The Benjamin Franklin Bridge links Philadelphia with Camden, New Jersey, across the Delaware River. Opened in 1926, it carries road traffic and trains, with a south-side path for walking and cycling. From the path, you can look over the river toward both city skylines and the Camden waterfront. Pause at the viewpoints for photos, or cross at sunset for views of Philadelphia in evening light. The bridge is also a useful choice for a run or a longer riverside walk.
A bridge between Philadelphia and Camden
The Benjamin Franklin Bridge crosses the Delaware River, connecting Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Camden, New Jersey. It opened in 1926 as the Delaware River Bridge. The name changed in 1956 to honor Benjamin Franklin.
The bridge was designed by Paul Cret and Leon Moisseiff. When it opened, its 1,750-foot main span was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The steel structure has since been renovated, including a repainting and the addition of modern colored lighting.
The south-side walkway
A path for pedestrians and cyclists runs along the south side of the bridge, above the river and traffic. It gives you a view toward Philadelphia’s skyline and the Camden waterfront. Several spots along the path let you step aside to take in the scenery or photograph the river.
The walkway is a route between the two cities as well as a place for a walk, cycle or run. One account of a crossing from Philadelphia to Camden puts the walk at about 20 minutes, with time for stops and photos adding to the visit. The Philadelphia-side approach can be awkward to reach; on the New Jersey side, a ramp replaced stairs and improved access for cyclists.
Views at sunset and after dark
Sunset is a good time to look west toward Philadelphia as the sky changes over the skyline. For bridge photographs, Race Street Pier and Cherry Street Pier are viewpoints from which the structure itself can be seen. After dark, the bridge’s colored lights provide another reason to look back at it from the waterfront.
The path is exposed to sun and wind. On very hot or humid days, carry water and consider visiting when the weather is cooler. There are limited amenities along the bridge.
Preguntas frecuentes
Can you walk across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge?
Yes. A pedestrian path runs along the south side of the bridge between Philadelphia and Camden.
Can you cycle across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge?
Yes. The south-side path is open to cyclists as well as pedestrians.
When did the Benjamin Franklin Bridge open?
It opened in 1926 as the Delaware River Bridge. It was renamed in 1956.
How long does it take to cross on foot?
One account puts the walk from Philadelphia to Camden at about 20 minutes, before allowing extra time for photo stops.
