villanova university walking tour

Copyright © Villanova University. All rights reserved.

Map Terms & Conditions | Map Privacy Policy

Copyright © Villanova University. All rights reserved.

Map Terms & Conditions | Map Privacy Policy

• STUDENT LIFE /
• Parent and Family Relations /
• Visit Villanova

VISIT VILLANOVA

We're thrilled you're considering visiting our campus! We've compiled a list of transportation options, local attractions, accommodations and restaurants to help those planning to come to Villanova.

TRANSPORTATION

Villanova University is 12 miles west of Center City Philadelphia in the heart of the historic Main Line. Located near the intersection of two major interstate highways, I-76 and I-476, Villanova's campus is easily accessible by car, commuter train, trolley, or bus. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located 20 miles from campus.

Arriving by Car

Campus Address: 800 E. Lancaster Avenue Villanova, PA 19085

Interactive Campus Map | Printable Campus & Parking Map

From New York and New England: Take the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) to Exit 6 (Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) Exit). Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-276) Westbound to Exit 20 (Mid-County Interchange) I-476 South/Chester. Follow I-476 South to Exit 13 (Villanova/St. Davids).  At the bottom of ramp turn right and proceed east on Lancaster Avenue (US-30) for just under a half mile to St. Thomas Way and turn right for parking.

From the West: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) to Exit 326 - Valley Forge. Take I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) to Exit 331A (I-476 South/Chester).  Follow I-476 South to Exit 13 (Villanova/St. Davids).  At the bottom of ramp turn right and proceed east on Lancaster Avenue (US-30) for just under a half mile to St. Thomas Way and turn right for parking.

From the South: Take I-95 North to Exit 7 (I-476 (Blue Route) North-Plymouth Meeting). Take I-476 (Blue Route) North to  Exit 13 (Villanova/St. Davids) Lancaster Avenue) to Route 30 East, also known as Lancaster Avenue. At the bottom of ramp turn right and proceed east on Lancaster Avenue (US-30) for just under a half mile to St. Thomas Way and turn right for parking.

Arriving by Train/Trolley

Via Regional Rail: Take SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line to Villanova Station - located directly on campus.  Take the pedestrian tunnel under the tracks and walk up the hill through the walkway under Mendel Science Center and proceed to the top of the hill, passing Old Falvey on your left.  When you reach the brick pathway, follow the diagonal path around the fountain and through the Campus Green to the Office of Undergraduate Admission in Austin Hall .

Via Trolley: SEPTA's Norristown High Speed Line travels between Norristown and 69th Street Terminal. You may get on or off the trolley at the Villanova Station . Walk north toward the twin spires of the St. Thomas of Villanova Church (pictured above).  Proceed across Lancaster Avenue toward the Church.  Once in front of the Church, turn right and walk past the Augustinian Cemetery on your left, following signs to the Office of Undergraduate Admission, located on the ground level of Austin Hall .  Austin Hall is the second building to the right of the Church.

Arriving by Plane

Arrange to fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) , which is located approximately 20 miles from the Villanova campus. From the airport you have several options:

Rental Car: (or other private transportation): When leaving the airport, follow the signs for I-95 South. Take I-95 South to Exit 7 (I-476 (Blue Route) North-Plymouth Meeting). Take I-476 (Blue Route) North to Exit 13 (US 30 - St. Davids/Villanova). At the bottom of ramp turn right and proceed east on Lancaster Avenue (US-30) for just over one-half mile to Ithan Avenue and turn left.  Proceed half a block north on Ithan Avenue and the University Main Gate will be on your left.

Train: Ask the attendant at the airport baggage counter to direct you to the train station. SEPTA Airport Line trains stop at all Philadelphia International Airport terminals, and reach Center City Philadelphia in approximately 25 minutes. Fares can be purchased prior to boarding via a kiosk in the airport using a credit card ( more info ). Fares purchased on-board trains are cash only and be sure to tell the conductor your final destination ( Villanova Station ) when you are paying your fare. Plan to have approximately $10 for each passenger. If you intend to take more than one trip that day, your best value would be to purchase a one-day Independence Pass from the conductor ($13 individual or $30 family-good for up to 5 people traveling together), which is good for unlimited rides on all trains, buses, subways and trolleys for that day only.

