Line of the Week: Chestnut Hill West

July 19, 2021

This week's Route of the Week is the Chestnut Hill West Line! Formerly known as the R8, the Chestnut Hill West Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail Line the travels between Center City and Chestnut Hill. This line was established on June 11, 1884 by the Philadelphia, Germantown and Chestnut Hill Railroad. Until SEPTA took over operations in 1984, the Chestnut Hill West Line was operated by a number of different transportation companies including the Pennsylvania Railroad, Penn Central, and Conrail.

Along with the Chestnut Hill East Line, Chestnut Hill West serves the Northwestern section of Philadelphia, including the historic neighborhoods of Mt. Airy, Germantown, and Chestnut Hill. 

Amtrak and SEPTA will continue to perform state of good repair track and tunnel work during overnight and weekend hours along the Chestnut Hill West Line through 2021.

The Chestnut Hill West Line runs Monday thru Friday. During rush hour - it runs once an hour. 

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 Chestnut Hill West 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 headed to Chestnut Hill, Center City, or anywhere in between - let SEPTA be your ride!