How to get to Dover

Dover is the charming historic capital of the state of Delaware, located in the heart of the United States East Coast. The city harmoniously blends rich colonial heritage with the energy of a modern entertainment hub, renowned for its tax-free shopping zones and legendary racing track. You can reach it in various ways, most often by combining a flight to neighboring major cities with a comfortable car or bus ride.

Since the city of Dover does not have its own airport for regular commercial passenger flights, travelers usually choose to fly into major aviation hubs nearby. The most convenient option is the international airport in the city of Philadelphia (PHL), located approximately 93 km to the north, which receives aircraft from all over the world.

For domestic flights, the regional airport in the city of Salisbury, located 89 km from the state capital, may also be suitable. Both of these transport hubs have good connections to Dover, allowing tourists to quickly cover the remaining part of the journey by land.

There is no direct railway service to the city of Dover, as the state capital lacks a station for long-distance trains. The optimal solution for rail enthusiasts is to purchase a ticket to the station in the city of Philadelphia, which is a major transport hub in the region.

Another convenient arrival point is the station in neighboring Wilmington, located significantly closer to the destination. From there, travelers can easily transfer to a regional bus or rent a car to complete their journey in comfort.

Traveling by bus is an affordable and quite convenient way to get to the city of Dover from neighboring metropolises. The most popular and fastest route connects the state capital with the city of Philadelphia: the travel time is only about 2.2 hours, and the distance is 135 km.

There are other travel options, but it is worth carefully studying the schedule before purchasing tickets, as travel times may vary. Modern buses operating on these routes are usually equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable journey across the United States.

Traveling by car is one of the most popular ways to get to Dover, allowing you to enjoy the quality American roads. The drive from the city of Philadelphia (about 131 km) will take just 1.4 hours, making this route ideal for tourists.

Approximately the same amount of time, about 1.4 hours, will be required to drive from the cities of Salisbury (91 km) or Edgewood (138 km). If you do not plan to rent a car, you can use taxi services, although this will be significantly more expensive for intercity trips.

To ensure your trip to the capital of Delaware goes smoothly and leaves only positive emotions, we have compiled several important practical recommendations. These tips will help you adapt to local features more quickly.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: The weather on the East Coast is changeable. Summers are hot and humid, so pack light clothing, while for winter and the off-season, you will need a windproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes.
2. Transport: Dover is a city for motorists. Public transport is not as widely developed as in major metropolises, so renting a car (rent-a-car) is the best solution for freedom of movement.
3. Finances and Shopping: Delaware is a state with no sales tax (Tax-Free). This makes shopping here incredibly advantageous. Cards are accepted everywhere, but having some cash dollars (USD) for small tips is useful.
4. Healthcare: Medical services in the United States are very expensive. Before traveling, be sure to take out good travel insurance that covers emergencies.
5. Language: The main language of communication is English. Staff in hotels and restaurants are welcoming, and basic knowledge of the language will be quite sufficient for comfortable communication.
6. Etiquette and Tipping: Tipping is mandatory. In restaurants, taxis, and cafes, it is customary to add 15–20% to the bill, as this constitutes the main part of the staff's earnings.
7. Safety: Observe standard safety precautions and do not leave valuable items in the car in plain sight. Also, strictly observe the speed limit — the police here are vigilant.
8. Special Advice: If you are not a fan of motor racing, check the NASCAR race calendar before your trip. On race days, the city is overcrowded, accommodation prices skyrocket, and serious traffic jams form on the roads.

By following these simple rules, you can avoid unnecessary hassles and fully focus on exploring the attractions of this cozy American city.