Major city · United States
Wilmington, DelawareWilmington
Give Wilmington one full day for the riverfront and museums, or use it as a cheaper rail base between Philadelphia (25 min) and Baltimore (1 h).
Wilmington is Delaware's largest city at about 70,000 people, on the Amtrak Northeast Corridor between Philadelphia and Baltimore. Downtown holds Rodney Square, the riverfront and a cluster of museums; the DuPont estates — Hagley, Nemours, Winterthur — sit just outside. Most travellers pass through on the train; one night is enough to see the core, two if you want the estates.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (humid), Jan–Feb (cold, snow)
- Airports
- ILG · PHL · BWI · EWR
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Wilmington, Delaware911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Wilmington, Delaware, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyDowntown Wilmington is fine by day; some blocks are quiet after dark.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportILG New Castle Airport (Wilmington) (About 10 km (6.2 mi) south of downtown; limited service (Avelo, American Landline to PHL).ILG New Castle Airport (Wilmington) (About 6.2 mi (10 km) south of downtown; limited service (Avelo, American Landline to PHL).
- Getting aroundDART First State buses cover the city and New Castle County, but run mainly Monday–Friday.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, before tax and tip$20–40
- Street or quick mealSandwich or casual lunch$10–18
- Beerdraught in a bar / can at a store$6–9$2–4
- Metro or bus rideDART bus ride$2.00
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (Hagley, Nemours, Winterthur)check$15–25
- Budget bedFamily room or suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$150
- Mid-range bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMid-range hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$60 · Mid US$110 · High US$200
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ILG New Castle Airport (Wilmington) (About 10 km (6.2 mi) south of downtown; limited service (Avelo, American Landline to PHL). DART bus 40 to Wilmington Station.) · PHL Philadelphia International (About 30 min by car on I-95; SEPTA Airport Line to Center City then Wilmington/Newark Line, about $9.25 (check).) · BWI Baltimore/Washington International (About 1 h 30 min by car; Amtrak or MARC connections.) · EWR Newark Liberty International (About 2 h by car; Amtrak Northeast Regional direct.)ILG New Castle Airport (Wilmington) (About 6.2 mi (10 km) south of downtown; limited service (Avelo, American Landline to PHL). DART bus 40 to Wilmington Station.) · PHL Philadelphia International (About 30 min by car on I-95; SEPTA Airport Line to Center City then Wilmington/Newark Line, about $9.25 (check).) · BWI Baltimore/Washington International (About 1 h 30 min by car; Amtrak or MARC connections.) · EWR Newark Liberty International (About 2 h by car; Amtrak Northeast Regional direct.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Feb
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest Mar (9 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Wilmington, Delaware: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
8 rd
Feb
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
7 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
9 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
8 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
9 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
7 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
7 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
DART First State buses cover the city and New Castle County, but run mainly Monday–Friday. Fares $2.00 per ride, no transfers; a day pass is $4.00 (check). A car is best for the DuPont estates and office parks. Downtown parking is metered (2 h limit) or in commercial garages. Uber and Lyft both operate.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
New Castle, Delaware
goDoor to door: About 30 min
DART bus or car, about 15 min south
Colonial courthouse and cobbled streets on the Delaware River; half a day.
Philadelphia
goDoor to door: About 45 min–1 h
SEPTA Wilmington/Newark Line or Amtrak from Wilmington Station
SEPTA from Center City is $6.50–8.00 (check); Amtrak is faster but pricier.
Dover, Delaware
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Car on DE-1, about 1 h south
State capital, capitol building and First State Heritage Park.
Rehoboth Beach
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Car on DE-1, about 1 h 45 min
Beach town with boardwalk; too far for a relaxed return day in summer traffic.
Baltimore
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Amtrak or MARC from Wilmington Station
Inner Harbor and Fell's Point; easy rail day trip.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Downtown / Rodney Square
Walk to the museums, Amtrak station and riverfront; business hotels, quiet at night.
Riverfront
Restaurants, Chase Center and the riverwalk; 15–20 min walk or short ride from the station.
Trolley Square
Bars and restaurants near Brandywine Park; 20 min walk from downtown.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–100 excl. bed
- Mid
- $100–180 excl. bed
- High
- $180+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$110 | US$220 |
| SEPTA from Philadelphia, one way2 × US$8 · check | US$16 |
| DART day pass2 × US$4 · check | US$8 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$42 |
| Trip total≈ US$233 per person per day, bed included | US$466 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; flights and Amtrak excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Sandwich or casual lunch | $10–18 |
| Sit-down dinner, before tax and tip | $20–40 |
| Beer: draught in a bar / can at a store | $6–9 / $2–4 |
| Museum entry (Hagley, Nemours, Winterthur)check | $15–25 |
| DART bus ride | $2.00 |
| Rideshare across downtown | $8–15 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- DART buses are commuter-oriented: several routes have no Sunday service.
- Parking meters take coins only and cap at two hours.
- Some downtown blocks are quiet after dark; stay on lit streets and use a ride-hailing app at night.
- Delaware has no sales tax, but that is not a discount on everything — compare prices.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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Wilmington, DelawareWilmington
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies in Wilmington; most countries have embassies in Washington, DC, and consulates in Philadelphia or New York.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SEPTA Philadelphia → Wilmington: $6.50–8.00, about 25–40 min (check)
- Amtrak Wilmington → Baltimore: about $30–50, about 1 h (check)
- DART bus ride: $2.00, day pass $4.00 (check)
Say or show
- Where is the train station? — Where is the train station?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- I need help — I need help
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Wilmington, Delaware. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (humid), Jan–Feb (cold, snow) · month by month →
- 4 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PHL and ILG: last SEPTA and DART departures field-checked, taxi and rideshare fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Rodney Square, the riverfront, Trolley Square and Brandywine Park, the station district.
- Place pages with verified hours and cutoffs (Hagley, Nemours, Winterthur, Delaware Art Museum, Old Swedes Church) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rail-day fixtures for Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington so the corridor plan can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Wilmington (official tourism)
- officialAmtrak — Wilmington Station
- officialSEPTA Regional Rail
- officialDART First State
- officialNew Castle Airport (ILG)
- secondaryWikivoyage: Wilmington (Delaware), revision 5258895 (CC BY-SA 4.0)