At 30th Street Station, change trains and board the SEPTA Paoli/Thorndale Line train to Villanova Station - directly on campus. See further instructions above.

Taxi: All taxi services can be accessed at Zone 5 outside of each terminal baggage claim area. You should expect to pay $50 or more for a trip to Villanova. All taxis accept credit cards.

Uber: Uber airport pick-up will depend upon which vehicle type is selected. Please click here for more information .  

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Numerous businesses are within walking and driving distance to Villanova's campus. Places like Lancaster Avenue, Suburban Square in Ardmore and the Villanova Center adjacent to campus offer countless options for sipping coffee, grabbing ice cream, shopping and more. Please see below for a few suggestions and check out visitdelcopa.com for more ideas:

Main Line: Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Wayne

Ardmore and suburban square.

Suburban Square , located in Ardmore, is a pedestrian-friendly, densely packed retail area. Suburban Square is home to many different businesses including a Farmer’s Market, Trader Joe’s, a 70,000 square foot LifeTime Athletic and countless retail stores and restaurants. There is plenty of outdoor seating which allows for family-fun events including Ardmore Restaurant Week, Oktoberfest and a chili cook-off.   

Ardmore’s signature Clover Market is held three weekends in the spring and two weekends in the fall featuring vintage goods and artisan wares. 

Ardmore can be accessed via the Ardmore stop on SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line.

The town of Bryn Mawr runs along Route 30 in the heart of the Main Line where you'll find many family-owned businesses, boutiques, restaurants and more.  

Bryn Mawr can be accessed via the Bryn Mawr stop on SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line.

Wayne is one of the many wonderful shopping and dining towns along the Main Line. Located in Radnor Township, guests can stroll around town and enjoy a wide selection of fashion boutiques, restaurants, spas and other merchants. With more than a dozen restaurants and bars located along Restaurant Row, there is something for all palates. 

Wayne can be accessed via the Wayne stop on SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line.  

King of Prussia and Valley Forge

King of prussia mall.

The King of Prussia Mall is the second-largest shopping mall in the United States and located just six miles from Villanova. Featuring a diverse mix of over 450 stores, the King of Prussia Mall has something for everyone. Additionally, a variety of dining options are available at three food courts and multiple sit-down restaurants in and around the mall.  

The King of Prussia Mall is located at the junction of Routes 202, 76, 422 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike and can also be reached via public transportation .  

King of Prussia Town Center

King of Prussia Town Center is a retail center located at The Village at Valley Forge, a large-scale development project comprised of Wegmans, the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and five new residential developments. 

Major retailers including Nordstrom Rack, Ulta, REI and LA Fitness surround a vibrant Main Street lined with a mix of dining, retail and service providers. You can find open green space with various outdoor events throughout the year at the Town Center.

Valley Forge Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War which took place from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778. Today, the National Park Service preserves the site which sits on 3,500 acres of land and contains historical buildings, recreated encampment structures, memorials, museums and recreational facilities. The Park has over a million visitors each year and provides 26 miles of hiking and biking trails that are connected to a robust regional trails system. Wildlife watching, fishing and boating on the nearby Schuylkill River also are popular.  

Valley Forge Park cannot be accessed by public transportation. 

Philadelphia and Manayunk

Philadelphia.

The birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia  is full of museums, vibrant parks, national historic sites and famous food. Take time to check out a Phillies baseball game, visit the Liberty Bell in Old City and try Philadelphia’s most famous cheesesteaks! 

Philadelphia can be accessed through various public transportation outlets via SEPTA's Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line, the Norristown High Speed Line and various buses. The Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line provides the most direct access to Center City Philadelphia.

Manayunk 

Located 10 miles from Villanova,  Manayunk  is nestled along the banks of the Schuylkill River, the Manayunk Canal and Tow Path. The commercial district is lined with renovated Victorian storefronts and mill buildings giving visitors an urban experience with small-town charm. Manayunk is home to countless restaurants and shops and known for its fun outdoor events such as the Street Food Festival, Dog Days of Summer, Manayunk Arts Festival and more. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

As you plan your visit to Villanova, you may need to reserve a hotel room or two. There are plenty of options in the area. Stay awhile!*

Local Accommodations

The Villanova University-owned and operated Inn was recently renovated and offers our guests a setting that is fresh and comfortable with the gracious hospitality that is a Villanova tradition.

