Line of the Week: Airport Line

August 30, 2021

For this week's Line of the Week, we decided to take a look at one of our most frequent routes: the Airport Line.

SEPTA’s Airport Regional Rail Line was established on April 28, 1985, making it just over 36 years old! For the past 36 years, the Airport Line has been the best travel option between Philadelphia International Airport and Center City.

Airport Line service runs seven days a week, between 5a and 12a. Trains depart PHL International Airport every 30 minutes.

• Terminal E + Terminal F - Train departs at :07 and :37 every hour.

• Terminal C + Terminal D - Train departs at :09 and :39 every hour.

• Terminal B - Train departs at :10 and :40 every hour.

• Terminal A - Train departs at :11 and :41 every hour.

All airport stations feature high-level platforms to make it ADA accessible as well as easier to board and alight from the train with luggage.

Along with those terminals, the Airport Line also stops at a number of stations:

· Glenside Station

· Jenkintown-Wyncote Station

· Elkins Park Station

· Melrose Park Station

· Fern Rock Transportation Center

· Wayne Junction

· Temple University

· Jefferson Station

· Suburban Station

· 30th Street Station

· Penn Medicine Station

· Eastwick Station

It only takes 17 minutes to get from the Airport to Penn Medicine Station and 25 minutes to get to Suburban Station!

For travel from PHL to Center City, you can purchase a Quick Trip using either cash or a credit or debit card from the SEPTA Key Fare Kiosks located at each Airport Line Terminal Stop. A Quick Trip is valid for one-way travel between PHL and Center City Philadelphia via SEPTA's Airport Line. A Quick Trip costs $6.75 if you’re going into Center City. Fare can be purchased onboard the train but is $8 cash only. Please be sure to tell the conductor your final destination when you get on the train. SEPTA TrailPass, TransPass (weekends only) and the One Day Independence are also valid for travel between the Airport and Center City Philadelphia. You can also purchase a SEPTA Key from these turnstiles! The SEPTA Key will cost $4.95, but if you register your card within 30 days of purchasing it on SEPTAKey.org, that $4.95 will automatically go into your Travel Wallet.

Now that Travel Wallet is available on Regional Rail, riding couldn't be easier! All you have to do is tap your SEPTA Key on the platform or turnstile validator at your boarding station. This opens your trip. Then sit back and enjoy your ride! When you exit, tap off at the platform or turnstile validator before you leave the station. This closes out the trip. Again, all you have to do is Tap, Ride, Tap! You can read about the most up-to-date fare information here! Not only that, but children under the age of 12 ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult! And if you've never ridden the Airport Line, check out this informative video here!

Before you leave the house, there are a few things you'll want to remember. Check to make sure you have your SEPTA Key card before you leave. Masks are still required on all SEPTA vehicles. This isn't just to keep you safe, it's to keep everyone who rides SEPTA safe! Ensure your mask is covering both your mouth and your nose. And remember - vehicle capacity limits on SEPTA vehicles are now lifted.

So whether you're traveling to or from the City of Brotherly Love, hop the Airport Line and let SEPTA get you where you need to be!