<p>In Philadelphia, if you are staying in Center City and visiting close neighborhoods like the historic area (Old City, Society Hill), South Street or University City, you really don’t need a car. It’ll be more of a hindrance than a help. You can easily walk, take the subway or take short cab rides. If you are visiting multiple schools in the suburbs (in addition to Villanova), then a car is useful. The airport is not far from Center City, so cabs are not too expensive and there are airport trains.</p>
<p>In Pittsburgh, a car might come in handy to get around the various neighborhoods and for the ride to/from the airport.</p>
<p>Southwest, US Airways and United fly between PIT and PHL.</p>
<p>Meatballs, it takes about 30 minutes to walk from one side of Philly ( 30th st train station) to the east side Penns Landing. Walk to historic sites from Center City about 15 minutes. </p>
<p>A Taxi from 30th St Train station to the historic sites, would cost $10.00-$15.00. (one way)
Phlash, a trolley system runs to many of the must see historic sites, stopping at a dozen or so sites- Philly Art Museum, Ben Franklin Museum, Liberty Bell, Constitution Center, Please Touch Museum. Cost $2.00 per trip or $5.00 for all day (although budget cuts may have effected the Phlash this year)</p>
<p>If you fly into Philly, easy to take the train to the 30th St station, which runs every 30 minutes, cost $7.00. </p>
<p>I agree with JHS that flying from Pittsburgh is best plan.</p>
<p>Parking in Philly no fun- $24 a day for most lots. Perhaps your hotel would offer a discount, but still would not be needed.</p>
<p>I’d recommend flying too. I’ve done that drive several times and I don’t like it; too many huge trucks for me.
You would not need a car in Philly and finding a parking space in Center City is difficult unless you use a hotel garage.
If you want, you can rent a car for a day or two while in Pittsburgh. There are buses but to see the sights, a car would be more convenient.</p>