If you want to get around Philadelphia quickly, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) offers a relief from sitting in traffic and paying for parking. Leave the car behind and take advantage of the affordable, convenient transportation options that SEPTA offers every day.
Top 10 Reasons To Take Septa
1. New Late-Night Service on Regional Rail
2. Direct connection from the Airport to Downtown Philadelphia
3. Hybrid Buses
4. Going to the game? Broad Street Line to the Sports Complex (less than 10 minutes from Center City)
5. New Transit Signage
6. Going to/coming from New York? Seemless connection with NJTransit in Trenton.
7. Septa's online Trip Planner
8. Weekend Round Trip Ticket Discounts on Regional Rail
9. One Day Convenience Pass for $6
10. Go Green, Go Septa
The Options
High-Speed Lines and Trolleys
The Broad Street Line (also known as the Orange Line) runs north-south along Broad Street. The Orange Line is convenient to reach the stadiums in South Philadelphia, South Street, the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Temple University.
The Market-Frankford Line (also known as the Blue Line or "the El") primarily runs east-west along Market Street. Take the El is a great way to reach University City, Amtrak's 30th Street Station, The Liberty Bell, Old City and Northern Liberties.
The Subway Surface Line (also known as the Green Line) runs from Center City to University City, West Philly and the western suburbs. Use the Green Line to reach Drexel University, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of the Sciences.
Buses
The region is served by more than 100 bus routes, touching nearly every corner of the city. View the Center City transit map to see the bus routes serving the downtown area.
Regional Rail
The Regional Rail trains connect Center City with the outlying regions of the city and suburbs, and include the R1 Line to Philadelphia International Airport.
Plan Your Trip
Not sure which lines to use? Check out SEPTA's Trip Planner to help guide your journey. Just enter your starting point and destination and see the best way to take SEPTA to get to where you're going with step by step directions, or by viewing on a map.
The Cost
SEPTA primarily operates using tokens, which are accepted on nearly everything besides the Regional Rail. Tokens cost $2.90 a pair and can be purchased at various locations and stations throughout the city, including the Independence Visitor Center. Each token is good for one trip.
A variety of passes are available, including the monthly pass, the visitor-friendly One-Day Convenience Pass ($6) and the Anywhere Day Pass ($10 for individuals; $25 for families up to five). Also, discounts are available for senior citizens, riders with disabilities, children, students, families and groups.