SEPTA Airport Line Map, Stations, Schedule, Fares, and Airport Train Tips

The SEPTA Airport Line is a Regional Rail route in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, connecting Philadelphia International Airport with Center City and Temple University Station. In regular service, most trains continue beyond Center City through the SEPTA Regional Rail system rather than ending at Temple University. The line runs seven days a week, generally from about 5:00 am to midnight, with trains every 30 minutes and a typical ride of about 19 to 24 minutes from Suburban Station to the airport.

Key	Information
System	SEPTA Regional Rail
Route	Philadelphia International Airport to Center City and Temple University Station, with most trains through-routed beyond Center City
Operating hours	About 5:00 am to midnight, seven days a week
Frequency	Every 30 minutes in normal daily service
Typical running time	About 19 to 24 minutes from Suburban Station to the airport
Airport stations	Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminals C & D, and Terminals E & F
Accessibility	Airport stations have high-level platforms, escalators, and elevators connected to terminals
Opened	April 28, 1985, as the R1 Airport Line

SEPTA Airport Line Map

SEPTA Airport Line map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download SEPTA Airport Line map in PDF format.

SEPTA Airport Line Route and Stations

The SEPTA Airport Line route links Philadelphia International Airport with Center City through Penn Medicine Station, Eastwick, and the airport terminals. Officially, the route continues to Temple University Station, but in daily service most trains are through-routed with other Regional Rail lines after passing through the Center City Commuter Connection.

On weekdays, Airport Line trains are commonly paired with the Warminster Line and the Chestnut Hill East Line. On weekends and holidays, service is through-routed with the Warminster Line and the Manayunk/Norristown Line, with trains usually continuing to Warminster or Norristown-Elm Street.

The route plan is straightforward for airport travelers: from Center City, trains stop at Penn Medicine Station, Eastwick, and then the airport terminal stations. The airport stations are connected to the terminals by escalators and elevators, which helps if you are carrying luggage. A stations map is useful before you travel, especially because the airport has separate stops for different terminal groups.

Station	Details
Penn Medicine Station	University City; Zone C; 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Center City; connections with SEPTA Regional Rail, SEPTA City Bus 40, and LUCY
Eastwick	Eastwick; Zone 1; 7.2 mi (11.6 km) from Center City; connections with SEPTA City Bus 37 and 68, plus SEPTA Suburban Bus 108 and 115
Terminal A	Philadelphia International Airport; Zone 4; 9.1 mi (14.6 km) from Center City; connected to the airport terminal area
Terminal B	Philadelphia International Airport; Zone 4; 9.1 mi (14.6 km) from Center City; connected to the airport terminal area
Terminals C & D	Philadelphia International Airport; Zone 4; 9.3 mi (15.0 km) from Center City; connected to the airport terminal area
Terminals E & F	Philadelphia International Airport; Zone 4; 9.4 mi (15.1 km) from Center City; combined station where the line ends between Terminals E and F

If Airport Line service is unavailable, the Media/Wawa and Wilmington/Newark lines can be used to reach Penn Medicine Station. From there, riders can continue by SEPTA Metro or bus connections. SEPTA Bus Route 37 and Route 108 also serve the airport area and every terminal.

Center City and Intermediate Stations

Between Center City and the airport, the Airport Line serves Penn Medicine Station in University City and Eastwick before reaching the terminal stations. It is a simple path for travelers going to or from Philadelphia International Airport, and the train schedule usually keeps the route easy to plan around.

The Center City portion runs through the Center City Commuter Connection, giving riders access to major downtown stations such as 30th Street, Suburban, and Jefferson. From there, most trains continue north as part of the wider Regional Rail network rather than stopping at Temple University.

Station	Details
Center City stations	Downtown access through the Center City Commuter Connection, including major Regional Rail stops
Penn Medicine Station	Main intermediate stop between Center City and the airport; useful for University City and hospital-area trips
Eastwick	Airport-side neighborhood station with bus connections
Airport terminal stations	Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminals C & D, and Terminals E & F

Airport platforms are directly connected to terminals by escalators and elevators. Some stations can also be reached from the arrivals concourse by crossing Commercial Vehicles Road.

