Steeped in history, rich in art and architecture, and the birthplace of the Revolution, Philadelphia (Philly) is an exciting destination to explore. The city also boasts a vibrant nightlife, premier league sports teams, and a delectable culinary experience. Philly’s historic sites and heritage monuments attract domestic and international tourists as well as many school field trips, particularly in the summer months from June – August. Flights and hotels tend to be expensive at this time of the year. To experience shorter lines and reasonable rates for travel and accommodation, visit Philly in the spring months from March – May. Average temperatures range around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in March and rise up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit by May. September is another good month to visit and cash in on attractive airfares and hotel rates. However, the cheapest time to visit the city is in the low season from November – February. The average temperatures hover around 30 degrees Fahrenheit during this time.
The best deal found on momondo in the last two weeks was a flight to Philadelphia from Albany, New York for $31. This is 95% cheaper than most flight deals to Philadelphia. To find the cheapest price to Philadelphia from your area, use momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
In general, January is the cheapest month to fly from United States to Philadelphia. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around $119. If you are unable to visit Philadelphia during the month of January, then departing from United States during the month February is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around $200.
We recommend purchasing flights from United States to Philadelphia 52 days ahead of your departure date because this is when momondo users tend to see the best flight rates. On average, our users have found flights to Philadelphia for $256. Keep in mind that you might also find cheap flights to Philadelphia outside of this time window. In fact, momondo users recently found flights from United States to Philadelphia for $36.
The cheapest day to depart from United States to Philadelphia is on a Saturday. Travelers who choose to depart for Philadelphia on a Saturday will often find tickets for as low as $244. If your travel schedule is flexible, try to avoid departing on a Sunday because tickets tend to average around $358. These prices are subject to change though, so be sure to set up a Price Alert for flights to Philadelphia.
In the evening is the cheapest time of day to fly from United States to Philadelphia when you can find flight prices for as low as $173. Flying to Philadelphia in the evening is an ideal time because this is during off-peak travel hours. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to Philadelphia is in the afternoon when prices are around $302.
Hikers looking for a more family-friendly day in the great outdoors would be best suited to plan their flight to Philadelphia for October, when they can visit Benjamin Franklin Parkway and enjoy all that the park has to offer.
When planning your flight to Philadelphia, consider that the months of April, May, and September are typically considered the best times to visit if you are looking to go sightseeing. That is when the weather is most cooperative. Sights like University of Pennsylvania, Historic City Hall, and Citizens Bank Park are very popular tourist attractions.
Finding an alternative and possibly cheaper destination airport near Philadelphia is possible. If you are planning a flight to Philadelphia, consider booking flights to Atlantic City Airport (46 mi from Philadelphia city center), Newark Airport (73 mi from Philadelphia city center), New York John F Kennedy Intl Airport (86 mi from Philadelphia city center), New York LaGuardia Airport (88 mi from Philadelphia city center) or New Windsor Stewart Airport (120 mi from Philadelphia city center).
You can find deals at New York LaGuardia Airport for $457pp on average, but that price can change based on your departure airport. To save money, try momondo’s Airport-to-Airport Pricing Tool.
Currently, United States travel restrictions include travel to Philadelphia. Entry restrictions
The United States has restricted the entry of all foreign nationals who have passed through or have been in China, Iran, Most European Countries (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City), the UK, Ireland and Brazil in the past 14 days. With the exception of certain travelers which includes certain family members of US citizens or permanent residents including; spouses, children (under the age of 21), parents (provided that his/her US citizen or permanent resident child is unmarried and under the age of 21), and siblings (provided that both the sibling and the US citizen or permanent resident are unmarried and under the age of 21); There is also an exception for travelers with the following visas: A-1, A-2, C-1, C-1/D, C-2, C-3, CR-1, CR-2, D, E-1 (as an employee of TECRO or TECO or the employee's immediate family members), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, IR-1, IR-4, IH-4, NATO-1 through NATO-4, or NATO-6 visa; Members of the US Armed Forces, spouses, and children of members of the US Armed Forces; Travelers with invitation of the USA government for a purpose related to the containment/mitigation of the Coronavirus (COVID-19); Travelers with documents issued by the US Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Protection, or US Department of State indicating that the traveler is exempt from the restriction; B1 crew crewmembers that are engaged in lightering, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) activity, wind farm activity, private air/sea crew and other similar crewmember activities; Students with an F-1 or M-1 visa and their F-2 and M-2 dependents, if they arrive from or have been in Ireland, the UK or Schengen Area in the past 14 days.
Entry requirementsStarting on January 26, all travelers (including US citizens and transit passenger) must present a negative COVID-19 viral or antigen test result issued 72 hours prior to departure or have an evidence of having contracted and recovered from COVID-19 prior to boarding the plane. US citizens and permanent residents arriving from the UK must present a medical certificate with a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test result issued within 72 hours prior to departure.
