Travel Tips

Getting to Philadelphia is easy. So is getting around.

GETTING TO PHILADELPHIA

  • By Car: Philadelphia is conveniently located just 2 hours from New York City, 90 minutes from Baltimore and 2.5 hours from Washington, D.C. Major access routes include I-95, I-76, I-476, along with the Pennsylvania and New Jersey Turnpikes.
  • By Rail: Amtrak operates from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia with service along the Northeast Corridor. 30th Street Station is just a few minutes cab ride (or about a four minute run) from Center City.
  • By Air: Philadelphia International Airport is served by most major airlines. Several new discount air carriers provide affordable and convenient flights into Philadelphia. A cab ride from Philadelphia International Airport to Center City takes approximately 20 minutes for a rate of $30. Or, take the high-speed SEPTA train departing the airport every 30 minutes with service to Center City. One-way train fare is $7.00.

GETTING TO THE START/FINISH LINE

The Philadelphia Marathon will begin and end near our world-renowned Museum of Art at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. You know, right in front of those famous steps that Rocky sprinted up, sparking countless imitations ever since.

Center City is compact and very walkable. However, if your feet get tired, we encourage runners and spectators to use public transportation on race day.

Philadelphia's mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city. Several SEPTA buses (Nos. 7, 32, 38, 43, and 48) currently serve the Museum area.

Please check with SEPTA at (215) 580-7800 for information about schedules, drop-off and pick-up locations, and route detours. Also, if you're planning to do a lot of "running around" on race day, please ask about SEPTA's unlimited access one-day pass.

To catch a cab in Center City, just head for the nearest street corner and flag one down. Or call the City Cab Company (215) 492-6500 or Quaker City Cab (215) 728-8000.

PARKING INFORMATION

There are several parking lots and garages conveniently located on or near Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Below are just several parking options. Please call ahead as rates and availability may have changed.

For discounted parking options, check out Central Parking.

GARAGES

  • 206 N. 22nd Street, Patriot Parking, $15, (215) 569-4006
  • 21st Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Expert Parking, $20, (215) 448-1391
  • 1815 Cherry Street, InterPark, $10, (215) 496-1070
  • 16th & Race (Sheraton Hotel), Expert Parking, $20, (215) 496-0293
  • 1815 JFK Boulevard, Central Parking System, $10, (215) 568-8030
  • 1900 JFK Boulevard, Central Parking System, $11, (215) 564-3707
  • 1901 JFK Boulevard, Central Parking System, $11, (215) 557-3721
  • 36 S. 19th Street, Central Parking System, $14, (215) 215-561-1187
  • 1324 Arch Street, Central Parking System, $15, (215) 563-2851

LOTS

  • 23rd & Cherry Streets, Patriot Parking, Inc., $8.50, (215) 772-1511
  • 1919 Arch Street, Central Parking System, $8, (215) 568-2755
  • 22nd & Walden Streets, Patriot Parking, Inc., $13.50, (215) 772-1511
  • 19th & Callowhill Streets, Philadelphia Parking Authority, $6.50, (215) 683-9813
  • 18th & Vine Streets, Parkway Corporation, $8, (215) 575-4000
  • 23rd & Arch Streets, Patriot Parking, Inc., $9.50, (215) 772-1511

* The Philadelphia Marathon has no direct relationship with any of the companies listed. Some lots are available for parking despite no attendant upon entering, with payment upon exit.

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