The Warminster Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail commuter route between Warminster and Center City Philadelphia. It runs on the SEPTA Main Line between Center City and Glenside, then follows the Warminster Branch through stations such as Ardsley, Roslyn, Willow Grove, Hatboro, and Warminster. The line is part of the wider public transport system in the Philadelphia region, with many trains continuing through Center City as Airport Line service.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | SEPTA Regional Rail |
| Route | Warminster to Center City Philadelphia via Glenside |
| Main branch | Warminster Branch north of Glenside |
| Typical running time | About 50 minutes for the core trip |
| Stations | 15 stations are listed for the WAR train service pattern |
| Service span | Daily service, with operating hours and timings varying by day |
| Connections | Airport Line, other SEPTA Regional Rail lines, SEPTA Metro, and local bus routes |
| Fare media | Contactless payment, SEPTA Key, Quick Trip, cash, tickets, and passes |
Warminster Line Map
The Warminster Line map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Warminster Line map in PDF format.
Route Overview
The Warminster Line links Warminster with Center City Philadelphia. South of Glenside, the route shares the SEPTA Main Line with several other Regional Rail services. At Glenside, trains branch onto the Warminster Branch and continue north toward Hatboro and Warminster.
For many riders, the route plan is simple: travel south from Warminster, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Roslyn, or nearby suburbs into Center City, then continue to major transfer points. Most trains continue as part of the Airport Line, while some weekday trips terminate at 30th Street Station, Thorndale, or Trenton Transit Center.
The line shares part of its path with the Lansdale/Doylestown Line, West Trenton Line, Fox Chase Line, Chestnut Hill East Line, Chestnut Hill West Line, and Manayunk/Norristown Line. North of Ardsley, the route becomes single-track, with a passing siding north of Willow Grove, storage track at Hatboro, and double track again near Warminster.
Annual ridership ranged from 2.3 million to 2.7 million between FY 2013 and FY 2019 before dropping sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Warminster Line Stations
The Warminster Line stations list runs from the Center City Commuter Connection north toward Warminster. A stations map is useful because the line shares tracks with other SEPTA Regional Rail routes before branching at Glenside.
Northbound trains generally serve Wayne Junction, Fern Rock Transit Center, Melrose Park, Elkins Park, Jenkintown-Wyncote, Glenside, Ardsley, Roslyn, Crestmont, Willow Grove, Hatboro, and Warminster, with Center City service through stations such as Temple University, Jefferson Station, and Suburban Station.
Full Station List
The table below keeps the stations list practical: station name first, then zone, location, distance, and connection notes where provided. Distances are shown in miles and kilometers.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple University | Zone C; Temple University; 2.1 miles / 3.4 km from Center City; connects with all SEPTA Regional Rail lines. |
| Wayne Junction | Zone 1; Nicetown-Tioga, Philadelphia; 5.1 miles / 8.2 km; SEPTA Regional Rail, SEPTA City Bus routes 2, 23, 53, and Trackless Trolley 75. |
| Logan | Zone 1; Olney-Oak Lane, Philadelphia; discontinued on October 4, 1992. |
| Tabor | Zone 1; Olney-Oak Lane, Philadelphia; closed in 1992. |
| Fern Rock T.C. | Zone 1; 7.3 miles / 11.7 km; SEPTA Regional Rail, SEPTA Metro, and SEPTA City Bus routes 4, 28, 57, 70. |
| Melrose Park | Zone 2; Melrose Park; 8.4 miles / 13.5 km; SEPTA Regional Rail. |
| Elkins Park | Zone 2; Elkins Park; 9.2 miles / 14.8 km; opened May 14, 1899; SEPTA Regional Rail and SEPTA City Bus route 28. |
| Jenkintown-Wyncote | Zone 3; Jenkintown; 10.8 miles / 17.4 km; SEPTA Regional Rail and SEPTA City Bus route 77. |
| Glenside | Zone 3; Glenside; 11.9 miles / 19.2 km; SEPTA Regional Rail and SEPTA City Bus routes 22 and 77. |
| Ardsley | Zone 3; Glenside; 13.0 miles / 20.9 km. |
| Roslyn | Zone 3; Roslyn; 14.2 miles / 22.9 km; SEPTA City Bus route 22. |
| Crestmont | Zone 3; Abington; 15.4 miles / 24.8 km. |
| Willow Grove | Zone 3; Willow Grove; 16.2 miles / 26.1 km; SEPTA City Bus routes 22 and 55. |
| Fulmor | Zone 3; Upper Moreland Township; 18.1 miles / 29.1 km; closed November 10, 1996. |
| Hatboro | Zone 3; Hatboro; 18.6 miles / 29.9 km. |
| Warminster | Zone 3; Warminster; 20.1 miles / 32.3 km; opened July 29, 1974; SEPTA City Bus route 22 and TMA Bucks Rushbus. |
If Warminster Line service is unavailable, the Lansdale/Doylestown Line and West Trenton Line provide service to and from Jenkintown-Wyncote Station.
