History buffs, art nerds, outdoors enthusiasts, antique hunters, and families can all find their place in Bucks County, about an hour’s train ride from Center City. With trains departing every hour to - and back from - the multi-faceted county, planning a day of shopping, museum-hopping, or waterpark splashing doesn’t require much planning at all!
Find out how you can #ISEPTABUCKS with the TMA Bucks ride guide.
Sesame Place, photo courtesy of Visit Bucks County
Dotted with small towns to explore, wineries to drink in, and restaurants serving the freshest farm-to-table cuisine, Chester County is a bucolic respite from the city and is close enough that spontaneous weekend getaway is as easy as jumping on a train. Leave the work week behind, and let the relaxation begin as soon as you step off the platform.
Knox Covered Bridge, Malven, PA, photo courtesy of Visit Chester County
This popular all-seasons day trip destination is packed with historical sites, sprawling gardens, wine trails, and spectacular theater and dining. Delaware County is small, but is home to some of our region’s ritziest neighborhoods, most storied towns, and finest higher education institutions - and is a short and easy ride from Center City.
Dining Under the Stars in Media, PA, photo courtesy of Ralph Nardell
Montgomery County has it all - from small towns to the largest shopping mall in the United States (plus historical battle sites and a casino and a river and a zoo and … you get the idea). SEPTA has 49 station stops throughout the county, so just choose your own your Montco adventure, and SEPTA will get you there - and back!
Elmwood Park Zoo, photo courtesy of Visit Montco
When you hear, “Philadelphia”, the city is the first thing that comes to mind. But Philadelphia County stretches beyond the city limits to include neighboring towns like Manayunk and Chestnut Hill that have personalities all their own and are a hop, skip, and a ride from Center City.
Schuylkill Banks, photo courtesy of PHLCVB
Go big (apple), and then go home! SEPTA plays nicely with NJTransit to offer a ride up to New York City that won’t break the bank, making it easy to take a day trip to visit one of our coast’s other great cities.
Our nation’s first state is surprisingly close to Philadelphia, and easy to access via SEPTA’s Regional Rail. Hop a train to Wilmington and discover the restaurants and performing arts venues that the Washington Post says “are totally worth the trip”. The newly developed waterfront offers an increasing number of restaurants and bars to enjoy, overlooking the water, and family-friendly attractions like museums, a skating rink, and mini golf.
The Grand Opera House, photo courtesy of Moonloop Photography
Pennsylvania isn’t the only state with cute, small towns. Take a ride across the river to discover what our neighbor to the east has to offer - tasty restaurants, boutique shopping, and a Farmers’ Market that’s totally worth the weekend trip. SEPTA can also get you to BB&T Pavilion, on Camden’s Waterfront, to take in a show at the outdoor venue.
Downtown Collingswood, photo courtesy of Gabriella McCann
You might have a friend who is “happy to be the designated driver” because she “has to get up really early tomorrow”, but do you really want to have to return the favor when the time comes? SEPTA will take you in or out of the city to meet up with old friends or make new ones - and won’t ask for anything in return. Even better? The late night and all night routes mean you can have another drink, karaoke another tune, or challenge another dart master and still make it home safely.
Neshaminy Creek Brewing Co, photo courtesy of Visit Bucks County
When you've shopped until you're literally about to drop, nothing is more exhausting than battling the traffic home. So, don’t. You might not have a chauffeur to carry your bags and shuttle you around, but you do have SEPTA. So, give those feet a rest, close your eyes, and plan the perfect outfit to debut those over-the-knee boots that you totally deserve.
Estate, photo courtesy of Visit Bucks County
Some days, the great outdoors don’t sound so great. It’s cold. It’s hot. It’s wet. It’s windy. Ugh. But, have no fear, bad weather doesn’t mean that a case of cabin fever is heading your way. There are plenty of indoor destinations across SEPTA’s map for you to adventure to without braving the elements. Get lost in a museum or a sale rack and tell your inner voice that you’ll “go outside and get some fresh air” tomorrow.
Legoland, photo courtesy of Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
Think of SEPTA like your friend’s cool mom who was always willing to give you a ride to a show. Whether you’re heading to a sold-out stadium tour to an underground indie show, taking SEPTA means not missing the opening act because you were stuck in traffic or looking for parking. Look into SEPTA’s late night and all night routes to help you get home after the final encore.
The Fillmore, photo courtesy of Live Nation
Whether you’re holding pocket aces or a whole lotta nothin’, the one card you should always have up your sleeve is your SEPTA Key. There’s no way to tell how a date with Lady Luck will pan out, but you can always count on SEPTA to get you home safely without eating too much into your winnings, or, you know, leftover pocket change.
Valley Forge Casino, photo courtesy of Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board
What’s more Philly than SEPTA? Well, maybe the Liberty Bell. Or Reading Terminal Market. Or South Street. But, luckily, SEPTA can take you to all of them. From the guidebook must-sees to the hidden gems, hop on a bus, subway, trolley, or Regional Rail line and enjoy what makes our city great (like not having to worry about feeding the meter).
Reading Terminal Market, photo courtesy of Gabriella McCann
It’s no secret that Philly is home to some amazing museums, but don’t overlook the burbs. There are just as many treasures to explore outside the city limits - and SEPTA can take you to see it all. Even better? Some museum offer discounted admission to SEPTA riders, which will make you feel twice as smart after your visit.
Penn Museum, photo courtesy of Penn Museum
Looking to trade the city’s hustle and bustle for somewhere more quiet and quaint? The SEPTA map is dotted with enough small towns to satisfy your every unique boutique, cute café, or rustic restaurant craving. Take advantage of the quiet “reverse commute” during the work day and you’ll have plenty of room to stash your out-of-town finds on your train or bus ride back.
Doylestown, PA, photo courtesy of Visit Bucks County
So, you prefer to travel on two wheels or your own two feet. We get that - and we can take you to some of the region’s greatest places to pedal, hike, climb, skate, and get in touch with nature. SEPTA lets you bring your bike along on Regional Rail lines, the Norristown High Speed Line, Market-Frankford Line, and Broad Street Line on weekdays except for during peak commute times and all day on Saturday, Sunday, and major holidays. Bikes are welcome on buses anytime.
Fairmount Park Ropes Course, photo courtesy of Philadelphia Parks and Recreation
Philadelphians are serious about what they eat. From what you can put on your cheesesteak and where you get it, to the chef's tasting menu at our Michelin Star and James Beard award winners and noms (no pun intended). Our region is crawling with the next best thing you've ever tasted, and SEPTA covers all of the ground in between bites.
There are nearly 30 wineries within an hour of Philadelphia - and close to many SEPTA Regional Rail stops! Click here to visit the official PA Wines site for maps, events, and travel tips via SEPTA.
Philadelphia is home to some of the best live theater in the world, and we can help you get there. Ride SEPTA to dozens of different theaters in the area!
DYK There are over a dozen Farmers Markets - located steps from SEPTA stops? And that some Farmers Markets are located at SEPTA stations?