Overview
SEPTA Metro is Philadelphia's urban rail transit network, operated by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority. The system consists of 78 miles of rail service spanning two rapid transit lines, a light rail system with five branches, a streetcar line, and a light metro line. In 2024, SEPTA renamed its lines with single letters and numbers to make navigation easier for visitors and residents alike.
To ride SEPTA Metro end to end, you'll first obtain a fare payment method—either a reusable SEPTA Key Card, contactless credit/debit card, or mobile payment (Google Pay, Apple Pay, Venmo, or PayPal). At your starting station, tap your payment method at the turnstile to enter. Follow signs to your destination line, board your train or bus, and tap again when exiting to ensure proper fare calculation. For transfers between services within a two-hour window, you'll enjoy up to two free transfers if paying by SEPTA Key or contactless; cash passengers do not receive free transfers.
The network
Rapid transit lines
- Broad Street Line (B): Runs north–south from Fern Rock Transportation Center in North Philadelphia to Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in South Philadelphia. Passes through Center City, the Avenue of the Arts, Independence Hall, and the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
- Market-Frankford Line (L): Runs west–east from 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby to Frankford in Northeast Philadelphia. Half the line runs underground and half elevated (nicknamed "The El"). Serves Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Old City, Penn's Landing, the Historic District, Pennsylvania Convention Center, City Hall, Rittenhouse Square, and University City.
Light rail and streetcar
- Norristown High Speed Line (M): Light metro line extending from 69th Street Transportation Center to Norristown in Montgomery County.
- Subway-Surface Trolley Lines (T): Five light rail branches operating as Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, and 36.
- Girard Avenue Line (G): Historic streetcar line featuring restored 1947 cream-and-green trolley cars, running from Port Richmond through Fishtown to West Philadelphia.
- Media-Sharon Hill Line (D): Light rail lines operating as Routes 101 and 102.
Suburban rail (Regional Rail)
SEPTA Regional Rail provides commuter rail service across 14 distinct lines and over 150 stations, reaching north to Doylestown and south to Newark, Delaware. Three primary Center City stations serve the network: William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station. The Airport Line connects Center City directly to Philadelphia International Airport, while the Trenton Line connects to New Jersey Transit and Amtrak service to New York City.
Bus service
SEPTA operates 115 local bus routes covering more than 1,200 miles of road. The L1 OWL bus provides midnight to early morning service between Northeast and West Philadelphia. The Philadelphia PHLASH is a supplemental visitor-focused purple bus service running a loop route from Penn's Landing to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, stopping at 12+ landmarks including Independence National Historical Park, the Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Zoo. PHLASH operates daily from April through September and weekends through December, with service every 15 minutes.
Ferry service
The RiverLink and Freedom Ferry services operate between Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey, from April through September, providing direct access to Camden's waterfront attractions including the Susquehanna Bank Center and the aquarium.
Tickets & fares
Payment methods
You can pay for SEPTA Metro fares using several methods: the SEPTA Key Card (a reusable smart card with an RFID chip), contactless credit or debit cards, or mobile payment apps including Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Venmo, CashApp, and PayPal. Cash is also accepted at metro stations for Quick Trips (valid same day only).
SEPTA Key Card
The SEPTA Key Card costs $4.95 to purchase (the activation fee is refunded when you register online). You can reload funds via the SEPTA Key app, the official website, station kiosks, or at approximately 500 retail locations throughout the city. The card is available at SEPTA stores, sales offices, ticket offices, and fare kiosks. When registered with SEPTA, the card makes you eligible for discounts at participating local businesses and events.
Fares and passes
A single trip on bus, metro, or trolley costs approximately $2.90 when paying by SEPTA Key Card, contactless payment, or cash. This fare includes up to two free transfers within a two-hour window between bus and metro services when using SEPTA Key or contactless payment; cash passengers do not receive free transfers. Transfers are not available to or from Regional Rail.
Daily and multi-day convenience passes are available: a One Day Convenience Pass costs approximately $7.50, and a Three Day Convenience Pass costs approximately $19.00. Weekly and monthly passes are also offered: the Weekly TransPass+ costs approximately $31.00, and the Monthly TransPass+ costs approximately $116.00. The TransPass+ is valid on weekends and major holidays and includes Regional Rail service to and from Center City stations and Zone 1/Airport service on weekends.
Regional Rail fares
Regional Rail fares range from approximately $5.00 to $11.00 per trip when paying by SEPTA Key Card or contactless payment, with slightly higher fares ($5.00–$13.00) available when purchasing cash fares onboard. You must tap on and off to avoid being charged the maximum fare. Regional Rail is organized into four fare zones: Zone 1 (Center City), Zone 2 (Philadelphia and nearest suburbs), Zone 3 (outlying Philadelphia and nearby suburbs), and Zone 4 (distant suburbs, Philadelphia International Airport, Delaware, and New Jersey).
Regional Rail passes include the One Day Neighborhood FleX Pass for Zone 2 at approximately $12.50, the One Day Anywhere FleX Pass at approximately $16.25, Weekly TrailPass rates ranging from approximately $31.00 to $69.75 depending on zones, and Monthly TrailPass rates from approximately $116.00 to $255.00.
Special fares and tourist options
Children under 12 ride free with a fare-paying adult on all services. Seniors aged 65 and older travel free on Regional Rail within Pennsylvania and receive 50% off weekday fares to and from New Jersey and Delaware. Passengers with disabilities receive a 50% fare reduction with a Reduced Fare card.
The Philadelphia PHLASH visitor bus offers an all-day pass for approximately $5, with a family pass (two adults, two children) for approximately $15. Children under 4, seniors, and SEPTA Pass or Key cardholders ride the PHLASH free. SEPTA Access, the paratransit service for passengers with disabilities, costs $5.75 per trip for registered members or $75 per trip for the general public.
Please note that all fares and prices mentioned are approximate and subject to change; consult SEPTA's official website for current rates before your visit.
From the airport
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is located approximately 25 minutes from Center City by train. The SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line provides direct service from the airport to Center City stations, including William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station. You can pay for your airport train ticket using SEPTA Key, contactless payment, or cash at fare kiosks in the airport terminal before boarding. Regional Rail fares to the airport fall under Zone 4 pricing. Taxis are also available at the airport if you prefer not to use public transport.
Etiquette & customs
When riding SEPTA Metro, follow local customs to ensure a pleasant experience for yourself and other passengers. Queue in orderly lines at station entrances and when waiting to board trains or buses. On escalators, stand on the right side to allow other passengers to walk past on the left if they choose. Priority and quiet seating areas are designated for seniors, pregnant passengers, and people with disabilities; offer your seat if you are able.
Eating and drinking are permitted on SEPTA vehicles, but be mindful of spills and odors that may affect other passengers. During rush hours, expect crowded conditions and plan accordingly. Remain calm and patient, as delays occasionally occur. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings, particularly during off-peak hours and at night.
Official links
Download the SEPTA Key app or visit septakey.org to manage your reloadable SEPTA Key Card, and use the official SEPTA website for complete system maps, live journey planning, and real-time service updates before and during your visit.