Transportation and commuting in Delaware: DART public transit services available statewide. SEPTA provides regional rail to Wilmington. Ride-sharing services: Uber and Lyft active. Amtrak connects major cities via Wilmington Station. Car rentals widely available at airports. Bike-friendly trails and routes across state. Major highways: I-95, Route 1, Route 13. Delaware EZ-Pass for toll payments. Coastal towns served by seasonal ferry. Traffic congestion common near major urban areas.
DART public transit services available statewide.
DART First State, operated by the Delaware Transit Corporation, provides comprehensive public transportation services throughout Delaware, including local and inter-county bus services, commuter rail service via SEPTA, and paratransit services. The system includes over 54 bus routes, three on-demand zones through DART Connect, and seasonal routes connecting beach towns, with various fare options and passes available for users.
SEPTA provides regional rail to Wilmington.
The SEPTA's Wilmington/Newark Line offers regional rail service extending to Wilmington and Newark in Delaware. Funding for the service in Delaware is partially provided by the Delaware Department of Transportation. The line operates primarily on weekdays, with peak trains reaching Newark, whereas weekend services conclude at Wilmington. For more detailed information, you can visit the Wilmington/Newark Line page.
Ride-sharing services: Uber and Lyft active.
Uber and Lyft are actively available in Delaware, offering various service levels including standard, luxury, and larger group options. The Delaware Office of Highway Safety has partnered with these ride-sharing giants to provide up to $20 vouchers for safe rides during holiday periods to prevent DUI/DUID crashes. For more detailed information regarding these services in Delaware, you can visit the Ride Guru website.
Amtrak connects major cities via Wilmington Station.
Wilmington Station, also known as the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station, connects major cities via Amtrak, serving nine Amtrak train routes including the Northeast Regional and Acela trains along the Northeast Corridor to cities like Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Additionally, it offers several long-distance trains to destinations such as Chicago, Charlotte, New Orleans, and Miami. For more details, you can visit the Wilmington Station webpage.
Car rentals widely available at airports.
Car rentals are widely available at Greater Wilmington Airport (ILG), with companies like Budget, Avis, and Turo offering services. The rental counters are located within the terminal, near the baggage claim, and the vehicles are within walking distance, making pickup and drop-off convenient. For more detailed information on car rentals and services, you can visit the Greater Wilmington Airport Car Rentals page.
Bike-friendly trails and routes across state.
Delaware offers a plethora of bike-friendly trails and routes, including the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, Michael N. Castle C&D Canal Trail, Georgetown-Lewes Trail, and various trails within state parks like Cape Henlopen and Lums Pond. These trails provide scenic routes through forests, coastal shores, and urban areas, with many connecting towns and cities, and some featuring historic sites and wildlife viewing opportunities. For more detailed information, explore the Visit Delaware website, which provides an extensive guide to the state's biking opportunities and experiences.
Major highways: I-95, Route 1, Route 13.
Major highways in Delaware include I-95, which runs 23.43 miles through the Wilmington area; Route 1, a controlled-access toll road that parallels US 13 in some areas. A significant highway, US Route 13, is a multilane divided highway that spans the entire north-south length of the state, connecting key cities like Seaford, Dover, and Wilmington.
Delaware EZ-Pass for toll payments.
Delaware E-ZPass offers a convenient and cost-effective way to pay tolls, with a current promotion providing free transponders to new customers until December 31, 2024. E-ZPass is accepted at various locations including Interstate 95, State Route 1, and the Delaware Memorial Bridge, allowing users to avoid cash lanes and utilize high-speed toll lanes, with discounts available for frequent travelers.
Coastal towns served by seasonal ferry.
The Delaware River & Bay Authority operates the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, providing a vital connection between Lewes, Delaware, and Cape May, New Jersey, and the Forts Ferry Crossing, which seasonally carries foot passengers between Delaware City, Delaware, and Fort Mott, New Jersey. These services play a crucial role in linking coastal towns and historic river forts in the region. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry runs daily, ensuring consistent transportation options, while the Forts Ferry Crossing operates seasonally to accommodate foot traffic during peak times.
Traffic congestion common near major urban areas.
Delaware experiences significant traffic congestion, particularly near major urban areas, with commuters wasting hours a year in traffic. This ranks the state 43rd in the nation for congestion levels, making it one of nine states where automobile commuters spend more than 30 hours annually stuck in peak-hour traffic. For a comprehensive analysis of the state's transportation issues, the 27th Annual Highway Report provides valuable insights into Delaware's traffic conditions and challenges.