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The historic streets of downtown Philadelphia are laid out in a simple grid, making it easy to know where you are. They are also narrow and choked with traffic, making it tough to get around by car. The relatively short distances between major points in the Center City make walking a better option. Note that streets named after trees run east-west while numbered streets run north-south; odd-numbered streets are one-way running north when you're west of Broad (14th) Street, the city's north-south axis, and one-way running south when you're east of Broad. Market Street is the east-west axis dividing north and south addresses. Major arteries through the city are the Delaware and Schuylkill Expressways, which are best avoided during rush hours. When parking on Philly streets, be alert to signs regarding rush hour clearance lanes, prohibitions on stopping or standing, and residential parking permit areas where public streets don't allow public parking. Metered parking, if you can find it at all, costs a quarter for 15 minutes. Garage parking rates, especially in Center City, may be as much as $15 an hour.
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 Philadelphia Rapid Transit Map
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) runs an extensive system of bus, subway, and rail lines that will get you everywhere from the Center City to the suburbs. A $5.50 DayPass will get you an unlimited number of rides on all forms of transportation within the city and includes a one-way ride on any SEPTA Regional Rail Line. (215-580-7800) Subway: The main SEPTA subway routes are the Broad Street Line (also known as the Orange Line), which runs north and south, and the Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line), which crosses the city from west to east before turning north at the Delaware River. Cost is $2 per ride. The PATCO (Port Authority Transit Corporation) High Speed Link offers a quick way to get around the Center City and connects to rail lines in southern New Jersey. (215-922-4600) Bus: SEPTA runs an extensive number of bus lines throughout the city and suburbs. Fares are $2 per ride with exact change required. Also look for the privately-owned purple PHLASH buses that loop through downtown and have an all-day fare of $4. Taxi: Cabs are plentiful and can be hailed on the street. They are expensive but make a good option when several people are traveling short distances. To call for service, try Quaker City Cab (215-728-8000), United Cab Association (215-238-9500), or Yellow Cab Company (215-922-8400). Ferry: A passenger ferry, Riverlink, leaves Penn's Landing every 40 minutes from 9:20 AM to 5 PM for Camden, New Jersey. Last return trip to Philadelphia leaves at 5:30 PM. The price of a round trip ticket is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and children. (215-925-5465)
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 Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the major airport serving Philadelphia. It is located eight miles from downtown on the southwest side of the city. Transportation from the airport to downtown Philadelphia: Rail: SEPTA's Airport Express arrives and departs from all airport terminals every half hour between 4 AM and midnight. The trip downtown costs $5.50 and takes about 25 minutes. You can purchase a transfer to any regional train line for $1 more. Bus: SEPTA runs two bus lines from the airport, both of which require you to transfer to a rail line in order to reach the Center City. (215-580-7800) Taxi: Expect to pay a flat rate of $25 for a ride to downtown.
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Philadelphia Rapid Transit Map
Philadelphia International Airport