2026 Penn Relays: SEPTA Service Information, Apr. 23-25

At the nation’s oldest and largest collegiate track meet, high school, college and professional runners compete at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field. For more than a century, the event has brought together competitors from around the world of varying ages, cultures and nationalities. The Penn Relays have since become one of the most enduring and beloved traditions in track & field.

The three-day event, beginning 4/23, features morning, afternoon and evening race sessions. SEPTA gets fans to Franklin Field thanks to frequent and reliable weekend and weekday service.

Getting to the Penn Relays

If you’re participating in the event, SEPTA is a great way to ensure you arrive on time. 34th Street Station on the [L] Market-Frankford Line is just a few blocks away from Franklin Field. There is a free transfer to the [L] Market-Frankford Line from the [B] Broad-Street Line and Trolley routes at 15th Street/City Hall – and it is a short walk from Regional Rail stations in Center City. 

Bus Routes 21, 30, 42 and 49 also offer stops nearby.

If you’re taking PATCO into Philadelphia from New Jersey, riders can take the [L] Market-Frankford Line to travel to the Relays. Exit PATCO at 8th/Market Street Station. Take the escalator or stairs to concourse level and exit PATCO’s fare gates. Follow the blue signs approximately one block through the concourse to the [L] Market-Frankford Line. 

Those coming from out of town on Regional Rail will want to exit at Penn Medicine Station. To support Regional Rail riders, SEPTA will offer extra service on the Wilmington and Media/Wawa Lines as availability allows during the three days event.

You can use plan.septa.org for real-time trip planning to and from the Penn Relays.

Convenient Ways to Pay

Contactless – Simpler, Faster, Accepted on All SEPTA Networks

Credit, debit or mobile payments are accepted on all SEPTA networks (Bus, Metro and Regional Rail) at any turnstile or farebox with a simple tap on the validator.

Riders are encouraged to load funds on Key cards before the event. For more information about SEPTA Key, visit www.septa.org.

Multi-Rider is available on all SEPTA services and allows up to 5 passengers traveling together to pay with a single SEPTA Key card.

SEPTA ended the sale of Key Tix on March 2. The final date that previously purchased Key Tix will be accepted is August 28.

SEPTA accepts cash for travel on bus, Metro and Regional Rail; exact fare is required for bus and Metro.

  • Transit Quick Trip: Customers at Metro stations may purchase a Quick Trip ticket, from Fare Kiosks, for a single one-way ride on the [L] Market-Frankford Line, [B] Broad Street Line, [T] Trolleys and the [M] Norristown High Speed Line. Learn more about Transit/Metro Quick Trips.
  • Regional Rail Quick Trip: Customers may purchase a Quick Trip ticket from Conductors aboard trains. The conductor will issue a Quick Trip, needed to exit Center City Philadelphia Stations (valid 2 hours from time of purchase). Learn more about Regional Rail Quick Trips.

PATCO riders traveling to Philadelphia from New Jersey can use their PATCO Freedom Share card for travel on SEPTA Metro and buses for $2.90 per trip. Card must be purchased from PATCO and loaded with funds in advance.

Parking Pro Tip

Download the SEPTA Park app before you head out. All SEPTA lots and garages charge for daily-use parking—this includes nights and weekends. Payment must be made using the SEPTA Park app, via text or at the kiosks. To avoid violations, please be sure you’ve paid for enough time. SEPTA allows overnight parking at most Regional Rail stations, [M] Norristown High Speed Line stations, and at Fern Rock TC and 69th St TC parking lots.

The SEPTA app allows you to think ahead with an integrated trip planner, view nearby stations and routes, save your favorite routes and much more; available to download in the App Store or Google Play Store.

View alerts, advisories and detours across the system. To get the latest service news, call Customer Service at 215-580-7800 or follow SEPTA @SEPTA.