Port of Philadelphia – Transportation

Getting to PhilaPort – Philadelphia Cruise Terminal

Philadelphia is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The cruise terminal (Pier 1 South) is located along the Delaware River waterfront, approximately 10 miles from Philadelphia International Airport and 3 miles from Center City.

⚠️ Spring 2026: Check-In at Clarion Hotel, Essington

For current Norwegian Cruise Line sailings, your check-in location is the Clarion Hotel Philadelphia International Airport, 76 Industrial Hwy, Essington, PA — approximately 6 miles from the pier. Do not go directly to the port. If you booked NCL airport transfers, you will be taken directly to the hotel.

From Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Philadelphia International Airport is approximately 10 miles from the cruise pier and about 6 miles from the temporary Clarion Hotel check-in location. Travel time is 15–25 minutes by car or rideshare depending on traffic. Take I-95 North toward the city, then follow signs to Columbus Boulevard and the waterfront.

From Center City Philadelphia

The cruise terminal is approximately 3 miles from City Hall in Center City — a 10–15 minute drive. Head east on Market Street or Walnut Street toward the Delaware River waterfront, then south on Columbus Boulevard (Route 611) to Pier 1 South.

From New York City

Philadelphia is approximately 95 miles southwest of New York City via I-95 South — roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Plan extra time if traveling during morning rush hour or on busy embarkation days.

From Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is approximately 140 miles south via I-95 North — roughly 2.5 to 3 hours by car. Philadelphia is a natural mid-Atlantic homeport for cruisers coming from the D.C./Maryland/Virginia area.

By Rideshare or Taxi

Uber and Lyft both serve the Philadelphia area. During the current temporary arrangement, request your rideshare to the Clarion Hotel (76 Industrial Hwy, Essington) rather than the pier. On return, note that rideshares and taxis are not available at the pier — you will be shuttled to the Clarion Hotel first, then arrange pickup from there.

By Train (Amtrak)

Philadelphia 30th Street Station is one of Amtrak's busiest hubs, with direct trains from New York Penn Station (approximately 70 minutes), Washington Union Station (approximately 90 minutes), and Boston South Station (approximately 5.5 hours). From 30th Street Station, take a taxi or rideshare to either the Clarion Hotel check-in location or the pier, depending on current NCL instructions.

Driving Directions to Pier 1 South

For future reference once the permanent terminal opens: the pier address is 5 S. Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19106. From I-95, take the exit for Columbus Boulevard/Washington Avenue and head north along the waterfront. Pier 1 South will be on your right.