Wilmington, DE Discount Hotels

Population:  72,664

Elevation:  134 feet

Time Zone:  Eastern Time Zone (5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT)). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October.  When it is 12:00 noon in New York City, it is also 12:00 noon in Wilmington and 9:00 AM in Los Angeles. 

Average Temperatures:

When to Visit:  The climate is moderate throughout the year, but there are four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures can rise above 90 F with high humidity. Winters are cold enough for snow to fall some of the time, and it can be as much as 4 degrees F/2 C colder in the north than in the south. Spring and fall are changeable, with temperatures ranging 42-67 F/6-19 C. Air temperatures along the Atlantic are about 10 degrees warmer in winter and cooler in summer than they are in the rest of the state.

Holidays Observed:  

New Year's Day Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Good Friday (date varies)

Memorial Day last Mon. in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Columbus Day 2^nd Monday in October

Veterans Day, Nov. 11

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Day Dec. 25

Getting There

By Plane

Most people flying into Northern Delaware use the Philadelphia International Airport (tel. 215/937-6800), about a half-hour ride from downtown Wilmington. Many Wilmington hotels operate courtesy shuttles to and from the airport. Car-rental agencies are located at the airport.   

Shuttle van service is available from Delaware Express Shuttle (tel. 800/648-5466 or 302/454-7800) from the Philadelphia airport to the Wilmington area. For the most prompt service, and a better price, reserve by phone or online at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, look for the phone near the customer service center near baggage claim.

By Train

Wilmington is a stop on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor line (tel. 800/USA-RAIL), with Acela, Metroliner, and unreserved trains stopping here several times daily. The Wilmington Amtrak station is at Martin Luther King Boulevard and French Street, on the Riverfront. There's a taxi stand outside.

By Car

I-95 cuts across the city's center. The Delaware Memorial Bridge (part of I-295) connects Wilmington to the New Jersey Turnpike and points north. From southern Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia, Route 13 enters the city.

By Bus :   Daily service is provided into the Wilmington Transportation Center at 101 N. French St. (tel. 302/655-6111) by Greyhound (tel. 800/229-9424) and Trailways/Peter Pan (tel. 800/343-9999).

Getting Around

By Bus 

Wilmington has a bus system known as DART (Delaware Administration for Regional Transit). Blue-and-white signs indicating stops are located throughout the city, and regular routes can take you to some hotels, museums, theaters, and parks, as well as the malls and historic New Castle. Fares are based on a zone system; the minimum fare for one zone is $1.15. Exact change is required. For information on schedules and fares, call DART First State (302)577-3278.

By Shuttle

DART operates the Trolley, a 25¢-bus, (exact change required) that takes visitors from Rodney Square to the Amtrak Station to the Riverfront. Shuttles run weekdays from 7am to 7pm. The route goes up Walnut Street north via Rodney Square and West Street to 13th Street and down Market Street and King Street to the starting point. Service is provided every 30 minutes. The whole ride takes about 10 minutes.

By Car

Wilmington's attractions are scattered around town.   As many visitors combine a visit to the city with a tour of Brandywine Valley attractions, a car is almost a necessity.