How to Get Around Philly: A Guide to Philadelphia Public Transportation

The SEPTA Key Card: Your Ticket to Ride

The most important tool for using public transit in Philly is the SEPTA Key Card.

• What It Is: A reloadable, contactless smart card used to pay for all modes of SEPTA travel.
• Where to Get It: You can purchase a Key Card at kiosks located in all subway stations, at the SEPTA Sales Office, or from various retail locations throughout the city. There is a small, one-time fee to purchase the card itself.
• How It Works: You can load money into the "Travel Wallet" for a pay-as-you-go option, or load a daily, weekly, or monthly pass for unlimited rides. Simply tap your card on the validator at the subway turnstile or when you board a bus or trolley.

The Core System: Subways & Trolleys

Philadelphia's subway system is the fastest way to travel north-south and east-west through the city center.

1. The Market-Frankford Line (The "El" or Blue Line):
   • Route: Runs east-west under Market Street in Center City and is elevated (hence "The El") in West and Northeast Philadelphia.
   • Key Stops: Connects major hubs like the 69th Street Transportation Center, University City (30th Street Station), Center City, Old City (2nd Street for Penn's Landing), and the Frankford Transportation Center. It's perfect for getting between historic sites and the Fishtown/Kensington area.
2. The Broad Street Line (The "Subway" or Orange Line):
   • Route: Runs north-south under Broad Street, the city's central spine.
   • Key Stops: Connects North Philadelphia (including Temple University), City Hall, the Convention Center area, and the South Philadelphia Sports Complex (Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, Wells Fargo Center). The "Broad Street Line" is the go-to for getting to any game or concert.
3. Trolleys:
   • Route: A network of trolley lines runs through various neighborhoods, particularly in West Philadelphia, and funnels into Center City through an underground tunnel beneath City Hall. There are also historic trolley lines that run through Fishtown and along Girard Avenue.

Above Ground: Buses

SEPTA operates an extensive network of over 100 bus routes that can get you to virtually any corner of the city and its suburbs. Buses are a great way to reach destinations not directly on a subway line. You can use the SEPTA app or Google Maps to track bus arrivals in real-time.

For Tourists: The Philly PHLASH

• What It Is: The Philly PHLASH is a seasonal (typically spring through fall) bus service specifically designed for tourists.
• Route: It runs a continuous loop connecting 20 of the city's most popular attractions, from Penn's Landing and the Museum of Art to the Philadelphia Zoo and Please Touch Museum.
• How It Works: You can buy an all-day pass for a very affordable price, allowing you to hop on and off at any stop.

Connecting to the Suburbs: Regional Rail

For trips to Philadelphia's famous Main Line, Chestnut Hill, or other suburban towns, the SEPTA Regional Rail is your best option. These trains depart from major Center City stations like Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, and 30th Street Station, connecting the city to a wide five-county area, including a direct line to the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

Crossing the River: PATCO to New Jersey

If you're looking to visit Camden, Collingswood, or other nearby towns in South Jersey, you'll need the PATCO Speedline. This is a separate system from SEPTA that runs from Center City across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge into New Jersey.

Navigating Philadelphia is easy and efficient thanks to its comprehensive public transportation system. By grabbing a SEPTA Key Card and familiarizing yourself with the main subway lines, you can effortlessly explore everything the City of Brotherly Love has to offer, from its historic core and world-class museums to its vibrant, diverse neighborhoods.