Center City Stations
In Center City and the central rail tunnel area, Warminster Line riders use major SEPTA Regional Rail stations for transfers and downtown access.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple University | Connects with all SEPTA Regional Rail lines and sits just north of the main Center City core. |
| Jefferson Station | Major Center City stop for downtown Philadelphia access and Regional Rail transfers. |
| Suburban Station | Core Center City stop and common reference point for the Warminster Line timetable. |
| 30th Street Station | Mentioned in the supplied service pattern as a weekday terminal for some trains and a major transfer point. |
Schedule and Service Frequency
The Warminster Line runs daily. The supplied schedule data lists regular operating hours from 4:52 AM to 4:22 AM, with typical weekday service from 6:05 AM to 11:05 PM and weekend service from 5:35 AM to 11:35 PM.
Frequency changes through the day. Weekday trains generally run every 19 to 60 minutes, while Saturday and Sunday service is generally every 31 to 60 minutes. The full route running time is about 50 minutes, but always check the train schedule and route timetable before relying on a specific departure.
For timings today, schedule today changes, closing time, last train information, severe weather service, and real-time status, use SEPTA trip tools or a transit app before you travel.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Daily listed operating hours | 4:52 AM to 4:22 AM |
| Typical weekday opening hours | 6:05 AM to 11:05 PM |
| Typical weekend opening times | 5:35 AM to 11:35 PM |
| Weekday frequency | Every 19 to 60 minutes |
| Saturday and Sunday frequency | Every 31 to 60 minutes |
| Approximate running time | About 50 minutes for the core trip |
Weekday Service
On weekdays, regular Warminster Line service is listed from 6:05 AM to 11:05 PM. Most trains continue as Airport Line service, though some weekday trains terminate at 30th Street Station, Thorndale, or Trenton Transit Center.
The supplied material includes one weekday departure at 8:05 AM and notes Monday through Friday operation. During the September 7 to November 3 track work period, weekday bus substitution is scheduled midday only, from 8:45 AM to 2:45 PM, between Warminster and Roslyn stations.
Weekend and Major Holiday Service
On Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays, WAR trains follow a weekend schedule. Regular weekend working hours are listed as 5:35 AM to 11:35 PM, with frequency generally every 31 to 60 minutes.
Weekend and holiday service may change on dates such as Christmas Day. Check the latest timetable and service alerts before heading to the station.
Fares, Tickets, and Payment Options
Warminster Line fare rules follow SEPTA Regional Rail zones. The ticket price depends on distance, direction, time of travel, and payment method. Riders can use contactless payment, SEPTA Key, Quick Trip, cash, tickets, and pass products.
