The Manayunk/Norristown Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail commuter service in Southeastern Pennsylvania, linking Center City Philadelphia with Norristown. It is one of 13 lines in SEPTA’s Regional Rail system and follows the historic Norristown Branch, running along the Schuylkill River corridor through East Falls, Manayunk, Conshohocken, and Norristown. Published materials describe the route as 18.1 miles (29.1 km) long, with 17 listed stops, while regular active schedule data shows 15 commuter rail stations.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Transit agency | SEPTA Regional Rail |
| Service type | Commuter rail and public transport route |
| Main route | Center City Philadelphia to Norristown–Elm Street |
| Distance | 18.1 miles (29.1 km) |
| Stations | 17 listed locations; regular active schedule data shows 15 stations |
| Weekday operating hours | 5:43 AM to 11:08 PM |
| Weekend operating hours | 5:33 AM to 10:33 PM |
| Typical frequency | 24 to 60 minutes on weekdays; 60 minutes on weekends |
| Typical running time | About 47 to 51 minutes |
| Major transfer point | Norristown Transportation Center |
Fox Chase Line Map
The Manayunk Norristown Line map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Manayunk Norristown Line map in PDF format.
Manayunk Norristown Line Stations and Stops
The Manayunk/Norristown Line stations list runs from Center City Philadelphia toward Norristown, serving major public transport points such as Temple University, North Broad, Manayunk, Conshohocken, and Norristown Transportation Center. Some names appear in historical station lists but are closed or discontinued, so always use the current timetable when planning a trip today.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| 30th Street Station | Major Center City station and Regional Rail connection point |
| Suburban Station | Center City station on the route through the commuter tunnel |
| Jefferson Station | Downtown station with Regional Rail connections |
| Temple University | Regional Rail stop serving the Temple University area |
| North Broad | Connection point for Regional Rail, SEPTA Metro, and city bus routes |
| Allegheny | Philadelphia stop with bus connections noted in route materials |
| East Falls | Northwest Philadelphia station along the Schuylkill River corridor |
| Wissahickon | Useful for Wissahickon and trail access |
| Manayunk | Located at Cresson and Carson Streets near Main Street |
| Ivy Ridge | Northwest Philadelphia station with local bus connections |
| Miquon | Station between Shawmont and Spring Mill in the corridor |
| Spring Mill | Stop before Conshohocken on the Norristown Branch |
| Conshohocken | Located below Fayette Street at Washington and Harry Streets; 95 parking spaces |
| Norristown Transportation Center | Major transfer point for buses and the Norristown High Speed Line |
| Norristown–Main Street | Norristown branch station at Main and Markley Streets |
| Norristown–Elm Street | Outer terminal station in Norristown |
| Spring Garden Street, Shawmont, Ivy Rock, Mogees, Marshall Street | Listed in historical or discontinued station materials |
As of 2026, most weekday trains either terminate at 30th Street Station or continue to Wawa on the Media/Wawa Line. Weekend trains continue through to Airport Terminal stations on the Airport Line.
