For a rail trip from PHL to Lancaster, take SEPTA’s Airport Line to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station and transfer to Amtrak. If you’re considering a car, taxi or app-based ride instead, PHL identifies designated ground-transport pickup zones for several services.
- Rail connection: Transfer from SEPTA’s Airport Line to Amtrak at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.
- Taxi: Pickups are at Zone 5 on the South Commercial Roadway.
- App-based rides: Follow the Ride App signs to Zone 7 outside baggage claim.
Driving from PHL to Lancaster
Driving is a direct airport-to-hotel option, though the route information here gives a travel time rather than turn-by-turn directions.
For the drive itself, use a navigation service for current directions and traffic. PHL identifies rental-car shuttles as an airport ground-transport option; check with your rental company for its pickup arrangements.
Public transport and rail connections
The published rail connection from PHL to Lancaster is SEPTA’s Airport Line to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, followed by Amtrak to Lancaster.
SEPTA’s Airport Line serves the airport terminals and William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. At that station, the Airport Line connects with Amtrak and NJ Transit’s Atlantic City Line. Amtrak’s Keystone Service timetable includes both Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station and Lancaster.
PHL identifies SEPTA buses at Zone 1 outside baggage claim at Terminals A-East, B, C, D and E. If you’re at Terminal F, use the Terminal E ground-transportation area for the bus pickup. Airport Line passengers using Terminal F should use the platform at Terminal E.
Check SEPTA and Amtrak for current schedules and ticket details before setting out. The rail connection involves a transfer at 30th Street Station, so check station and train information when planning your connection.
Shuttle, taxi and rideshare questions
PHL assigns different pickup areas to taxis, app-based rides and prearranged vehicle services, so follow the signs for the service you’ve arranged.
Taxi
Taxis pick up at Zone 5 on the South Commercial Roadway. From baggage claim, follow the Ground Transportation signs. PHL names 215 Get-A-Cab, Germantown Cab Co., Philadelphia Taxicab Service Inc. and Yellow Cab as PPA-certified medallion taxi dispatch companies; all taxis accept credit cards.
App-based rides
For Uber, Lyft or another app-based ride, go to baggage claim and follow the Ride App signs to Zone 7 on the South Commercial Roadway, outside each baggage claim.
Sedan, limousine and van services
Sedan, limousine and van services use Zone 6 on the Commercial Transportation Roadway. Make a reservation in advance for shuttle-van or limousine service.
Use the marked pickup zones. PHL advises against accepting rides from drivers outside designated ground-transportation areas unless you arranged for a driver to meet you inside baggage claim.
Choosing a route for your arrival time
For rail, confirm the Airport Line and Amtrak schedules for your travel day before choosing a connection at 30th Street Station.
William H. Gray III 30th Street Station opened in 1933 and is served by Amtrak, SEPTA and NJ Transit trains.
If you’re taking a taxi or a prearranged car instead, go to the pickup zone for that service after collecting your bags: taxis use Zone 5, app-based rides use Zone 7, and sedan, limousine and van services use Zone 6.
SEPTA’s Airport Line connects the airport terminals with Center City and 30th Street Station. For the Lancaster leg, Amtrak’s Keystone Service includes Lancaster as a stop; check both operators’ official schedules before travelling.
Continuing from Lancaster to the hotel area
From Philadelphia International Airport, Dutch Wonderland Inn is about 79 minutes by car. You can review rooms at Dutch Wonderland Inn.
If your plans also include Lancaster Airport, allow time for the onward transfer.
Before you go: Transport schedules, fares and pickup arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Is there a direct train from PHL to Lancaster?
The published rail connection uses SEPTA’s Airport Line to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, then Amtrak to Lancaster.
Where do you catch a taxi at PHL?
Taxi pickups are at Zone 5 on the South Commercial Roadway. Follow Ground Transportation signs from baggage claim.
Where do app-based rides pick up at PHL?
Go from baggage claim to Ride App/Zone 7 on the South Commercial Roadway, outside each baggage claim.