The Media/Wawa Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail commuter service between Center City Philadelphia and Wawa in Delaware County. It runs on the West Chester Branch, connects with SEPTA’s Main Line at 30th Street Station, and serves a current route of 18 stations over about 18 miles (29 km). A typical Wawa-to-Center City trip takes about 49 minutes, with hourly service or better and extra trains during peak periods.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | SEPTA Regional Rail |
| Route | Wawa to Center City Philadelphia via the West Chester Branch |
| Stations | 18 stations |
| Route length | About 18 miles (29 km) |
| Typical running time | About 49 minutes from Wawa to Suburban Station |
| Service pattern | At least hourly on weekdays and weekends, with higher frequency at peak times |
| Wawa restoration | Service returned to Wawa Station on August 21, 2022 |
| Ridership | 6,271 daily riders and 1,828,171 annual riders in FY 2025 |
Media Wawa Line Map
The Media Wawa Line map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Media Wawa Line map in PDF format.
Stations and Fare Zones
The Media/Wawa Line runs from Wawa toward Center City Philadelphia and uses fare zones to price Regional Rail trips. The three Media-area stations are in Fare Zone 3: Media, Elwyn, and Wawa. Wawa Station is about 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Elwyn and reopened as the western terminal in 2022.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Media | Fare Zone 3; located at 309 Media Station Road on the edge of Media Borough in Upper Providence Township |
| Elwyn | Fare Zone 3; located at 149 Elwyn Road, with parking available |
| Wawa | Fare Zone 3; located at 1490 W. Baltimore Pike and reopened on August 21, 2022 |
Several former stations west of Elwyn are no longer in service. Williamson School, Glen Riddle, and Lenni closed on September 19, 1986. Darlington and Locksley closed on October 4, 1981. SEPTA station listings show unused or demolished stations in gray.
Station List from Wawa to Center City
The stations list below follows the route from Wawa toward Center City. It works as a simple stations map in text form when you are checking the route plan before boarding.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Wawa | Western terminal; reopened for service on August 21, 2022 |
| Elwyn | Former western terminal between 1986 and the Wawa restoration |
| Media | Media-area stop in Fare Zone 3 |
| Moylan-Rose Valley | Suburban station on the West Chester Branch |
| Wallingford | Station east of Moylan-Rose Valley and west of Swarthmore |
| Swarthmore | Key stop for Swarthmore and nearby college areas |
| Morton | Suburban station east of Swarthmore |
| Secane | Station between Morton and Primos |
| Primos | Suburban station on the route toward Center City |
| Clifton-Aldan | Station between Primos and Gladstone |
| Gladstone | Station west of Lansdowne |
| Lansdowne | Important inner-suburban stop |
| Fernwood-Yeadon | Inner-suburban station; the abandoned Newtown Square Branch diverged north of the line here |
| Angora | Philadelphia station on the Media/Wawa Line |
| 49th Street | City stop before Penn Medicine Station |
| Penn Medicine Station | Major Center City-area connection point for Regional Rail and bus routes |
| William H. Gray III 30th Street Station | Connection with the SEPTA Main Line and major rail services |
| Suburban Station | Center City station shown as the arrival point for the Wawa-to-Suburban trip |
A sample late trip leaves Wawa at 11:08 PM and reaches Suburban Station at 11:57 PM, with a running time of 49 minutes.
Key Stations for Visitors and Commuters
For most visitors and daily riders, the most useful stations are Suburban Station, 30th Street Station, Penn Medicine Station, Media, Elwyn, and Wawa. Suburban Station and 30th Street Station are the main Center City access points, while Penn Medicine Station is a strong transfer point for Regional Rail and city bus service.
In the city and inner suburbs, 49th Street, Angora, and Fernwood-Yeadon are practical stops for local transport connections. Farther west, Lansdowne, Swarthmore, Media, Elwyn, and Wawa serve major communities along the branch.
- Best downtown access: Suburban Station, 30th Street Station, and Penn Medicine Station
- Key city stops: 49th Street, Angora, and Fernwood-Yeadon
- Important outer stations: Media, Elwyn, and Wawa
Fares, Tickets, and SEPTA Key
Media/Wawa Line fare pricing follows SEPTA Regional Rail rules, so the ticket price depends on your fare zone, day of travel, time of day, and payment method. For SEPTA transit services, the standard fare is $2.90. Regional Rail trips can cost more or less depending on the zone pair and whether you pay in advance or onboard.
