traveling
Traveling to the Seaport
Below is important traveling information to know before your next visit to Independence Seaport Museum. We break down the parking options, provide directions, and public transportation information.
TRAVEL ALERT!
Starting on Monday, July 15 southbound on Columbus Boulevard from Market Street to Dock Street will be reduced to one lane as construction continues on the I-95 Cap Project. This is projected to be in effect until mid-2025. We encourage visitors to give themselves extra time traveling to ISM, as this is expected to create backups and delays on the street, as well as impact travel on Delaware Avenue towards Penn’s Landing.
Due to the construction along Columbus Boulevard for the I-95 Cap Project, allowing extra travel time to get to the museum is encouraged. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Parking
The closest parking lot is located next to the building, in the Hilton Penn’s Landing Parking Garage on Columbus Boulevard. Please note, the lot is first come, first serve.
Another close lot is the Lombard Circle lot, located at Columbus Boulevard. and Lombard Circle. Close to both the Olympia and the Becuna, it is run by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. The fee to park there is $20 per car and $40 per oversized vehicle. More information can be found here.
Visitors can also utilize parking options, like the Autopark at Old City (125 S 2nd Street). This section of Philadelphia is a short walk to/from the Independence Seaport Museum.
ADA Accessible Parking
ADA accessible designated parking spaces are available next door in the Hilton Parking Garage. The parking lot can be entered at the intersection of Walnut Street and Columbus Boulevard.
PHLASH
The Independence Seaport Museum is excited to announce that it is an official stop partner of the Philadelphia PHLASH for the 2024 season. The schedule is as follows:
Spring/Summer Service: Daily operations (10:00 AM and 6:00 PM) through September 2, 2024.
Fall Service: Weekend service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 6, 2024, through December 15, 2024.
Holiday Service: Daily holiday services will operate from December 20, 2024, through December 31, 2024, with no service on Christmas Day.
Operated by the Independence Visitor Center, this bus is a great way to not only see all the iconic sites and attractions in the city, but offers a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to travel during your visit. Available to purchase online or in-person, tickets range from $5 (One-Day Pass) to $12 (All-Day Family Pass). Plus, if you park at one of the lots on this list, you will receive a discounted parking rate.
We encourage visits to utilize the PHLASH given the construction around the museum. Hop on wherever you want, and we will meet you at stop #15: Penn’s Landing/Independence Seaport Museum. From there, it is a short walk to our front doors!
Directions
Independence Seaport Museum is located on Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing waterfront. We are a short walk from the Old City historic district and can be accessed on foot either from Market Street (Follow the steps down to the river and then walk along the water until you see our building.) or from Columbus Boulevard (Cross over Columbus Boulevard via Dock Street, make a left at the Hilton, and then a right at the Walnut Street light. Then continue straight until you see our building).
Public Transportation
- SEPTA: Bus routes 17*, 21*, 25, 42*, and 48. Market-Frankford Line, 2nd street station
- PATCO: The 8th & Market stop is the closest to the Museum, just a quick cab ride or walk through the historic district.
- Use GoPhillyGo for biking, walking, and public transportation directions to visit us.
* Indicates routes that have been rerouted due to the closure of the Chestnut Street Bridge. Please click here to learn more.
visit the seaport museum
Immerse yourself in award-winning exhibitions and climb aboard the Olympia, a nineteenth-century cruiser, and the Becuna, a World War II-era submarine.
