Tracking Philadelphia : Easy Movin’ Around
Streetcars in Philadelphia - Courtesy www.apta.com
Philadelphia’s historic past takes into count its intricate links with transport thats been the life line of this thriving metropolis. A holiday in Philadelphia is a delightful exercise in exploring the city’s many diverse districts. From the Old City to the city center and to on to the suburbs - Philadelphia remains abuzz with lively commuters. This incredibly charming city full of old world relics still makes use of its streetcars. But the commercial hub has widened its network to include bus, train and plane connections making the city more accessible from all points. Within easy reach from most places Philadelphia is home to America’s largest colonial district, regularly drawing an incredible influx of tourists.
Arriving in the city is simple enough if you choose to come on an airplane. The Philadelphia International Airport is 11km southwest of the city center. Its seven terminals handle non-stop services to Europe, Canada and the Caribbean, as well as more than 100 US cities. Just walk out of the airport and be whisked away on car hire service available from here. Its best to go in for pre-arranged transportation prior to arrival in the city so that you do not lose time nor do you have to wait.
Air linked Philadelphia - Courtesy www.harrisburgpa.gov
Road travel is also an excellent option as good state roads connect into Philadelphia from all outside destinations. The general rule for numbering on US freeways and interstates is that the odd numbers go north-south and the even numbers go east-west over their whole length, although at any single, localized point this may seem different. Driving in the United States is on the right and you would need to have an International Driving Permit printed in English and bearing a photograph.
You get excellent bus services provided by Greyhound to and from Philadelphia. The main terminal, the GreyhoundTerminal is located at 1001 Filbert Street. Like most places elsewhere the facilities are pretty basic – toilets and a snack bar. There are buses to and from all parts of the country, including transcontinental services via Chicago, Illinois and St Louis, Missouri.
SEPTA Philadelphia City Connections Courtesy tbn0.google.com
Philadelphia is a major hub for rail travelalong the northeast corridor between Boston and Washington, DC, served by the high speed Acela Expressroute. Journey times from Philadelphia on this service are Boston – 5 hours, New York City – 1 hour 10 minutes, Baltimore – 1 hour, and Washington, DC – 1 hour 40 minutes. Long-distance trains also connect to southern and western destinations in the USA.
Another very good option is Amtrak, America’s national railway. Amtrak’s reputation and levels of service continue to grow with the introduction of new trains and high speed services on the Eastern seaboard. Increasingly, these Eastern services are becoming a viable alternative to the airlines on the shorter routes, such as to Boston and New York. The monumental Amtrak 30th Street station and Market Street, is across the Schuylkill River in the university district. Facilities at the station include rail information, checked baggage service, public toilets, pay phones, snack bars and car hire from National and Budget
Amtrak - The Way to Go to Philadelphia - Courtesy www.trainnet.org
Philadelphia is well equipped with city public transport, most of it run by South Eastern Pennsylvania Transport Authority, SEPTA. There is a subway system, but this does not serve the city center and is mainly useful for accessing the extremities of the city. Good, reliable buses are the main standby, particularly the purple minibuses of the PHLASH bus service that are designed for visitors. Paying the base cash fare is one way to go, but you can opt for several fare instruments offering significant discounts.
PHLASH runs in a circuit from the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway through the downtown area to Penn’s Landing. The route includes 33 stops and buses arrive every 10 minutes. Unlimited ride day passes are available. Discounts are available for senior citizens, disabled people, children, students and families and groups. Running a continuous loop around the city center to the major attractions, from the Art Museum to Penn’s Landing. Buses stop at the special Phlash lampposts and services operate daily from May through November.
Through the rest of the city and suburbs SEPTA buses cover 110 routes. A useful one for tourists is the Ben FrankLine which runs between the zoo and Penn’s Landing taking in some top attractions on the way. SEPTA also runs a good network of commuter trains serving the suburbs. Taxis are plentiful in the city center, but scarcer elsewhere, particularly at night. SEPTA operations interconnect buses, streetcars, subway and commuter trains. Operating hours for these services vary and some bus routes operate all night. SEPTA fare instruments may be purchased at over 400 Retail Sales Locations.
The Freedom Ferry provides a ferry service between Penn’s Landing, Walnut Street and Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia, and the New Jersey State Aquarium, Federal Street and Riverside Drive in Camden. Crossings take 12 minutes and leave every 40 minutes, daily. Tickets are available at dockside terminals. Taxis are easily hailed in the street throughout Center City. Taxi companies offering a telephone service include Yellow Cab Co,Liberty Cab Coand Quaker City Cab A tip of 15% is generally expected. But if you are in the mood and spirits to be able to bicycle around then Trophy Bikes and Bike Line, are for you. They hire out bicycles by the day. Prices include lock, helmet and map.
Rent-a-Bike in Philadelphia - Courtesy www.living-room.org
Alternately you could hire a vehicle. You may not need it for the compact city center but would be useful for excursions to outlying areas. Nevertheless, driving is pleasurable, as navigating is easy – streets are laid out on a grid system. As in any large city, the downtown area can sometimes become clogged with traffic, especially during rush hours
Many parking lots and garages are located around the city center. On-street parking is also available in Center City but visitors should look at the posted signs for restrictions on when parking is allowed. Major car hire companies operating in Philadelphia are Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National.
With so much to see and do it is vital to plan well before you go on a Philadelphia holiday. Make use of the internet for complete information about public transport, attractions, excursions, events and the weather in this exciting city. Many travel sites work hard to satisfy commuting needs and Philadelphia Hotels site could be your best bet. Don’t forget the autumn cultural calendar is in full swing with numerous concerts and theatrical productions that would be a good time to travel to Philadelphia to take advantage of the city’s excellent vacation prospects.
