Getting Around Philadelphia
Philadelphia's public transit system is mainly operated by SEPTA, which maintains an extensive network utilizing buses, rapid transit, commuter rail, trolleys, and the Philadelphia trackless trolley (trolleybus) system. The city also features a walkable urban core, particularly in Center City, and offers additional options like taxis and ride-hailing services.
The Street Grid and Walkability
Philadelphia's street layout follows a grid plan, one of the first such systems used in a North American city. The grid originated in 1682, when William Penn founded Philadelphia and appointed Thomas Holme as his surveyor. Penn named the east-west streets after trees and the north-south streets after numbers in Center City. This organized layout makes the city highly walkable, especially in the densely packed Center City area. Like most larger American cities built before World War II, Philadelphia has a walkable urban core, though it is surrounded primarily by suburban areas.
The underground transit concourse in Center City connects SEPTA Regional Rail lines with local rail and trolley lines. This 3.5-mile concourse allows pedestrians to walk between various points, including from 8th Street & Market to 18th Street & JFK Boulevard, or from City Hall to Locust Street. Along the way, there are underground entrances to adjacent buildings and the MetroMarket, a group of small shops and eateries near Suburban Station.
Biking and Pedestrian Infrastructure
Philadelphia has greatly expanded its network of bike lanes throughout the city. The Indego docked-bike sharing network provides a convenient option for cyclists, with stations distributed across the city and both standard and electric-assist bikes available. Philadelphia also features multi-use river trails, including a segment of the Schuylkill River Trail that passes along the river through Fairmount Park.
SEPTA Rail and Metro Network
SEPTA's rapid transit network includes subway and elevated rail lines that serve Center City and surrounding areas. The main rail hub is 30th Street Station, which provides access to SEPTA Regional Rail commuter rail routes connecting Philadelphia to its suburbs and surrounding areas.
30th Street Station is Philadelphia's main train station and serves as a major transportation hub. It provides access to 13 SEPTA Regional Rail routes and 11 Amtrak intercity rail routes. The station also connects to the Market-Frankford subway line and features a taxi rank and car rental agencies.
Trolleys and Trolleybuses
SEPTA operates an extensive trolley network serving various parts of the city. Additionally, the Philadelphia trackless trolley (trolleybus) system provides service across the metropolitan area as part of the overall SEPTA network.
Buses
SEPTA operates a comprehensive bus network throughout Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. Buses provide service to neighborhoods across the city and connect with other transit modes. Bus stops are distributed throughout the city, and schedules are available through SEPTA.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available throughout Philadelphia and can be hailed on the street or arranged in advance. A taxi rank is located at 30th Street Station. Additionally, ride-hailing services operate in the city, providing an alternative to traditional taxis.
Getting from Philadelphia International Airport to the City
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the largest airport in the Delaware Valley and is located about 25 minutes from the city by train. Two main options are available for reaching Center City from the airport:
- SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line: This train service connects the airport directly to downtown Philadelphia, providing a convenient and cost-effective option for arriving passengers.
- Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport for those preferring direct transportation to their destination, though this option is typically more expensive than rail.
The SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line is the recommended option for most visitors arriving at Philadelphia International Airport, as it offers direct connections to Center City stations and integrates with the wider SEPTA transit network.
Alternative Airports
If flights to Philadelphia are unavailable or inconvenient, nearby alternative airports provide connections via other transit modes. Newark Liberty International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport are each connected by Amtrak to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, with travel times of approximately one hour from Newark and 80 minutes from Baltimore-Washington.
Intercity Train Travel
30th Street Station serves as Philadelphia's main hub for intercity rail service. Amtrak operates multiple routes connecting Philadelphia to destinations throughout the United States, including services to Boston, New York City, Washington D.C., and points south. The Northeast Regional and Keystone services offer frequent connections, with the Keystone providing multiple daily trips between Harrisburg and New York City. Amtrak tickets with 30th Street Station as the origin or destination are also valid on SEPTA regional rail to Suburban and Jefferson (Market East) stations in Center City, providing seamless connections to the local transit network.
Getting Around by Car
For those choosing to drive, Philadelphia is served by several major expressways. Interstate 95 (the Delaware Expressway) runs north-south along the Delaware River, while Interstate 76 (the Schuylkill Expressway) parallels the Schuylkill River. The Vine Street Expressway (I-676) connects these two major routes through downtown. Roosevelt Boulevard (U.S. Route 1) carries crosstown traffic in northern Philadelphia.
Philadelphia is connected to neighboring cities and regions by major highways, including the New Jersey Turnpike to the north, Interstate 95 extending south toward Baltimore and Washington D.C., and the Pennsylvania Turnpike traversing the state. However, for most visitors, public transit, walking, and biking offer more practical and efficient ways to navigate the city itself.