Route of the Week - Airport Line
May 14, 2019
This week, we’ll be exploring the one and only Airport Line! SEPTA’s Airport Regional Rail Line was established on April 28, 1985, making it just over 34 years old! For the past 34 years, the Airport Line has been the best travel option between Philadelphia International Airport and Center City – and it’s only getting better!
The Airport Line stops at all major Philadelphia International Airport terminals, and reaches Center City Philadelphia in approximately 25 minutes, with one intermediate stop. The Airport Line runs every 30 minutes from 5am to midnight daily. On a typical weekday, the Airport Line makes 78 trips and carries 6,075 passengers.
There are several ways to pay your fare on the Airport Line. The cost on board the train between Philadelphia International and Center City is $8 (cash only). Additionally, you can buy a ticket in advance at any SEPTA Sales Office for $6.75.
Travelers also have the to option to purchase a Quick Trip from the SEPTA Key Fare Kiosks located at each Airport Line Terminal Stop. A Quick Trip is valid for one-way travel between PHL and Center City and costs $6.75.
Both a TrailPass and a TransPass are also accepted but as part of the transition to SEPTA Key on Regional Rail, starting July 1, 2019, TransPasses will no longer be accepted for weekday travel on the Airport Line. The change was originally announced as part of the fare policies that went into effect on July 1, 2017.
Effective July 1, you will need a Zone 1 or greater Weekly/Monthly TrailPass for weekday travel on the Airport Line. There will be no change to single-trip or cash fares.
If you already have a SEPTA Key card and normally purchase a TransPass for your commute on the Airport Line, you can continue to use the same Key card, but for July, you will need to purchase/load a Zone 1 TrailPass.
Riders who buy their Monthly SEPTA Pass through a Corporate Benefits program or at Travelex Currency Services at Philadelphia International Airport will continue to receive a legacy magnetic stripe pass when they purchase a Zone 1 TrailPass.
TransPasses will remain valid for travel on all Regional Rail lines on weekends and major holidays.
With Memorial Day Weekend coming up, there is a lot happening in the Philadelphia area. If you're travelling to or from the city, avoid traffic, parking, and ride share surges and take the Airport Line to or from PHL!
