The Fox Chase Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail route connecting Center City Philadelphia with Fox Chase in Northeast Philadelphia. It runs entirely within the city, uses the Fox Chase Branch after leaving the SEPTA Main Line near Newtown Junction, and serves commuter trips, local transport connections, and access to destinations such as Temple University and Fox Chase Cancer Center.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | SEPTA Regional Rail |
| Route | Center City Philadelphia to Fox Chase |
| Current terminus | Fox Chase Penn Medicine Station |
| Standard Center City routing | Fox Chase to Suburban Station, with Center City connections |
| Typical running time | About 29 to 32 minutes, depending on the schedule |
| Weekday frequency | Usually every 30 to 60 minutes |
| Weekend frequency | About every 120 minutes |
| Main payment card | SEPTA Key Card |
Fox Chase Line Map
The Fox Chase Line map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Fox Chase Line map in PDF format.
Stations and Route
The Fox Chase Line route links Center City Philadelphia with Fox Chase using the Fox Chase Branch, which splits from the SEPTA Main Line at Newtown Junction, north of Wayne Junction. The line is fully grade-separated except for one grade crossing on Oxford Avenue.
On weekdays, Fox Chase trains continue through Center City to the Chestnut Hill West Line. On weekends and major holidays, they continue to the Paoli/Thorndale Line and serve 30th Street Station. For a practical route plan, think of Fox Chase as the outer endpoint and the Center City tunnel stations as the main transfer zone.
The active stations list below follows the usual inbound path toward Center City. SEPTA tariff information also keeps references to former stations north of Fox Chase, although passenger service there was suspended in 1983 and much of that corridor has been converted to rail trail use.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Fox Chase | Current terminus near Rhawn Street and Rockwell Avenue; city bus connections on routes 18, 24, and 28 |
| Ryers | Fox Chase area stop with city bus connections on routes 70 and 77 |
| Cheltenham | Active stop on the Northeast Philadelphia section of the route |
| Lawndale | Active stop at Robbins and Newtown Avenues serving the Lawndale neighborhood |
| Olney | North Philadelphia stop with city bus route 8 connection |
| Wayne Junction | Major interchange for SEPTA Regional Rail, city bus routes 2, 23, and 53, and Trackless Trolley 75 |
| Temple University | Regional Rail station with city bus routes 3, 23, and 47 |
| Jefferson Station | Center City station for downtown transfers |
| Suburban Station | Listed as the last stop on the standard Center City routing |
Center City Stations
In Center City, Fox Chase Line trains serve the core SEPTA Regional Rail tunnel. Temple University sits just north of the downtown section, while Jefferson Station and Suburban Station put riders close to the main business, shopping, medical, and visitor areas.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple University | 2.1 miles (3.4 km) from Center City; SEPTA Regional Rail and city bus routes 3, 23, and 47 |
| Jefferson Station | Center City stop on the Fox Chase Line routing |
| Suburban Station | Standard Center City endpoint in public timetable information |
| 30th Street Station | Served on weekends and major holidays when trains continue through Center City |
Wayne Junction is also important for Center City trips because it gives riders a direct transfer point to other SEPTA Regional Rail and bus services before trains enter the downtown tunnel.
Northeast Philadelphia Stations
Beyond the Center City Commuter Connection, the Fox Chase Line serves North and Northeast Philadelphia before reaching Fox Chase. Active stops in this part of the route include Wayne Junction, Olney, Lawndale, Cheltenham, Ryers, and Fox Chase.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Wayne Junction | Regional Rail, bus, and trackless trolley connections |
| Olney | City bus route 8 connection |
| Lawndale | Located at Robbins and Newtown Avenues |
| Cheltenham | Active stop in the Northeast Philadelphia section |
| Ryers | City bus routes 70 and 77 |
| Fox Chase | Terminal station near Rhawn Street and Rockwell Avenue; city bus routes 18, 24, and 28 |
Former stations listed by SEPTA north of Fox Chase include Walnut Hill, Huntingdon Valley, Bryn Athyn, Woodmont, County Line, Southampton, Churchville, Holland, George School, and Newtown, but they are not part of active passenger service.
Schedule, Frequency, and Real-Time Updates
The Fox Chase Line runs daily, but the train schedule changes by day of week and by service plan. Regular weekday operating hours are listed from 5:25 AM to 11:25 PM, with trains usually every 30 to 60 minutes. Weekend operating hours are listed from 5:34 AM to 9:34 PM, with a frequency of about 120 minutes.