Quarantine requirementsTravelers returning to the US are advised to stay home as much as possible, avoid being around people and consider getting tested for COVID-19 after returning from travel and participated in higher risk activities.
All other infoTravelers are subject to COVID-19 measures set by the state/territory of their final destination. For more information go to CDC website.
If you are planning to travel to Philadelphia at this time, it is recommended that you stay up to date on current restrictions and follow proper safety measures while in public.All major U.S. carriers offer direct domestic flights to Philadelphia. You can choose from American Airlines, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Virgin America.
PHL is located approximately 13 miles south of Philadelphia’s downtown area (locally known as Center City). The airport connects to all areas of Philly through various modes of transportation.
Trains
Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) operates trains from the airport to Center City as part of the Airport Regional Rail Line. Trains run every 30 minutes from approximately 5:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m. The one-way fare is $6.75 USD up to Center City, and $9.25 USD to any other station beyond Center City. The ride to Center City takes approximately 25 minutes.
Buses
SEPTA operates bus routes #37, #108, and #115 from Zone 1 on Arrivals Road, outside of baggage claim. These routes travel to other parts of Philadelphia and do not pass through Center City. The single-ride transit fare is $2.50 USD and transfers are available on-board the buses for an additional $1.00 USD.
Taxis
Taxicabs are readily available at Zone 5 on the Commercial Transportation Roadway. Several taxi companies offer services from the airport to all areas of Philly. There is a $28.50 USD flat rate charge (including one-way fare and airport access fee) to travel to Center City Philadelphia. Every additional passenger is charged $1.00 USD on flat rate trips. For all other parts of the city, metered fares are applicable. Flag down is $2.70 USD and each additional mile is $2.30 USD. Minimum fare for any ride originating from the airport is $10.00 USD.
Sedan, limousine services and shared-ride vans
You can find sedan and limousine services from Zone 6 and shared-ride van services from Zone 7 on the Commercial Transportation Roadway. To reserve a ride to your destination, visit the Ground Transportation Information desk located in each baggage claim area.
Car rentals
You can reach the rental car companies through the Ground Transportation Information desks located in Baggage Claims A-East, B/C and D/E. It is also worth checking for deals on car rentals with momondo.
Philly’s downtown area is quite compact, and several colorful “Walk! Philadelphia” signs encourage you to explore the city on foot. In the Center City area, streets are laid out in a simple grid-based pattern, and you are sure to find shops, cafés, museums and parks at every turn. If your feet get weary or if you have to cover longer distances, there are several other modes of transportation within the city.
Public Transportation
SEPTA operate buses, the subway and a trolley system, connecting the downtown area with other parts of Philly. Single ride fares start at $2.50 USD. The purple PHLASH buses that operate seasonally stop at most of the popular attractions. The fare is $2.00 USD per ride or $5.00 USD for an all-day pass.
Bikes
Biking is a popular way to get around in Philly. There are plenty of bike rental shops located all over the city. You can also explore the city’s official bike-share program called Indego. With a 1-day pass that costs $10.00 USD, you can enjoy unlimited 30-minute trips and access to bikes at any bike station within the city.
Taxis
Taxis are available throughout Philadelphia and you can hail one directly from the street. Ride-share options such as Uber also operate in the city.
Cars
If you don’t mind spending time looking for parking spaces, paying expensive parking charges, and navigating through busy traffic while dealing with several one-way streets, driving is another option to get around in Philadelphia.
No visa is required for domestic travelers within the U.S. For foreign nationals, please check the U.S. Department of State website.
Apart from being home to the “most historic square mile” in the U.S., Philadelphia offers world-class museums, historic farmers’ markets, trend-setting music, and elegant architecture. There is so much to see and do in this city that you may have to pick and choose what to explore each time you visit Philly.
Explore the city’s culinary offerings
Wander around the sprawling Italian Market and take in the aromas of a wide variety of cheeses, handmade pastas, and gourmet pastries. Sample delicious Amish donuts, and gorge on several Philly specialties at Reading Terminal Market. Enjoy mouth-watering Japanese fare served in the spaceship-shaped Morimoto. Try Cuban and Caribbean specialties at Alma de Cuba, a Havana-inspired restaurant. The traditional Philly cheese steak at Dalessandro’s or Pat’s King of Steaks is an absolute must-try.
Discover the world’s largest outdoor art gallery
Philly encourages local artists to use the city’s architecture for street art and boasts two Mural Mile routes, filled with vibrant murals and graffiti walls, north and south of Market Street. Opt for a guided Mural Mile Walking Tour to get interesting insights into the people, places, and themes of each mural.