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Philadelphia, a dynamic place where big city excitement meets hometown charm, awaits your arrival. Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, the cradle of liberty offers much more than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures abound in this city and its surrounding countryside. The fifth-largest city in the country, Philadelphia is a welcoming place, a city based on freedom of expression.

New and one-of-a-kind attractions, a wealth of art and culture, renowned performing arts companies, awe-inspiring architecture, a walkable downtown, seemingly endless shopping (with no tax on clothes) and a restaurant renaissance that has caught the world's attention all promise to create an unforgettable Philadelphia experience.

And, of course, the greatest concentration of American history can be found just blocks away at Independence National Historical Park, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Best of all, Philadelphia's compact downtown places all of this and so much more within a short walk or cab ride from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and any downtown hotel.

Text Box: WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA
NOVEMBER 3-5, 2005

Trains - Scheduled R1 High Speed Rail Line

Entrance on pedestrian bridges and commercial roadway

$5.50 one-way to the following convenient stops

$1.50 additional for connections on SEPTA rail lines:

Þ 30th Street Station (Amtrak)

Þ Suburban Station (connections to regional rail lines)

Þ MarketEast/The Gallery* (connection to Marriott Hotel and Convention

*Accessible rail stations for disabled travelers.

 

Taxis (ZONE 5)

$25.00 Flat Rate to Center City Philadelphia.  Taxi Dispatch is available 24 hours a day.

 

Shuttle Van/Limousine Service (ZONE 7)

Information is available at the Centralized Ground Transportation Counters in all baggage claims or by calling 215-937-6958

 

Rental Cars

Information phones are available at all baggage claim areas for each of the on-airport car rental agencies. Vehicles equipped with hand controls are available at all of these agencies. Please be advised that as much as 72 hours advance notice is required by some agencies if you require special arrangements. All such requests must be made at the time the vehicle is reserved.

 

 

Transportation around Philadelphia - downtown hotels and the conference center:

Philadelphia has an excellent transit system. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers commuter rail service between the city and the suburbs. Suburban Station and Market East Station are in the heart of the business, shopping and hotel districts. Also, 30th Street Station provides quick connections with Amtrak. Each of these stations connects the entire rail system with the city's Airport Rail Line.

 

SEPTA also operates a large fleet of buses and street cars through the city and suburbs with highly concentrated service in the Center City area. Two subway lines -- the Market-Frankford (east-west) and Broad Street (north-south) -- crisscross the city. Cash fare on most routes is $2.00 (exact change required). Discounted tokens and passes are available at SEPTA sales offices and at commercial sales outlets. During off-peak hours, senior citizens ride buses and street cars for free; $1 on the train. The easiest way to travel to all of Philadelphia's sights and attractions is with SEPTA's Day Pass.

 

The tourist-friendly pass is good for one day of unlimited riding on all City Transit vehicles, plus a one-way trip on the Airport Line. A Day Pass costs $5 and can be purchased at the Visitors Center at 6th and Market Streets Boulevard. (Note: please call or visit SEPTA online to check latest fares and packages.)

 

SEPTA - Call (215) 580-7800 for specific travel instructions and sales locations, and latest fares and routes, including those mentioned below. Calls are answered 6a.m. to midnight daily. Return to Useful Info & Links to find SEPTA maps.