Getting to the Philadelphia region is a cinch.

Philadelphia is the second largest city on the East Coast and ranks fifth in the nation, with a metropolitan population of 5.8 million. Philadelphia is conveniently located in the middle of the Northeast Corridor, 100 miles south of New York, 133 miles north of Washington, D.C., and 55 miles from Atlantic City. More than 63 million people - approximately a quarter of the U.S. population - live within a 5.5-hour drive from Philadelphia. And, 40% of the population is within a day's driving distance.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Convention Center is easy to reach by car. But you don't have to drive; Philadelphia is comfortably accessible by train, bus and airplane.  By car, the city is just two hours from New York City, 90 minutes from Baltimore, three hours from Washington D.C. and about an hour from Lancaster County, Atlantic City and the New Jersey shore via major highways. The convention center is just a few minutes from Interstate-95, which runs north and south.  Those who prefer someone else to do the driving can hop on Amtrak, which provides service along the Northeast Corridor and points west and south, or Greyhound, operating bus service throughout the region.

By Airplane
The Philadelphia International Airport: (PHL) isapproximately seven miles from Center City and serves more than 25 airlines. SEPTA's R1 line directly links the airport to Philadelphia's downtown for a fast, hassle-free connection. Philadelphia taxis charge a flat rate of $25 for travel between Center City and the airport. PHL is served by all major domestic carriers and is a major hub for US Airways. The New International Terminal features 13 new international gates, 56 U.S. immigration booths and more amenities to make your trip to Philadelphia as pleasant as possible.  Book your flights through our official travel provider, at www.HanleyWoodHousing.com, for discounts. Philadelphia International Airport, (215) 937-6800.

By Train
Amtrak Rail Transportation: Philadelphia is served by Amtrak, which operates rail service along the Northeast Corridor stretching from Boston to Washington, and other major cities in the United States and Canada. Amtrak's 30th Street Station is minutes from the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Center City hotels. Local train service is provided by SEPTA, which also connects to NJ Transit trains in Trenton, NJ en route to New York. NJ Transit trains also depart from 30 th Street Station for Atlantic City, NJ. Amtrak.com, (800) USA-RAIL

Septa Rail Line: The R-1 connects Philadelphia International Airport directly to Center City Philadelphia, including Amtrak's 30th Street Station and the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Other SEPTA Regional Rail Lines can shuttle you throughout the region: 215-580-7800.  Market East Station is adjacent to the Pennsylvania Convention Center and a close walk to the hotels.  Thsoe coming into town on Amtrak can switch to the the "R1" at the 30th Street Station by simply walking up the ramp and steps from the main concourse. SEPTA Schedule.

By Bus
Intercity bus service is excellent, with daily arrivals from all parts of the country. The Greyhound Bus Terminal is located at 10th and Filbert Streets. Meanwhile, SEPTA's bus, trolley and subway service will take you anywhere you want to go in Southeastern Pennsylvania . NJ Transit buses service routes between Philadelphia nd South Jersey .

Greyhound Lines (215) 931-4075
Septa Rail Line, (215) 580-7800
NJ Transit, (201) 762 -5100 (in NJ, (800) 772-2222 )

By Car
Philadelphia is served by the PA Turnpike (I-276), I-76, I-476, I-95, US-1 and the New Jersey Turnpike.
Click here for personalized driving directions. 

From the South

• Take I-95 North. Follow the signs for "Central Phila./I-676" (Exit 22).
• Follow signs for Philadelphia/Independence Hall/Callowhill Streets. Keep right at the fork in the ramp.
• Stay straight to Callowhill St. Turn left onto N. 6 th Street.
• The Visitor Center parking facility is directly beneath the building on your left on 6 th Street.

From the North

There are two options: NJ Turnpike or I-95:

Via the NJ Turnpike:

• Take the NJ Turnpike to Exit 4.
• Take Rt. 73 north to Rt. 38 west to US 30.
• Take US 30 west over the Ben Franklin Bridge to I-676. Follow the signs for local traffic (this is Vine Street).
• Turn right onto 7 th Street. Turn slight right. Turn slight right onto 6 th Street. Turn left onto Market Street.

Via I-95:

• Take I-95 South. Follow the signs for "Central Phila./I-676" (Exit 22).
• Follow signs for Philadelphia/Independence Hall/Callowhill Streets. Keep right at the fork in the ramp.
• Stay straight to Callowhill St. Turn left onto N. 6 th Street.
• The Visitor Center parking facility is directly beneath the building on your left on 6 th Street.

From the West

• Take I-76 ( Pennsylvania Turnpike) to the Valley Forge Exit (Exit 326).
• Follow signs to Philadelphia I-76 East (Schuylkill Expressway).
• Remain on I-76 East(Schuylkill Expressway) for about 25 miles until you see signs for Central Philadelphia (Exit 344)
• Continue on 676 East ( Vine Street Expressway) to the 8 th Street Exit. Make a right onto 8 th Street.
• Then make a left onto Race Street and a right on 6 th Street.
• The Visitor Center parking facility is directly beneath the building on your left on 6 th Street.

From the East

• Take Atlantic City Expressway to 42 North.
• Follow 42 North to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (Rt. 676), crossing into Philadelphia.
• Follow the signs for local traffic (this is Vine Street).
• Turn right onto 7 th Street. Turn slight right. Turn slight right onto 6 th Street.
• The parking Visitor Center facility is directly beneath the building on your left on 6 th Street.

Parking Information

One of the things that makes Philadelphia great is its compact Center City. The downtown neighborhoods are so walkable that you really don't need your car. After arriving you can get around Center City and most of Philadelphia's eclectic neighborhoods easily on foot, via taxi or public transportation.

SEPTA also has a day pass that lets you ride the bus, subway and trolley all day for only $5.50. Visit www.septa.org for details, maps, schedules and more.

Parking Lots and Garages

You can find everything you need about parking in Philadelphia at the Philadelphia Parking Authority's official website, www.philapark.org. Find a parking lot or garage near the convention center or your hotel. You can type in a specific address or choose from a list of popular attractions. Then you can compare nearby garages by their hours and rates.  Download and print a pdf of parking rates and parking areas.

Meters and Smart Cards

Additionally, Philadelphia has over 7,000 metered and non-metered timed spaces in Center City. There are several thousand additional spaces throughout the city. Meter rates vary per hour depending upon whether the meter is in a central location. Meter times vary from 1 – 4 hours.

The Philadelphia Parking Authority recently upgraded the city's parking meters in order to provide more convenient meter parking for Philadelphia residents, businesses and visitors. All meters now accept both Smart Cards and coins. You can purchase Smart Cards online prior to arriving.

Please pay attention to the posted meter and regulation signs. The red signs will tell you when you can't park, the green signs will tell you when and how long you can park.

For more information about parking, visit www.philapark.org.