For timings today, check the current timetable or real-time updates before you leave. Service changes, shuttle bus substitutions, and through-routing patterns can affect the route timetable, starting time, closing time, and last train.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday operating hours | 5:25 AM to 11:25 PM in regular service listings |
| Weekend operating hours | 5:34 AM to 9:34 PM |
| Weekday frequency | About every 30 to 60 minutes |
| Weekend frequency | About every 120 minutes |
| Example listed departure | 4:23 PM from Fox Chase, arriving Suburban Station at 4:55 PM |
| Example running time | 32 minutes |
Real-time apps can show upcoming departures, live arrivals when available, schedule today changes, and the train position on a stations map.
Weekday Service
Weekday service runs between Fox Chase and Center City, with published Suburban Station departures including 6:35 AM, 7:35 AM, 2:35 PM, 3:35 PM, and 4:35 PM, arriving at Fox Chase about 30 minutes later. Some schedule overviews also show weekday operation from 6:35 AM to 10:35 PM, so it is worth checking the current timetable before traveling.
During weekday midday shuttle substitution, buses replace train service between Fox Chase and Wayne Junction from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Shuttle buses serve Fox Chase, Ryers, Cheltenham, Lawndale, and Olney, with a train connection at Wayne Junction.
Buses leave Fox Chase 28 minutes earlier than regular train times, and riders should add about 30 to 35 minutes to the trip. There is no bus connection for train #817, which originates at Wayne Junction. Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Weekend and Holiday Service
On weekends and major holidays, Fox Chase Line service follows a special schedule. Trains run through Center City and may continue to the Paoli/Thorndale Line, with weekend and holiday service also listed to 30th Street Station.
Weekend departures from Suburban Station include 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 2:30 PM. The pattern continues through Jefferson Station, Temple University, Wayne Junction, Olney, Lawndale, Cheltenham, Ryers, and Fox Chase.
During some planned disruptions, buses may replace trains between Fox Chase and Olney on Saturdays and Sundays. Inbound buses leave about 22 minutes earlier than normal train departure times, while outbound buses leave 3 minutes after train arrival and may arrive up to 18 minutes later than regular train times. Allow an extra 20 to 25 minutes. Weekend customer service is available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Fares, Tickets, and SEPTA Key
Fox Chase Line fare depends on the station pair, fare zone, day of travel, and payment method. SEPTA Key is the main reloadable card, and riders can also use contactless credit cards, debit cards, mobile payment, Key Tix, cash, or Quick Trip options where available.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Contactless payment | $2.90 USD per trip for some services, paid by credit card, debit card, or mobile device |
| SEPTA Key Card | $2.90 USD per trip for some services, plus a $4.95 USD card cost |
| Key Tix | $2.90 USD per trip through the SEPTA app |
| Cash or Quick Trip | $2.90 USD per trip, with Quick Trips valid only on the day of purchase |
| Regional Rail fare range | $5.00 to $13.00 USD depending on the trip |
On Regional Rail, tap on at your starting station and tap out at your destination when using SEPTA Key or contactless payment. If you do not tap out, you may be charged the maximum fare. That tap-off step is the closest thing to a fare calculator in daily use because it lets the system calculate the correct ticket price for your ride.
Riders using SEPTA Key or contactless credit or debit payment can make up to two free transfers within 2 hours of the first tap, as long as the same card is used. Key Tix users can make one free transfer. Multi-Rider allows up to 5 passengers traveling together to pay with one SEPTA Key Card after activation.
Fare Zones
The Fox Chase Line uses SEPTA’s Regional Rail fare zone system. Zones are based on distance from Center City Philadelphia, with stations assigned to Zones 1 through 4, plus Center City and New Jersey designations elsewhere in the system.
Fox Chase Station is in Zone 2. Other stations are assigned by location and distance from Center City, and the zone affects the fare, ticket price, and total cost of the trip.
Weekday fares apply Monday through Friday. Weekend fares apply on Saturday, Sunday, and major SEPTA holidays. Local trips stay outside Center City on one line, while extended trips pass through Center City or require a Center City train change.
Passes for Regular Riders and Visitors
Regular riders usually get the most value from a SEPTA Key Card with the right pass or Travel Wallet balance. Occasional riders can buy tickets at station kiosks with cash or a credit card, and train employees can help with onboard purchases.
The One Day Neighborhood Flex Pass costs $13 USD and provides 10 rides in a single day. This day pass works across SEPTA services, making it useful for visitors using public transport around Philadelphia.
SEPTA may also offer limited-sale event passes for special travel days. If you plan to use one, check availability before boarding and have a valid ticket or pass ready.
