Taxis:

From Center City, a taxi to campus takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. From University City, taxi queues in front of hotels are reliable places to find taxis.

Parking:

There are several public parking lots on/near campus: 38th and Walnut Street (enter at 38th Street); 36th and Chestnut (Sheraton garage); 34th and Chestnut Street; Penn Tower Hotel (34th and Civic Center Boulevard); South Street and Convention Avenue; 32nd and Walnut Street; 40th and Walnut Street. (view map)

In addition, metered parking is available on the street. If you choose to park on the street, be advised that parking regulations are strictly enforced. Keep the meter full of quarters or expect a parking ticket. Also pay close attention to signs. On some streets, parking is prohibited during rush hour (e.g. on Chestnut Street from 7-9am and on Walnut Street from 4-6pm). Violators are towed promptly.

For safety reasons, avoid parking on quiet streets near campus (e.g. Samson); break-ins are more frequent there than on busy streets like Chestnut and Walnut. Generally, lots are also safe.

The cheapest lots cost $8-10 for all day. Metered parking costs $1 per hour, 8am-8pm, Monday-Saturday. Guests of the Penn Tower Hotel can park for $9 per day in their parking garage. Non-guests can also park in the garage, space permitting, at a significantly higher rate.

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 machine located near the elevator ($5.50) or from the conductor 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.

Weekday schedule - Airport to Center City
Sunday schedule - Center City to Airport

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:

Lady Liberty Transportation, 215-724-8888 ($8 each way for Penn Tower guests; inquire when making hotel reservations)
Penn Express, 215-223-1887
Philly Shuttle, 215-333-1441

Taxi: A taxi from the airport to the University City area costs $20-$25 and takes 20 minutes assuming no major traffic problems.

Driving: Directions from the airport to campus, and from nearby cities to campus are available here.