Getting There

By Plane

Most flights to and from Philadelphia use Philadelphia International Airport (tel. 215/937-6800 or 215/937-6937; www.phl.org), at the southwest corner of the city. For up-to-the-minute information on airline arrival and departure times and gate assignments, call tel. 800/PHL-GATE.

The airport is laid out with a central corridor connecting the five basic depots. US Airways, the "hub" tenant, avails itself of four of these terminals. B and C are the main terminals, the end Terminal F serves commuters, and ultramodern Terminal A West (gates A14-A26) services international travelers. Terminal B is the place to catch taxis, buses, and hotel limousines. There is an impressive shopping corridor between terminals B and C, where you can buy gifts such as electronic gadgets, caviar, jewelry, or even browse at the Gap.

Garage, short-term, economy (long-term), and "cellphone" lot parking are all extant. Economy parking is available for $7 per day at more-distant lots, with shuttle service. Short-term parking at ground level at baggage claim terminals A, B, C, D, and E costs $3 for the first 30 minutes, $13 for up to 3 hours, and $38 for 4 to 24 hours. Garage parking opposite the terminals is $3 for the first 30 minutes, $13 for up to 3 hours, and $17 for 4 to 24 hours. The free "cell lot" was added more recently to prevent motorists who are picking up arriving passengers from parking along the highway. This lot, containing about 60 spaces, is on Bartram Avenue, accessible from I-95 via the adjacent Cargo City exit.

For medical emergencies at the airport, call tel. 215/937-3111.

Getting into Town from the Airport -- A high-speed rail link with direct service between the airport and Center City runs daily every 30 minutes from 5:09am to 12:09am. Trains leave the airport at 9 and 39 minutes past the hour; they follow the loop of a raised pedestrian bridge, stop in front of every terminal, and are easy to find. Trains to the airport depart from Market East (a Convention Center connection), Suburban Station at 16th Street, and 30th Street Station. The 30-minute trip costs $5.50 for adults; children's fares are $1.50 weekdays and 75¢ weekends; and the family fare is $17.

A taxi from the airport to Center City takes about 20 minutes and costs a flat rate of $26.25 plus tip. Taxi dispatch is available 24 hours a day at the airport.

If you're interested in airport limousines or shuttles to garages, hotels, or Center City destinations, fares start at about $10. Try Deluxe Limo (tel. 215/463-8787) from 6am to 11pm, Lady Liberty (tel. 215/724-8888) from 5am to midnight, or Philadelphia Airport Shuttle (tel. 215/333-1441) from 5am to 11pm. Fees start at about $40 to take you from the airport to most suburban destinations, and from $75 to $120 to go to Atlantic City. PHL Limousine (tel. 800/481-2334) charges $80 for a sedan from the airport into Center City, $90 to most suburbs, and $156 from the airport to Atlantic City.

All major car-rental operations have desks at the airport and Zone 2 pickup (a section of the parking area). These include Alamo (tel. 800/327-9633; www.alamo.com); Avis (tel. 800/331-1212; www.avis.com); Budget (tel. 800/527-0700; www.budget.com); Dollar (tel. 800/800-4000; www.dollar.com); Enterprise (tel. 800/RENT-A-CAR; www.enterprise.com); Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131; www.hertz.com); and National (tel. 800/227-7368; www.nationalcar.com).

By Car

At the airport exit, follow signs to I-95N and I-76. After 4/5 of a mile, take the right fork to I-76W/Valley Forge. This route takes you approximately 1 mile via Penrose Avenue and the George C. Platt Memorial until you arrive at a traffic light (26th St.). Turn left. After less than 1 mile, this road becomes I-76W. Continue on 1-76W for 2 1/2 miles. Center City will be on your right. You may access the city via exits at South Street, Market Street, or 676-W for Broad Street, 8th Street (for the Pennsylvania Convention Center), or 6th Street (for Independence Visitor Center, the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall).

Alternate Route: At the airport exit, follow signs to I-95N. Continue on I-95 for 7 miles. Exit left for 676W. Exits for Broad Street or the Ben Franklin Parkway will appear in less than 1 mile on the right.

By Train

Trains arrive at Penn (30th St.) Station in West Philadelphia, just on the other side of the Schuylkill River from Center City, and about 15 blocks from City Hall. Take a taxi or SEPTA from the station to your hotel.

By Bus

SEPTA bus route 37 travels eastbound to Eastwick and South Philadelphia (Broad St. and Snyder Ave.) and westbound to Chester. SEPTA bus route 108 travels to 69th Street Terminal in West Philadelphia. Fares are $2 one-way, 60¢ for a transfer.