Travelers everywhere this Thanksgiving can anticipate fare hikes, heavy traffic, long lines and lots of red tape as a precursor to turkey and mashed potatoes.
This year, AAA Mid-Atlantic expects the number of travelers going to and from the Philadelphia area to set a record.
So for getting quickly and easily out of the Philadelphia region, here are some options.
n Planes: Hopefully, you've already booked your airline ticket. But, if, for whatever reason, you have not, a travel Web site such as Farecast.com might help you find a cheap way to fly. Otherwise, expect to run up your credit-card balance with a hefty fare.
You can take a cab to the airport for about $25 or take the R1 regional rail line from University City, which runs to Philadelphia International Airport roughly every 20 minutes and costs about $6.50.
Today marks the first day of the Undergraduate Assembly buses. The buses will run from Upper Quad Gate to the Philadelphia International Airport today from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., on the hour. Tomorrow, they will run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., on the hour; and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., every half-hour.
This year, the UA pre-sold about 100 $3 tickets from the Penn Card Office in the Franklin Building.
Those who did not pre-buy a ticket can still get one today and tomorrow at the Upper Quad Gate.
Students can use PennCash, an SFS Credit Account or cash.
But UA members warn that those who did not pre-buy a ticket should show up early.
n Trains: Amtrak's Philadelphia hub is located just a short distance from Penn at 30th Street Station. Trains might be a good option for travelers headed for New York, Boston or Washington, D.C., and most places along the way. Fares start at about $60 for a one-way trip. Tickets are available at Amtrak.com.
As for regional rail service, students can get to New York by taking the R7 from 30th Street Station and transferring to NJ Transit in Trenton.
n Buses: For those who want to go Greyhound, note that options are limited to many locations, but fares are reasonable (about $25 to major cities). To view fares and schedules, visit Greyhound.com.
Students who live in New York and Washington can get home by taking the so-called Chinatown buses that run to these cities about every hour. Fares are about $12 and can be purchased at the New Century Travel office, which is at 11th and Arch streets and is also the pick-up point. To purchase tickets online, visit 2000coach.com.
If you happen to have your own set of wheels, check your oil, tires and lights before you leave. Also, be sure to have your cell phone charged in case of emergency. Leave as early as possible and expect at least an hour or two more than your usual commute home due to the holiday traffic. And don't forget money for tolls.
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