SEPTA parking later in the day (Harrisburg, Downingtown: costs, moving, train station)

[AlexisT]

I have an appointment in Center City on Tuesday afternoon (coming from Harrisburg). I really would prefer not to drive all the way in because it means heading back out in the thick of rush hour. Amtrak wants $70 round trip, which is a little steep even when I factor in gas and tolls.

Would it be possible to park at any of the SEPTA stations on my way in? My appointment is right near Suburban Station so it would make my life very easy to do it this way. Ideally, from Paoli east on the R5 since the service is so frequent, but if I'd have to go further west, that would be okay.

[kyle19125]

Originally Posted by AlexisT

I have an appointment in Center City on Tuesday afternoon (coming from Harrisburg). I really would prefer not to drive all the way in because it means heading back out in the thick of rush hour. Amtrak wants $70 round trip, which is a little steep even when I factor in gas and tolls.

Would it be possible to park at any of the SEPTA stations on my way in? My appointment is right near Suburban Station so it would make my life very easy to do it this way. Ideally, from Paoli east on the R5 since the service is so frequent, but if I'd have to go further west, that would be okay.

The Paoli and Malvern lots are usually full and the fact that you're planning an afternoon trip won't help in terms of turnover of spaces. If you drive a bit further east to Daylesford SEPTA | Daylesford Station or Berwyn SEPTA | Berwyn Station you'll most likely find some empty spaces without wasting time looking.

[Jfoldno7]

Something I tend to do if I only need to park from mid-day till the evening is park on a side street in Paoli. A lot of the roads near the station are posted for 2 hour parking but I have never had a problem parking from 12-6pm (I believe after 4 pm the 2 hour limit is lifted anyway). The Amtrak from Paoli to 30th street is only $6.50 one way and will get you there in about 25 mins. From there hop on any SEPTA regional train moving from 30th to Suburban, there is no charge on those trains in Center City. The other option is to take the SEPTA from Paoli all the way to Suburban, but its slow since they are all local that time of day.

[bryson662001]

Originally Posted by AlexisT

I have an appointment in Center City on Tuesday afternoon (coming from Harrisburg). I really would prefer not to drive all the way in because it means heading back out in the thick of rush hour. Amtrak wants $70 round trip, which is a little steep even when I factor in gas and tolls.

Would it be possible to park at any of the SEPTA stations on my way in? My appointment is right near Suburban Station so it would make my life very easy to do it this way. Ideally, from Paoli east on the R5 since the service is so frequent, but if I'd have to go further west, that would be okay.

Here's an idea, maybe far feched. Go to www.bing.com/maps and zero in on the suspect train station. Then use the "birds eye view" feature to see if the parking lot is completely full, assuming the photo was taken on a weekday. I know the lot I sometimes use in Toresdale on the R-7 usually has 8 or 10 empty spots down at the end at mid-day and it only costs a dollar a day.

[solibs]

$75 ?????

amtrak.com - Harrisburg to 30th St. is $46 r/t

Better still you can drive to the Downingtown Station and take Amtrak to 30th St. for $13 r/t. It's so cheap and fast it makes me want to take a ride out there just for the heck of it.

If you really want to take SEPTA drive to the Thorndale station. In the unlikely event that you can't find parking there you can just stay on Route 30 and head to the Downingtown Station.

[AlexisT]

One adult, one child. It would be $46 if it were just me.

I didn't realize Amtrak was so cheap from Downingtown or Paoli; I assumed I'd have to take SEPTA for a reasonable fare. Of course, on SEPTA, my daughter would travel for free whereas on Amtrak I have to pay for her.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by AlexisT

One adult, one child. It would be $46 if it were just me.

I didn't realize Amtrak was so cheap from Downingtown or Paoli; I assumed I'd have to take SEPTA for a reasonable fare. Of course, on SEPTA, my daughter would travel for free whereas on Amtrak I have to pay for her.

I would definitely recommend taking Amtrak. Drive to one of the stations closer to Philly (Paoli is probably your best bet).

I experimented with taking the R5 into Philly once. Drove to Exton and took the train into the city. It took F-O-R-E-V-E-R.

[solibs]

Originally Posted by danwxman

I Drove to Exton and took the train into the city. It took F-O-R-E-V-E-R.

You mean F stop O stop R stop E stop V stop E stop R ?

[AlexisT]

I'm a hardened train/subway commuter, thankfully!

I have a feeling I'll wind up on SEPTA because being on a slow train with a 3yo beats waiting at a cold station with said 3yo. We'll see when I get to the station!

thanks everyone.

[gary.chase1]

Can I leave my car at thorndale Lot from Friday to Sunday if I put three dollors in meter slot for that parking space. Thank You.