Cal_Stevens

Hi All,

Looking for some sage advice.

We are passing through Philadelphia this Fall. Yes, I know -- passing through does not do justice to a visit to that great city. But that's all the chance we have.

We are towing a camping trailer, a pop-up. We would not want to try to tow in and park the whole rig downtown. So we are looking for an easier and relatively safer option, perhaps a rail station that is on the perimeter of the city and we would ride in to see Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and all. Or maybe there are options we are unaware of.

Though our mid-day visit is too brief, we'd benefit from some kind counsel from folks who are in the know. If you were being careful for your vehicles and your trailer and wanted to park and ride in to see Philadelphia's historic center, how would you do it?

Thanks for your help!

Cal
Roseville, CA
www.crosscountrybycar.wordpress.com

elberko

Weekday or weekend? Parking at a rail station on a weekday might be nearly impossible.

~Liz

PaulRabe

Step 1: Purchase the Independence Family Pass online, in advance.
http://www.septa.org/fares/pass/independence.html
https://shop.septa.org/index.php?tar...category_id=12
If there are two of you (I can't tell how many people are "we") just buy two Independence Single Passes.

Step 2: Park your car and camper at any of dozens of commuter rail stations with parking.
http://www.septa.org/maps/system/index.html
Which one you choose will depend on the direction from which you are approaching Philly.

Step 3: Ride the regional rail into Center City, getting off at the Market East Station.

Step 4: Ride the Market-Frankford Line (aka the "Blue" Line) east, towards Frankford, getting off at 5th Street.

Step 5: Immediately go to the Visitor Center, and get your timed tickets to visit Independence Hall.

Step 6: While waiting for your entrance time, wander the general area.

Step 7: About 30-45 minutes before the time of your tour, approach the security line to see the Liberty Bell. Do NOT be in possession of any weapons (not even a pocket knife) as these WILL be confiscated, and there is NOT a place to store them during your visit. You carry them, you lose them.

Step 8: Use the Pass to visit other places nearby, or even not so nearby.

Step 9: Return to the rail station, then to your parking lot.

Step 10: As you kick yourself for only having given yourself one day to visit Philly, plan your next visit.

Cal_Stevens

To Liz (elberko), we will be there on a Sunday.

To Paul, your instructions are complete and orderly. Step 10 will be the most difficult, however, as I'm not that good at multi-tasking (planning my next visit might need to be step 11, after my thorough self-kicking!)

Thanks!!

Cal
Roseville, CA
www.crosscountrybycar.wordpress.com

WorminRome

During the week it may be difficult to find parking within the parking lots located/owned by SEPTA. You could try parking around the Merion Station parking lot. There is always residential street parking within a block of the station. From Merion it is a 15 minute train ride (Paoli/Thorndale Line) to 30th Street, ten more minutes to Market East Station.