The source material notes that contactless payment is generally more economical than paying cash onboard. For the current fare, cost, ticket price, or any fare calculator information, check SEPTA fare details before travel.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Fare basis | Regional Rail fare zones from Center City Philadelphia |
| Payment options | Contactless card, mobile wallet, SEPTA Key, Quick Trip, cash, tickets, and passes |
| Onboard payment | Available in some cases, but onboard fares may be higher than advance purchase |
| Airport fare note | Airport travel is listed at about $7 USD if bought ahead and about $8 USD on the train for a one-way trip |
Regional Rail Fare Zones
The Warminster Line includes Zone C, Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3 stations. Distance from Center City is a major part of how the price is calculated.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple University | Zone C; 2.1 miles / 3.4 km; all SEPTA Regional Rail lines. |
| Wayne Junction | Zone 1; 5.1 miles / 8.2 km; Regional Rail, City Bus, and Trackless Trolley 75. |
| Fern Rock T.C. | Zone 1; 7.3 miles / 11.7 km; Regional Rail, SEPTA Metro, and City Bus routes 4, 28, 57, 70. |
| Melrose Park | Zone 2; 8.4 miles / 13.5 km; SEPTA Regional Rail. |
| Elkins Park | Zone 2; 9.2 miles / 14.8 km; opened May 14, 1899. |
| Jenkintown-Wyncote | Zone 3; 10.8 miles / 17.4 km; SEPTA City Bus route 77. |
| Glenside | Zone 3; 11.9 miles / 19.2 km; SEPTA City Bus routes 22 and 77. |
| Roslyn | Zone 3; 14.2 miles / 22.9 km; SEPTA City Bus route 22. |
| Willow Grove | Zone 3; 16.2 miles / 26.1 km; SEPTA City Bus routes 22 and 55. |
| Hatboro | Zone 3; 18.6 miles / 29.9 km. |
| Warminster | Zone 3; 20.1 miles / 32.3 km; SEPTA City Bus route 22 and TMA Bucks Rushbus. |
Closed or discontinued stations mentioned in the supplied material include Logan, Tabor, and Fulmor.
Contactless Payment, SEPTA Key, Quick Trip, and Cash
SEPTA accepts contactless payment on Regional Rail for tap-on and tap-off travel using a credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Validators showing credit card icons are ready for contactless use.
Keep your bank card, SEPTA Key card, and phone separate when tapping so the wrong card is not charged. If you use Apple Pay with Express Mode, you can hold the device near the reader without waking or unlocking it.
SEPTA Key is a reloadable contactless chip card that can hold passes and Travel Wallet funds. Quick Trips can be purchased at fare kiosks, from conductors on certain inbound trips toward Center City, or with contactless payment onboard if needed. Cash is still accepted, but exact fare may be required on transit services, and Regional Rail onboard fares can be higher than advance purchases.
SEPTA customers traveling to or from New Jersey stations such as Trenton and West Trenton cannot use contactless tap to ride at this time, according to the supplied material.
Passes for Frequent Riders
Frequent riders may save time by using a pass instead of buying a separate ticket for each trip. SEPTA pass products mentioned in the supplied material include the Day Pass, Convenience Pass, Neighborhood Flex Pass, and Anywhere FleX Pass.
- Day Pass: $15 USD, unlimited rides all day on all SEPTA lines and systems.
- Convenience Pass: $6 USD, good for 8 trips on buses, subways, and trolleys.
- Neighborhood Flex Pass: $10 USD, good for 10 trips on buses, subways, trolleys, and Regional Rail up to Zone 2 stations.
- Anywhere FleX Pass: $13 USD, good for 10 trips on all SEPTA modes.
These options can work well if the Warminster Line is only one part of your broader city transport or local transport commute.
Connections and Transfers
The Warminster Line is built for transfers. Between Center City and Glenside, it shares tracks with several SEPTA Regional Rail lines, and many trains continue through Center City as Airport Line service.
Important transfer points include Temple University, Wayne Junction, Fern Rock Transit Center, Jenkintown-Wyncote, Glenside, Willow Grove, and Warminster. If Warminster Line service is unavailable, the Lansdale/Doylestown Line and West Trenton Line provide service to and from Jenkintown-Wyncote.
