King of Prussia

King of Prussia is a suburban community in the greater Philadelphia region of Pennsylvania in Montgomery County. It is northwest of Philadelphia proper. It is located in the township of Upper Merion, PA. The community took its name in the 18th century from a local tavern named "The King of Prussia Inn", which was named after Frederick II, King of Prussia. King of Prussia's boundaries are the Schuylkill River to the north and U.S Route 422 to the west. Located to the west of King of Prussia is the village of Valley Forge, where General George Washington and the Continental Army made a winter encampment during the winter of 1777-78.

Understand

King of Prussia is a suburban community that is located 20 miles northwest of the city of Philadelphia in Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania. The town developed around the King of Prussia Inn, a tavern that was built as a cottage in 1719 at what is now the intersection of U.S. Route 202 (Dekalb Pike) and Gulph Road. The cottage became an inn called Berry's Tavern in 1769 and was popular with travelers as it was a day's travel by horse from Philadelphia. General George Washington visited the inn on Thanksgiving Day in 1777. During the winter of 1777-78, General Washington and the Continental Army made their winter encampment nearby in Valley Forge while the British occupied the city of Philadelphia. By 1786, Berry's Tavern became known as the King of Prussia Inn, named after Frederick II, King of Prussia. King of Prussia would remain a rural area into the 20th century. In the middle of the 20th century, King of Prussia saw extensive suburban development. The town is now home to several office parks and retail space that developed around the convergence of the Schuylkill Expressway, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, U.S. Route 202, and U.S. Route 422. King of Prussia is considered an "edge city" of Philadelphia, an area with business and shopping outside the central business district of a city in what was once a rural area.

King of Prussia
Climate chart (explanation)
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King of Prussia has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with highs averaging in the 80s and lows averaging in the 60s. Summer temperatures occasionally rise to the 90s or 100s. Winters are cool to cold, with highs averaging in the low 40s and lows averaging in the 20s. Winter temperatures can occasionally drop down to 0 degrees or lower. Spring and fall can be variable, usually with milder weather. King of Prussia averages 48.49 inches of precipitation a year, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The area does see snow in the winter months, with some winters seeing only light snow and other winters bringing large snowstorms. In the warmer months, the area does experience thunderstorms, some of which can be severe. King of Prussia is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes from the Atlantic basin in the late summer and early fall, but typically only receives the remnants of such storms as they typically weaken by the time they reach this latitude.

Get in

By car

The Schuylkill Expressway (I-76) provides access to King of Prussia from Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76 to the west and I-276 to the east) toll road provides access to King of Prussia via the Valley Forge interchange from points west such as Harrisburg and Pittsburgh and points east such as the northern suburbs of Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York City. U.S. Route 202 provides access to King of Prussia from West Chester to the south and from Norristown to the north. U.S. Route 422 provides access to King of Prussia from Pottstown, Reading, and other communities along the Schuylkill River to the northwest.

If you are coming from Center City, Philadelphia, get on I-676 (Vine St Expressway), then go I-76 towards Valley Forge. Stay on I-76 for about 30 minutes. After proceeding on I-76 get off at the King of Prussia exit. If you want to go to the King of Prussia Mall follow the exit signs for Mall Boulevard. If you are coming from the suburbs of Philadelphia, take the Pennsylvania Turnpike towards Harrisburg, then proceed to the Valley Forge exit.

By plane

Fly into Philadelphia International Airport (PHL IATA), take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft or rent a car. The trip from there to King of Prussia takes 30 minutes. King of Prussia is 26 miles from Philadelphia International Airport.

By bus

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides bus service to King of Prussia. Many of the buses stop at the transit center adjacent to The Plaza at the King of Prussia Mall. There are two routes that connect King of Prussia with Center City Philadelphia. Bus 124 provides service to Center City Philadelphia and to Chesterbrook, with a stop at the King of Prussia Mall transit center. Bus 125 runs from Valley Forge National Historical Park and the King of Prussia directly into the Center City Philadelphia. You can catch it along Gulph Road and at the King of Prussia Mall transit center. You will arrive near the train station at 30th St and Market St; from there, you walk a few feet to the station itself and get on the eastbound subway towards the Old City and other attractions. The base fare for the 124 and 125 buses is $2.50. The buses run every 20 min during peak hours and every hour off-peak, during the weekdays, and the trip takes around 40 min. While taking a bus may seem inconvenient, you will save time and hassle by not driving into Philadelphia yourself. Relax and let the bus driver fight the traffic. You will save even more time and money since you don't have to find a place to park your car in the city. In the reverse direction, the last bus leaves Philly (again at 30th and Market) at about 10PM, on weekdays. The 124 and 125 buses also run on Saturday and Sunday.

