Hi,

I'm planning my first trip to Philly this December for 5 nights in the downtown area. I got a few questions :

1) Is downtown safe to walk alone at night? Is there any area that I should avoid at night?

2) I'm thinking of talking a day trip to NYC and there are a few options for me to choose from : either the train (Amtrak), or buses (Greyhound / New Century / Todaybus). To be honest, I think the New Century looks good for me because a round trip ticket only costs like 20 dollars, but for the Amtrak, a round trip ticket could cost you like a hundred bucks. It saves me a lot to go there by bus. Do you guys have any better suggestions?

3) Lets say if I really choose the, The pick up/drop off station is either at 55N, 11th Sreet (New Century bus) or 1041 Race Street (Today bus) for Philly (2 stops from different bus companies are actually quite near one another), and I'm thinking of returning and reaching Philly at a late 10:00pm approximately. Is it safe for me to walk around those areas in the late hour?

Thanks for your reply in advance.

There was a post that discussed the whole train vs. bus options from Phila to NYC: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=1

(If the link doesn't work, just search for Philadelphia)

Most of Philadelphia is safe to walk around at night, although the bus station area is a little iffy. No big problems, just be aware of your surroundings. Another option for a day trip to NYC by train is to take the local Septa train from Phila to Trenton (about 1 hour) and then transfer to a NJ Transit train from Trenton to NYC (about 1.5 hours, unless you get an express). Not sure of the cost of the Septa ticket, but I think the NJ Transit roundtrip from Trenton to NYC and back is something like $28 (may be less off-peak).

I would say the Center City district is generally very safe but there are isolated crimes by wackos in every city. What is your interest in visiting Philly, what do you want to see/accomplish?

Besides comparing the cost of Philly to NYC on a bus or a train, you may want to consider your time. Many times the bus takes MUCH longer than the train due to all the stops along the way.

I would suggest that the 11th Street, bus terminal area is not OK at 10PM in December. Eljaybee's suggestion of SEPTA and NJ Transit would be my suggestion.

Hi,

Thanks to SenecaGirl,Eljaybee, buongiorno, Jcee and cheapbutnice for your replies. I think the best way now for me is to take the SEPTA with Njtransit. Sounds safer and interesting. Thanks again.