Center City Connections
In Center City, riders can connect with other SEPTA Regional Rail routes at Temple University, Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, and 30th Street Station where service patterns apply. This makes the line useful for commuting, airport trips, and transfers across the SEPTA transportation network.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple University | Connections to all SEPTA Regional Rail lines. |
| Wayne Junction | SEPTA City Bus routes 2, 23, 53, plus Trackless Trolley 75. |
| Fern Rock Transit Center | SEPTA Metro and SEPTA City Bus routes 4, 28, 57, 70. |
| Suburban Station | Core Center City station and common Warminster Line timetable reference point. |
Fern Rock, Glenside, and Jenkintown-Wyncote Connections
Fern Rock Transit Center connects the Warminster Line with SEPTA Metro and bus routes 4, 28, 57, and 70. Glenside connects with bus routes 22 and 77. Jenkintown-Wyncote is a major Regional Rail junction served by the Lansdale/Doylestown, Warminster, and West Trenton lines, with bus route 77 also available.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Fern Rock Transit Center | SEPTA Metro and bus routes 4, 28, 57, 70. |
| Glenside | Bus routes 22 and 77. |
| Jenkintown-Wyncote | Lansdale/Doylestown Line, Warminster Line, West Trenton Line, and bus route 77. |
Local Bus Connections
Local bus connections appear at several Warminster Line stations. Wayne Junction links with bus routes 2, 23, and 53. Fern Rock Transit Center connects with routes 4, 28, 57, and 70. Elkins Park connects with route 28.
Farther north, Jenkintown-Wyncote connects with route 77, Glenside with routes 22 and 77, Roslyn with route 22, Willow Grove with routes 22 and 55, and Warminster with route 22 and TMA Bucks Rushbus.
Getting to Philadelphia International Airport
Warminster Line riders can reach Philadelphia International Airport by rail, usually by traveling through Center City and continuing on or transferring to the Airport Line. The train option is listed at about 1 hour 45 minutes from Warminster to the airport.
There is no direct bus or direct train from Warminster to the airport stations in every case. Some trains continue through as Airport Line service, while other trips require a Center City transfer, often around Suburban Station.
Other options mentioned in the supplied material include driving, taxi, towncar, and bus. Driving is listed at about 29 miles / 46.7 km and around 58 minutes. A taxi also takes about 58 minutes, while a towncar is listed at about 52 minutes. Bus-based options require transfers and take longer.
Using the Airport Line
Many Warminster Line trains continue as Airport Line trains after passing through Center City. As of the supplied 2026 service pattern, the majority of Warminster trains continue to the Airport Line, but not all do.
If your train does not continue to the airport, transfer in Center City and board an Airport Line train. The Airport Line runs seven days a week, and the trip from Suburban Station to the airport is listed as 19 to 24 minutes.
Before boarding, check whether your specific train continues to Philadelphia International Airport or ends at 30th Street Station, Thorndale, Trenton Transit Center, or another destination.
Station Facilities, Accessibility, and Parking
The supplied station facility information specifically identifies Warminster station as wheelchair ADA accessible, with a side platform that can be reached step free. It also has accessible ticket machines, a ramp for train access, help points, impaired mobility set-down and pick-up points, bike racks, and parking.
Warminster station parking includes a daily lot and a permit lot. Parking charges per day are not provided in the supplied SEPTA material, so check station parking details before leaving a vehicle.
Ardsley station is also listed as wheelchair/ADA accessible and has parking for 45 vehicles. These are the stations specifically identified in the supplied material as having parking or accessibility features.
How to Ride the Warminster Line
Start by checking the Warminster Line timetable, schedule today, and any service alerts. Confirm your direction, platform, fare option, and whether your train continues beyond Center City.