Transfers and Connections
The Fox Chase Line connects with SEPTA Regional Rail, city bus routes, SEPTA Trackless Trolley, Amtrak, NJ Transit, and PATCO through key stations. Wayne Junction is the most useful interchange outside Center City, while downtown stations open up the wider public transport network.
Common connections include Temple University for Regional Rail and city bus routes 3, 23, and 47; Wayne Junction for Regional Rail, city bus routes 2, 23, and 53, and Trackless Trolley 75; Ryers for bus routes 70 and 77; and Fox Chase for bus routes 18, 24, and 28.
During shuttle-bus substitutions, buses operate between Fox Chase and Wayne Junction while train service continues between Wayne Junction and Center City. Build in extra time if your trip depends on a transfer.
Connections to Other Regional Rail Lines
The Fox Chase Line shares the Center City Commuter Connection with the rest of SEPTA Regional Rail. That gives riders access to other Regional Rail lines at 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, and Temple University.
At Wayne Junction, the Fox Chase Branch links back into the SEPTA Main Line area, making the station a practical transfer point in the Regional Rail system. On weekdays, Fox Chase trains continue through Center City to the Chestnut Hill West Line; on weekends, they continue to the Paoli/Thorndale Line.
The line also connects near Lawndale to the former New York Short Line, where the Trenton Line diverges as a freight-only route. It is part of the rail network, but not a passenger transfer.
Connections to SEPTA Metro, Bus, and Trolley Services
For city transport connections, use Temple University, Wayne Junction, Ryers, and Fox Chase. Temple University connects with SEPTA Regional Rail and bus routes 3, 23, and 47. Wayne Junction connects with Regional Rail, bus routes 2, 23, and 53, and Trackless Trolley 75.
Farther north, Olney is served by bus route 8. Ryers connects with bus routes 70 and 77, while Fox Chase connects with bus routes 18, 24, and 28. These local transport links are useful for first- and last-mile trips, especially if your destination is not right beside a station.
When shuttle buses replace trains between Fox Chase and Wayne Junction, buses serve all Fox Chase Line stations in the affected segment and connect with trains at Wayne Junction for Center City travel.
Connections to Amtrak, NJ Transit, and PATCO
At William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, riders can connect to Amtrak, including Northeast Corridor and long-distance trains, and to NJ Transit rail service on the Atlantic City Line.
Amtrak also serves other NJ Transit connection points such as Newark, Trenton, Metropark, New York, and Philadelphia 30th Street Station. A separate ticket is required.
PATCO provides rail service between Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. NJ Transit rail customers can connect to PATCO at Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden or at Lindenwold. NJ Transit bus customers in New Jersey can connect to any PATCO station except Woodcrest and Ashland, while bus customers in Philadelphia can connect at 8th and Market Street.
Getting to Philadelphia International Airport
From Fox Chase, the train is the best listed option without a car for reaching Philadelphia International Airport. The trip takes about 1 hour 12 minutes by rail: ride the Fox Chase Line to Suburban Station, then transfer to the Airport Line for Airport Terminal A.
Driving is listed as the fastest option, taking about 31 minutes and costing around $4 to $6 USD. The distance is about 21.7 to 22 miles (34.9 to 35.4 km). A taxi takes about 31 minutes and costs around $60 to $80 USD, while a towncar takes about 31 minutes and typically costs $120 to $180 USD.
There is no direct bus from Fox Chase to Philadelphia International Airport. A bus trip uses multiple SEPTA connections, arrives at Philadelphia Airport Terminal A, and takes about 2 hours 28 minutes.
Transfer to the Airport Line via Center City
The Airport Line transfer happens in Center City. Ride the Fox Chase Line through the Center City Commuter Connection, then change to the Airport Line at a main downtown Regional Rail station.
Through-service patterns differ by day: weekday Fox Chase trains continue to the Chestnut Hill West Line, while weekend trains continue to the Paoli/Thorndale Line. Check the timetable before you travel, especially if you are coordinating with a flight.
- Fox Chase Line trains run through Center City Philadelphia.
- The Airport Line is reached by transferring in Center City.
- Weekday and weekend route timetable patterns are different.
Parking and Station Access
Fox Chase Station is located at 442 Rhawn Street in Philadelphia, near Rhawn Street and Rockwell Avenue. It is the closest Regional Rail stop for the Fox Chase and Bustleton areas, as well as Rockledge and Huntingdon Valley in Montgomery County.
The station has 342 parking spaces, the largest number on the line. Station parking is operated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and daily parking charges apply. A separate Fox Chase Railroad Station lot at 500 Rhawn Street is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with pay-by-plate kiosk and mobile payment available.
