Overview
Swarthmore is a small borough in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, United States.
2 sights · 6 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Swarthmore
Swarthmore College
A liberal arts college located in the heart of Swarthmore. Swarthmore College has been named a "Little Ivy" by various college guides, and is ranked third best Liberal Arts College in the United States by US News and Rep…
Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 26°F. Wettest: Jul and Sep. (climate data from nearby Philadelphia)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PHL Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia — 6 mi away (major hub). Directions
- ILG Wilmington Airport, Wilmington — 21 mi away. Directions
Swarthmore is located off Exit 3 of Interstate 476 (or locally known as the "Blue Route"). Southern Swarthmore can also easily be accessed from the MacDade Boulevard exit of I-476 in neighboring Ridley Township. Swarthmore can also be accessed by State Route 320 or State Route 12 (Baltimore Pike).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Swarthmore College
- Lunch Hobb’s
- Afternoon Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
- Dinner Renato's Pizza
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There is a limited number of restaurants located in Swarthmore
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By car
Swarthmore is located off Exit 3 of Interstate 476 (or locally known as the "Blue Route"). Southern Swarthmore can also easily be accessed from the MacDade Boulevard exit of I-476 in neighboring Ridley Township. Swarthmore can also be accessed by State Route 320 or State Route 12 (Baltimore Pike).
By bus
SEPTA Route 109 bus connecting Upper Darby and Chester stops along Chester Road.
By train
SEPTA Regional Rail trains (Media/Elwyn Line) stop at Swarthmore Station, located in the heart of the village
By plane
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is minutes from Swarthmore and is served by taxis and the SEPTA Airport Regional Rail Line.
Get around
Swarthmore is a small, compact borough where walking and/or biking is a viable option. There is a Philly CarShare spot located at the train station.
See
See Swarthmore College
A liberal arts college located in the heart of Swarthmore. Swarthmore College has been named a "Little Ivy" by various college guides, and is ranked third best Liberal Arts College in the United States by US News and Report. The school also maintains the 357-acre Scott Arboretum, a beautiful park open to the public without charge. There are also frequent musical and theatrical performances that are open to the public free of charge.
Buy
There is a small variety of shops located in the "Village" neighborhood of Swarthmore
Eat
There is a limited number of restaurants located in Swarthmore
Eat Bamboo Bistro
Asian restaurant serving Chinese, Japanese, and Thai food. Popular with Swarthmore College students.
Eat Renato's Pizza
A pizzeria located in the "village" of Swarthmore.
Eat Swarthmore Pizza
Local pizza restaurant with a family friendly atmosphere.
Eat Hobb’s
A coffee shop and breakfast joint.
Eat Aria Mediterranean Cuisine
A Mediterranean restaurant serving Greek, Afghan, and Middle-Eastern food.
Drink
Swarthmore was a dry town until 2017. There are a few bars in Media. Travellers looking for more variety should consider traveling to Philadelphia.
Sleep
Accommodations in Swarthmore are limited to several bed and breakfasts. There are some more options, located nearby in Media.
Go next
Swarthmore is located twelve miles away from Philadelphia and is also a half hour drive from Wilmington
History
When this town was first founded it was originally named Westdale. It was named in honor of painter Benjamin West, who was one resident of the early town. Westdale was cut off of Springfield Township which creates some bizarre modern day borders. When Swarthmore College was established the name was changed to Swarthmore.
Nearby
Rose Valley
City / town · 3 listings · 2 mi away
Media
City / town · 24 listings · 2 mi away
Tinicum Township
City / town · 13 listings · 4 mi away
Chester
City / town · 10 listings · 4 mi away
Drexel Hill
City / town · 11 listings · 4 mi away
Upper Darby
City / town · 2 listings · 4 mi away
Lansdowne
City / town · 33 listings · 5 mi away
Marple
City / town · 1 listings · 5 mi away
My experience
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