Center City Stations
In Center City, Manayunk/Norristown Line trains use the Center City Commuter Connection. This makes the route convenient for riders going to downtown Philadelphia, transferring to other Regional Rail lines, or building a route plan across the SEPTA system.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| 30th Street Station | Major downtown rail hub; many weekday trains terminate here or continue to Wawa |
| Suburban Station | Central business district station |
| Jefferson Station | Downtown station with Regional Rail connections |
| Temple University | North Philadelphia station served by Regional Rail |
| North Broad | Connection point before the route heads toward the Norristown Branch |
Northwest Philadelphia Stations
Northwest Philadelphia is one of the most useful parts of the line for local transport, especially for riders going to East Falls, Wissahickon, Manayunk, Ivy Ridge, and nearby trail areas. Manayunk station is at Cresson and Carson Streets and had a weekday average of 654 boardings and 563 alightings in FY 2013.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| East Falls | Northwest Philadelphia stop along the Schuylkill River corridor |
| Wissahickon | Good access point for Wissahickon-area travel and trail connections |
| Manayunk | Close to Main Street, restaurants, shops, and the towpath area |
| Ivy Ridge | Serves the Ivy Ridge area and connects with local bus routes |
| Shawmont | Listed as closed or discontinued in the source material |
| Miquon | Station on the corridor before Spring Mill and Conshohocken |
Conshohocken and Norristown Area Stations
West of Philadelphia, the line continues through Conshohocken and into Norristown. This section matters for commuters, local transport trips, bus transfers, and riders connecting to the Norristown High Speed Line.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Spring Mill | Station before Conshohocken on the route toward Norristown |
| Conshohocken | Served by SEPTA Suburban Bus routes 95 and 97; 95-space parking lot |
| Norristown Transportation Center | Transfer point for SEPTA buses and the Norristown High Speed Line to 69th Street Transportation Center |
| Norristown–Main Street | Final Norristown branch area stop before Elm Street |
| Norristown–Elm Street | Terminal station on the line |
| Ivy Rock, Mogees, Marshall Street | Former or discontinued stations in the corridor |
Schedule, Frequency, and Travel Times
The Manayunk/Norristown Line operates daily. For riders searching for operating hours, opening hours, opening times, working hours, schedule today, or timings today, the current published service window is early morning through late evening. The last train and exact closing time can change with the timetable, so check the current SEPTA schedule before traveling.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday service | 5:43 AM to 11:08 PM |
| Weekend service | 5:33 AM to 10:33 PM |
| Weekday frequency | Every 24 to 60 minutes |
| Weekend frequency | Every 60 minutes |
| Typical running time | About 47 to 51 minutes |
| Example live train schedule | Norristown Elm Street 2:08 PM to Suburban Station 2:59 PM |
| Weekend airport pattern | Weekend trains continue to Airport Terminal stations on the Airport Line |
Service alerts can affect the timetable, especially during severe weather, signal issues, or maintenance work. For the most accurate train schedule and route timetable, use SEPTA’s current schedule tools or a real-time transit app.
Weekday Service
Weekday service starts at 5:43 AM and runs until 11:08 PM, with trains generally every 24 to 60 minutes. As of 2026, most weekday trains terminate at 30th Street Station or continue to Wawa on the Media/Wawa Line.
SEPTA may reduce operating speeds during excessive heat or signal problems, and delays of up to 20 minutes have been noted in service information. If your trip depends on a specific last train or starting time, check the timetable shortly before you leave.
Weekend and Holiday Service
Weekend service runs from 5:33 AM to 10:33 PM, generally every 60 minutes. As of 2026, all weekend Manayunk/Norristown Line trains continue to Airport Terminal stations on the Airport Line, creating a one-seat ride between Norristown and the airport.
SEPTA may use special schedules on major holidays, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. During some weekend maintenance work, shuttle buses may replace trains between Norristown Transit Center and Elm Street Station.
When shuttle buses operate, travel time usually increases by about 10 to 15 minutes. Inbound buses toward Center City may leave Elm Street Station 9 minutes earlier than the normal train time, while outbound connecting buses toward Norristown may leave 5 minutes after train arrival at Norristown Transit Center.
Peak and Off-Peak Travel
SEPTA has added Regional Rail service in recent timetables to support off-peak, evening, and weekend travel while also improving weekday capacity during busier periods. For the Manayunk/Norristown Line, recent changes have included added peak and reverse-peak trains.
If you want a quieter ride, off-peak trips are usually easier than peak commuter times. Still, the exact frequency depends on the current timetable, so check the schedule today before heading to the station.
Fares, Tickets, and SEPTA Key
The Manayunk/Norristown Line uses SEPTA’s distance-based Regional Rail fare system. Your ticket price depends on fare zone, day of travel, trip pattern, and payment method. SEPTA Key, contactless payment, Quick Trip, cash, and onboard payment each have different rules, so the lowest cost is usually available when you pay before boarding or tap correctly.
