Something to do during a layover

I have a 4 hour layover in Philadelphia from Nassau. I was wondering if there is anything close by that I will be able to do like a restaurant or anything. Thanks!!

Something to do during a layover

In my opinion, 4 hours is not enough time to leave the airport, but others here will disagree. There are two main reasons why it is not enough time: the airline wants you back 2 hours before your flight, so your 4 hours is really 2 hours, and depending on conditions, it could take you a while to get through security coming back. The second reason is transportation to and from the airport. If there is no traffic, it%26#39;s only a 20 minute cab ride to town ($28.50 each way), or a 25 minute train ride on the SEPTA R1 ($7.50 each way) assuming there are no train problems. The trains run twice an hour, so you have waiting time. Traffic and train problems can happen at any time. Then, there%26#39;s clearing customs. Could be 2 minutes, could be 30 minutes. Also, if you are on US Air, it is probable that your flight will be late, so both of these things will eat into your 4 (really 2) hours.

So, you wind up with this:

4 hour layover

- 2 hour airline report time

- 1 hour travel and customs

leaves 1 hour in town if nothing goes wrong.

Now, others have done it in 4 hours- it really depends on how flexible you can be if something goes wrong.

You didn%26#39;t mention day of week or time of day- these both affect the timing. For example, if you are trying to do this on a Friday afternoon, forget it. Traffic is bad, and the security lines are huge.

Now, what kind of food do you like? If you decide to try it, we can make some suggestions. BTW, there is a mini-mall and a TGIFriday%26#39;s in the terminal.

Something to do during a layover

This question has been asked a couple times recently and if you search on the terms ';layover'; and ';pit stop'; you%26#39;ll find a range of opinions on what to do in a short time.

I%26#39;d have to agree with Owyln that 4 hours is a little short...you may be able to amuse yourself in the airport during this time with shopping and dining %26amp; viewing the art exhibitions...

http://www.philamarketplace.com/

http://www.phl.org/art_current.html

Tight? Yea, but do able. If you wanted to just amuse yourself, you%26#39;d be able to catch the train to Market East, got to Reading Terminal Market have a bite to eat or go look at the Liberty Bell / Independence Hall. Or hell, just ride the train to the city and back. Better than sitting around for 4 hours.

Since I assume you%26#39;ll be heading home to Indiana, it%26#39;s not too much of a concern for checking in. I always have best luck with security at Terminal B - takes no more than 15 minutes typically.

But as owlyn eluded to, it comes down to timing. If you get the the platform at the airport and have to wait 30 minutes for the next train, forget it. From my experience, the Airport trains are very rarely delayed because they build in waiting time at the Airport terminus.

Here%26#39;s the schedule: septa.com/service/sched/pdfs/R1Airport.pdf

30th Street; Amtrak, awesome station worth at least seeing - ranks as one of the top architectural buildings in the country.

Suburban Station will be center city; Love Park, City Hall, little stroll around town

Market East for Reading Terminal, historic sights.

First, you are assuming you will arrive and get to the gate on time (not likely).

Then, you have to collect your luggage, clear customs and re-check.

At this point, you are down to 3 hours if you are doing well.

You%26#39;d really be pushing it to get in and out of the city for any meaningful time.

Yeah- I forgot about claiming luggage. The odds of you making it to town and back are very slim. Enjoy the airport%26#39;s amenities.

FYI. The US operates a pre-clearance facility at the Nassau airport, so you actually will clear US Customs and Immigration in the Bahamas and won%26#39;t have to do it in Philadelphia. All other time-constraint issues still apply, however.

In that case, the flight will likwly come in to one of the Terminal As with the luggage will going to Terminal B. Add 15 minutes for the walk.

If its pre-cleared, the luggage will not need to be claimed if on the same airline..

I thought I didn%26#39;t have to get my luggage. I thought that the airline people transfer the luggage. I am going back to Indiana on a Monday and will arrive (hopefully on time) 2:30. I thought that 4 hours in an airport would be boring. I think we will try to do something. I don%26#39;t know yet. The websites are really helpful. Keep them coming!! Thanks!!

If your luggage is pre-cleared in Nassau you will not have to get it in Philly. However, according to the customs website, the pre-clear facility is not in operation for every flight, so I can%26#39;t say for sure what will happen.

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