There are several bus routes that connect King of Prussia with nearby suburbs. Bus 92 connects the King of Prussia Mall with West Chester and Exton in Chester County Monday through Saturday. Bus 99 connects the King of Prussia Mall transit center with Norristown and Phoenixville daily. Bus 123 connects the mall with the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby daily. Bus 139 connects the King of Prussia Mall with Limerick Monday through Saturday. The base fare for all these bus routes is $2.50.

Check the SEPTA website for additional information.

By train

There is not a train station close to the King of Prussia Mall. The nearest train stations are in neighboring Conshohocken, at Washington Street and Harry Street, and Norristown Transportation Center, at Schuylkill Avenue and Dekalb Street. The Manayunk/Norristown Regional Rail Line will take you to the city center from these stations. The train ride takes about 30 min. The weekday fare is $6.00 in advance/$7.00 on board one-way and $12.00 in advance/$14.00 on board round trip. The evening/weekend fare is $5.25 in advance/$7.00 on board one-way and $10.50 in advance/$14.00 on board round trip. Check SEPTA's website for timetables. The stations have a park-and-ride lot, but spaces may not be available to tourists. SEPTA's Bus 99 provides service from the Norristown Transportation Center to the King of Prussia Mall.

SEPTA's Norristown High Speed Line, which runs between Norristown Transportation Center and 69th Street Terminal, also serves the King of Prussia area, with the Gulph Mills station located at Trinity Lane and Crest Way near Gulph Road southeast of the mall. However, it would be a long and dangerous walk from the mall area. Buses 124 and 125 connect the Gulph Mills station with the King of Prussia Mall.

By bicycle

The Schuylkill River Trail provides bicycle access from Philadelphia to King of Prussia and Valley Forge, following the Schuylkill River. Access from the trail to King of Prussia and Valley Forge is provided by a bicycle/pedestrian bridge called Sullivan's Bridge across the Schuylkill River at Valley Forge National Historical Park. The Schuylkill River Trail also provides bicycle access to the area from points along the river to the northwest. The Chester Valley Trail provides bicycle access to King of Prussia from points in Chester County as far west as Exton.

Get around

It is easiest to get around town by car. SEPTA buses can also be used to get around King of Prussia, with service to most major points of interest such as the King of Prussia Mall, Valley Forge Casino Resort, and Valley Forge National Historical Park.

  • The Rambler, ☏ +1 610 354-8899. M-Sa 9AM-4PM. Operated by the Greater Valley Forge Transportation Management Association, The Rambler is a community shuttle around the King of Prussia area, serving residential areas, shopping centers, the King of Prussia Mall, medical facilities, the Upper Merion Senior Center, and the Upper Merion Township Municipal Building. $2 one-way, $10 for ten trip tickets, $0.50 for students ages 10-16, senior citizens and children under 6 free. (updated Nov 2017)

There are three companies that provide taxicab and limousine service in King of Prussia:

  • Cabs Valley Forge, ☏ +1 484 985-9724. Provides taxicab service to King of Prussia, Valley Forge, and Upper Merion Township along with service to airports in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York. (updated Feb 2017)
  • King Limousine, ☏ +1 610 265-3050. Provides limousine service to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and beyond. (updated Feb 2017)
  • Main Line Taxi, ☏ +1 610 272-1000. Provides taxicab and limousine service to Villanova, Ardmore, and King of Prussia along with service to airports in Philadelphia and Newark. (updated Feb 2017)

Ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft can be used to get around King of Prussia.

Within Valley Forge National Historical Park, you may drive, hike, bike, or travel by shuttle to see the points of interest within the park.