SEPTA Key is a reloadable contactless card that can hold Travel Wallet funds and passes. A SEPTA Key card costs $4.95, and that cost is refunded to the Travel Wallet if the card is registered within 30 days of purchase. Riders can also use contactless credit or debit cards and mobile wallets where accepted.
For Regional Rail, the most important rule is simple: tap on at your starting station and tap off at your destination. If you do not tap off, SEPTA charges the maximum fare because the system cannot confirm your actual trip.
How Regional Rail Fare Zones Work
SEPTA Regional Rail fares are based on the station where you start, the station where you end, the day, the time, and the payment method. Each station belongs to a fare zone, and the fare rises as your trip crosses more zones.
- CC: Penn Medicine Station, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, and Temple University Station
- Zone 1: stations near Center City
- Zone 2: Philadelphia and the nearest suburbs
- Zone 3: outlying Philadelphia areas and suburbs
- Zone 4: distant suburbs, Philadelphia Airport, and Delaware
- NJ: New Jersey
Outlying-to-outlying trips on different lines often require a transfer at a Center City station, which can affect the fare. A fare calculator or current SEPTA fare table is useful when you need an exact cost before traveling.
SEPTA Key, Contactless Payment, Quick Trip, and Onboard Payment
SEPTA Key can be loaded with passes or Travel Wallet funds and used across SEPTA services. SEPTA also accepts contactless payment on Regional Rail, bus, and Metro services, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and AMEX cards, plus Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
When using contactless payment, separate your bank card, SEPTA Key card, and phone before tapping. That helps prevent card clash and keeps the wrong account from being charged. On bus and Metro, you tap and ride. On Regional Rail, tap on and tap off at the validator or faregate.
Quick Trip tickets are available when needed. On inbound Regional Rail trips toward Center City Philadelphia, riders without a fare can buy a Quick Trip from the conductor with cash or a bank card. On outbound trips from Center City, riders without a fare must buy a Quick Trip from a kiosk or ticket office before entering the station.
Onboard payment is available on Regional Rail, but it usually costs more than buying in advance at a ticket office or fare kiosk. SEPTA Key and contactless payment are the easiest options for most riders.
Tap On and Tap Off Rules
Tap on before boarding and tap off after leaving the train. SEPTA uses those taps to calculate your distance and charge the correct fare for the zones you traveled through.
If you forget to tap off, the system cannot tell where your trip ended and may charge the maximum fare. For example, a trip from Lansdowne to Center City is a Zone 2 to Zone CC ride, and tapping correctly helps keep the charge accurate.
Passes, Discounts, and Free-Ride Categories
Media/Wawa Line payment options include SEPTA Key Card, SEPTA Key Quick Trip, cash, and contactless payment where accepted. Ticket offices are available at Gray 30th Street, Suburban, and Market East, with hours that vary by station.
Children under age 12 ride free with a fare-paying adult. Seniors age 65 and older ride free with a valid SEPTA Senior Fare Card for Regional Rail travel within Pennsylvania. For trips to or from New Jersey or Delaware, eligible seniors pay 50% of the weekday fare.
The line also has a QuietRide Car on weekday trains from Monday through Friday, 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM, when three or more cars are open for passenger service.
Schedule, Frequency, and Travel Time
The Media/Wawa Line train schedule runs daily between Wawa and Center City Philadelphia. The published timetable and real-time schedule today can vary by direction, peak period, and service alerts, so check the current route timetable before you travel.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Route | Wawa to Suburban Station |
| Stations | 18 |
| Sample next departure | 11:08 PM from Wawa |
| Sample arrival | 11:57 PM at Suburban Station |
| Running time | 49 minutes |
| Frequency | At least hourly, with more trains during busy periods |
For timings today, use SEPTA’s current schedule tools or the Transit app to check live departures, delays, skipped stops, cancellations, and the last train before you head to the station.
Weekday Service
On weekdays, the Media/Wawa Line operates from 6:59 AM to 11:57 PM. Trains run every 5 to 70 minutes, depending on the time of day, so the frequency is much better during the busiest commuting windows.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday operating hours | 6:59 AM to 11:57 PM |
| Weekday frequency | Every 5 to 70 minutes |
| Common weekday pattern | Many inbound trains continue beyond Center City, including to the Manayunk/Norristown Line |
If you are planning around opening hours, working hours, or a fixed appointment, leave room for schedule changes and check the train schedule close to departure time.
