milkmaid46

The promotional material on the Phlash looks terrific. Does it really work as well as they indicate that it does? $5 for an adult pass and "Phlash" transports as 20+ locations every 12 minutes?? WOW ... and what a clever name?

easytraveler

Yes, it works very well. I was in Philadelphia earlier this year and loved the Phlash bus. It's a great way to get around the major historical sites as well as out to the museums.

However, be forwarned that some months it doesn't start until 10/11 am (forgot exactly when). A group of us stood around earlier in the morning and were very puzzled when no bus came!

If you love the name, you'll love the color - a deep, vibrant purple! Can't miss those buses!

Cadgirl

We used it last weekend and I would also recommend it. I think it makes like 27 stops? Anyway, definitely a good bargain.

yk

I too think Phlash works well for tourists. The $5 all-day pass is a great deal. But do make sure you have the start/end times of the bus so you won't get "stranded" after the bus stops running in the evening. Also, you didn't mention when you're going, but Phlash only has seasonal operation from late Spring thru late Fall I believe.

PaulRabe

Get the best of all worlds:

www.septa.org/fares/independence.html

Ride Septa from anywhere in Philly into Center City, starting as early as you want. Ride the Phlash (or the subway) all day. Ride the subway late at night, like to a show or a sports event. Then leave Center City as late as 1:00 the next morning.

milkmaid46

Thanks to all of you! We are ready for our mid-October visit to Philly and are appreciative of your evaluations... we can hardly wait.

GinnyJo

In mid October the weather should be perfect, so you might find that you prefer to walk, even though the Phlash is available; take very comfortable shoes. What's on your itinerary?

Amy

Philadelphia is a very walkable city...and you might want to walk after eating! Here's a thread for that in case you missed it: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...iladelphia.cfm

And here's one for walking around to get some of the historical best of the city: http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...iladelphia.cfm

Have a wonderful visit!

milkmaid46

We are arriving 5ish on Tuesday the 20th staying across from Independence Square; dinner at City Tavern. Wednesday is our Independence Park day with lunch at Ocean City for dimsum and dinner at Ristaurante Panorama. Thursday is the Arts Area with lunch at Waterworks (terrace, water view) and dinner at Reading Terminal. Friday is for the Barnes Foundation with a picnic (from the terminal) on their grounds for lunch, then Rittenhouse Square and dinner at Tinto Wine Bar. We travel home on Saturday.

Any suggestions, changes, deletions, additions are appreciated.

Myer

We were in Philadelphia last year in mid-Sept and it had already stopped running for the season.

Have they extended the date this year?

yk

http://www.gophila.com/c/tours_and_t...lash/1303.html

The Phlash runs May 1 through October 31, 2009.