  • The Revolutionary Shuttle, 1400 North Outer Line Dr. Get on and off this free shuttle at any indicated stop during operating hours. Bicycle racks are provided on every shuttle. Shuttles begin running from the Visitor Center and Washington's Headquarter's at 9AM, with the last shuttle leaving at 5:40PM. Shuttle Stops: A. Visitor Center- Lower Parking Lot B. Washington Memorial Chapel C. von Steuben Statue/Varnum's Parking Lot D. Washington's Headquarters. Hours 9AM- 5:40PM frequency: 20 minutes. Operating 7 days a week during the summer. The Trolley Tour and The Revolutionary Shuttle are wheelchair accessible. 

See
  • 🌍 Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N Outer Line Dr, ☏ +1 610 783-1000. 7AM-sunset daily. The focal point of Valley Forge attractions is the 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historical Park. It was here that General George Washington forged his Continental Army into a fighting force, during the difficult winter encampment of 1777-78. Of all places associated with America's War for Independence, none conveys the suffering, sacrifice and ultimate triumph more than Valley Forge. No battles were fought, no bayonet charges or artillery bombardments took place. Nonetheless, some 2,000 soldiers died - more Americans than were killed at the battles of Brandywine and Germantown combined. Valley Forge is the story of an army's epic struggle to survive against terrible odds, hunger, disease and the unrelenting forces of nature. Today, the park is a lush, 3,600-acre expanse of rolling hillsides dotted with flowering dogwood trees. Washington's original stone headquarters has been restored and furnished; log huts have been reconstructed; and statues and monuments throughout the park remind visitors of the American national heritage. Among them are statues of General "Mad Anthony" Wayne and Baron Friedrich von Steuben; and the Monument to Patriots of African Descent. Stop at the Visitors Center at the junction of Rt 23 and N. Gulph Rd. Open daily, it features exhibits, artifacts, a gift shop and an 18-minute film. Rangers will be leading "Following in their footsteps" tours to discuss the life of everyday soldiers. The actual walk is a quarter mile. Walks begin every day at 11:50; 12:50 and 1:50. Please meet at the park theater 10 minute prior. Free. Bus tours available from the weekends in Sep and Oct at 11AM, 1PM and 3PM. Tours also available on Thanksgiving weekend and Dec 27-31. Prices range from $5 (Children under 12) to $10 per person Reservations for bus tours required - call +1 610 783-7503. Valley Forge National Historical Park contains 28 miles of authorized trail that are popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding" Also activities include: running,horseback riding, bird watching, fishing and bicycling throughout the large park. visitors can have a picnic using tables and benches found throughout the park. Bicycles are available for rent, depending on season. Also, there are ranger-led Interpretive programs, which are usually free and good for all ages, as well as seasonal trolley tours. Admission free. Trolley tours: Adults $17.50, Students, Seniors, and Military $14.50, Children $9. 
  • 🌍 Washington Memorial Chapel, Rt 23, Valley Forge, ☏ +1 610 783-0120. Commemorates George Washington's life and the nation's history with rich, decorative elements, including statues, carvings, and soaring stained glass windows. National Patriots Bell Tower features Justice Bell, cast to support women's suffrage. Washington National Carillon recitals follow 11:15AM Sun service. Jun-Aug, summer concert series. Route 23, Valley Forge National Historical Park. 
  • 🌍 King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company 9/11 Memorial, 170 Allendale Rd., ☏ +1 610 265-1063. Located adjacent to the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company station, the King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company 9/11 Memorial pays tribute to the September 11 attacks in 2001, remembering the attacks on the World Trade Center and The Pentagon along with the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The memorial consists of the 9/11 Monument, the World Trade Center Patio, the William C. Daywalt Sr. Memorial Gazebo, and the Entrance Pathway and Stairs. The 9/11 Monument has a circular base commemorating the Flight 93 crash, a granite pentagon commemorating the attack on The Pentagon, and stainless steel tops of the World Trade Center remembering the attacks on the Twin Towers. The monument consists of two steel beams from the World Trade Center that were recovered from Ground Zero. The World Trade Center Patio shows the layout of the site of the World Trade Center. (updated Feb 2017)
  • John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, 1201 Pawlings Rd, Audubon, ☏ +1 610-666-5593. This museum was the first home of the famous artist James Audubon. 
  • World of Scouting Museum, Rt. 23, Valley Forge Park - (on the grounds of the Washington Memorial Chapel), Valley Forge, ☏ +1 610 783-5311. The World of Scouting Museum chronicles the growth of both the Boy Scout and Girl Scout movements worldwide through exhibits of one-of-a-kind items. Located on the campus of the Washington Memorial Chapel. 
  • 🌍 Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Rt 23, Valley Forge, ☏ +1 610 933-8825. Educational organization dedicated to teaching Americans about America and promoting responsible citizenship. (updated Feb 2021)

