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Guide To Philadelphia's Public Transportation

Plane, train or automobile? Residents and visitors can get around Philadelphia many different ways. Whether you are trying to navigate within the city or you are looking to travel to another major East Coast city like Washington DC or Boston, Philadelphia's transportation infrastructure offers many options. Philadelphia is accessible by automobile via many major roadways, like I-95, I-76, I-676 and more. But the city also boasts an extensive underground rail system, the fourth oldest in the United States, that will take you from one end of the city to the other. If your travel choice is by air, head just outside the city to the Philadelphia International Airport.

Amtrak Intercity Rail
30th St. Station
2955 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
www.amtrak.com

Amtrak is a convenient option for commuters and visitors traveling to Philadelphia from other cities along the East Coast. Easy access to Harrisburg and Pittsburgh are available via the 30th Street Station location, and several of the trains travel to New York and Boston. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time online or at the station. Ample parking is available at the station if you are driving here to catch a train.

Related: Green Ways Of Getting Around In Philadelphia

PATCO
9th-10th and Locust St. Station
9th St. and Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(856) 772-6900
www.ridepatco.org

PATCO provides convenient service between New Jersey and Philadelphia. The PATCO Hi-Speedline is a fast, easy and economical way to travel from Center City Philadelphia to southern New Jersey. The PATCO Speedline offers commuters an inexpensive alternative to driving a car. PATCO also offers "quiet cars" during the morning and evening rush hours for travelers who may need a little downtime or wish to get work done during the commute. Maps, station locations and fare information are available online.

Philadelphia International Airport
8000 Essington Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19153
(215) 937-6937
www.phl.org

The largest airport in the Philadelphia region, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves more than 30 million passengers each year. It is a domestic hub and the primary international hub of US Airways. Just miles from downtown Philadelphia, PHL is accessible by multiple bus routes with special routes and services for seniors and people with disabilities. In addition, commuters may use the Airport Rail Line train, which offers connections to AMTRAK and regional rail lines. Ground transportation, including rental cars, taxis and shuttles, are also available to get travelers to and from the airport. PHL offers daily and long-term economy parking for travelers.

SEPTA Route 15
1234 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 580-7800
www.septa.org

Philadelphia's Route 15 - the Girard Avenue Trolley - runs from Haddington in west Philadelphia to Port Richmond via Girard Avenue in north Philly. Trolley service was restored on this route in 2005 after being out of commission for many years. This trolley line operates using restored 1930s style trolley cars. Although it appears on SEPTA's maps, this line is actually not part of the SEPTA subway system. Its schedule and route map is available online.

SEPTA Subway
1234 Market St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 580-7800
www.septa.org

One of the oldest subway systems in the United States, the SEPTA subway system takes commuters looking to use the Broad Street or Market-Frankford lines or numerous trolley lines to navigate around the city. There are also numerous connections to bus and Amtrak services. This busy system carries nearly 300,000 riders each day. If you're taking the subway, fares are reasonable and you have a number of options. Daily cash rates are available or you may purchase tickets or passes, which offer discounts. Schedules, routes and delays are available online.

Related: Best Local Transportation To Get To Lincoln Financial Field

Maddie Wagner is a freelance writer covering all things Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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