SEPTA Key cards cost USD $4.95. The card can hold Travel Wallet funds and daily, weekly, or monthly passes, including options such as a day pass where applicable across SEPTA services. Children under 12 ride free with a fare-paying adult. Seniors 65 and older ride free on Regional Rail within Pennsylvania with a valid Senior Fare Card; for travel to or from New Jersey or Delaware, seniors pay 50% of the weekday fare with a valid Senior Fare Card.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Zone 1 weekday fare | SEPTA Key/contactless/Quick Trip: USD $5.00; onboard: USD $7.00 |
| Zone 2 weekday fare | SEPTA Key/contactless/Quick Trip: USD $6.50; onboard: USD $9.00 |
| Zone 3 weekday fare | SEPTA Key/contactless/Quick Trip: USD $7.75; onboard: USD $10.00 |
| Zone 4 weekday fare | SEPTA Key/contactless/Quick Trip: USD $8.75; onboard: USD $11.00 |
| NJ weekday fare | Quick Trip: USD $11.00; onboard: USD $13.00; contactless not available |
| Zone 1 weekend fare | SEPTA Key/contactless/Quick Trip: USD $5.00; onboard: USD $7.00 |
| Zone 2 weekend fare | SEPTA Key/contactless/Quick Trip: USD $6.00; onboard: USD $9.00 |
| Zone 3 weekend fare | SEPTA Key/contactless/Quick Trip: USD $7.00; onboard: USD $10.00 |
| Zone 4 weekend fare | SEPTA Key/contactless/Quick Trip: USD $8.00; onboard: USD $11.00 |
| NJ weekend fare | Quick Trip: USD $11.00; onboard: USD $13.00; contactless not available |
Weekend fares apply all day Saturday and Sunday and on major SEPTA holidays. For a precise fare calculator result, use SEPTA’s current fare information before you ride.
How Regional Rail Fares Are Calculated
Regional Rail fares are calculated by where you board, where you exit, the day and time of travel, and how you pay. Each station belongs to a fare zone: CC for the five Center City stations, then Zones 1 through 4, plus NJ for New Jersey stations.
The more zones your trip crosses, the higher the fare may be. Local trip rates apply when you travel outside Center City on one line without going to or through Center City. Extended trip rates apply when your trip starts and ends outside Center City but passes through Center City, including trips where you change trains at a Center City station.
Payment method also changes the price. Onboard fares are higher than advance purchases at ticket offices, fare kiosks, or through supported tap payment methods.
SEPTA Key, Contactless Payment, Quick Trip, and Cash
SEPTA Key is a reloadable contactless chip card that can hold passes and Travel Wallet funds. You can buy and reload it at fare kiosks, select retail locations, online, in the SEPTA App, or through the Key Customer Call Center.
Contactless payment by credit card, debit card, phone, or smartwatch is accepted on Bus, Metro, and Regional Rail. Multi-Rider contactless payment is available on all SEPTA services, but not for travel to or from New Jersey.
Quick Trip tickets are available for certain one-way trips and are valid only for the day purchased until 2:00 AM the following day. Free transfers are not available with Quick Trip. Cash is still accepted, but exact fare is required for transit trips.
Tapping In and Tapping Out
On the Manayunk/Norristown Line, tap in at the start of your trip and tap out at your destination when using SEPTA Key or contactless payment. Depending on the station, you may tap at a platform validator, a turnstile, or through the conductor’s device.
If you do not tap out, SEPTA calculates your fare to the final stop on the route, which can mean paying the maximum fare. The simple rule is worth remembering: tap, ride, tap out.
Choosing the Best Fare Option
For occasional riders, SEPTA Key, contactless payment, or a Quick Trip ticket can be convenient. For regular commuting, a pass may be better, depending on how often you ride and whether you connect to bus, Metro, or other Regional Rail services.
For some Norristown-area trips, the Norristown High Speed Line can be a lower-cost and more frequent alternative. A common pattern is to ride the Norristown High Speed Line to 69th Street Transportation Center and transfer to the Market-Frankford Line.