Do
  • iFLY King of Prussia, 290 Goddard Blvd, ☏ +1 610 595-4359. M-Th 10AM-8PM, F 10AM-10PM, Sa 9AM-10PM, Su 9AM-8PM. Indoor skydiving facility. Available for group events. Has a conference facility, party rooms, and catering. $69.95 for two flights. (updated Mar 2017)
  • Philadelphia Rock Gym, E-520 N. Circle Drive, Oaks, ☏ +1 610 666-7673. Minutes from King of Prussia is the area's first and only full service rock climbing facility, offering introductory classes, teambuilding, outdoor adventures, day passes, group rates and event rentals. 
  • Theatre Horizon, 243 Crest Way, ☏ +1 610 283-2230. 
  • Regal King of Prussia Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX, 300 Goddard Blvd, ☏ +1 610 337-0282, toll-free: +1 844-462-7342. Movie theater with 16 screens offering first-run movies in IMAX, RealD 3D, and RPX. Amenities include stadium seating, digital projection, game room, concessions, listening devices, mobile ticketing, and ticket kiosk. Wheelchair accessible. 
  • 🌍 Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 First Ave, ☏ +1 610 354-8118. 24 hours daily. This casino resort offers 600 slot machines, 50 table games, 23 blackjack tables, 4 craps tables, 4 roulette tables, and other assorted carnival games. Sports betting is available at the FanDuel Sportsbook at Valley Forge Casino Resort. In addition to gambling, Valley Forge Casino Resort has five casual dining restaurants and two fine dining restaurants offering a variety of food such as steaks, burgers, pasta, and sushi. The casino resort is also home to the Valley Forge Casino Resort Music Fair, which attracts big names in music and comedy, along with a variety of other nightlife offerings. The Valley Forge Casino Resort has about 500 hotel rooms in the Casino Tower and Radisson Hotel and offers a spa. The resort is also home to the Valley Forge Convention Center, which offers 100,000 square feet of meeting space. Also available at the Valley Forge Casino Resort on a seasonal basis is the Valley Beach Poolside Club, which offers an outdoor pool with beach chairs, an outdoor bar, and live entertainment. (updated Mar 2017)

Buy
  • 🌍 King of Prussia Mall, 160 N Gulph Rd, ☏ +1 610 265-5727. M-Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 11AM-6PM. The largest mall in the country in terms of leaseable retail floorspace, consisting of over 400 stores. Anchor stores at the mall include Dick's Sporting Goods, Primark, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's and Bloomingdale's. King of Prussia Mall caters to many tastes and styles and provides both upmarket luxury stores as well as middle end stores, ranging from high-end international retailers to the usual American mall shops and includes everything from shoes to jewelry and business suits. The mall has three food courts and over 40 restaurants including casual and fine dining and offering a wide selection of international dining options. Mall amenities for visitors include valet parking, currency exchange, and a concierge offering a coat and package check. (updated Mar 2021)
  • 🌍 King of Prussia Town Center, 155 Village Dr, ☏ +1 484 231-1762. This town center development consists of Wegmans, Nordstrom Rack, Ulta Beauty, REI, LA Fitness, and a downtown area with several dining, retail, and service establishments. The downtown area features a Town Square with green space surrounded by water features and a 60-foot fire wall where patrons can gather. (updated Mar 2017)
  • Chapel Cabin Shop, Rt 23, Valley Forge, ☏ +1 610 783-0576. Handcrafted items, souvenirs, homemade jams, jellies, candies, gifts, lunch and snacks. Nonprofit shop with the proceeds benefiting maintenance of Chapel. Located behind the chapel. 

