Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is much faster, but driving is a great road trip experience.

How long is the flight?

The flight time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Yes, Amtrak's Pennsylvanian line runs from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia.

What is the best way to get around?

The SEPTA system and walking are the best ways to explore the city.

Is Philadelphia safe?

Like any major city, it has safe and unsafe areas; stay aware of your surroundings.

Northfield

Philadelphia

Flight Driving

Northfield to Philadelphia

Updated: 28 May 2026

The distance from Northfield to Philadelphia is approximately 1,200 miles. You can drive via I-90 East and I-80 East, which takes about 18 to 20 hours, or fly from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Philadelphia (PHL), which takes about 2.5 hours in the air. Flying is significantly faster, while driving allows for a scenic road trip through the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Philadelphia is a historic city with extensive public transit options.

Total Distance: 1,930 km driving distance; 1,700 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from MSP to PHL is the fastest method, totaling about 5 hours including airport time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper if you are traveling with more than one person.

Compare Northfield to Philadelphia Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	2 hours 30 mins	19 hours
Avg Price	$220-$400	$180-$220 in fuel
Operator	American or Delta Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	MSP to PHL	I-90 East to I-80 East
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance for the best fares.	Plan for at least one overnight stop; Cleveland is a good halfway point.

Travel Tips

Public Transit
Use the SEPTA system to navigate the city; it is efficient and covers most of the area.
Traffic
Avoid driving in downtown Philadelphia during rush hour; it is very congested.
Parking
Parking in downtown Philadelphia is very expensive; use public parking garages.
Airport Access
Take the SEPTA Airport Line directly from PHL to downtown Philadelphia.
Weather
Philadelphia can be very hot and humid in the summer; dress in light, breathable clothing.

Safety Tips

City Awareness
Stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.
Driving
Be prepared for heavy traffic and complex street layouts in the city.
Personal Belongings
Keep your bag in front of you in crowded tourist areas to prevent pickpocketing.
Emergency
Dial 911 for emergencies; Philadelphia has a robust emergency response system.