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!
Please note that in both the northbound and southbound directions on Columbus Blvd., from Market Street to Dock Street, are reduced to one lane as construction continues on the I-95 Cap Project. 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. 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. 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 we are an official stop partner of the Philly PHLASH for the 2026 season. This great public transportation option kicks off operations on March 27 and will offer service through December 13. The schedule is as follows:
Spring (March 27 – May 24): Weekends Only (Fridays – Sundays): 10 AM – 6 PM
Summer (May 25 – August 31): Daily Service: 10 AM – 6 PM
Fall (September 8 – December 13): Weekends Only (Fridays – Sundays): 10 AM – 6 PM
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 $15 (Family Pass). Plus, if you park at one of the lots on this list, you will receive a discounted parking rate.
We encourage visitors to utilize the PHLASH, given the construction around the museum. Hop on wherever you want, and we will meet you at stop #18: Penn’s Landing/Independence Seaport Museum. From there, it’s 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 5,17, 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.
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.