Taxi from university city to philly airport (buy, taxi driver)

[MrPointy]

I need to go tomorrow from university city to philly airport. Do reservations need to be made beforehand (I have luggage) ? What number to call ?

How long would it take (say departing at 5pm) ?

Thanks!

[newmarlig]

Just call about 10 minutes in advance. When I want a cab in center city, I used Olde City Cab - (215) 247-7678. It's not a long ride (about 15 minutes), but there will be traffic at 5:00 p.m. so allow for extra time. You can also take the R1 Septa train from University City. (South Street & Convention Avenue) Go to SEPTA - then click on service and schedules and regional rail for the schedule. It takes you right into the airport. You just get off at your terminal.

[docindigo76]

I will second the suggestion to take the train. It is easier and cheaper--$7 to ride vs. $26.50 (I think) for the cab.

If you can buy a ticket at either the U City station or 30th St. it is a dollar less.

[MrPointy]

Thats good, I thought it would take 30-45 mins and reservations had to be made a lot in advance.

I will take the cab, I have ~130lbs of luggage, and am strapped a bit short on time !

Originally Posted by newmarlig

Just call about 10 minutes in advance. When I want a cab in center city, I used Olde City Cab - (215) 247-7678. It's not a long ride (about 15 minutes), but there will be traffic at 5:00 p.m. so allow for extra time. You can also take the R1 Septa train from University City. (South Street & Convention Avenue) Go to SEPTA - then click on service and schedules and regional rail for the schedule. It takes you right into the airport. You just get off at your terminal.

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by MrPointy

Thats good, I thought it would take 30-45 mins and reservations had to be made a lot in advance.

I will take the cab, I have ~130lbs of luggage, and am strapped a bit short on time !

It is rush hour, so do allow extra time for delays. And yes, with 130lbs of luggage, I would take a cab too.

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by docindigo76

I will second the suggestion to take the train. It is easier and cheaper--$7 to ride vs. $26.50 (I think) for the cab.

If you can buy a ticket at either the U City station or 30th St. it is a dollar less.

FYI - the set fare (and it's $28.50 now) is only from center city. Everywhere else, the meter runs.

[docindigo76]

Originally Posted by newmarlig

FYI - the set fare (and it's $28.50 now) is only from center city. Everywhere else, the meter runs.

I figured the fare had increased--been a while since I've done the cab thing to and from the airport. In limited places in UC though, i.e., the university campuses, the rate is still the flat one, unless that's changed too--doesn't the flat rate extend out to 40th St?

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by docindigo76

I figured the fare had increased--been a while since I've done the cab thing to and from the airport. In limited places in UC though, i.e., the university campuses, the rate is still the flat one, unless that's changed too--doesn't the flat rate extend out to 40th St?

$28.50 Airport flat rate (to and from Center City Zone)
Note: An additional $1.00 per passenger ($3.00 maximum) after the first passenger will be charged on flat rate trips between the Airport and Center City for those passengers over the age of 12.
For areas outside Center City, the P.P.A. has authorized the taxi drivers to add $1.50 per trip egress fee as an additional charge to the fare and is payable at destination.
Center City Zone is defined between the Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers as falling between South Street on the south and Fairmount Avenue on the north. West of the Schuylkill River to 38th Street between JFK Boulevard around 30th Street Station (2900 Arch Street) to it's intersection with 32nd and Market Street and along a line west on Market to it's intersection with
38th Street, south on 38th Street to it's intersection with Spruce Street, east on Spruce Street to it's intersection with South Street.
The minimum fare including the egress fee for any trip starting at the airport: $10.00

[lunastrixae]

This is too late for you, but it's only about $20 from University City to the airport. SEPTA is cheaper, but can take forever certain times of the day if you have to get to 30th street first, drag your stuff into a trolley, etc.

Old City Taxi has an airport only service you can schedule in advance. They are very reliable.
1215-247-7678

[newmarlig]

Originally Posted by lunastrixae

This is too late for you, but it's only about $20 from University City to the airport. SEPTA is cheaper, but can take forever certain times of the day if you have to get to 30th street first, drag your stuff into a trolley, etc.

Old City Taxi has an airport only service you can schedule in advance. They are very reliable.
1215-247-7678

The University City train station is at South Street & Convention Avenue - so there's no need to go to 30th Street. I agree though if you have heavy luggage a cab to the airport is best.