What is the cheapest way from Philadelphia Airport to Center City?

The SEPTA Airport Line regional rail: $8.75 when you tap a contactless card or buy a Quick Trip in advance, and about 20–25 minutes to the Center City stations. Paying cash onboard is $11.00.

How much is the SEPTA Airport Line from PHL?

$8.75 to Center City with a contactless tap, SEPTA Key or Quick Trip bought in advance; it is $11.00 if you pay cash onboard the train.

Where do I catch the SEPTA train at the airport?

Every terminal (A, B, C/D and E/F) has its own Airport Line platform. Follow the signs for 'SEPTA Airport Line / Trains to Center City' from baggage claim; all trains go to Center City.

How long does the train take to Center City?

About 20–25 minutes from the airport to 30th Street, Suburban Station and Jefferson Station in Center City.

How often do the SEPTA airport trains run?

About every 30 minutes, roughly from 5:00 am to midnight, seven days a week.

What is the best way from PHL to downtown Philadelphia?

For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest: the SEPTA Airport Line regional rail, $8.75 with a contactless tap or advance Quick Trip, reaching central Philadelphia's Center City stations — 30th Street, Suburban and Jefferson, right in the city center — in about 20–25 minutes.

How do you get from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to downtown Philadelphia (Center City) — the cheapest way?

The cheapest way from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Center City is the SEPTA Airport Line regional rail, which runs from every terminal to 30th Street, Suburban and Jefferson stations in about 20–25 minutes for $8.75 when you tap a contactless card or buy a Quick Trip in advance ($11.00 if you pay cash onboard). Trains leave about every 30 minutes from around 5:00 am to midnight. Skip the taxi, which is a flat fare of roughly $28.50–$32 plus a fuel surcharge and tip — several times the train fare.

How to find it

AIRPORTPhiladelphia International Airport
01From baggage claim at your terminal (A, B, C/D or E/F), follow the signs for 'SEPTA Airport Line / Trains to Center City' to the station platform (a few minutes' walk).
02Pay before you board: tap a contactless card or phone at the reader, or buy a Quick Trip single ride ($8.75) or load a SEPTA Key at the platform kiosk. Paying cash onboard costs $11.00.
03Board any Airport Line train — they all run to Center City and depart about every 30 minutes from around 5:00 am to midnight, seven days a week.
04Ride about 20–25 minutes to the Center City stations — 30th Street, Suburban Station and Jefferson Station — where you can connect to the subway, trolleys and city buses.
CITY CENTREPhiladelphia

Ticket

SEPTA Airport Line single ride to Center City (Jefferson / Suburban / 30th Street)

Where to buy: Tap a contactless credit/debit card or phone at the platform reader, or buy a Quick Trip single ride or load a SEPTA Key card at the fare kiosks on each terminal platform.

How to pay: Paying in advance by contactless tap, SEPTA Key or Quick Trip costs $8.75; paying cash onboard costs $11.00. No separate validation stamp is needed.

Local's trick: Pay before you board: tap a contactless card or phone (or buy a Quick Trip at the platform kiosk) for $8.75 instead of the $11.00 cash fare charged onboard. Every terminal has its own platform and all trains run to Center City, so just board the first one.

Trap to avoid: Don't grab a taxi or rideshare: a taxi is a flat fare of about $28.50–$32 plus a fuel surcharge and tip, and rideshares often run $30–45 — several times the $8.75 train.

Frequently asked

What is the cheapest way from Philadelphia Airport to Center City?: The SEPTA Airport Line regional rail: $8.75 when you tap a contactless card or buy a Quick Trip in advance, and about 20–25 minutes to the Center City stations. Paying cash onboard is $11.00.
How much is the SEPTA Airport Line from PHL?: $8.75 to Center City with a contactless tap, SEPTA Key or Quick Trip bought in advance; it is $11.00 if you pay cash onboard the train.
Where do I catch the SEPTA train at the airport?: Every terminal (A, B, C/D and E/F) has its own Airport Line platform. Follow the signs for 'SEPTA Airport Line / Trains to Center City' from baggage claim; all trains go to Center City.
How long does the train take to Center City?: About 20–25 minutes from the airport to 30th Street, Suburban Station and Jefferson Station in Center City.
How often do the SEPTA airport trains run?: About every 30 minutes, roughly from 5:00 am to midnight, seven days a week.
What is the best way from PHL to downtown Philadelphia?: For budget travellers the best way is the cheapest: the SEPTA Airport Line regional rail, $8.75 with a contactless tap or advance Quick Trip, reaching central Philadelphia's Center City stations — 30th Street, Suburban and Jefferson, right in the city center — in about 20–25 minutes.
How much is a taxi from Philadelphia International Airport to the city?: A taxi is a flat fare of about $28.50–$32 plus a fuel surcharge and tip, and rideshares often run $30–45 — several times the $8.75 SEPTA Airport Line train.

Last verified: Jul 2, 2026. Prices and timetables change — confirm at the official transport source.