<p>Hey, parents. Quick question – I’m just a country bumpkin from the South, so I’ve never rode in a taxi before. Next Thursday, however, I have to take a taxi to campus from Philadelphia International. How can I get a taxi from the airport (are they just waiting around or need I call a company)? Can I pay with debit card or do I need to carry cash? Any idea how much a cab from Philadelphia International to Swarthmore would be?</p>
<p>Thanks guys, I appreciate it.</p>
<p>Hi Sligh Anarchist!
You may do either one; just walk outside the airport and a taxi will be there or call ahead. If you want to pay with a cc, most taxi’s accept them today but many still don’t! So, before you get in just ask them to be certain. To find out the distance and cost of the taxi from point A to point B, you can call your final destination and ask approx. how much it will cost to get there from the airport. There will also be other factors which affect the cost as well such as traffic, etc! So, if you carry the cash, just be certain you have more than enough for the ride and a tip.
Good luck and safe travels!</p>
<p>You should be able to just walk outside the terminal and there will be a line of cabs. Bring enough cash, I am guessing that it will cost you at least $25 with tip, probably more.</p>
<p>Swarthmore has this info on it’s web site, why not take the train, so much less expensive.</p>
<p>The SEPTA R1 Airport Express train runs from Philadelphia International Airport to Center City Philadelphia commuter stations, with connections to the SEPTA Media/Elwyn R3 rail line to Swarthmore. The total fare is $5 ($7 if purchased on the train), and the Airport Express train runs every 30 minutes from 5:09 a.m. to 12:09 a.m. Ticket machines are located on the train platform at the airport. </p>
<p>For more information about aiport terminals, airlines, airport hotels, maps & directions, rental car information, airport parking, and ground transportation, visit the link below. </p>
<p>Philadelphia Airport General Information:
Phone: (215) 937-6800
Website: [Philadelphia</a> International Airport - PHL Airport Guide](<a href=“http://www.philadelphia-phl.com%5DPhiladelphia”>http://www.philadelphia-phl.com)</p>
<p>It should be about $30.
There will be taxis waiting at the airport.</p>
<p>Also, you most likely need to get in a line/queue. I have not been to the Philadelphia airport in quite some time…but there will be signs for taxis.</p>
<p>Here is info on transportation from the airport.
[Philadelphia</a> International Airport - Taxis and Trains](<a href=“http://www.phl.org/taxis_trains.html]Philadelphia”>http://www.phl.org/taxis_trains.html)</p>
<p>You tell the dispatcher if you want a taxi that accepts cc.</p>
<p>Years ago I had a pre-arranged ride at O’Hare…this was before cell phones and I had called from inside the terminal. I had a baby in a stroller, a three year old and a lot of luggage on a cart. </p>
<p>I managed to get to the area where you pick up pre-arranged rides and was walking toward my cab, I was given the cab number. At that point two men came running across two lanes of traffic and one said…“Look an empty cab” and they proceeded to open the cab door.</p>
<p>Well, needless to say I pitched a fit. I stood in front of the cab and announced that it was my cab and made the men get out of the cab.</p>
<p>Okay, it was hot and O’Hare with two kids. Enough said. As I got in the cab I explained not too nicely to the men where they needed to go to get a cab.</p>
<p>Thank all of you! I appreciate it a great deal. :)</p>
<p>One more little bit of advice for you: the cabs also wait in a line for customers. Go to the cab in the front of the line unless it’s a van type cab and you don’t need that. I’ve noticed in some places the drivers get a bit crazy if you try to get a cab in the middle of the line. </p>
<p>BTW mercedes, I can relate to the hot and O’Hare with two kids alone. Don’t dare mess with a parent with kids, strollers, carseats, and a car full of luggage 
I had someone try it once at O’Hare–let’s just say if looks could kill.</p>
<p>Wait, does Sligh want to use a debit card or a credit card? A lot of taxis take credit cards, but do they take credit cards? I think it is better to have cash.</p>
<p>The more important question is not how to get a taxi from the airport to your destination, it’s how to get another taxi back from the destination to your airport. In a suburban area, you will probably need to call a taxi – preferably in advance – to get picked up. Getting the phone numbers of several taxi companies would be a good idea.</p>
<p>This will sound silly, but sit in the back. The first time I took a taxi by myself, I sat up front next to the driver!</p>
<p>I second mamom: SEPTA is very good and very cheap. Son used SEPTA and NJ transit for 4 years without a hitch.</p>
<p>Carry cash. Last time I took an airport cab, the credit card machine was busted. So even though it might say “CC accepted” on the side, take enough cash to be sure.</p>