Bethlehem is located in the Northeastern United States, only 59 miles (94 km) north of Philadelphia and 83 miles (133 km) west of New York City. There are many convenient ways to get here.
Arriving by Plane
There are three commercial airports located within a reasonable distance of Bethlehem. International travelers will find the best options with Newark Liberty International, although Philadelphia International is also a reasonable choice. Please see below for information on the airport transfer service that (for an extra fee) will take you to/from Newark or Philadelphia to the conference hotels!
Lehigh Valley International (ABE)
7 miles (15 minute drive) from Bethlehem.
Most area hotels offer free shuttles to/from the airport. However, despite the name, this airport currently only offers domestic flights. There are about 25 direct flights a day to/from Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte, and Philadelphia as well as a bus to/from Newark that can be purchased as part of a flight connection. If you decide to make a connection to ABE after an internatonal flight, be sure to allow plenty of time to process through customs between legs.
Newark Liberty International (EWR)
70 miles (1hr 15 min drive) from Bethlehem.
Although slightly further than Philadelphia, the drive is more direct. About 10 buses a day depart for Bethlehem. This airport has major international connections including London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Barcelona, Rome, Toronto, Paris, and Dubai. From the airport you can take a Trans-Bridge bus to Bethlehem (see below) or make arrangements with the transfer service.
Philadelphia International (PHL)
66 miles (1 hr 20 min drive) from Bethlehem.
International connections include London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam. If you fly into this airport, it is best to either use the transfer service or rent a car. Another option is to take the SEPTA Airport Line (train) to 30th Street Station, and then take a Bieber Bus to Bethlehem (see below).
Airport Transfer Service
Ride Sharing
We have arranged with A-1 Limousine to coordinate ground transporation from both Newark Liberty International and Philadelphia International to all of our conference hotels. A-1 Limousine has developed a special ISWC Ride Sharing Program #9077 that you can use in conjunction with both your arrival and departure flights. Assuming that at least 5 passengers could be scheduled with you, your price will be no more than $60 per way. Since the price depends on the number of travelers enrolled in the program, you will want to contact A-1 Limousine as soon as time permits to provide your flight information. At that time, the reservationist can secure your space. A-1 Limousine will supply you with your special rate once all travelers have responded. To guarantee your spot, please contact A-1 Limousine no later than Wednesday, September 30th Monday, October 5. When calling to book your transfer, you must reference account #9077 to qualify for the program and mention the 14th International Semantic Web Conference hosted by Lehigh University. A credit card is REQUIRED at the time of booking all reservations. There are two ways to reserve a spot:
- Call one of the following numbers
- Domestic Number: 1-800-367-0070
- International Number: 1-609-951-0070
- Fill out this form and send to:
- E-mail: mmarchand at a1limo dot com
- Fax: 1-609-951-9330
Individual Car Service
If you are looking to book an exclusive vehicle for you and your travelling companions, there are two options:
- A-1 Limousine. If you choose not to participate in the A-1 Limousine Ride Sharing Program, you are still eligible for the Lehigh University Discount Rate that will apply to your private car reservation. In booking your reservation please mention Account # 9077.
- Domestic Number: 1-800-367-0070
- International Number: 1-609-951-0070
- J&J Luxury Transportation. J&J has offered a 5% discount to all ISWC attendees for individually booked vehicles. Be sure to mention ISWC at time of reservation to receive the discount.
- Email: team@jjtransportation.com
- Phone: 1-610-776-1516 / 1-800-726-5466
- Fax: 1-610-776-6934
Arriving by Rail
Unfortunately, there is no passenger rail service to the Lehigh Valley. However, you can take the train to either location below, and then transfer to a bus.
- 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA: Take a Bieber bus to Bethlehem (see below)
- Grand Central Station, NYC: Take the subway (Grand Central Shuttle/ 42 Street Shuttle) to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Take a Trans-Bridge bus to Bethlehem (see below)
Arriving by Bus
- Trans-Bridge: Has routes from Newark Liberty International airport, JFK, and the NYC Port Authority Bus terminal to the Bethlehem Bus Terminal (12 E. Mechanic St.). Also has a bus from the NYC Port Authority Terminal directly to the Sands Casino Resort.
- Bieber Tourways: Has routes from Philadelphia's 30th St. Station to the the Bethlehem Bus Terminal (12 E. Mechanic St.)
Arriving by Car
From the East (Newark, NYC, etc.)
- Take I-78 West (note there is a toll on this road)
- Take exit 67 for PA-412 toward Hellertown/Bethlehem
From the South (Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., etc.)
- Take I-95 to I-476 N
- Continue on I-476 N (note there is a toll on this road)
- Take exit 44 for PA-663 toward Quakertown/Pottstown
- Turn left on PA-663 towards PA-309/Quakertown
- Turn left onto PA-309 N
- Turn right on PA-378 N towards Bethlehem
From the West
- Take I-81 N toward Harrisburg, PA
- Continue 20 miles past Harrisburg
- Take exit 89 for I-78 E toward Allentown
- Drive 50 miles on I-78
- Keep right at the fork to continue on US-22 E
- Take the PA-378 S exit toward Bethlehem
Getting around Bethlehem
Although some travelers may find that renting a car gives them the most flexibility, you do not need a car in order to travel around Bethlehem. Here are some options:
- Local buses: Buses within the Lehigh Valley are provided by LANta. The two routes most likely to be of interest to ISWC attendees are the 102 and 105. Here's a map of all of the routes.
- Hotel shuttle: Some hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to locations within town
- Anytime Taxi by J&J: Call 1-800-726-5466 for rides anywhere within the Lehigh Valley.
- Uber: Uber now services the Lehigh Valley. You can use your smart phone to connect to a driver and pay your fare.
- Walk: All of the conference hotels are located near restaurants and shops, and no conference hotel is more than a 45 minutes walk from the conference venues. Please use common sense when walking: stick to busy, well-lit streets, and travel in groups if possible.
ISWC and Lehigh provide the above as resources only. The provision of these resources does not constitute an endorsement by ISWC and Lehigh, nor does ISWC or Lehigh take responsibility or assume liability for any use thereof.