Connections and Transfers
The Manayunk/Norristown Line connects with Regional Rail, Metro, and bus services across Philadelphia and Montgomery County. In Center City, it links with other Regional Rail routes. At Norristown Transportation Center, riders can transfer to surface buses or the Norristown High Speed Line for service to 69th Street Transportation Center.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple University | Regional Rail connections |
| North Broad | Regional Rail, SEPTA Metro, and City Bus routes 4, 16, and 54 |
| Allegheny | City Bus routes 33 and 60 |
| East Falls | City Bus route K |
| Wissahickon | City Bus routes 9, 27, 61, 62, and 65 |
| Manayunk | City Bus routes 35, 61, and 62 |
| Ivy Ridge | City Bus routes 61 and 62 |
| Conshohocken | Suburban Bus routes 95 and 97 |
| Norristown Transportation Center | SEPTA Metro, Norristown High Speed Line, and Suburban Bus routes 90, 91, 93, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 131 |
| Norristown–Main Street | Suburban Bus routes 90, 91, 93, and 131 |
Regional Rail Connections in Center City
In Center City, the line runs through the Center City Commuter Connection, which links 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station. This tunnel is what makes the line useful for transfers across the broader Regional Rail system.
Most trains stop at the Center City stations, and most also serve Temple University. Weekend through-routing to the Airport Line adds another convenient connection for airport travel.
Transfers at Norristown Transit Center
Norristown Transportation Center is the main transfer hub at the Norristown end of the route. Riders can connect to SEPTA surface buses or the Norristown High Speed Line to 69th Street Transportation Center.
- SEPTA Suburban Bus routes: 90, 91, 93, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 131
- Norristown High Speed Line service to 69th Street Transportation Center
- Regional Rail service toward Manayunk, North Broad, and Center City Philadelphia
Bus and Metro Connections Along the Line
The line works well as a connector between regional rail, bus, and metro services. North Broad offers transfers to SEPTA Metro and city bus routes, while Norristown Transportation Center connects with several suburban bus routes and the Norristown High Speed Line.
These transfer options make the line useful for both city transport and local transport trips, especially when your destination is not directly next to a Regional Rail station.
Airport Connections
The Manayunk/Norristown Line does not serve Philadelphia International Airport directly on most weekdays. As of 2026, most weekday trains terminate at 30th Street Station or continue to Wawa on the Media/Wawa Line.
On weekends, the pattern is much easier: all Manayunk/Norristown Line trains continue to Airport Terminal stations on the Airport Line. That gives riders a direct, one-seat Regional Rail trip between Norristown and the airport.
Connecting to the Airport Line via Center City
For weekday airport travel, Center City is the key transfer point. Ride the Manayunk/Norristown Line into Center City, then connect to the Airport Line if your train is not through-routed.
The Airport Line runs between Philadelphia International Airport and Center City, with airport stations connected to terminals by escalators and elevators. Its operating hours are about 5:00 AM to midnight, with trains every 30 minutes daily.
Parking, Bike Parking, and Station Access
SEPTA station parking is available at many Regional Rail stations, though availability varies. Daily parking charges are USD $2 per day in surface lots and USD $4 per day in garages. Monthly permit parking charges at SEPTA-operated station lots and garages are currently suspended until further notice.
Parking can be paid on a mobile device, by text-to-pay, or at kiosks using credit or debit cards and coins. Daily-use spaces are usually striped and numbered. Lots can fill early on weekday mornings, sometimes by 7:30 AM, so plan ahead if you are driving to the train.
Overnight parking is allowed at most Regional Rail stations and many Norristown High Speed Line stations for up to 14 days, charged at the daily-use rate. If you leave after paying in advance, your space is not guaranteed.
Norristown Transit Center includes parking facilities, with 520 parking garage spaces, 136 free surface spaces, and 44 permit spaces listed in the source material. Accessibility there is noted as partial, with accessible service listed for NHSL platforms only.
Bike parking is also part of station access. Available materials note bike racks at stations such as Wissahickon, Ivy Ridge, Spring Mill, and Conshohocken, along with covered bike parking goals and safer rack placement. Around Manayunk, riders can connect with The Circuit Trails, the Schuylkill River Trail, and the Manayunk Towpath.