Eat
  • Seasons 52, 160 N Gulph Rd Suite 101 (King of Prussia Mall), ☏ +1 610 992-1152. Su-Th 11:30AM-10PM, F-Sa 11:30AM-11PM. Fresh grill and wine bar offering a seasonally-inspired menu and award-winning international wine list. 
  • Sullivan's Steakhouse, 700 West Dekalb Pike, ☏ +1 610 878-9025. Steaks, seafood, hand-shaken martinis and live music. 
  • Creed's Seafood & Steaks, 499 N. Gulph Rd, ☏ +1 610 265-2550. Chef John Talbot offers a diverse selection of fresh fish, seafood and steaks along with a raw bar menu. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights in the bar. Reservations suggested. 
  • Morton's The Steakhouse, 640 W Dekalb Pike Suite 1250, ☏ +1 610 491-1900. USDA Prime aged steaks, fresh seafood, hand picked vegetables and home-made desserts served in an elegant, club-like setting. Open for dinner nightly, private Boardroom dining available. 
  • The Melting Pot, 244 Mall Blvd, ☏ +1 610 265-7195. This unique dining experience offers an assortment of fondue, cooked at the table by the guests. 
  • Peppers By Amedeo's Restaurant & Bar, 175 Town Center Rd (Valley Forge Shopping Center), ☏ +1 610 265-2416. Excellent food made to order. Is known for large food and drink portions with good prices. Voted best Italian Restaurant Readers Choice five years in a row. Locally owned and operated. 
  • Maggiano's Little Italy, 160 N Gulph Rd Suite 205, ☏ +1 610 992-3333. Often said to be reminiscent of pre-World War II Little Italy, Maggiano's blends the tradition of family, good times with friends, and authentic Italian cuisine. 
  • Bahama Breeze, 320 Goddard Blvd, ☏ +1 610 491-9822. Caribbean food. 
  • Legal Seafoods, Mall, 680 W Dekalb Pike, ☏ +1 610 265-5566. The Court at King of Prussia Mall. Over 40 varieties of fresh fish and shellfish available throughout the year as well as an award-winning wine list. 
  • Cheesecake Factory, 640 W Dekalb Pike, ☏ +1 610 337-2200. The Plaza at King of Prussia Mall. Cheesecake and a selection of food from the Thai lettuce wraps for an appetizer to handcrafted burgers. 
  • California Pizza Kitchen (CPK), The Court at King of Prussia Mall, 470 Mall Blvd., ☏ +1 610 337-1500. 10AM-10PM. 

Drink
  • Fitzwater Station, 264 Canal St, Port Providence, ☏ +1 610 933-9958. Snacks, lunch, dinner and drinks on a deck overlooking the historic Schuylkill Canal, or on a glass enclosed porch. Daily and weekend specials, weekly entertainment. Paddle boats, Canoe and Kayak rentals. 
  • Screwball Sports Bar & Grille, 216 W Beider Rd. #600, ☏ +1 610 337-3888. 

Sleep

Stay safe

Traffic in this area is thick and fast-moving, especially during rush hours (7-9AM and 4-6PM). Expect the interchanges to be backed up to the point where there are lines of cars winding around the nearby neighborhoods. Try to familiarize yourself with the traffic flow before you try driving in it, because if you are in the wrong lane trying to get onto one of the freeways, you will probably not be able to move over and will have to go the wrong direction and take a detour. Gulph Rd and Schuylkill River Rd are winding, steep, and have surprisingly high speed limits even though there are houses on them. Watch out for hidden driveways and sudden stops.

Be careful walking around the town. There are few crosswalks or pedestrian signals. Near the mall, you will be forced to jaywalk if you want to get anywhere on foot. It is not a pedestrian-friendly area by any means.

Go next
Routes through King of Prussia
Harrisburg ← Middletown ←  W  E  → Bala Cynwyd → Philadelphia
END ←  W  E  → Fort Washington → Bristol
Allentown ← Kulpsville ←  N  S  → Wayne → Chester
Harrisburg ← Middletown ←  W  E  → Fort Washington → Bristol
Doylestown ← Bridgeport ←  N  S  → Malvern → West Chester
Harrisburg ← Reading ←  W  E  → END


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