Never been to Philadelphia, and will arrive by air. Anyone know about what a cab to downtown costs? Is there a shuttle from the airport to downtown, and about what does that cost? Just checking out my options. Thank you!

The R1 train runs between the airport terminals and several destinations in Center City, incuding the 30th Street Station and the Market East Station. Cost is $5.50. Trains run every 30 minutes, I think.

Taxis charge a flat rate of $20. For more info on taxis and trains, and a phone contact for shuttle service--
http://www.phl.org/taxis_trains.html

l_marie is right about the R1 train. I have taken it before and it's very convenient. It takes about 20 minutes to get into Center with the train. In addition to 30th Street and Market East East, there is also Suburban Station in which is in between 30th St. and Market East across from City Hall at 15th and JFK Boulevard. The trains runs every 30 minutes from 5 AM until midnight.

http://www.septa.org/

Cabs are a flat $20 to and from Center City Philadelphia and the airport. If you take a cab be sure to tell them that you want the flat rate. If you do not say anything and they know you are from out of town they will charge you the flat rate.

Just a correction to my last sentence:

"If you do not say anything and they know you are from out of town, they will charge you the METERED RATE."

There are also some shuttle services that provide transportation to hotels. Go to the "Ground Transportation" desk in the baggage claim area to see what service is provided to your destination.

I have taken the train from the airport to center city many times,,, it is convenient if you do not have a great deal of baggage. Also, very cheap... If you are arriving during morning or evening rush hours, take the train,,, traffic can be horrible on the expressway. If you have a lot of luggage, then cab it, $20 isn't too bad. The ride should take about 20 minutes. The shuttle services are not much cheaper than the cabs and who knows where you will have to stop along the way.