Station access is at ground level. The station is accessible, with a wheelchair ramp at the north end that requires a request to train staff. A pedestrian crossing connects the station area with the parking lots.
Parking at Fox Chase Station
Fox Chase Station has a large parking facility with 342 spaces. The lots are at 500 Rhawn Street and near 442 Rhawn Street, and they are convenient for riders coming from Fox Chase, Bustleton, and nearby communities in Montgomery County.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Spaces | 342 |
| Operator | Philadelphia Parking Authority |
| Access | Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Payment | Pay-by-plate kiosk and mobile payment |
| Parking charges per day | $2.00 USD for up to 24 hours |
Parking Enforcement Officers are listed as enforcing the lot every day.
Bike Parking and First/Last-Mile Access
Fox Chase Station is heavily oriented toward car access, but bike parking is available. The station currently has seven bike racks with space for 14 bicycles, and SEPTA has planned additional bicycle parking, including covered bike parking.
Nearby street connections help cyclists reach the station. Rockwell Avenue bike lanes end at Rhawn Street, about 250 feet (76 meters) east of the railroad, and Rockwell Avenue connects to Philadelphia’s broader 230-mile (370-km) bike lane network.
A future Fox Chase Lorimer Trail is envisioned along an unused SEPTA rail segment and would extend the existing Pennypack Trail into the city. Pedestrians can use the crossing that links the parking lots on both sides of the station.
How to Ride the Fox Chase Line
To ride the Fox Chase Line, choose your direction, check the current train schedule, and tap on with SEPTA Key or an accepted contactless payment method. The line has 9 regular stops in each direction on the standard Fox Chase to Suburban Station pattern, and the full running time is usually about 29 to 32 minutes.
The inbound stations list toward Center City is simple:
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Fox Chase | First stop and outer terminal |
| Ryers | Fox Chase area stop |
| Cheltenham | Northeast Philadelphia section |
| Lawndale | Lawndale neighborhood stop |
| Olney | Bus route 8 connection |
| Wayne Junction | Major transfer station |
| Temple University | Regional Rail and bus connections |
| Jefferson Station | Center City station |
| Suburban Station | Last stop on the standard Center City routing |
On weekdays, regular listings show service from 5:25 AM to 11:25 PM with 30- to 60-minute intervals. On weekends, service is listed from 5:34 AM to 9:34 PM with about 120-minute intervals. Check opening times and last train details before late-night travel.
Fox Chase Station has two tracks, ground-level boarding, and a wheelchair ramp at the north end that requires a request to train staff. The station also connects with SEPTA City Bus routes 18, 24, and 28.
Tips for Tourists and Local Riders
If you are traveling during weekday midday track work, plan for shuttle bus substitution between Fox Chase and Wayne Junction from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Buses serve Fox Chase, Ryers, Cheltenham, Lawndale, and Olney, while trains continue between Wayne Junction and Center City.
Use the separate Fox Chase Shuttle Bus schedule when the substitution is active, because those trips are not shown on the regular train schedule page. Westbound buses leave Fox Chase 28 minutes earlier than the regular train times, and trains leave 5 minutes after bus arrival at Wayne Junction. Eastbound buses leave Wayne Junction 5 minutes after train arrival.
Allow about 30 to 35 extra minutes westbound and 35 to 40 extra minutes eastbound. Shuttle bus stop locations include Rockwell Avenue at the station driveway for Fox Chase, station driveway or Cottman Avenue and Hasbrook Avenue for Ryers depending on direction, Martins Mill Road and Hasbrook Avenue for Cheltenham, Newtown Avenue and Devereaux Avenue for Lawndale, Mascher Street and Tabor Road for Olney, and Windrim Avenue at the station entrance for Wayne Junction.
If you are heading to Fox Chase Cancer Center, ride to Fox Chase Station, walk left on Rhawn Street to Oxford Avenue, cross at the walk light, continue left past the Fox Chase bus loop, then turn right on Loney Street and immediately left onto Barnes Street.
Accessibility and Passenger Rules
Fox Chase Station is accessible, with two tracks and ground-level boarding. A wheelchair ramp is located at the north end of the station, but passengers need to request help from train staff to use it.
For a safe trip, use marked pedestrian crossings, follow crew instructions, and allow extra time when shuttle buses replace trains. During weekday midday substitution, buses replace train service between Fox Chase and Wayne Junction from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, with train connections at Wayne Junction.
Shuttle buses leave Fox Chase 28 minutes earlier than regular train times, and trains depart 5 minutes after bus arrival at Wayne Junction. Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Fox Chase bus stop: Rockwell Avenue at Station Driveway; request drop-off at Rhawn Street is available, but pickup is not.
