Philadelphia Pennsylvania, USA Travel Guide
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves as the main gateway. Aa uses PHL as a hub, offering extensive connections. Other major airlines serving PHL include Delta, United, Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, and JetBlue for domestic travel. International carriers include British Airways, Lufthansa, Aer Lingus, and Qatar Airways, connecting to global destinations.
PHL provides various amenities: free Wi-Fi, dining options, retail shops, ATMs, and currency exchange. Ground transportation information desks are available. Transfer options from PHL to Center City Philadelphia include the SEPTA Airport Line (Regional Rail service, ~25-minute journey, $6.75-$8.00), taxis ($28.50 flat rate to Center City), and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft).
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Nearby airports like EWR or BWI extend travel options, with ground transport to Philadelphia.
Located in New Jersey, a longer journey to Philadelphia but a major international hub.
Located in Maryland, offers an alternative for flights, specifically from the south.
These require significant additional ground transportation to Philadelphia but provide extensive flight options.
Philadelphia's 30th Street Station is a major hub on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, offering frequent, high-speed service. SEPTA Regional Rail, a commuter train system, connects Center City Philadelphia to surrounding suburbs and towns in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, ideal for day trips.
Major bus companies operate from the Philadelphia Greyhound Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert St) and other stops. Bus travel often has a budget-friendly alternative to trains for inter-urban travel.
If you plan to rent a car, you need a valid driver'a license from your home nation. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is for non-English licenses. U.S. Traffic laws are in effect; drive on the right-hand side, seatbelts are mandatory, and cell phone use is restricted. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours. Parking is challenging and expensive in Center City.
Roads in and around Philadelphia are generally well-maintained. Winter conditions (snow and ice) cause hazardous driving. Interstate 95 runs through Philadelphia. Drivers should be aware of aggressive driving, especially on city streets. Plan routes using a GPS or navigation app.
The Philadelphia The Cruise port at Pier 1 in South Philadelphia hosts domestic and riverboat tours along the East Coast. It is not a major international cruise hub. The RiverLink Ferry connects Penn's Landing in Philadelphia to the Camden Waterfront in New Jersey, offering scenic views of the city skyline. This service operates seasonally, typically from spring through fall.
For international cruise arrivals, standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures apply. Casual river boat tours are available on the Delaware River for sightseeing. From the Cruise Terminal, taxis and ride-shares provide the main connections to Center City; public bus routes are also nearby. From the RiverLink Ferry, the Philadelphia side (Penn's Landing) connects directly to strollable attractions and SEPTA bus routes.
Located at Pier 1, South Philadelphia, for domestic and East Coast riverboat tours.
Connects Penn's Landing (Philly) to Camden Waterfront (NJ) with city skyline views.
Enjoy sightseeing tours on the Delaware River for an unique city perspective.
No specific exit fees or taxes are levied by Philadelphia or the U.S. For departing travelers; any taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price. For international flights, arrive at PHL at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. For domestic flights, arrive at PHL at least 2 hours before scheduled departure. Check your flight status online before leaving your accommodation.
PHL offers similar facilities before you leaves as for those arriving: dining options, retail shops, lounges, and free Wi-Fi. 30th Street Station (Amtrak/SEPTA) provides waiting areas, restrooms, food options, and some retail outlets for travelers awaiting trains.
Passport, boarding pass, and any necessary travel documents are easily accessible.
All bags are within airline weight and size limits, and securely locked.
Airport transfer is booked, especially for early morning flights, or SEPTA plan is set.
