Philadelphia International Airport to Lancaster is a longer-distance trip with two main approaches: drive from the airport or take SEPTA’s Airport Line into Philadelphia and connect with Amtrak at 30th Street Station.
The best fit depends on whether you want to continue by car or use the rail connection. If you are planning time in town after arrival, the Lancaster city centre guide covers the central area.
- PHL is about 77 minutes by car from Classic Inn Lancaster.
- SEPTA’s Airport Line connects the airport with Center City Philadelphia.
- PHL provides an Amtrak connection at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.
- Rental cars, taxis and app-based rides have designated airport pickup areas.
Is PHL a practical airport for Lancaster?
PHL can work for a Lancaster trip if you are prepared for a drive or a connection through Philadelphia. The airport is about 77 minutes by car from the motel.
For a rail journey, SEPTA’s Airport Regional Rail Line links PHL with Center City Philadelphia. From William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, you can connect with Amtrak trains serving Lancaster. Airport Line stations include the airport’s terminals and several Center City stations, including 30th Street.
There is another local airport option: Lancaster Airport is about 18 minutes by car from Classic Inn Lancaster. For a broader look at that arrival, see Lancaster Airport to Classic Inn Lancaster.
Driving from Philadelphia International Airport
Driving is the direct option from PHL to Lancaster, with a supplied estimate of about 77 minutes from the airport to the motel.
At PHL, rental-car agencies are reached by shuttle from the baggage-claim area. The airport says the shuttles are free and pick up at Zone 2 on Arrivals Road. Rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and SIXT.
If you use a rental car, follow the airport’s current directions to the designated shuttle pickup. Airport services and arrangements can change, so check the official site before you go.
Train and connecting ground-transport options
To travel by rail, take SEPTA’s Airport Line from PHL toward Center City and connect with Amtrak at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.
Airport Line stations are at Terminals E and F, C and D, B, and A, then Eastwick, Penn Medicine Station, 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, Jefferson Station and Temple University. Every Airport Line station is wheelchair accessible. SEPTA buses 37, 108 and 115 also serve the airport, boarding at Zone 1 outside baggage claim.
Amtrak connections are available at 30th Street Station, and the Pennsylvanian route serves both Philadelphia and Lancaster. Check Amtrak and SEPTA’s official sites before you go for current service and schedules.
Rental cars, taxis, and rideshare
Rental cars, taxis and app-based rides all have designated pickup arrangements at PHL.
For a taxi, pickup is at Zone 5. Confirm fares and destinations with your chosen taxi company. Limousines use Zone 6, while van service uses Zone 7. Dispatchers for certified wheelchair-accessible vehicles include 215 Get A Cab and Germantown Taxicab.
For Uber, Lyft and other app-based rides, go to baggage claim and Ride App/Zone 7. Pickups are on South Commercial Road outside each baggage claim. The airport advises passengers to use designated ground-transportation zones and not accept unsolicited rides inside unless an inside pickup was arranged.
Turo is also available as a personal vehicle-sharing service at PHL; its designated parking area is provided in the booking confirmation.
Choosing a route for your arrival
Choose driving if you want to continue from the airport by rental car, taxi or rideshare; choose rail if you prefer the SEPTA-to-Amtrak connection through Philadelphia.
For a road arrival, confirm your rental or pickup arrangements before leaving the airport. For a train journey, check the current SEPTA and Amtrak schedules, since connection times affect the full trip. PHL is about 77 minutes by car from Classic Inn Lancaster.
FAQs
Can you take a train from Philadelphia International Airport to Lancaster?
Yes. SEPTA’s Airport Line connects PHL with Center City, where you can transfer to Amtrak at 30th Street Station for Lancaster.
Where do you catch a rideshare at PHL?
Go to baggage claim and Ride App/Zone 7. App-based rides pick up on South Commercial Road outside each baggage claim.
Where do rental-car shuttles pick up?
Rental-car shuttles pick up at Zone 2 on Arrivals Road and run between baggage claims and rental-car facilities.