Weekend and Holiday Service
On weekends, the Media/Wawa Line normally operates from 6:43 AM to 11:43 PM, with trains about every 60 minutes. A sample weekend southbound trip leaves Suburban Station at 6:43 AM and reaches Wawa at 7:32 AM.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekend operating hours | 6:43 AM to 11:43 PM |
| Weekend frequency | About every 60 minutes |
| Sample weekend trip | Suburban Station 6:43 AM to Wawa 7:32 AM |
| Weekend service level | Full hourly weekend service with 36 inbound and outbound trains |
Major holidays use a special schedule, including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Holiday opening times and closing time can be different from a normal weekend, so check the current timetable before riding.
Connections with SEPTA, Amtrak
The Media/Wawa Line connects with SEPTA and Amtrak services in and around Center City Philadelphia. It uses the West Chester Branch, which connects with the SEPTA Main Line at 30th Street Station. At Arsenal Interlocking, just south of Penn Medicine Station, the route meets Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, where Airport and Wilmington/Newark trains diverge.
Most inbound Media/Wawa Line trains continue beyond Center City onto the Manayunk/Norristown and Fox Chase lines. That through-running pattern can make a trip easier because some riders do not need to change trains downtown.
Center City Philadelphia Connections
In Center City, the main connection points are Penn Medicine Station, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, and Suburban Station. Penn Medicine Station connects with SEPTA Regional Rail, SEPTA City Bus Route 40, and LUCY. 30th Street Station is the key link with the SEPTA Main Line.
- Penn Medicine Station: Regional Rail, SEPTA City Bus 40, and LUCY
- 30th Street Station: connection point with the SEPTA Main Line
- Suburban Station: Center City station for Wawa-to-Suburban trips shown in the schedule information
If Media/Wawa Line service is unavailable, SEPTA notes that the Airport and Wilmington/Newark lines can provide service to and from Penn Medicine Station.
Bus and Trolley Connections
The Media/Wawa Line connects with SEPTA bus and trolley services along the corridor. At Wawa Station, bus service connects to Painters Crossing and Concordville. Near Media, transit listings show bus routes 110 and 118, along with D1 and D1 BUS.
- Wawa Station: bus service to Painters Crossing and Concordville
- Nearby Media stops: Baltimore Pike & Monroe Street, Monroe Street, and Media
- Nearby bus routes: 110, 118, D1, and D1 BUS
SEPTA materials note that connecting services may include bus, trolley, or high speed rail unless otherwise noted.
Amtrak and NJ Transit at 30th Street Station
30th Street Station is an important rail connection point for riders traveling between Center City Philadelphia and Delaware County. The Media/Wawa Line diverges from the SEPTA Main Line there, and the nearby Northeast Corridor connection links the area with Amtrak operations.
30th Street Station also appears as a shared point for Amtrak and NJ Transit service, including the Atlantic City Rail Line. During service disruptions, SEPTA may route trains through the Amtrak terminal or use shuttle buses between 30th Street Station and nearby stops.
Connections with Airport
The Media/Wawa Line does not go directly to Philadelphia International Airport. To reach the airport, riders transfer to other SEPTA services, usually through the Center City rail network.
At Arsenal Interlocking, just south of Penn Medicine Station, the Media/Wawa route meets Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, where Airport and Wilmington/Newark trains diverge. If Media/Wawa Line service is unavailable, the Airport and Wilmington/Newark lines can provide service to and from Penn Medicine Station.
In trip-planning terms, a trip from Media to Philadelphia International Airport stations can run via Penn Medicine Station and Airport Terminal B in about 1 hour 10 minutes. There is no direct train from Media to the airport stations, and there is no direct bus.
- Inbound toward Center City during disruptions: use the Airport Line or Wilmington/Newark Line where available
- Outbound toward Wawa during disruptions: use the Airport Line or Wilmington/Newark Line to Penn Medicine Station, then follow SEPTA alternatives
Parking, Accessibility, and Station Facilities
Wawa Station, the newest terminal on the line, was built as part of SEPTA’s 2022 service restoration. It is located at 1490 West Baltimore Pike in Middletown Township, next to U.S. Route 1, and is designed for park-and-ride commuters traveling to and from Philadelphia.