- Ryers bus stops: inbound at the Ryers Station Driveway; outbound at Cottman Avenue and Hasbrook Avenue.
- Cheltenham bus stop: Martins Mills Road and Hasbrook Avenue.
- Lawndale bus stop: Newtown Avenue and Devereaux Avenue.
- Olney bus stop: Mascher Street and Tabor Road.
- Wayne Junction bus stop: Windrim Avenue at Station Entrance.
Brief History
The Fox Chase Line began as the Philadelphia, Newtown and New York Railroad. Service opened to Fox Chase in 1876 and was extended to Newtown in 1878. The line first became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system, then was leased by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad in 1879.
A cutoff between Cheltenham and Neshaminy Falls opened on May 27, 1906. The Newtown Branch remained the Reading’s last steam-hauled suburban service until 1952.
The line was electrified to Fox Chase on September 29, 1966, while diesel service continued north to Newtown. After the Reading Company’s final bankruptcy in 1976, SEPTA took ownership of the branch, and Conrail operated service under contract until SEPTA assumed full control in 1983.
Diesel service north of Fox Chase was suspended on July 1, 1981, briefly returned as the Fox Chase Rapid Transit Line on October 5, 1981, and ended again on January 18, 1983, when service was cut back to Fox Chase.
The route was designated R8 Fox Chase between 1984 and 2010. Plans to restore service beyond Fox Chase stayed in SEPTA’s Capital Program until 2009, but no reopening has taken place. The rail bed between Fox Chase and Southampton has since been converted to rail trail use, and other former sections have also been repurposed as trail corridors.
Service Changes and Future Outlook
Passenger rail service beyond Fox Chase was suspended in January 1983. SEPTA later converted much of the northern alignment to rail trail use, and additional trackage in Southampton was dismantled in October 2018. Even so, SEPTA continues to list north-of-Fox-Chase stations in its public tariff.
Today, the Fox Chase Line remains an important SEPTA Regional Rail commuter route within Philadelphia. It uses electric multiple units, runs through Center City to the Chestnut Hill West Line on weekdays, and continues to the Paoli/Thorndale Line on weekends and major holidays. The line carried 3,450 riders in FY 2024.
Recent service changes have included weekday midday shuttle-bus substitutions between Fox Chase and Wayne Junction while crews replaced older track sections with continuously welded rail under the Fox Chase Improvement Program. The work was described as improving reliability, on-time performance, and ride quality.
Future expansion beyond Fox Chase has been discussed for years, but no extension has been restored. Current work focuses on maintaining and improving the existing line.
Useful Destinations Near the Line
The Fox Chase Line is useful for trips to Temple University, Wayne Junction, North Philadelphia neighborhoods, Fox Chase, and Fox Chase Cancer Center. It also links riders to Center City Philadelphia for jobs, hospitals, shopping, hotels, and onward transportation in the region.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple University | Best for Temple University and city bus connections |
| Wayne Junction | Best for Regional Rail transfers, bus routes, and trackless trolley service |
| Olney | Useful for local bus connections in North Philadelphia |
| Ryers | Useful for the Fox Chase area |
| Fox Chase | Best for Fox Chase neighborhood, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and station parking |
Fox Chase Station is the closest Regional Rail stop for the Fox Chase and Bustleton areas, plus Rockledge and Huntingdon Valley in Montgomery County. It also has 342 parking spaces, the largest parking supply on the line.
Temple University
Temple University Station is a Fox Chase Line stop 2.1 miles (3.4 km) from Center City. It is served by SEPTA Regional Rail on all lines and connects with SEPTA City Bus routes 3, 23, and 47.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Zone | C |
| Location | Temple University |
| Connections | SEPTA Regional Rail and SEPTA City Bus |
| Line stops | 11 listed stops |
Regular Fox Chase Line service stops at Temple University while traveling between Center City and Fox Chase. Weekend and major holiday service is listed as running to 30th Street Station.
Center City Philadelphia
The Fox Chase Line connects Fox Chase with Center City Philadelphia through the Center City Commuter Connection. In this section, riders can use Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, and 30th Street Station depending on the day and service pattern.
Service patterns have varied over time. The line is described as continuing through Center City to the Chestnut Hill West Line on weekdays and to the Paoli/Thorndale Line on weekends.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Service type | SEPTA Regional Rail commuter service |
| Current operator | SEPTA |
| Stops | 11 listed stops |
| Ridership | 3,450 in FY 2024 |
| Current terminus | Fox Chase Penn Medicine Station |
Fox Chase Station is near Rhawn Street and Rockwell Avenue and serves as the line’s current outer terminal.