Travel and Parking

  • Visitors & Others

Directions and Parking

Parking in West Philadelphia

Penn is located in an urban setting, so if you choose to drive to campus, allow ample time to park and make your way to campus. Please note that Penn does not validate parking. There are several parking facilities located on or near campus, as well as metered street parking. Street parking spaces are usually limited to either two or three hours and cost $2 per hour. Some garages may charge a flat fee, and prices vary. Recommended garages and lots include: 

  • 34th and Chestnut Streets
  • 38th and Walnut Streets
  • 40th and Walnut Streets
  • Penn Museum (South Street and Convention Avenue)
  • Sheraton Hotel (36th and Chestnut Streets)

Philadelphia Public Transportation

Philadelphia's mass transit system, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates a coordinated system of bus, subway, elevated train, and trolley lines that cover all of Philadelphia and parts of the surrounding counties (see map). Exact change ($2.50 or a token ($2.00) is required. Tokens and weekly and monthly SEPTA TransPasses can be purchased on campus at the Penn Book Store. Here is a list of other token sales locations. More information is available on the SEPTA website.

Taxi

On or around campus, you can hail a taxi on major streets, find a taxi queue in front of a hotel, or call a taxi dispatcher. Here are some local taxi services:

  • AllCity taxi: 215-467-6666
  • Freedom taxi: 215-222-9999
  • Philadelphia Taxicab Service: 215-535-6700

Directions from 30th Street Station

Penn’s campus can be reached from Amtrak's 30th Street Station by foot (it takes 15 minutes to walk from the station to the heart of campus), by cab, or on SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line (one stop to 34th and Market Streets).

Directions from Philadelphia International Airport

The Philadelphia International Airport is located in the Southwest section of the city, approximately 20 minutes from the University of Pennsylvania campus. Several options for transportation are available.

  • Liberty Bell Airport Shuttle  provides airport shuttle service to and from the Philadelphia International Airport, with door-to-door shuttle service to University City hotels and residences. You can reach them at (215) 724-8888.
  • SEPTA has Regional Rail service, which includes an Airport Line that runs directly from the Philadelphia International Airport to the University City station. University City station is only a few steps away from Penn's campus.

Getting to and from the Airport

Train: SEPTA operates a regional rail line from the airport to the University Area/Center City. It runs every half hour, and takes 15-20 minutes to Center City. From the baggage claim area, follow signs to the train (there is a stop at each terminal). Purchase a ticket from the agent on board the train. Get off at the University City stop (Convention Ave. at South St.), 30th Street Station (30th and Market Sts.), or Suburban Station (16th Street and JFK Blvd.) depending on where your hotel is. Taxis are available from 30th Street Station. [Complete Schedule PDF]

Shuttle: Information is available at the ground transportation desk located in each terminal near the baggage claim area. Some shuttles that service University City and Center City are:

  • Liberty Bell Airport Transportation, 215-724-3333
  • Penn Express, 215-223-1887
  • Philly Shuttle, 215-333-1441

Taxi: A taxi from the airport to the University City area costs $30-$35 and takes 20 minutes assuming no major traffic problems.