The station is ADA accessible and includes high-level platforms, a pedestrian underpass, restroom facilities, ticket vending machines, a waiting area, and a 600-space parking facility. It also has signalized access to Route 1 and SEPTA Bus Route connections.
Other Media/Wawa Line stations have different levels of parking and passenger facilities. Media Station has 231 parking spaces and bike racks, while Elwyn Station has parking on both sides of the tracks and covered benches.
Parking Options Along the Line
Media, Elwyn, and Wawa all have station parking. Parking availability, parking charges, and parking charges per day can change, so check the latest SEPTA station parking details before driving to the lot.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Media Station | 231 parking spaces; located at 309 Media Station Road |
| Elwyn Station | 348 parking spaces on both sides of the tracks, with access from Elwyn Road and Elwyn Avenue |
| Wawa Station | 600-space parking deck with covered and uncovered parking areas |
Overnight parking is permitted at most Regional Rail stations for up to 14 days at the daily-use rate, but not at every location. If one lot is full, a nearby station may still have space.
Wawa Station Facilities
Wawa Station is an ADA-compliant SEPTA Regional Rail station with high-level platforms, ticket vending machines, a waiting area, restroom facilities, a pedestrian underpass, and a 600-space parking garage.
The waiting area is open on weekdays from 4:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Earlier reporting mentioned a ticket office and food service, but those amenities were not included in the final build.
The station also connects with SEPTA Bus Routes 111 and 114. Its location near U.S. Route 1 and signalized road access make it a practical park-and-ride stop for daily commuters.
How to Ride the Media/Wawa Line
Start by checking the schedule today and confirming your station, direction, and final destination. The route runs between Wawa and Center City Philadelphia, with many inbound trains continuing beyond Center City onto other SEPTA Regional Rail lines.
- Choose your station and confirm the train direction.
- Check the current timetable, live departures, and any service alerts.
- Pay with SEPTA Key, contactless payment, Quick Trip, or cash where accepted.
- Tap on before boarding if you use SEPTA Key or contactless payment.
- Board the correct train and keep your payment method available for inspection.
- Tap off at your destination so the fare is calculated correctly.
The sample late trip departs Wawa at 11:08 PM and arrives at Suburban Station at 11:57 PM. If service is unavailable, SEPTA notes that the Airport and Wilmington/Newark lines can provide service to and from Penn Medicine Station, with other route options available through SEPTA planning tools.
Tips for Visitors and Daily Riders
Before you ride, check the route timetable, closing time, and last train for your direction. It is especially important on weekends and holidays, when the schedule may not match normal weekday working hours.
- Use the same card or device for every tap if you want the correct fare and eligible transfers.
- Keep your SEPTA Key card, bank card, and phone separate before tapping to avoid card clash.
- Check live service alerts for delays, canceled trips, closed stations, and skipped stops.
- At busy stations, stand clear of doors and let riders exit before boarding.
- If you are driving, compare station parking options before the morning peak.
- For a safe trip, stay behind platform edges and follow posted station instructions.
If you are new to public transport in Philadelphia, the Media/Wawa Line is straightforward once you know the basics: confirm the route, tap correctly, and watch the live train schedule before you leave.
Brief History
The Media/Wawa Line began as part of the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad. The Philadelphia-to-Burmont section opened on November 15, 1853, service reached Media on October 19, 1854, and the line was extended to West Chester on November 11, 1858.
In the early 1880s, the Pennsylvania Railroad took control and renamed it the West Chester Branch. Electrified service began on December 2, 1928. SEPTA later took over operations, and the route was known as R3 West Chester and R3 Elwyn before the 2010 name change to the Media/Elwyn Line.
On September 19, 1986, SEPTA ended service west of Elwyn because of low ridership and deteriorating infrastructure. Construction on the Elwyn to Wawa Service Restoration Project began in 2018, and service returned to Wawa on August 21, 2022. With that opening, the line became the Media/Wawa Line.
Popular Destinations Along the Line
The Media/Wawa Line connects Center City Philadelphia with Delaware County, giving riders access to suburban downtowns, college areas, and major city transport hubs. Useful stops include Wawa, Elwyn, Media, Swarthmore, Angora, 49th Street, Penn Medicine Station, 30th Street Station, and Suburban Station.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Wawa | Western terminus and restored station |
| Elwyn | Former terminal before service returned to Wawa |
| Media | County seat and one of the line’s most useful suburban stops |
| Swarthmore | Serves Swarthmore and nearby college areas |
| Angora | Philadelphia station on the line |
| 49th Street | City stop before trains continue into the Center City core |
Because many trains continue onto other SEPTA Regional Rail lines, the Media/Wawa Line can also be useful for trips beyond its own corridor.