Schedule, Frequency, and Travel Time

The SEPTA Airport Line schedule runs daily between Center City and Philadelphia International Airport. Normal operating hours are about 5:00 am to midnight, and trains run every 30 minutes. For most airport trips, that frequency is the main advantage: you can plan around a regular timetable without waiting too long.

Service detail	Timings
Opening hours and starting time	Service generally begins around 5:00 am
Working hours	About 5:00 am to midnight, seven days a week
Frequency	Every 30 minutes in normal service
Typical running time	About 19 to 24 minutes from Suburban Station to the airport
Sample train schedule timing	Suburban Station 8:55 pm to Airport Terminal E / F 9:22 pm, about 27 minutes
Daily service volume in provided materials	78 rail departures per day, about 546 departures per week

Weekday trains are commonly through-routed with the Warminster Line and Chestnut Hill East Line. Weekend and holiday trains are usually through-routed with the Warminster Line and Manayunk/Norristown Line.

The line uses high-level platforms, which makes boarding and exiting easier for passengers with luggage. SEPTA materials also note that service reductions have been proposed if a funding plan is not reached, including hourly service and later evening cutbacks beginning in 2025 and 2026.

Typical Travel Time Between PHL and Center City

The Airport Line is one of the fastest public transport options between PHL and Center City. The ride from Suburban Station to the airport is typically listed at about 19 to 24 minutes, while airport-to-Center City trips are often described as about 25 minutes.

Actual running time can vary by departure point, station stops, and the specific timetable. Still, for most travelers, the Airport Line remains a direct and predictable airport train route.

First and Last Trains

The Airport Line runs from early morning until around midnight. The first and last train times should always be checked before travel, especially for very early flights or late arrivals.

Service detail	Timings
General starting time	About 5:00 am in normal daily service
First morning airport-bound train noted in materials	4:13 am from Center City Philadelphia
First listed departure from Airport Terminal E / F toward Center City	5:07 am
Closing time and last train window	Service continues until around midnight
Frequency	Every 30 minutes in normal service

If you are searching for timings today or the last train, check the live schedule before leaving for the station. Late-night travel leaves less room for missed departures.

Weekend and Holiday Service

Weekend and holiday Airport Line service usually runs every 30 minutes from about 5:00 am to midnight. The trip from Suburban Station to the airport remains about 19 to 24 minutes in normal conditions.

On weekends and holidays, trains are through-routed with the Warminster and Manayunk/Norristown Lines. They typically continue to either Warminster or Norristown-Elm Street, so check the destination shown on the train and platform displays.

Service can change during track work and holiday periods. SEPTA has announced shuttle bus substitutions between 30th Street Station and the Airport Terminals on certain August weekends, so riders should check supplemental schedules and posted signs before traveling.

Fares, Tickets, and Payment Options

SEPTA Airport Line fare depends on your destination and payment method. Travel rates from Philadelphia International Airport apply at all times, and the same rates apply in both directions.

From the airport, the fare is $5.00 USD ($5.00) to Eastwick Station, $8.75 USD ($8.75) to Center City stations, and $8.75 USD ($8.75) to all other stations. When paying onboard, the ticket price is higher: $7.00 USD ($7.00) to Eastwick, $11.00 USD ($11.00) to Center City stations, and $13.00 USD ($13.00) to all other stations.

SEPTA accepts contactless payment, SEPTA Key, cash, and Quick Trip tickets. Contactless payment can be made with a credit or debit card or a mobile wallet. SEPTA Key cards can hold Travel Wallet funds and passes, including day pass, weekly, and monthly options where available.

For Airport Line travel, tap on and tap off when using contactless payment or SEPTA Key. If you do not tap off at your destination, you may be charged the maximum fare. Riders paying cash or using Quick Trip do not receive free transfers.

