Local Information

    On this page, you will find details on how to find each of the venues, places to eat, wifi connectivity, among other useful information.

    Conference Location

    Room locations will be announced closer to the time of the conference.

    Directions

    Directions to the conference venue will be posted closer to the time of the conference.

    WiFi Connectivity on Campus

    Penn offers two options for visitors to campus:

    • AirPennNet-Guest
      Getting a guest connected to the AirPennNet Guest wireless network is now a lot easier. Vendors, suppliers, presenters, and any other type of guest you host simply register their email address on a web form to be given access to AirPennNet Guest. To get connected, guests just need to:
      1. Select AirPennNet-Guest from the list of wireless networks that appear on their device.
      2. Open a web browser
      3. Review and accept the Acceptable Use Policy terms and conditions.
      4. Enter a valid email address.
      5. Click Submit.
    • eduroam
      Note that eduroam through your home institutions typically requires prior configuration there.

    Resources

    Convenient food locations for a quick lunch:

    • Houston Hall (groceries; sandwiches; Pret-a-manger; Starbucks)
      3417 Spruce St #307 Map
    • Franklin's Table Hall (pizza; burgers; falafel; sushi; sandwiches)
      3401 Walnut St Map
    • Food trucks (Mediterranean; Mexican; Asian)
      All along Spruce street, 34th Street and 38th street
    • Wawa (convenience store; sandwiches; mini-market)
      3724-3744 Spruce Street Map
    • Further dining options within a short walking distance are available along Spruce Street and 40th Street. (Also see this overview article in the Daily Pennsylvanian)

    Nearby bars, restaurants and other places to hang out:

    Transportation

    Taxi: From Center City, a taxi to campus takes 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. 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. Although we do not endorse any one taxi company for reliability, here are some local taxi services:
    • AllCity taxi: 215-467-6666
    • Freedom taxi: 215-222-9999
    • Philadelphia Taxicab Service: 215-535-6700
    • Uber
    • Lyft

    Public Transportation: One-way ride on bus, subway or trolley costs either 1 token ($1.80, available at subway stations, Penn bookstore and other local vendors) or $2.25 in cash. (Bills and/or coins are accepted, but buses and trolleys will not give change. For example you can pay $3.00 but won't be given $0.75.) If you want to transfer to a second bus/subway, it costs an additional $1, and you need to ask the driver/booth operator for a transfer ticket when you first board. Here is a complete list of token sales locations. More information is available on the SEPTA website.

    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 for shuttles to University City and Center City. See more information here.

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

    Options for Accommodations

    UNIVERSITY CITY ACCOMMODATIONS
    Sheraton
    36th & Chestnut
    (215) 387-8000
    (800) 325-3535
    10 min. walking from Claudia Cohen Hall     		Inn at Penn
    3600 Sansom Street
    215-222-0200
    800-445-8667
    5 min. walking from Claudia Cohen Hall
    Cornerstone Bed & Breakfast
    3300 Baring Street
    215-387-6065
    15 min. walking from Claudia Cohen Hall         		The Gabes Bed & Breakfast
    4520 Chester Avenue
    215-662-1918
    20 min. walking from Claudia Cohen Hall
    CENTER CITY ACCOMMODATIONS
    Apple Hostels (Recommended for budget travelers)
    32 Bank Street
    215-922-0222
    25 minutes by #21 bus     		Radisson Plaza Warwick Hotel
    1701 Locust Street
    215-735-6000
    800-333-3333
    10 minutes by #21 bus
    The Windsor Suites
    1700 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
    215-981-5678
    1-877-784-8379
    10 minutes by taxi    		 Philadelphia Downtown Courtyard Marriott
    21 North Juniper Street (at Filbert) 215-496-3200
    888-887-8130
    10 minutes by #21 bus
    The Independent Philadelphia Hotel
    1234 Locust Street
    267-765-1104
    5-10 minutes by #21 bus    		 Alexander Inn
    12th and Spruce Streets
    215-923-3535
    10-15 minutes by #21 bus
    Philadelphia Downtown Marriott
    1201 Market Street
    215-625-2900
    10-15 minutes by #21 bus     		Loews Philadelphia Hotel
    1200 Market Street
    215-627-1200
    10-15 minutes by #21 bus
    Omni Hotel at Independence Park
    401 Chestnut Street
    215-925-0000
    20-30 minutes by #21 bus     		The Rittenhouse
    210 West Rittenhouse Square
    215-546-9000
    800-635-1043
    5-10 minutes by #21 bus
    Hampton Inn Center City Philadelphia
    1301 Race Street
    215-665-9100
    5-10 minutes by #21 bus
    OTHER OPTIONS

    You may find hotels farther from campus with cheaper rates. The cheapest one on campus is International House. Please note, however, that the areas of South Philadelphia, North Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Southwest Philadelphia, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Bucks County and New Jersey are significantly farther from campus than Center City. In many cases, public transportation from these areas to the University is available, but can be time consuming and costly, and is not available 24 hours a day. If you choose to stay farther away, please investigate your transportation and parking options before booking a room.