How to Ride the Manayunk/Norristown Line
Start by checking the current timetable, choosing your station, and confirming your fare. The route runs from Center City Philadelphia toward Norristown via North Broad, East Falls, Manayunk, Conshohocken, and Norristown Transportation Center.
If you use SEPTA Key or contactless payment, tap in before boarding and tap out when you arrive. If you buy a ticket or pay onboard, keep it ready for the conductor.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| 30th Street Station | Major Center City boarding and transfer point |
| Suburban Station | Downtown station |
| Jefferson Station | Downtown station |
| Temple University | Regional Rail station in North Philadelphia |
| North Broad | Transfer point for Metro and bus connections |
| Allegheny | Philadelphia stop |
| East Falls | Northwest Philadelphia stop |
| Wissahickon | Trail and neighborhood access |
| Manayunk | Main Street and towpath access |
| Ivy Ridge | Northwest Philadelphia stop |
| Miquon | Corridor station before Spring Mill |
| Spring Mill | Suburban stop before Conshohocken |
| Conshohocken | Suburban stop with bus links |
| Norristown Transit Center | Bus and Norristown High Speed Line transfers |
| Norristown–Main Street | Norristown branch stop |
| Norristown–Elm Street | Terminal station |
At Norristown Transit Center, you can transfer to SEPTA buses or the Norristown High Speed Line. From there, the Regional Rail route continues along the west side of Markley Street to Norristown–Main Street and Norristown–Elm Street.
Rules, Safety, and Passenger Etiquette
The Manayunk/Norristown Line is generally described by riders as a safe, routine commuter rail service, especially during weekday work hours and peak travel. Still, normal public transport awareness matters: keep an eye on your surroundings, watch platform announcements, and avoid distractions when waiting late or transferring.
- Stay aware at stations, on platforms, and in parking areas.
- Keep valuables out of sight if you use station parking.
- Allow extra time during shuttle-bus substitutions or service changes.
- Follow posted boarding, transfer, and alternate-service instructions.
- Check current alerts before traveling if weather or maintenance may affect the route.
During service changes, SEPTA may ask passengers to use designated shuttle buses or different boarding locations. Give yourself a buffer, especially if you are making a connection.
Tips for Tourists and Local Riders
For visitors, Manayunk is one of the easiest and most rewarding stops. The station is close to Main Street, restaurants, shops, the towpath, and trail connections. For local riders, the line is practical for commuting into Center City, reaching Conshohocken, or connecting at Norristown Transportation Center.
QuietRide cars are available Monday through Friday from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM and can be a good choice if you prefer a calmer trip. If you are traveling with luggage, checking the schedule and boarding location in advance will make the ride smoother.
For late-night or early-morning trips, pay close attention to the last train and current timetable. Frequency changes through the day, and holiday or weather schedules can alter normal timings.
Brief History and Future Context
The line has deep rail history. The Norristown Branch traces back to the Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown Railroad, incorporated in 1831. Rail service reached Manayunk in 1834 and Norristown in 1835, and electrified service to Norristown began on February 5, 1933.
Passenger service beyond Norristown continued until July 26, 1981. From 1984 to 2010, the route was known as R6 Norristown, before SEPTA dropped the R-number system on July 25, 2010.
Modern improvements have included operational and physical upgrades beginning in 2013, with positive train control activated on August 15, 2016. The line also saw major disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and after Hurricane Ida flooding in 2021, with full service restored by September 13, 2021.
Future expansion ideas have focused on restoring service beyond Norristown toward Reading and Wyomissing. Studies have examined existing freight infrastructure, possible electrification, dual-mode or diesel operations, and new trackage for passenger and freight service.
