It’s fun to be a tourist, but it’s less fun to obviously look like a tourist.
The key to fitting in wherever you visit is learning to travel how the locals do, and Philadelphia boasts a great public transit option for anyone visiting or living in the City of Brotherly Love. Known as SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority), Philly’s public transport is actually quite user friendly and easy-to-navigate.
There are two main colour-coded lines: Blue Line (Market-Frankfort) runs east to west and is a must-use for tourists while the Orange Line (Broad street) runs north to south and hits major sports venues and museums.
For those who typically drive everywhere or simply don’t usually take public transit, using it in a foreign city can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s a tourist’s guide to navigating Philadelphia with SEPTA.
How to pay for SEPTA in Philadelphia
OPTION 1: SEPTA key card
The easiest and most convenient way to pay for SEPTA is the SEPTA Key Card, which is a reusable, contactless card that you can load as needed and works across all modes of SEPTA transportation (buses, trains, trolleys, and subways).
Users can purchase a SEPTA Key Card from kiosks located at transit stations, from SEPTA sales offices, or retailers throughout the region and load funds directly in person or online through the SEPTA website.
An affordable option, the card is only $4.95 and can be refilled in amounts as small as $1. Patrons can load Weekly and Monthly Passes, or simply add money for pay-as-you-go travel.
OPTION 2: Single-trip quick trip ticket
For anyone just hopping on for one or two rides, a Quick Trip Ticket can be purchased from a station kiosk—but these tickets are only valid for subway rides and must be used on the day they’re purchased at a cost of $2.50 per ride.
OPTION 3: Cash or contactless payment
SEPTA accepts contactless payment (credit/debit card or Apple/Google/Samsung Pay) or cash (exact change is required) for travel on bus and Metro or the Norristown High-Speed Line.
Where to travel with SEPTA in Philadelphia
Center City
Accessible via the Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line) or the Broad Street Line (Orange Line), here’s where to visit iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Reading Terminal Market.
University City
Take the Market-Frankfort Line (Blue Line) to the heart of historic Philadelphia, to wander through a lively student neighbourhood and visit the Penn Museum and Institute of Contemporary Art.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art / Fairmount
Catch SEPTA in Philadelphia on the Bus Routes 7, 32, 38, or 48 to run up the Rocky Steps, check out the Philadelphia Museum of Art or visit the nearby Rodin Museum.
South Philly
Hop the Broad Street Line to take in a Phillies or Eagles game, or hit up the iconic Italian Market.
Fishtown
Take the Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line) to this trendy area known for its bars, restaurants, and music venues.
Quick tips for using SEPTA in Philadelphia
- Download the SEPTA App for real-time schedules and alerts
- Use an aloSIM eSIM for the USA for data to use the app without needing Wi-Fi
- Avoid rush hour (7:30 AM–9:30 AM and 4:30 PM–6:30 PM)
- Be sure to have exact change for the fare of $2.50
- Load a SEPTA Key Card to save from buying individual tickets
- “Mind the Gap” by paying attention to announcements and stepping carefully between the platform and train
- Pennsylvania residents aged 65 and over can ride free with a valid ID or SEPTA Key Senior Card
