<p>Happy to help too if I can. I’m another parent of two, one recent alum and one senior, and like dadx3, I’m also an alum myself. </p>
<p>The best way to get from JFK to Swarthmore is to drive, really, taking the NJ Turnpike to the PA Turnpike exit (#6) to the Blue Route (476) to the Swat exit (#3). It would be easier just to fly into Phila. airport, which is a half-hour drive (or less), if you can. </p>
<p>There are perfectly fine hotels in the airport area, lots of great hotels in Philly, and a handful of places out closer to the school. If you’re flying and not renting a car, staying in Center City makes more sense, because you can take the SEPTA train (the R3, formerly the Media Local) directly to the foot of McGill Walk.</p>
<p>Things don’t really fill up unless there’s something major going on in the city. And Swarthmore rents dorm rooms out to families of graduating seniors when commencement rolls around, if you’re looking that far ahead.</p>