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How to Get to Delaware

How to Get to Delaware

Delaware USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Delaware is served by major airports in neighboring states. These offer a wide range of domestic and international flights.

Air Hubs

  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Closest major international airport, main gateway for northern Delaware. Hub for American Airlines.
  • Baltimore/Washington International (BWI): To the southwest of Wilmington, significant option for southern access. Hub for Southwest Airlines.
  • Newark Liberty International (EWR): North of Wilmington, broad range of international and domestic flights. Major hub for United Airlines.

Airport Transfers & Prices

Transfer options from airports to Delaware cities include trains, rental cars, and transfer services. Flight prices fluctuate significantly based on season and booking time.

Transfer & Pricing Info

  • PHL to Wilmington: SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line provides direct connection.
  • Rental Cars: All major agencies operate at PHL, BWI, EWR.
  • Prices: Peak season (summer, holidays) means higher prices. Shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offer more competitive pricing. Consider Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Convenient Access

PHL is the closest in distance and most convenient major airport for northern Delaware.

Seasonal Savings

Find better flight deals during shoulder and low seasons.

Budget Conscious

SBY offers quicker beach access although with limited flight choices.

Airport Facilities and Services

Comprehensive Amenities

  • Wide variety of dining options (restaurants, cafes, fast food).
  • Numerous stores, including duty-free for international departures.
  • Car rental agencies, currency exchange services, ATMs.
  • Free Wi-Fi and comprehensive accessibility services.

Transfer Options to Delaware

  • PHL to Wilmington: SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line.
  • Rental Cars: Available at all major airports, also check DiscoverCars.com.
  • Shuttle Services: Various shared-ride and private options.
  • Taxi/Ride-share: Readily available at designated stands (Uber/Lyft).

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Amtrak's Northeast Corridor serves Wilmington (main hub) and Newark, DE, connecting to major East Coast cities. SEPTA Regional Rail links Wilmington/Newark to Philadelphia and PHL Airport.

Long-Distance Buses

Greyhound, Peter Pan Bus Lines, OurBus, and FlixBus offer intercity services to Wilmington and Dover, providing budget-friendly travel across the U.S. Northeast.

Self-Driving Info

Valid driver's license (or IDP if not English) required. Well-maintained road network with major highways (I-95, US 13, DE 1). Be aware of tolls (I-95, Delaware Memorial Bridge) and rush hour traffic.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry Services

While not a main mode of international entry, sea travel offers unique experiences for accessing Delaware, specifically from New Jersey.

Cape May-Lewes Ferry

  • Scenic ferry connects Lewes, Delaware, with Cape May, New Jersey, across the Delaware Bay.
  • Caters to the two pedestrians and vehicles, operating year-round with varying schedules.
  • A pleasant journey with views of the bay and opportunities for dolphin or bird spotting. Consider Binoculars for wildlife.

River Transportation & Cruise Ports

Commercial river transportation for tourism is limited. Delaware does not have major cruise ports for passenger embarkation on international cruises.

Other Water Travel

  • Christina River (Wilmington) and Delaware River are navigable mainly for commercial shipping or private boats.
  • Some small sightseeing cruises run seasonally on these rivers.
  • Nearby cruise ports for regional or international journeys include Baltimore, MD, and Philadelphia, PA.

Border Crossing & Road Conditions

Delaware shares internal U.S. State borders with Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey. No immigration or customs procedures apply when crossing between these states. You simply drive or ride across the state lines.

Driving Information

  • Drive on the right side of the road; seatbelts are mandatory.
  • Cell phone use while driving is restricted to hands-free devices.
  • Speed limits are strictly enforced.

Departure Information

Give yourself plenty of time for the airport procedures, especially for global flights. The U.S. Does not have a specific "exit fee" or departure tax paid separately at the airport.

Departure Procedures

  • International Flights: Arrive at least 3 hours before departure (PHL, BWI, EWR).
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
  • Check-in: Check in online when possible to save time.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

  • Be aware of deer, especially in rural areas during dusk and dawn.
  • Driving in winter can be hazardous due to snow and ice; check road conditions.
  • Roads are generally in good condition.
  • Tolls: I-95 has tolls; Delaware Memorial Bridge is tolled. Electronic toll networks are common.
  • Traffic: Heavy on I-95 during rush hour and coastal areas on summer weekends.
  • DelDOT provides real-time traffic info.

Airport & Station Facilities

Major Airport Amenities

PHL, BWI, and EWR are large international airports with full amenities for departing travelers. You come across a wide range of services to meet your needs before getting on.

Services Available

  • Numerous restaurants, cafes, fast-food options.
  • Retail stores, including duty-free shopping.
  • Free Wi-Fi and comfortable waiting areas.

Amtrak Station Facilities

Amtrak stations in Wilmington and Newark offer comfortable waiting areas and rudimentary amenities. While not as extensive as airports, they provide what you need for your train journey.

Station Amenities

  • Waiting areas and restrooms.
  • Often a small snack bar or vending machines.
  • Information kiosks or staff assistance.

Efficient Check-in

Check in online for faster airport processing.

Security Time

Allow ample time for TSA security screening.

No Exit Customs

No separate U.S. Exit customs procedures.

Important Travel Tips

Road Travel Essentials

If driving, understand requirements for your driver's license and consider an International Driving Permit. Be aware of tolls plus vehicle flow patterns, specifically on I-95 and around coastal areas.

Driving Notes

  • Valid driver's license from home country is generally accepted for short-term visitors.
  • Roads are well-maintained; major highways include I-95, US 13, US 113, and DE 1.
  • Tolls on I-95 and Delaware Memorial Bridge. Rental cars often have transponders.

Ferry & Rail Information

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry offers a scenic alternative to driving around the bay. Amtrak provides extensive train service along the Northeast Corridor, connecting Delaware to major cities.

Connections and Comfort

  • Cape May-Lewes Ferry operates year-round; a pleasant journey with bay views.
  • Wilmington's Amtrak station is a busy hub with frequent service.
  • Consider Noise-canceling headphones for comfortable train journeys.

Departure Checklist

Flight Timing

Arrive 3 hours before international flights, 2 hours for domestic. Check in online.

Security Procedures

Allow ample time for TSA screening. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry expedites this.

No Exit Customs

No separate U.S. Exit customs procedures. Your departure is recorded by the airline.

Final Travel Note

Plan your airport entry and departure well in advance, exclusively for international flights and during peak travel periods, to ensure a smooth journey.