Contactless payment: $5.00 to $11.00 USD ($5.00 to $11.00), depending on destination
SEPTA Key Card: $5.00 to $11.00 USD ($5.00 to $11.00) per trip, plus a $4.95 USD ($4.95) card cost
Cash or Quick Trip: $5.00 to $13.00 USD ($5.00 to $13.00) per trip
Eastwick Station: $5.00 USD ($5.00), or $7.00 USD ($7.00) onboard
Center City stations: $8.75 USD ($8.75), or $11.00 USD ($11.00) onboard
All other stations: $8.75 USD ($8.75), or $13.00 USD ($13.00) onboard

Children under 12 ride free with a fare-paying adult. Seniors 65 and older ride free with a valid Senior Fare Card.

Contactless Payment, SEPTA Key, and Quick Trip Tickets

Contactless payment works on SEPTA bus, Metro, and Regional Rail. Riders can use a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Multi-Rider contactless payment is available on all SEPTA services, but contactless payment is not available for travel to or from New Jersey.

A SEPTA Key card is a reloadable contactless card that can hold passes and Travel Wallet funds. The card costs $4.95 USD ($4.95), and that cost is refunded to the Travel Wallet if the card is registered within 30 days of purchase.

SEPTA Key cards can be loaded with Daily, Weekly, or Monthly Passes and Travel Wallet funds. Riders can also check balance and pass validity at fare kiosks by tapping the card on the reader.

Quick Trip tickets are single-ride tickets sold at fare kiosks. On Regional Rail, Quick Trip rules depend on travel direction: inbound riders toward Center City may buy from the conductor, while outbound riders from Center City without a fare must buy from a fare kiosk or sales office before boarding.

Quick Trips are valid on the day purchased until 2:00 am the following day.
Free transfers are not available with Quick Trip.
Quick Trips are not valid for bus rides.
Exact fare is required for cash transit trips.

Regional Rail Fare Zones

SEPTA Regional Rail uses fare zones to calculate ticket cost. The more zones a rider travels through, the higher the fare can be. Fare also varies by payment method and trip details.

CC: Penn Medicine Station, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, and Temple University Station
1: Stations near Center City
2: Philadelphia and nearest suburbs
3: Outlying Philadelphia areas and suburbs
4: Distant suburbs, Philadelphia Airport, and Delaware
NJ: New Jersey

Airport Line travel has its own fare treatment, with rates applying at all times in both directions. TransPass+ is valid on Regional Rail for travel to and from Center City Philadelphia and Zone 1/Airport, and it is valid anywhere during weekends and major holidays.

Transfers and Connections

The Airport Line connects directly with Center City, Penn Medicine Station, Eastwick, and all major airport terminals. It is also part of a larger local transport network, making transfers possible to Regional Rail, Metro, bus, trolley, Amtrak, NJ Transit, and other services.

At the airport, trains stop at Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminals C & D, and Terminals E & F. The line ends between Terminals E and F at the combined station.

If Airport Line service is unavailable, the Media/Wawa and Wilmington/Newark lines can provide service to Penn Medicine Station. From there, riders can use SEPTA Metro or bus connections to continue their trip.

Bus routes 37 and 108 serve every airport terminal. Route 37 connects the airport with Snyder Station or 15th St/City Hall, depending on direction, while Route 108 links the airport with 69th Street Transit Center or 15th St/City Hall.

Connections with SEPTA Regional Rail, Metro, Trolleys, and Buses

The Airport Line is part of SEPTA Regional Rail and connects Philadelphia International Airport with University City and Center City. At Penn Medicine Station, riders can transfer to other Regional Rail services. If the Airport Line is disrupted, the Media/Wawa and Wilmington/Newark lines remain useful alternatives to reach Penn Medicine.

For trips beyond Penn Medicine or Center City, riders can use SEPTA Metro and bus connections. SEPTA Bus Route 37, Route 108, and Route 115 serve the airport area. Free Metro interchanges are available at key stations, including 15th St/City Hall, 13th St, and Drexel Station at 30th St.

