Flying into Philadelphia International Airport and need to reach Rehoboth Beach? You’re not alone. PHL is the closest major airport to Delaware’s beloved beach towns – and most visitors face the same question when planning their trip. The drive is about two hours, but what if you don’t want to rent a car, pay for parking, or convince a friend to make the four-hour round trip?
There’s a better option. A local shuttle service now connects PHL directly to Lewes – just 15 to 20 minutes from Rehoboth Beach – for $65 each way. No car rental. No parking fees. No stress.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting from Philadelphia Airport to the Rehoboth area on a budget.
Why Philadelphia Airport Is Your Best Bet
PHL sits roughly two hours from Rehoboth Beach, making it the closest major airport to Delaware’s coastline. Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) is slightly farther, and flying into smaller regional airports often means fewer flight options and higher ticket prices.
Philadelphia’s airport serves as a hub for American Airlines and offers direct flights from most major U.S. cities. Once you land, the real question becomes ground transportation.
The Lewes Bus – A Game-Changing Shuttle Service
Lewes Bus launched in June 2025 as Sussex County’s first dedicated airport shuttle. The service runs twice daily in each direction between PHL and the Lewes Transit Center.
Daily Schedule
PHL to Lewes:
- 9:00 AM departure
- 5:00 PM departure
Lewes to PHL:
- 6:00 AM departure
- 2:00 PM departure
The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. You’ll be dropped off curbside at your specific terminal when heading to the airport – no hunting for shuttle stops or lugging bags across parking garages.
What It Costs
- $65 one-way per person
- $130 round-trip per person
- $55 one-way for groups of 3 or more (discount auto-applies at checkout)
- 10% off for U.S. military veterans
Compare that to rental car costs, gas, tolls on I-95 and the Delaware Memorial Bridge, plus parking fees in Rehoboth – the shuttle pays for itself quickly.
From Lewes to Rehoboth Beach – The Final Stretch
The shuttle drops you at the Lewes Transit Center (17616 Coastal Highway). From there, Rehoboth Beach is just 15 to 20 minutes away. You have two solid options for this last leg.
DART Bus: Delaware’s public transit system runs frequent routes between Lewes and Rehoboth. It’s the most affordable choice – just a few dollars per ride.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate in the area. A quick ride from the Transit Center to Rehoboth typically runs $15 to $25 depending on demand.
If you’re staying at the Canalside Inn, you’re in prime position. The inn sits close to both Lewes and Rehoboth, making either destination an easy connection from the Transit Center.
What to Expect on the Shuttle
Lewes Bus runs a 12-seat van with amenities that make the two-hour ride comfortable:
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Climate-controlled A/C
- Comfortable seating
- Ample luggage space
One thing to note – there’s no restroom onboard. Plan accordingly before departure.
Luggage Rules
Each passenger can bring:
- One standard suitcase (up to 50 lbs)
- One personal item like a backpack or laptop bag (up to 25 lbs)
Extra bags? That’s a $20 surcharge per item, and you’ll need to call ahead for approval at (302) 470-6784.
Traveling with Pets
Service animals ride free. For other pets, here’s what you need to know:
- Small dogs under 20 lbs can travel on your lap for $25
- Larger dogs require a secure crate and a separate ticket purchase
- Cats must be in enclosed carriers – $25 per cat, maximum of two
Give the shuttle at least 48 hours notice when booking if you’re bringing a pet. Space is limited.
Booking Tips and Cancellation Policy
Reservations are available online – book your PHL to Lewes ticket here. A few things worth knowing before you book:
- Online booking closes 24 hours before departure – call (302) 470-6784 for last-minute reservations
- Cancel more than 48 hours out for a full refund
- Cancel 24 to 48 hours out for a 50% refund or full credit valid for one year
- Cancel less than 24 hours out – no refund, but you get full credit for one year
- No-shows forfeit the entire fare with no credit
Flight delays happen. If yours causes you to miss the shuttle, call them immediately. They can’t hold the bus – other passengers have connections to make – but they’ll work with you on options.
Connecting from Amtrak
Taking the train from New York, Washington D.C., or anywhere on the Northeast Corridor? You can still use the Lewes Bus.
Here’s how it works: Take Amtrak to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, then catch the SEPTA Airport Line to PHL. Trains run about every 30 minutes and take roughly 25 minutes to reach the airport terminals.
When booking your shuttle, select “Taking SEPTA (Terminal D)” as your pickup location. The Lewes Bus will meet you at Terminal D’s Zone 6 area.
Free Parking at the Transit Center
Driving to Lewes to catch the shuttle? The Transit Center offers free parking managed by DART First State. This makes the shuttle even more appealing if you live in the Rehoboth area and need to catch an early flight – skip airport parking fees entirely.
Which Shuttle Should You Take?
Match your shuttle to your flight time:
- Morning flights (9 AM to 4 PM): Take the 6 AM shuttle from Lewes
- Evening flights: Take the 2 PM shuttle from Lewes
- Arriving at PHL in the morning: Catch the 9 AM shuttle to Lewes
- Arriving at PHL in the afternoon/evening: Catch the 5 PM shuttle to Lewes
The Bottom Line on Budget Beach Travel
Getting from Philadelphia Airport to Rehoboth Beach doesn’t require a rental car or an expensive taxi ride. For $65 each way – or less if you’re traveling with friends – the Lewes Bus offers a comfortable, stress-free connection to Delaware’s coast.
The shuttle drops you in Lewes, just minutes from Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and the Canalside Inn. From there, a quick DART bus or rideshare completes your journey.
Book your shuttle at lewesbus.com or purchase your PHL to Lewes tickets directly here. Questions? Call (302) 470-6784. They operate daily from 6 AM to 7 PM and respond quickly – even outside business hours for existing bookings.
Skip the rental car counter. Your beach vacation starts the moment you step off the plane.
