Philadelphia and the Countryside - Press Room

Historic Philadelphia’s convenient location makes it easy for visitors to decide how they want to arrive—by car, train, plane or bus. Philadelphia is less than two hours from New York City, less than three hours from Washington, DC and within an easy five-hour drive of more than a quarter of the country’s population. Once here, drivers can park the car for the duration of their stay because getting around couldn’t be easier. The grid-like layout makes Philadelphia a walkable metropolis, and public transportation options abound. There are also plenty of hotels that put guests right in the center of the action. Visitors can choose from a range of hotel packages to fit their trip style, including the popular Philly Overnight® Hotel Package. Here’s a look at how to get here, how to get around and where to stay:

Getting Here:

• By Car – Philadelphia is accessible by car via major highways, including I-95, I-76 and the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpikes. www.pahighways.com, www.paturnpike.com, www.state.nj.us/turnpike
• By Train – Amtrak’s 30th Street Station provides train service through the Northeast Corridor and other major cities in the United States and Canada. The station also serves as a stop for SEPTA’s Regional Rail lines. The Port Authority Transit Corporation (PATCO) Speedline runs between Philadelphia and South Jersey. 30th & Market Streets, (800) USA-RAIL, www.amtrak.com; (215) 580-7800, www.septa.com; (877) 567-DRPA, www.ridepatco.org
• By Plane – Philadelphia International Airport, located about seven miles from Center City, serves more than 30 airlines, including several low-fare carriers such as Southwest Airlines. SEPTA’s R1 line links the airport and Center City. 8000 Essington Avenue, (800) PHL-GATE, www.phl.org
• By Bus – Greyhound provides bus service to Philadelphia from all over the country and drops riders off at a convenient Center City terminal. In addition, NJ Transit buses run between Philadelphia and New Jersey. (800) 231-2222, www.greyhound.com; (215) 580-7800, www.septa.com; www.njtransit.com

Getting Around:

• Walk – Philadelphia’s planner, William Penn, had the right idea when he drew his grid pattern for the city. This setup makes Center City a pedestrian paradise, with tree streets (like Chestnut, Walnut and Locust) running east to west and numbered streets running north to south.
• Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) – SEPTA provides bus, subway and trolley service within the city, and its Regional Rail system connects the Philadelphia with its suburbs. (215) 580-7800, www.septa.com
• Taxis – When tired feet demand a rest, visitors can head to the nearest street corner and hail a cab, or they can call ahead to one of the many taxi services to reserve a ride. City Cab Co., (215) 492-6500; Old City Taxi Coach Association, (215) 338-0838; Quaker City Cab, (215) 728-8000; Victory Cab Association, (215) 225-5000, www.victorycabco.com

Trolleys:

• Historic Philadelphia Trolley Loop – Philadelphia’s newest trolley makes its way through Historic Philadelphia, with stops near popular attractions, shops and restaurants. A pass costs $2 per person and is good for one full day of trolley rides, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Passes can be purchased on the trolley. www.gophila.com/history
• Phlash Downtown Loop – The bright purple trolley runs every 12 minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with stops at 20 area locations, including the Independence Visitor Center and Penn’s Landing. Riders pay only $2 each time they board or $5 for an all-day pass. Tickets can be purchased at the Independence Visitor Center or onboard. www.phillyphlash.com

Where to Stay:

• Best Western Independence Park Hotel – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this hotel combines 19th-century charm and 20th-century convenience and comfort. 235 Chestnut Street, (215) 922-4443, www.independenceparkinn.com
• Holiday Inn – Each room here boasts a Colonial look while providing the comforts of home. And guests can unwind from a day of sightseeing at the rooftop pool. 400 Arch Street, (215) 923-8660, www.holidayinn.com
• Hyatt Regency Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing – The city’s only hotel located on the waterfront, this luxury hotel is perfect for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. 201 S. Columbus Boulevard, (215) 928-1234, www.pennslanding.hyatt.com
• Omni Hotel at Independence Park – Overlooking Independence National Historical Park, this four-diamond, European-style hotel embodies elegance and style at its best. 401 Chestnut Street, (215) 925-0000, omnihotels.com
• Penn’s View Hotel – For a more authentic local feel, this intimate boutique hotel is conveniently located in the middle of history, shopping, dining and nightlife. 14 N. Front Street, (215) 922-7600, www.pennsviewhotel.com
• Sheraton Society Hill Hotel – After walking the cobblestone streets, guests can unwind in the heated pool and relax in the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed. 1 Dock Street, (215) 238-6000, www.sheraton.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside® a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region’s vitality. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit www.gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

Contact(s):

• Cara Schneider, (215) 599-0789