SEPTA trolleys, including streetcar-style trams in the city transport network, also connect with the broader system at selected stations. For an airport trip, though, the Regional Rail route is the most direct public transportation option from Center City.

Connections with Amtrak and NJ Transit

Airport Line riders can connect with Amtrak at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, North Philadelphia Station, Ardmore Station, Paoli Station, Trenton Transit Center, and Wilmington Station. Additional Amtrak connections are available at Downingtown and Exton on the Paoli/Thorndale Line and at Cornwells Heights on the Trenton Line.

NJ Transit connections are available at Jefferson Station, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, and Trenton Transit Center. Daily commuters and occasional riders transferring between NJ Transit and SEPTA at Trenton Transit Center can buy joint NJ Transit/SEPTA rail tickets.

Joint ticket prices depend on the origin and destination stations. The ticket is issued in two parts: one for the NJ Transit portion and one for the SEPTA portion.

Airport Line vs Other Airport Transportation Options

For travel between Center City Philadelphia and Philadelphia International Airport, the SEPTA Airport Line is usually the most direct rail option. It serves all major airport terminals and takes about 19 to 24 minutes from Suburban Station to the airport in normal service.

Other airport transportation options include taxi, rideshare, and SEPTA bus routes 37, 108, and 115. The best choice depends on price, timing, luggage, group size, and where you are going after the airport.

Train vs Taxi or Rideshare

For one traveler, the Airport Line usually has the lowest cost. A typical SEPTA Airport Line trip from PHL to 30th Street Station is about $8 to $9 USD ($8 to $9) per person, with a predictable ride once you are on board.

The tradeoff is door-to-door time. After landing, you may need to walk to the platform and wait for the next train. In real use, the total trip from aircraft door to 30th Street can often take 40 to 55 minutes.

Taxi or rideshare can be faster and simpler, especially with luggage or a group. A car trip to 30th Street can take about 18 to 25 minutes once moving, though pickup time and traffic still matter.

SEPTA Airport Line: about $8 to $9 USD ($8 to $9) per person
UberX off-peak: about $26 to $32 USD ($26 to $32) total
Official taxi: typically $35 to $40 USD ($35 to $40) before tip

For two or three people, rideshare can become competitive. For three or four people, a taxi may make sense if rideshare prices are surging. If UberX rises above about $40 USD ($40) on this route, the official taxi can be the better value.

Train vs Airport Bus

The Airport Line is generally faster and more direct than the airport bus for Center City trips. Trains run every 30 minutes, serve major terminals, and take about 19 to 24 minutes from Suburban Station to the airport.

SEPTA bus routes 37, 108, and 115 also serve Philadelphia International Airport, with service at the baggage claim area in Zone 1 outside each baggage claim. The bus can be useful if your destination is along one of those routes, but it is not as direct for most Center City airport trips.

Choose the train for speed, frequency, and terminal access. Choose the bus if your route matches a specific bus connection better.

How to Ride the SEPTA Airport Line

Riding the Airport Line is simple once you know the station layout. At Philadelphia International Airport, follow signs toward baggage claim and the SEPTA Airport Line station. If you only have a carry-on, you may be able to go directly to the platform. If you checked luggage, collect it first, then follow signs to the train.

At the station, use a SEPTA Key card, contactless payment, or a Quick Trip ticket. Fare kiosks accept cash, credit, debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. On board, the conductor may check your fare, and airport platforms have readers for tap-on and tap-off.

The Airport Line connects the airport with Eastwick, Penn Medicine, 30th Street, Suburban, Jefferson, and Temple University. The ride to Center City takes about 25 minutes.

From Philadelphia International Airport to Center City

From PHL to Center City, board at the station serving your terminal group: Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminals C & D, or Terminals E & F. The station is connected to the terminal area by escalators and elevators.

After leaving the airport, trains stop at Eastwick and Penn Medicine Station before continuing into Center City. Service runs seven days a week from about 5:00 am to midnight, with trains every 30 minutes.

If Airport Line service is unavailable, use the Media/Wawa or Wilmington/Newark lines to reach Penn Medicine Station, then continue by SEPTA Metro or bus.

