Airport
Philadelphia Seaplane Base (PSQ)
Philadelphia Seaplane Base is a historic public-use seaplane base on the Delaware River in Essington, Pennsylvania, close to Philadelphia International Airport. It provides general aviation access to Philadelphia, Delaware County and the surrounding region, with onward travel by car or private transfer to Center City and nearby towns.
Passengers
Luggage
About Philadelphia Seaplane Base
Philadelphia Seaplane Base is a historic, township-owned public-use seaplane base on the Delaware River in Essington, Pennsylvania, about 16 km southwest of Center City Philadelphia. One of the oldest seaplane bases in the United States, the site became a flying school in 1916 and served during World War I as Chandler Field, the first seaplane base in Pennsylvania.
The base operates a single water landing area, designated 11W/29W, measuring approximately 2,774 m by 76 m. It has no control tower and is generally unattended, with seasonal floating docks and a gravel ramp on the riverfront rather than conventional terminal buildings.
Located just west of Philadelphia International Airport and close to Interstate 95, the base is within easy reach of Philadelphia and Delaware County. Private cars, taxis and transfers connect the waterfront to Center City Philadelphia, nearby hotels and surrounding communities.
Today the base remains a public-use facility for seaplane pilots and aviation enthusiasts, hosting community events such as the annual Splash-In that celebrates its century-old heritage.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Philadelphia Seaplane Base is a public-use seaplane base and does not operate conventional airline passenger terminals. The waterfront facility provides a water landing area on the Delaware River with seasonal floating docks and a gravel ramp for arriving and departing seaplanes.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Philadelphia Seaplane Base
Transfers
Book a private transfer between Philadelphia Seaplane Base and Philadelphia, Philadelphia International Airport, hotels or destinations across Delaware County and the wider region.
Hourly Chauffeur
Arrange a chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from the seaplane base, business meetings, events or journeys around Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.
Car Rental
Rent a car near Philadelphia Seaplane Base or Philadelphia International Airport for independent travel to Center City and onward journeys in the region.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize minibuses or charter buses for groups travelling between the seaplane base, Philadelphia, event venues and other destinations in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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