For the typical WAR train pattern, the first stop is Warminster and the last stop is Suburban Station. The route includes Warminster, Hatboro, Willow Grove, Crestmont, Roslyn, Ardsley, Glenside, Jenkintown-Wyncote, Elkins Park, Melrose Park, Fern Rock Transit Center, Wayne Junction, Temple University, Jefferson Station, and Suburban Station.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Warminster | Northern terminal; connects with SEPTA City Bus route 22 and TMA Bucks Rushbus. |
| Hatboro | Zone 3 station north of Willow Grove. |
| Willow Grove | Connects with bus routes 22 and 55. |
| Crestmont | Zone 3 suburban stop. |
| Roslyn | Connects with bus route 22. |
| Ardsley | Zone 3 stop; listed as ADA accessible in the supplied material. |
| Glenside | Branch point area; connects with bus routes 22 and 77. |
| Jenkintown-Wyncote | Major Regional Rail transfer point. |
| Elkins Park | Connects with bus route 28. |
| Melrose Park | Zone 2 Regional Rail station. |
| Fern Rock Transit Center | Connects with SEPTA Metro and bus routes 4, 28, 57, 70. |
| Wayne Junction | Connects with bus routes 2, 23, 53, and Trackless Trolley 75. |
| Temple University | Connects with all SEPTA Regional Rail lines. |
| Jefferson Station | Center City stop. |
| Suburban Station | Center City stop and common terminal shown for the WAR route. |
Tap or buy your fare before boarding when possible. If you use contactless payment, use the same card or mobile wallet for each tap. On board, follow the conductor’s instructions and keep your ticket, card, or pass ready.
Tips for Tourists and First-Time Riders
Give yourself extra time, especially if you are catching a connection in Center City or traveling to the airport. Trains are often straightforward to use, but delays, service changes, or bus substitutions can happen.
Check the latest opening times, last train, and route timetable before you leave. If your trip is flexible, off-peak trains may be less crowded, though they may run less often.
Use real-time tools to track your train, confirm the closest stop, and review any moved stops, cancellations, detours, or major delays.
Rules and Rider Etiquette
Ride safely and follow staff instructions at stations and on trains. Let passengers exit before boarding, keep doors clear, and stay behind the platform edge while waiting.
Carry a valid ticket, pass, SEPTA Key, or contactless payment method where required. Do not enter restricted railway areas, interfere with signs or equipment, or block staff from doing their work.
Keep shared space comfortable. Avoid loud behavior, threatening or offensive language, littering, smoking where prohibited, and placing bags where they block seats or aisles. If you are asked to move, leave an area, or stop an activity, do so calmly.
Personal photography is generally allowed in the supplied rules, while commercial use needs permission. Avoid flash or equipment that creates an obstruction, and report suspicious behavior to station staff.
Brief History
The Warminster Line continues the Reading Company’s suburban service over the Warminster Branch. The branch was built between 1872 and 1874, and passenger service was electrified as far as Hatboro in 1931.
Service beyond Hatboro ended in 1952. The Reading later extended electrification and suburban service to Warminster on July 29, 1974. After the Reading’s final bankruptcy in 1976, Conrail took over operation of the trains and ownership of the branch.
The Warminster Branch was conveyed to SEPTA in 1979, and SEPTA assumed train operations in 1983. In 1984, the route became R2 Warminster under SEPTA’s diametrical reorganization. The R-number naming system was dropped on July 25, 2010.
On April 18, 2016, SEPTA launched positive train control on the Warminster Line, making it the first Regional Rail line to use the signal system. A crash in Abington Township on July 1, 2006 injured 38 passengers and 6 crew members.
The line between Warminster and New Hope was identified in a 1991 Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission report as having medium potential for reuse, and SEPTA described it as a long-range transit opportunity corridor. That history is often mentioned in discussions of future expansion.
Popular Destinations and Nearby Places
The Warminster Line is most useful for trips between Bucks County, Montgomery County, North Philadelphia, and Center City Philadelphia. It also helps riders reach major transfer points without driving.
Popular trip purposes include commuting into Center City, reaching Temple University, transferring to Penn Medicine and other central destinations, connecting to the Airport Line, and traveling to suburban stops such as Willow Grove and Hatboro.