The Inn at Villanova University 601 E. County Line Road, Radnor, PA 19087 Phone: 610-519-8000

PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PHL) AREA

Marriott Philadelphia Airport 1 Arrivals Road, Philadelphia, PA 19153

Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport 9000 Bartram Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19153

DoubleTree by Hilton 4509 Island Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153

Renaissance 500 Stevens Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19113

Quality Inn 600 S Governor Printz Blvd., Lester, PA 19029

Sheraton Suites 4101 B Island Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 100 Lawrence Road, Broomall, PA 19008

CONSHOHOCKEN

Marriott Philadelphia West 111 Crawford Avenue, West Conshohocken, PA 19428

Residence Inn by Marriott 191 Washington Street, Conshohocken, PA 19428

Hilton Garden Inn Newtown Square Radnor 3743 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073 Villanova families receive an 18% discount off the standard selling rate using this link .

The Radnor Hotel 591 E. Lancaster Avenue, St. Davids, PA 19087

Courtyard by Marriott 762 West Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19087

Wayne Bed and Breakfast 211 Strafford Ave., Wayne PA 19087

Wayne Hotel 139 E. Lancaster Avenue, Wayne, PA 19097

KING OF PRUSSIA

The Alloy – A DoubleTree by Hilton 301 W. Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Best Western Plus 127 South Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Crowne Plaza 260 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Fairfield Inn by Marriott 258 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Hampton Inn 530 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Home2 Suites by Hilton 550 West Dekalb Pike, King of Prussia PA 19406

Hyatt House Philadelphia/King of Prussia 240 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, PA 19406

PLYMOUTH MEETING

Hampton Inn Plymouth Meeting 2055 Chemical Road, Plymouth Meeting PA 19462 Villanova families receive an 15% discount off the standard selling rate using this  link .

DoubleTree Suites by Hilton – Philadelphia West 640 Fountain Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462

RESTAURANTS

There are plenty of restaurant options close to Villanova that cater to all types of palates, price points and atmospheres.*

Main Line Dining Options

The Refectory is a refined yet casual restaurant, bar and private events space bringing top-of-class dining experiences to Philadelphia’s Main Line and surrounding suburbs. A “Refectory” is, by definition, a communal dining room that serves as a place to meet, eat, and drink together.

The Refectory 862 Lancaster Ave., Villanova PA 19085 (Located in The Commons) Phone: 610-519-5786

Hip City Veg

McCloskey’s Tavern

Not Your Average Joe's

Tired Hands Fermentaria

Antonella's Italian Kitchen

Bodega by La Cabra Brewing

Ekta Indian Cuisine

Flip and Bailey's

Garrett Hill Alehouse

The Grog Grill

Kelly's Taproom

Pizzarella Grille

Sontousa BYOB

Tiffin Indian Cuisine

Up Ryes Deli and Bakery

Amis Trattoria

Terrain Café

Fogo de Chao

333 Belrose

Pietro’s Pizzeria

Azie on Main

Goodness Bowls

Lascala’s Fire

Nova Mediterranean Grill

Playa Bowls

First Watch Restaurants

At The Table BYOB

Autograph Brasserie

Christopher’s Neighborhood Place

Cornerstone

The Goats Beard

Great American Pub

Margaret Kuo’s

Minella's Diner

Saffron Indian Kitchen

The Silverspoon BYOB

The Simple Greek

Spring Mill Bread Company

Teresa’s Café

White Dog Café

*These lists are curated by Student Life staff based on recommendations from students and families. For an extensive listing of establishments near Villanova University, we encourage you to visit opentable.com , resy.com and local business associations.  

Parent and Family Relations

• FAMILY AND PARENTS HOME
• Annual Events
• Publications and Resources
• Engagement and Philanthropy
• Frequently Asked Questions

Campus Resources Villanova has numerous resources to assist your child during their time at the University. Below are selected departments that are frequently visited by family members.

Academics: Schools and Colleges

Division of Student Life

Office of Residence Life

Office of Financial Assistance

Campus Ministry

Dining Services

Copyright © Villanova University. All rights reserved.

Map Terms & Conditions | Map Privacy Policy