How to take SEPTA from Philadelphia airport to Center City
Airport Line fares, payment, terminal stations and how to choose Penn Medicine, 30th Street, Suburban or Jefferson for your destination.
SEPTA’s Airport Line is a direct train from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to four useful central stations: Penn Medicine, William H. Gray III 30th Street, Suburban and Jefferson. The main decision is where to get off.
The short answer: The one-way fare from an airport terminal to any of those Center City stations is $8.75 with a contactless bank card or mobile wallet, SEPTA Key Travel Wallet or Quick Trip ticket. Paying on board costs $11. These Airport Line prices apply at all times, rather than changing on weekends (SEPTA fare information).
Trains are scheduled every 30 minutes. Depending on which terminal station you use, the scheduled ride is about 16–20 minutes to Penn Medicine, 19–23 minutes to 30th Street, 24–28 minutes to Suburban and 29–33 minutes to Jefferson. PHL confirms the half-hourly frequency and all four Center City stops (PHL public transportation guide).
Fare and payment options
| How you pay | Airport to Center City, one way |
|---|---|
| Contactless credit/debit card or mobile wallet | $8.75 |
| SEPTA Key Travel Wallet | $8.75 |
| Quick Trip ticket | $8.75 |
| Pay on board | $11.00 |
For most visitors, contactless payment is the simplest option:
- Tap a contactless card or mobile wallet on the platform validator before boarding.
- At your destination, tap out with the same card or device.
SEPTA requires Regional Rail riders using contactless payment or a Key card to tap on and tap out; a missed tap-out can trigger the maximum fare. Contactless Multi-Rider allows up to five people travelling together to pay with one card. A Quick Trip is a single-rider ticket valid on the day it is bought (SEPTA fare and payment rules).
Children under 12 ride free with a fare-paying adult. The Airport Line is Regional Rail, so its fare does not include a transfer to a SEPTA bus, the L, the B or a trolley; that next ride requires another fare.
Where to board at PHL
The Airport Line has four terminal stops:
- Terminals E & F
- Terminals C & D
- Terminal B
- Terminal A
Use the stop paired with your arrival terminal and follow airport signs for SEPTA or Regional Rail. Inbound trains call at the terminal stops in the order E/F, C/D, B and A, then continue via Eastwick to central Philadelphia. All Airport Line stations are wheelchair accessible, according to PHL (airport station and accessibility details). If you need a particular elevator, check SEPTA alerts before leaving baggage claim.
The current printed timetable took effect July 5, 2026 and supplies the station order, scheduled journey times and station addresses (SEPTA Airport Line timetable). Check the live Airport Line schedule on your travel day, particularly for a very early or late arrival.
Which Center City station should you choose?
All four stops have the same airport fare. Choose by your destination rather than getting off at the first station labelled for central Philadelphia.
Penn Medicine Station
Choose it for: Penn Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the southern side of the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Penn Medicine Station is at 3149 Convention Boulevard. It is the first central stop from the airport, but it is west of the principal Center City hotel districts. Stay on the train if you are heading to City Hall, Reading Terminal Market or eastern Center City. SEPTA confirms the address and Airport Line service on its Penn Medicine Station page.
William H. Gray III 30th Street Station
Choose it for: Amtrak, the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line, Drexel University and the northern part of University City.
The station is at 30th and Market Streets. It is the clear choice for an onward intercity train. PHL identifies 30th Street as the connection for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and Keystone Service and for NJ Transit’s Atlantic City Line (PHL connection guide).
For most hotels around City Hall or farther east, remain aboard for Suburban or Jefferson instead.
Suburban Station
Choose it for: City Hall, Penn Center, Rittenhouse Square, Logan Square and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway side of Center City.
Suburban Station is at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard, beneath Penn Center and adjacent to City Hall. It is a useful default for western and central Center City hotels. SEPTA lists nearby connections to the L, B, trolleys and numerous buses (Suburban Station guide); those require a separate fare when transferring from Regional Rail.
Jefferson Station
Choose it for: Reading Terminal Market, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Chinatown, Midtown Village and eastern Center City.
Jefferson Station is beneath Market Street between 10th and 12th Streets. It is the nearest direct Airport Line stop to Old City, though it is not in Old City itself. For accommodation around 2nd to 5th Streets, expect a final walk or a separately paid L or car ride. SEPTA’s Jefferson Station page confirms the location and nearby L connection.
Quick decision guide
- Amtrak connection: Gray 30th Street
- City Hall or Rittenhouse Square: Suburban
- Reading Terminal Market or Convention Center: Jefferson
- Penn Medicine or CHOP: Penn Medicine
- Old City: Jefferson, followed by a walk or another ride
With manageable luggage and a destination near one of these stations, the Airport Line provides a one-seat trip. If your address is well beyond the rail corridor—or several people are splitting a car fare—compare the whole door-to-door journey rather than the train fare alone.