Center City Philadelphia
For Center City Philadelphia, the Warminster Line serves key downtown rail stops such as Jefferson Station and Suburban Station, with Temple University just north of the core central area. The trip between Warminster and Suburban Station is approximately 50 minutes.
Some trains continue as Airport Line service, while certain weekday trips terminate at 30th Street Station, Thorndale, or Trenton Transit Center. If service is unavailable, the Lansdale/Doylestown and West Trenton lines can help riders reach Jenkintown-Wyncote.
Temple University, Penn Medicine, and Major Transfer Points
Temple University station gives Warminster Line riders access to all SEPTA Regional Rail lines. In the broader Center City network, Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, 30th Street Station, and Penn Medicine Station are mentioned as important transfer points or major stops.
Beyond Center City, Wayne Junction and Fern Rock Transit Center are useful for bus, trolley, Metro, and Regional Rail connections. Glenside and Jenkintown-Wyncote also matter because several Regional Rail services share this part of the route.
Suburban Stops and Local Destinations
North of the Center City Commuter Connection, the Warminster Line serves suburban stops including Hatboro, Willow Grove, Crestmont, Roslyn, Ardsley, Glenside, Jenkintown-Wyncote, Elkins Park, Melrose Park, Fern Rock Transit Center, Wayne Junction, and Temple University.
Willow Grove connects with bus routes 22 and 55, Glenside with routes 22 and 77, Roslyn with route 22, and Warminster with route 22 and TMA Bucks Rushbus. The route is useful for local transport trips to Willow Grove, Hatboro, and Warminster as well as longer trips into Philadelphia.
FAQ
These quick answers cover the main questions riders ask about the Warminster Line route, stations, fare, schedule, and airport connections.
What type of train is the Warminster Line?
The Warminster Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail commuter rail route. It runs between Warminster and Center City Philadelphia, using the SEPTA Main Line to Glenside and the Warminster Branch north of Glenside.
Many trains continue through the Center City Commuter Connection as Airport Line service, though not every trip follows that pattern.
How do I check the latest Warminster Line schedule?
Check the latest Warminster Line schedule, train schedule, timings today, and service alerts before travel. Real-time apps can show upcoming departures, route status, train location, closest stop, and service changes such as cancellations or major delays.
Schedules are subject to change without notice, especially during severe weather or planned track work.
Which stations are in Center City Philadelphia?
The supplied material identifies Jefferson Station and Suburban Station as key Center City Philadelphia stops for the Warminster Line, with Temple University also serving the central rail corridor just north of Center City. 30th Street Station is also mentioned as a weekday terminal for some trains and a major transfer point.
Can I use the Warminster Line to reach Philadelphia International Airport?
Yes, but check your specific train. Many Warminster Line trains continue through Center City as Airport Line trains, while others terminate or continue to different destinations.
If your train does not continue to the airport, transfer in Center City, typically around Suburban Station. The trip from Warminster to the airport is listed at about 1 hour 39 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes depending on the connection.
Airport travel is listed at about $7 USD if bought ahead of time and about $8 USD on the train for a one-way trip.
How do fares work on the Warminster Line?
Fares are based on SEPTA Regional Rail zones and can be paid with contactless cards, mobile wallets, SEPTA Key, Quick Trip, cash, tickets, or passes. Contactless payment is generally described as more economical than paying cash onboard.
If you pay with a contactless card or mobile wallet, use the same payment method for all taps. Fare details can change, so check SEPTA fare information before you ride.
Which stations have parking or accessibility features?
Warminster station is listed as wheelchair ADA accessible, with step-free side platform access, accessible ticket machines, a ramp for train access, help points, impaired mobility set-down and pick-up points, bike racks, and parking. Parking includes a daily lot and a permit lot.
Ardsley station is also listed as wheelchair/ADA accessible and has parking for 45 vehicles. No parking charges are provided in the supplied material.