Downtown Media
Media Station sits downhill from downtown Media, making it a useful rail stop for reaching the town center. D1 runs to the center of town, and routes 110 and 118 also make stops in town.
For riders comparing local stations, the three Media-area options are Media Station at 309 Media Station Road, Elwyn Station at 149 Elwyn Road, and Wawa Station at 1490 W. Baltimore Pike.
Swarthmore and Nearby College Areas
Swarthmore is one of the key stops on the Media/Wawa Line. It sits between Wallingford and Morton and is served in Fare Zone 3, with local bus connection options including SEPTA Suburban Bus Route 109.
The station gives students, commuters, and residents a direct rail link to Philadelphia stations such as Penn Medicine Station, Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, and Temple University. Nearby station choices include Moylan-Rose Valley, Wallingford, and Swarthmore.
The Crum Creek Viaduct between Wallingford and Swarthmore is a notable infrastructure feature. It is the longest of the line’s four high steel trestle river valley crossings and was completely replaced in 2016.
Center City Philadelphia
For Center City Philadelphia, inbound trains serve Penn Medicine Station, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, and Suburban Station. The line also connects with the wider Regional Rail network, and most inbound trains continue onto the Manayunk/Norristown and Fox Chase lines.
Use the current timetable or live departures to confirm whether your train ends in Center City or continues through to another SEPTA line.
FAQ
Is the Media/Wawa Line a commuter rail line?
Yes. The Media/Wawa Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail commuter service. It runs from Center City Philadelphia west to Wawa in Delaware County and uses the West Chester Branch, which connects with the SEPTA Main Line at 30th Street Station.
The line has 18 stations. SEPTA restored service to Wawa Station on August 21, 2022, and the former Media/Elwyn Line was renamed the Media/Wawa Line.
Does the Media/Wawa Line go to Center City Philadelphia?
Yes. The Media/Wawa Line provides direct rail service between Wawa and Center City Philadelphia. It serves stations including Penn Medicine Station, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, and Suburban Station.
Depending on the trip, inbound trains may continue beyond Center City onto other SEPTA Regional Rail lines.
Does the Media/Wawa Line go directly to Philadelphia International Airport?
No. The Media/Wawa Line does not go directly to Philadelphia International Airport. Riders need to transfer to other SEPTA services, commonly through Penn Medicine Station or the Center City rail network.
A trip from Media to Philadelphia International Airport stations can run via Penn Medicine Station and Airport Terminal B in about 1 hour 10 minutes. There is no direct train from Media to the airport stations, and there is no direct bus.
How do I pay for a Media/Wawa Line trip?
You can pay with a SEPTA Key Card, SEPTA Key Quick Trip, cash, or contactless payment where accepted. Regional Rail fares vary by zone, day, time, and payment method.
If using SEPTA Key or contactless payment, tap on at your starting station and tap off at your destination.
Do I need to tap off?
Yes. You need to tap off on Regional Rail so SEPTA can calculate the correct fare. If you do not tap off, you may be charged the maximum fare because the system cannot determine where your trip ended.
Which stations have parking?
Media, Elwyn, and Wawa have parking. Media Station has 231 spaces, Elwyn Station has 348 spaces, and Wawa Station has a 600-space parking facility.
Parking rules, availability, and station parking charges can change, so check current details before driving.
How can I check delays or cancellations?
Use the Transit app or SEPTA’s current service information to check real-time departures, delays, cancellations, skipped stops, closed stations, and other alerts. You can also track the train on a map and review upcoming station times.
If Media/Wawa Line service is unavailable, the Airport and Wilmington/Newark lines provide service to and from Penn Medicine Station. SEPTA Customer Service is also available by live chat or phone at 215-580-7800.
Are Media/Wawa Line stations accessible?
Some Media/Wawa Line stations are accessible, but accessibility varies by station. Wawa Station is ADA-compliant and includes high platforms, ticket vending machines, a waiting area, restroom facilities, a pedestrian underpass, and a 600-space parking facility.
If you need step-free access or specific accessible features, check the station information before you travel.