Nearby Destinations and Attractions
The Manayunk/Norristown Line is useful for reaching Manayunk, the Schuylkill River corridor, Conshohocken, Norristown, Temple University, and Center City Philadelphia. It is a solid choice for neighborhood trips, commuter travel, and weekend airport connections.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Manayunk | Main Street, dining, shopping, Manayunk Towpath, Manayunk Bridge, and Pretzel Park |
| Wissahickon | Access to Wissahickon-area routes and trail connections |
| Conshohocken | Local travel and suburban bus connections |
| Norristown Transportation Center | Transfers to buses and the Norristown High Speed Line |
| Norristown–Main Street and Norristown–Elm Street | Access to central Norristown streets and nearby destinations |
| Temple University | Campus access and Regional Rail connections |
| Center City stations | Downtown Philadelphia access through 30th Street, Suburban, and Jefferson stations |
Manayunk and Main Street
Manayunk station sits on an elevated section above Cresson Street and is close to Main Street, one of the best-known destination areas on the line. The neighborhood is known for bars, restaurants, shops, the Schuylkill River setting, and the Manayunk Bridge.
Main Street station in Norristown is a different stop, located at Main and Markley Streets. It serves the short electrified branch to Elm Street and gives riders access to central Norristown.
Wissahickon and Schuylkill River Trail Access
Wissahickon and Schuylkill River Trail access is a strong reason to use the line without a car. Wissahickon Station serves the Manayunk/Norristown corridor, and riders can also reach trail areas from Manayunk by heading toward Main Street and Canal View Park.
Bicycle access is supported by shared lanes, buffered bicycle lanes, and trail links. The off-road Wissahickon Trail connects to the Schuylkill River Trail at Ridge Avenue, and the broader trail network continues beyond Manayunk into Montgomery and Chester Counties.
Conshohocken and Norristown Area Stops
The western part of the route serves Spring Mill, Conshohocken, Norristown Transit Center, Norristown–Main Street, and Norristown–Elm Street. This section is useful for local travel, suburban commuting, and Center City connections.
Norristown Transit Center is the major hub here, with SEPTA Metro and multiple Suburban Bus routes. Former stops such as Ivy Rock, Mogees, and Marshall Street reflect the corridor’s longer rail history.
Center City Destinations
In Center City, the line serves key downtown stations and links into the broader Regional Rail system through the Center City Commuter Connection. Riders can use the line for trips to Temple University, Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, 30th Street Station, and onward destinations.
For many trips, Center City is also the easiest place to transfer to another Regional Rail line, including the Airport Line on weekdays when through-service is not available.
FAQ
Is the Manayunk/Norristown Line a commuter rail line?
Yes. The Manayunk/Norristown Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail commuter rail service between Center City Philadelphia and Norristown. It is part of SEPTA’s 13-line Regional Rail network.
How many stations does the line serve?
Published materials list 17 locations, including some closed or discontinued stops. Current regular schedule data for the commuter rail route shows 15 active stations.
Does the line go to Center City Philadelphia?
Yes. The line serves Center City Philadelphia through the Center City Commuter Connection, with downtown access at stations such as 30th Street, Suburban, and Jefferson. It also serves Temple University and North Broad.
Does the line connect to Philadelphia International Airport?
On weekdays, most trains do not directly serve the airport, so a Center City transfer may be needed. On weekends, all Manayunk/Norristown Line trains continue to Airport Terminal stations on the Airport Line.
Can I use SEPTA Key or contactless payment?
Yes. You can use a SEPTA Key card or contactless payment on Regional Rail. Tap in at the start of your trip and tap out at the end so the correct fare is charged.
Are all stations accessible?
The line is listed as accessible overall, but access details can vary by station and platform. North Broad Station’s ADA high-level platform has been noted as out of service due to emergency track work, with Temple University recommended for Norristown Line trains and accessible van service available by phone for riders who need it.
Can I bring a bike or scooter?
Yes, with restrictions. Folding bikes and scooters are allowed when fully collapsed. On Regional Rail, bicycles are generally allowed on weekday trains except during peak periods: inbound trains arriving at Center City from 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM and outbound trains leaving Center City from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Gasoline-powered vehicles, mopeds, and motorcycles are not allowed.
Where can I check delays and cancellations?
Check real-time service updates in a transit app and review SEPTA alerts before traveling. Apps can show live departures, cancellations, skipped stops, station alerts, and train locations on a map.