SEPTA Regional Rail to University City (Philadelphia, Norristown: buying, cost, bus)

[Maddie104]

I have appointment at Perelman Center - 3400 Civic Center Blvd. I will be traveling by regional rail to 30th street and, it appears, I can then take the airport train to University City and then walk a short distance. Is there a regional rail (other than airport line) that goes to University City so I don't have to switch trains? I can drive to a number of regional rail stations but I am trying to avoid driving into Center City. I may simply walk from 30th street to Perelman Center but want to have a back up plan in case train is running late and/or weather is poor. I am not familiar with Uber and prefer public transportation.

[kidphilly]

I believe only the Media, Newark DE and Airport lines stop at U City


The other option is to get off Septa at 30th Street and pick of the Subway-Surface trolley (the 13, 34, and 36) to 37th street and walk to your apt, believe that may be about the same distance.

[Maddie104]

Thanks. I assume I pick up Subway-Surface trolley at 30th street station.

[chessimprov]

If bus is too slow, then do a Lyft from 30th St.

[nimshady123]

what regional rail line will you be taking in to 30th street?

[kyb01]

Originally Posted by Maddie104

Thanks. I assume I pick up Subway-Surface trolley at 30th street station.

You'd have to leave the station, cross 30th St at Market, and use the septa entrance on the corner to the Market-Frankford Line/Subway Surface trolleys . Since you would still have to walk to Perelman from the nearest trolley stop to it, which is at 33rd and Market, it might make more sense to use Lyft or get a cab at 30th St. Station.

[Maddie104]

Originally Posted by kyb01

You'd have to leave the station, cross 30th St at Market, and use the septa entrance on the corner to the Market-Frankford Line/Subway Surface trolleys . Since you would still have to walk to Perelman from the nearest trolley stop to it, which is at 33rd and Market, it might make more sense to use Lyft or get a cab at 30th St. Station.

Agree. thanks.

[thedirtypirate]

imo, the cab is the easiest. 30th street is one of the few places in the city that has a line of them at all times to get one quickly.

[FamousBlueRaincoat]

Most people just get off whichever regional rail train they're on and switch at 30th. Airport Line runs every 30 minutes, Media and Wilmington once an hour most of the day (every 30 during rush hour). So you don't have that long of a wait.


Depending on which train you're taking into Philadelphia, it's possible that it's traveling through Center City toward University City already. For example, the Warminster Line inbound would turn into the Airport Line and then stop at University City. Norristown inbound may turn into Wilmington Line and then stop at University City.


Look at your schedule, talk to the conductor. It's potentially easier (and obviously cheaper) to stay within the regional rail system to get to your destination. You're likely already going to be buying the daypass, assuming you're arriving to 30th after 9.30 AM, so taking another train wouldn't cost you any more money.

[chessimprov]

https://www.universitycity.org/lucy
This would be cheaper from 30th St. Station if getting off of University City station is not a good option for you and if you are going during the week, or if walking is not much of an option for you. Also have to coordinate your schedule well of course.