (south of Market St.), and north and south streets are numbered.

Public Transit

(Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) bus, rail, and subway lines offer an easy economical way to get around the City and the region. Become a SEPTA VIP (Visitor in Philadelphia) and check out the "Visitors on the Go" section at septa.org/welcome for tips and ideas for fun outings around town. Visit SEPTA's mobile site to get route and schedule information when you're out and about.

From the Airport

It's a 25-minute ride by SEPTA or a 10-minute ride in a taxi from Philadelphia International Airport to Center City. SEPTA's Airport Line leaves in 30-minute intervals, and a one-way fare is $7. The taxi ride costs a flat rate of $28.50. Call the Airport Ground Transportation Hotline at (215) 937-6958 for information on other ground transportation options.

Beyond Center City

Via Amtrak's Acela Express line (operating from 30th Street Station) Philadelphia is 1 hour and 20 minutes from New York City and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Washington, D.C. Megabus also offers low-cost express bus routes - starting at $1 - throughout the Northeast Corridor.

Parking

There are more than 40 parking lots and garages in Center City. Pay with cash or credit or purchase a reloadable Smart Card. For a printable map of downtown parking, visit philapark.org.

Walking

World-class dining, arts and entertainment, famous historic sites and tax-free clothing and shoe shopping are within steps of Center City hotels, so you'll save a bundle on transportation. As you walk, you'll notice color-coded directional signs that let you know what district you're in and point you toward area attractions. And, look for Center City District's goodwill ambassadors, dressed in teal uniforms and equipped with maps, who are happy to give directions and answer questions.