I had asked an earlier question regarding the Septa transit system and I still have a couple of questions.

First if we stay near the Convention Center 12th and Market while doing tourist activities for about 5 days what kind of multiple day transit pass would you recommend? Do we need to use the trains? do we need what levels of public transportation to go to the "main tourist attractions"?

There does not seem to be a pass that covers metro Philly in general. You can get some for Central Philly and others for more suburban.

I realize that we may still need to buy a separate token to go to a Phillies game or farther out, but for general tourism what would be a good pass for 5 days?

Also, what would be the best choice for going from the PHL airport to center city roundtrip one or two times or how about on a daily basis for 5 days?

We visited NYC a few years back and the transportation system seemed alot easier with less choices for getting around all the boroughs, you just bought a 7-day pass for about $30 and you could take the bus and subways virtually anywhere in the city.

For the most part, you can walk to *most* tourist attractions in Philadelphia. I don't really think any kind of bus or subway "pass" is needed.

You didn't say when you'll be visiting Philadelphia, but I assume it'll be spring/summer in order to see the Phillies. The Phlash bus is the best bet for you/tourists. It makes a loop around the city, stopping at all major sites, for just $1/ride. For other options, see this:
http://www.gophila.com/Go/TravelTool...ingaround.aspx

Why would you be going back and forth to the airport daily? Unless you're planning on staying near the airport? DON'T DO IT! Stay in Center City.

The economic way to get from airport to Center City is take the Septa R1 line. It costs $5.50 one way. If you're staying near the Convention Center, simply get off at Market East Station, which is at the Convention Center.

You didn't say how many of you are traveling together, because a taxi from airport to Center City costs $25 flat rate. So if there's 4 of you traveling together, a taxi almost costs the same as the train (R1).

If you plan on commuting back and forth from the airport hotel daily, you can buy the R1 ticket in "bulk". For 10 tickets it costs $52.50, ie $5.25 each which will save you $0.25 per trip.

Anyway, if you're in relatively good shape, I'd suggest seeing Philadelphia on foot.

OK. I read your other post (posted in 12/06) and that you're thinking of staying at the REsidence Inn by the Airport. Like others have said, the R1 station you'll take from the Residence Inn will be Eastwick and not the airport itself. Eastwick is considered in Zone 2, so the fare to Center City is only $3.75 (peak) or $3 (off-peak). Quite a bit cheaper than actually going to the airport itself.

If you're taking the R1 train from Eastwick to Ritz-Carlton, you should get off at Suburban Station. Once you get off, go up 1 level (which is still below ground level) and look for the Burger King. Go straight pass Burger King and take the exit up to the street. That will get you out at the intersection of 16th & Market. From there, it's 2 blocks from the Ritz. This exit will be closer than the Market East Station. (Trust me, I know.)

If you stay near the airport - on your way back to EAstwick station, do you know how you're going to contact the Residence Inn to let them know to pick you up? The reason I ask is that the EAstwick station is quite deserted... I certainly don't want to be standing there alone for too long myself.

From your other post, I see that the hotel room price is expensive for the convention you're going. But if you can afford it, I'd recommend staying in center City. It's much nicer.

Here's some of your options, and I admit it's quite confusing:

www.septa.org/fares.html

If you're staying anywhere near Center City, then, for at least a couple days, you'll be able to walk to sights of interest. Thus, the $18.75 weekly pass is probably not worth it.

The $5.50 day pass will be useful for other days. It will allow you to ride all subways and busses within the city, including the Broad Street Line (aka "Orange" Line) to and from the sports area. Note that you MUST buy this at a Septa window, then get it dated at either a subway entrance or a bus driver. You can NOT buy it either at a vending machine, a subway entrance, or a bus driver.

To get to attractions outside the city, you'll need to buy tickets beyond the day pass. This is just like New York.

The Phlash will take you between all major tourist stops, and a day pass costs but $4, but it has a MAJOR problem: it no longer runs after 5 pm.

Thanks for all the help.....we will just have to think things out what is our best option..

From my understanding a cab from the airport to the hotel at the Convention Center would be a flat rate which for 4 people would be our best deal?

Cab for 4 to Center city from Airport will be about a wash. As I've said in my earlier post, the cab flat rate is $25 (plus tips, obviously), whereas the R1 Septa costs $5.50 x 4 = $22. So Septa is cheaper in theory, but cab will be quicker for a few more bucks.