Philadelphia International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

The SEPTA Airport Line takes about 25 minutes from Philadelphia International to Center City, with a train every half hour: a distance that makes the city a realistic choice even for those who want to visit it in comfort. Anyone with a dawn flight or a short layover will find the Marriott connected to Terminal B by a covered walkway handy. Those with more time instead aim for Center City, between Rittenhouse Square and the Convention Center, or for historic Old City, a few steps from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall; anyone visiting the University of Pennsylvania stays among the campuses of University City.

At the airport and airport area

At the airport · The Marriott is connected to Terminal B by a covered walkway, just a few minutes on foot; the other hotels run a free shuttle round the clock, taking 5-10 minutes.

Best for: Overnight layovers and dawn flights, when it matters not to depend on trains or shuttles.

Pros

The Marriott can be reached on foot from Terminal B, without a taxi or shuttle
The other properties run a free shuttle around the clock on request

Cons

Around it only airport facilities and the highway: for dinner you stay in the hotel
Center City still takes 25 minutes by SEPTA train or 20-30 minutes by taxi

Recommended hotels in this area

Philadelphia Airport Marriott: The only hotel connected to Terminal B by a covered walkway, with soundproofed windows against aircraft noise.
DoubleTree by Hilton Philadelphia Airport: Free round-the-clock shuttle to the terminals, a recently renovated lobby and an indoor pool.
Residence Inn by Marriott Philadelphia Airport: Suites with a kitchen less than 2 miles from the terminals, a free round-the-clock shuttle and a full breakfast included.

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Center City

City centre · SEPTA Airport Line to Suburban or Jefferson Station in about 25 minutes; the train leaves every half hour from all terminals.

Best for: Convention Center, Rittenhouse Square and museums within walking distance of the hotel.

Pros

Walk to the Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market and Rittenhouse Square
Direct SEPTA station for the airport, with no changes

Cons

Hotel parking often comes with a high daily rate
Late at night the train to the airport runs less often: best to check the timetable

Recommended hotels in this area

Loews Philadelphia Hotel: In the historic Philadelphia Savings Fund Society skyscraper, across from the Convention Center.
The Notary Hotel, Philadelphia, Autograph Collection: In the historic City Hall Annex building, a few steps from the Liberty Bell, City Hall and Reading Terminal Market.
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown: A landmark on Logan Square, within walking distance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Convention Center.

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Old City, the historic district

Neighbourhood · SEPTA to Market East plus a 10-minute walk, or a taxi taking 25-30 minutes from the terminals.

Best for: Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and the cobblestones of Old City just steps from your room.

Pros

Walk to the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Betsy Ross House
Historic alleys and art galleries, lively even in the evening on weekends

Cons

Even from the nearest SEPTA station a walk is still needed
Some hotels report noise from sirens and night traffic

Recommended hotels in this area

Philadelphia Marriott Old City: In the heart of the historic district, a few steps from the Liberty Bell and National Constitution Center.
Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District: One block from Independence Mall, with an outdoor pool rare for a Center City hotel.

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University City

Neighbourhood · SEPTA Regional Rail from 30th Street Station to the airport in about 15-20 minutes; taxi in 15-20 minutes from the terminals.

Best for: Anyone visiting the University of Pennsylvania or Drexel, or who prefers a cozier university area.

Pros

On the Penn campus or between Penn and Drexel, handy for conferences and university visits
30th Street Station nearby, with a fast rail link to the airport

Cons

Farther from the Liberty Bell and the museums of the historic center
In the evening the university area is calmer than lively

Recommended hotels in this area

The Inn at Penn, A Hilton Hotel: On the University of Pennsylvania campus, with a library and fireplace in the collegiate-style lobby.
Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel: Between the Penn and Drexel campuses, with a renovated lobby and the '&More by Sheraton' coffee bar.

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