How to Ride

SEPTA Metro service includes the L, B, T, G, D, and M.

The L is a subway/elevated line that runs east/west from Frankford Transit Center in the Frankford section of Philadelphia to 69th St Transit Center in Upper Darby via Center City Philadelphia. All trains make all stops.

The B is a subway line that runs north/south along Broad Street in Philadelphia from Fern Rock Transit Center in North Philadelphia to NRG Station/Sports Complex in South Philadelphia via Center City Philadelphia. Local service makes all stops. Express service makes select stops.

The T is a light rail trolley system serving Philadelphia and Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The line comprises five trolley services—T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5—that operate on street-level tracks in West Philadelphia and Delaware County and also underneath Market St in Center City Philadelphia. Trolleys do not make all stops. To request a “stop”, you must pull the yellow cord.

The G is a streetcar/trolley/bus line that runs along Girard Av through North and West Philadelphia. The G does not make all stops. To request a “stop”, you must pull the yellow cord.

The D is a light rail line that uses trolleys to serve portions of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The line comprises two services which terminate at 69th St Transit Center in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania: D1 to Media and D2 to Sharon Hill. The D1 and D2 run together on their exclusive right-of-way in Upper Darby to Drexel Hill Junction for approximately 2 miles at which point they diverge. Trolleys do not make all stops. To request a “stop”, you must pull the yellow cord. Fun fact: The line is one of the few remaining interurban systems in the United States.

The M is a 13.4-mile interurban light rapid transit line that runs between 69th St Transit Center in Upper Darby and Norristown Transit Center in Norristown, Pennsylvania. The line runs entirely on its own right-of-way. It has onboard fare collection. It is a mostly single-car operation and it makes frequent stops more common to light rail systems. But it does not make all stops. To request a “stop”, you must push the button. 

1. First things first. Download the SEPTA App for schedules, maps, and more!

2. A SEPTA Key card is a reloadable, contactless chip card with options to load Passes and/or Travel Wallet funds for seamless travel on all of SEPTA. It also allows you to pay for up to 5 riders. SEPTA also accepts contactless payment (credit/debit card or Apple/Google/Samsung Pay) for travel on Metro, Regional Rail, and Bus.

Customers without a Key card or a contactless payment option fare must purchase a Quick Trip from a fare kiosk, valid for one station entry any time on date of purchase. You can also purchase a Key card from a fare kiosk. Fare kiosks are located at all L and B stations, select T stations, and all transit centers. It costs $4.95 to buy a SEPTA Key card but this cost is refunded if you register the card within 30 days of purchase at SEPTAKey.org. Limit 2 refunds per account. The rebate is automatically credited to your Travel Wallet when the new card is registered to your account.

If you’re using a SEPTA Key card or contactless payment, the fare is $2.90 per ride and your first and second transfer is free. The cost is also $2.90 if you’re paying cash and you must have exact change. Cashiers and T/G/D/M operators cannot make change. Monthly, weekly, and daily passes are also accepted. These passes can all be purchased and loaded to a SEPTA Key card. Visit the fares page to learn more.

3. Go to your station or stop. Look for the fare kiosk if you need to purchase a fare or use contactless payment.

4. To access the platform, tap your SEPTA Key card or contactless payment on the “validator” located on top of the turnstile or swipe your Quick Trip to unlock the turnstile. Make sure you are on the right side! For stations/stops without turnstiles, you tap to pay when you board the vehicle.

5. Stand behind the yellow line while waiting for the train or trolley to arrive.

6. Board the train or trolley. (Passenger etiquette tip: Let people off before getting on.)

7. Take a seat and watch/listen for your stop.

8. Exit the train or trolley. To exit the station you do not need to tap or swipe, simply move through the turnstile or gate.

Check schedules to plan your trip.

For interactive views of SEPTA lines and routes check out our Trip Planner and Schedules pages.

Maps are here.

Quick Tips:
✔️ Ensure that strollers and shopping carts do not block the aisle and doorways.
✔️ Yield designated seats to Seniors & Disabled Riders.
✔️ Drinks in containers with a resealable lid and light, small snacks OK on board.
✔️ Don’t share your music – use earbuds or headphones.
✔️ Keep phone calls brief, talk in a low voice, don’t use the speaker, mute the ringer.
✔️ Check that you have all of your belongings before leaving the train.

✔️ Be alert for unattended bags or items.
✔️ Do not block Operator Cab Door.
✔️ Do NOT move between cars.