Know Before You Go: The 5 Best Ways to Get to the Philadelphia Waterfront

Published on June 28 2024

Are you heading to the Philadelphia Waterfront this summer? Arrive stress-free with these travel tips.

Parking along the Delaware River Waterfront is limited due to construction on the exciting new Park at Penn's Landing. But have no fear; we have the five (5) best ways to get to the Waterfront without driving. And guess what? All are budget-friendly, some are wellness-friendly, and others might even be dog-friendly.

1: The RiverLink Ferry

The RiverLink Ferry, entrance at Columbus Blvd. and Market Street, is the go-to vessel to access fun along two (2) Waterfronts - Philadelphia and Camden, NJ. The Ferry operates daily for leisurely trips to attractions like Adventure Aquarium and the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, restaurants and shopping in Old City, and unique spaces like Spruce Street Harbor Park and Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest in Philadelphia. A great thing about the RiverLink Ferry is that it provides service before, during, and after concerts at the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, too. Plus, there are special rates for groups, seniors, students, and children under 12.

2: Delaware River Trail

Walking and biking along the Delaware River Trail is not only free but provides excellent benefits to your health and soul. Not only does the trail have 3.3 miles of scenic pathway from Pier 70 in South Philly to Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown, but there are great places to rest, take in the fantastic views of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge, and enjoy food and drink. Might we recommend a pause at Cherry Street Pier, now featuring a tremendous Happy Hour hosted by La Placita Tuesdays through Fridays from 4 pm - 6 pm, and Race Street Pier, which has free yoga classes every Monday and Thursday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m? Both spaces are dog-friendly, too.

3 and 4: Public Transit

The SEPTA Bus and the SEPTA Regional Trail are not only great ways to travel to the Philadelphia Waterfront this summer, but they're also budget-friendly. SEPTA pass holders can enjoy perks like $2 off admission at the Independence Seaport Museum and more. Plus, several bus routes leave you minutes away from the Waterfront. Plus, the SEPTA Market-Frankford Line will bring you straight to 2nd Street or Spring Garden stations.

5: The Philly PHLASH

The PHLASH is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to connect to key Philadelphia historic attractions and cultural destinations. It makes stops at the Independence Seaport Museum, the Betsy Ross House, Reading Terminal Market, the Philadelphia Art Museum, and more. The bus runs daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except July 4. A daily pass is $5.

Learn more about what you need to know before you go to the Philadelphia Waterfront.