From Center City to Philadelphia International Airport

From Center City, board an Airport Line train at a downtown Regional Rail station and make sure the train is labeled for the airport. The ride from Suburban Station to the airport takes about 19 to 24 minutes.

Trains stop at the airport terminal stations in sequence, so know your airline terminal before boarding if possible. The line announces airline carriers and gates at airport stops.

Station	Details
Penn Medicine Station	First major stop after Center City toward the airport
Eastwick	Airport-area stop before the terminal stations
Terminal A	Airport terminal station
Terminal B	Airport terminal station
Terminals C & D	Combined airport terminal station
Terminals E & F	Combined airport terminal station and end of the line

The airport is also served by SEPTA bus routes 37, 108, and 115 if rail service does not fit your trip.

Boarding, Exiting, and Luggage Tips

Before boarding, have your fare ready. If using SEPTA Key or contactless payment, tap at the platform reader where available and tap off at your destination. If using a Quick Trip, keep the ticket handy for inspection.

At the airport, some station access routes may require crossing Commercial Vehicles Road. Use elevators if you have heavy bags, a stroller, or mobility needs.

Follow signs to baggage claim first if you need checked luggage.
Use escalators, stairs, or elevators to reach the platform.
Keep bags out of aisles and doorways.
Let other riders exit before boarding.
Watch the gap between the train and platform when boarding or exiting.
Allow extra time if you are transferring to another Regional Rail line.

Rules, Safety, and Rider Etiquette

SEPTA rules help keep the public transport system safe and comfortable. Follow posted signs, listen to SEPTA employees, and be considerate of other riders.

Smoking and vaping are not permitted in stations, on platforms, in transit shelters, or on SEPTA vehicles.
Alcohol is forbidden at all times.
Have the correct fare ready before boarding.
Yield designated seats to seniors and riders with disabilities.
Do not place feet or belongings on seats.
Use earbuds or headphones for audio, and keep phone calls short and quiet.
Keep drinks in secure, resealable containers. Light snacks are allowed, but hot or processed foods are not.
Do not block aisles or doorways with luggage, strollers, or carts.
Stand back from the platform edge and stay out of the track area.
Never try to board a moving train, bus, or trolley.
Keep children close when waiting, boarding, crossing, or riding.
Report suspicious people or objects to SEPTA Transit Police or a uniformed SEPTA employee.

Repeated violations of the Code of Conduct may result in fines and a one-year ban from using the transit system. If you witness harassing or violent behavior, contact SEPTA Transit Police at 215-580-8111 or text 215-235-1911.

Tips for First-Time Riders

Before your trip, check the current timetable, schedule today, and service alerts. The Airport Line normally runs every 30 minutes, but it is still worth confirming timings today if you are catching a flight or arriving late.

At stations with turnstiles, tap your SEPTA Key card or contactless payment on the validator, or swipe your Quick Trip to enter. At stations without turnstiles, you tap to pay when you board.

Stand behind the yellow line while waiting. Let passengers off first, board only after the train stops, and listen for station announcements. On the Airport Line, the train serves all major airport terminals and connects with Temple University, Jefferson, Suburban, 30th Street, Penn Medicine, and Eastwick.

Check that the train is going to the airport before boarding.
Know your terminal before you travel.
Keep your ticket, card, or phone ready for inspection.
Respect the QuietRide Car.
Do not move between cars.
Check for belongings before leaving the train.
Tap off at your destination when using SEPTA Key or contactless payment.

Accessibility and Passenger Facilities

The SEPTA Airport Line is designed to work well for air travelers, including passengers with luggage and riders who need step-free access. Airport stations have high-level platforms, which make boarding and exiting easier.

The four airport stations connect directly to the terminals by escalators and elevators. These connections rise one level to the walkways between arrival and departure areas, making the transfer between train and terminal more manageable.

At the airport, the line runs into the terminal area between baggage claim and check-in counters. It ends between Terminals E and F at the combined station.

