Philadelphia Travel Forum

I'll arrive at the airport on Nov. 16, 6am. Have a four hour layover. Trying to get a few ideas of something to do to kill the time. I won't have a car. Is there anything within a short walking distance to explore. I would imagine the fall colors are in full swing at that time. Perhaps a park close by I could walk to. Or is it best to just sit tight in the airport and avoid missing my flight. Any suggestions or ideas would be great. Thanks so much

Actually there is a wildlife refuge about a mile from the airport (http://www.fws.gov/northeast/heinz/). The easiest way to get there would be to take the train going to center city Philadelphia and to get off at the first stop, Eastwick. From there it is a few block walk to the entrance and visitor center (see map and directions on their webpage).
Of course you could also take the train into Philly if you wanted but you really wouldn't have any time to look around so it would just be a ride to and from the airport.

PHL is like most other airports -- in the middle of nowhere, built there because the land was cheap and not economical for any other use. There are no parks worth visiting for fall colors you can get to and back from, in four hours, even with a car.

If you've never been to Philly and just want to see (and I mean "see" but nothing else) some history, take the R1 from PHL to Market East Station. When you get off, follow the signs to the Market Frankford (aka "Blue") subway line, buy two Septa tokens for $2.90 at the Septa vending machines (cash ONLY, but change is given), then ride east on the MaFr Line towards Fifth Street. Exit there, and you'll be at Independence Hall -- home of the Declaration of Independence, US Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. You can also see the Liberty Bell (such as it is) through a window. You MAY be able to get a cheese steak while there, but the best ones may just be too far away. Ride the MaFr Line back to 11st Street or 30th Street stations, then take the R1 back to PHL. Most like DO-ABLE in four hours, but maybe not worth it. Remember that you'll have to go through security again at the airport.

First of all the middle of Nov. usually is too late for fall colors in PA. I think you would be disappointed. Unless you plan to take a cab or are familiar with reading train schedules my suggestion would be to get a good book and sit tight. Where ever you were able to get to, the time you would have to spend would hardly be worth missing your flight. Better to plan a trip to Philadelphia and surrounding area when you have the time to appreciate it.

http://patravellerblog.webs.com

I think a problem might be the early hour at which you are arriving. Several years ago, I used my 4 hour layover to take a cab into the city to go to the Hard Rock (it's an obsession - don't ask). I had enough time to have lunch, hit a gift shop for postcards, and get back to the airport to go thru security. In truth, four hours sounds like more time than it really is...