SEPTA’s wider accessibility support includes elevator status information, accessible trip-planning tools, and staff training. Cashiers, ticket agents, and rail personnel can help with fare payment or purchases when available.

Reduced fare options are available for eligible riders, including seniors and people with disabilities.

Brief History

The SEPTA Airport Line opened on April 28, 1985, as the R1 Airport Line. It created a direct Regional Rail connection between Center City and Philadelphia International Airport.

The line uses a mix of new construction, a reconstructed former Pennsylvania Railroad industrial branch, and a shared Conrail freight branch. South of the Northeast Corridor, the route follows a corridor originally tied to the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad main line, which opened on January 17, 1838.

SEPTA inherited the route through Conrail in 1976 and SEPTA in 1983. Passenger service to the airport began in 1985. Penn Medicine Station, originally proposed as Civic Center and later known as University City Station, opened in April 1995. Eastwick Station opened in 1997, while a proposed 70th Street station was never built.

By the line’s twentieth anniversary in 2005, it had carried more than 20 million passengers to and from the airport. SEPTA activated positive train control on the Airport Line on October 10, 2016.

Best Stations for Hotels, Attractions, and Neighborhoods

The Airport Line is useful for reaching Center City hotels, airport terminals, University City, and major transport connections without an extra transfer. The best station depends on where you are staying and what you need nearby.

Station	Details
Suburban Station	Best all-around stop for Center City hotels, office buildings, shopping, and tourist attractions
30th Street Station	Major transportation hub for Regional Rail, Amtrak, and bus connections
Penn Medicine Station	Convenient for the University of Pennsylvania area and nearby hospitals
Eastwick Station	Serves Eastwick, residential areas, business parks, and the nearby John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum
Airport terminal stations	Best for direct terminal access and airport hotel connections

If you are staying downtown, Suburban Station is often the easiest choice. For long-distance rail transfers, 30th Street Station is the most versatile. For airport access, use the terminal stop that matches your airline.

30th Street Station Area

30th Street Station is a strong choice if you want Airport Line access and major rail connections in one place. The station address is 30th Street at Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, and it is in Fare Zone CC.

Parking is not available at the station, so station parking and parking charges per day do not apply here. It is best used as a walk-in, transit-to-transit, or drop-off station.

The SEPTA Regional Rail area is separate from the main concourse. To reach it, go to the west end of the building and follow the ramp on the north side, or follow signs for SEPTA Regional Rail at 30th St. Platform screens show train times and track assignments.

If you are heading to the airport, check for the train labeled Airport and know your terminal before boarding. Example departures in the provided materials include Airport Line trains at 05:59, 06:29, 06:59, 07:29, 10:59, 11:29, 11:59, and 12:29 from Track 6.

Suburban Station and Center City

Suburban Station is a key downtown stop for the SEPTA Airport Line and one of the easiest places to start a trip to Philadelphia International Airport. The ride from Suburban Station to the airport takes about 19 to 24 minutes.

Service runs seven days a week from about 5:00 am to midnight, with trains every 30 minutes. SEPTA lists the station address as 16th Street at JFK Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102.

Suburban Station is in Fare Zone CC. Parking is not available, so parking charges are not relevant for this station. SEPTA Sales Office hours are Monday through Sunday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Nearby transit options include Bus 124, Bus 125, Frequent Bus 17, Bus 2, Bus 31, Bus 32, Frequent Bus 33, Bus 38, Bus 44, Bus 446, Bus 62, and AIR.

Best for downtown hotel access and airport transfers
Fast ride to Philadelphia International Airport
Frequent all-day service seven days a week

Jefferson Station, Market East, and Old City

Jefferson Station is a useful Airport Line stop for travelers staying near Market East or visiting Old City. The station is on Market Street between 10th and 12th Streets in Philadelphia, PA 19107.

For airport trips, Jefferson Station provides direct access to Philadelphia International Airport on the SEPTA Airport Line. It is a practical downtown station for travelers who want a simple rail connection to PHL.

The station also has a SEPTA Sales Office, with hours Monday through Sunday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.