Getting around Philadelphia
Fares for subways, trolleys, and buses
The base fares for all three are the same, and all accept tokens:
$2.25 cash for a single ride
$1.00 for a transfer to a connecting bus line
$1.80, if you purchase two or more tokens. Tokens can be purchased at all subway stations from 7:00am - 7:00pm on weekdays, and from a machine in the entryway to the CVS Pharmacy and food court at 3401 Walnut Street, on the University of Pennsyvlania’s campus.
A weekly SEPTA TransPass ($24), valid from 12:00am Monday through 11:59pm the following Sunday, can be purchased at subway stations and at Amtrak’s 30th Street Train Station. It is good for unlimited rides on subways, trolleys, buses, and the Airport Regional Rail Line.
Subway (Blue Line)
The SEPTA Market-Frankford subway line (“Blue Line”) travels along Market Street (East-West). It can be picked up at 40th, 34th, 30th, 15th/City Hall, 13th, 11th, 8th, 5th, and 2nd Streets, and is an easy and inexpensive way to get to both Center City and Old City for tours and events. For Center City tours on Thursday, the closest station to the various venues is 15th Street/City Hall. For Old City tours and programming on Friday afternoon, take the subway Eastbound from 34th Street to 5th Street, from where all venues are a short walk. To return to the University of Pennsylvania campus, take the subway Westbound to 34th Street.
Trolleys (Subway Surface Lines/Green Lines)
Some of the SEPTA trolley routes run underground between Center City and West Philadelphia. Stops eastbound/westbound include one at 36th and Sansom Streets, with remaining stops all along Market Street at 33rd, 30th, 22nd, 19th, 15th/City Hall, and 13th Streets. For the Thursday tours in Center City, the trolleys’ 22nd and 19th Street stops will bring you closer to many of the venues than the subway. Fares are paid upon entry, as for buses.
Buses
The two main SEPTA buses that go between the University of Pennsylvania and Center City/Old City are the 21 and the 42.
Going East to Center City/Old City, catch the 21 at the corner of 34th and Chestnut Streets or the 42 at the southeast corner of 33rd and Walnut Streets.
Going West to the University of Pennsylvania campus, catch either bus at bus stops along Walnut Street. Both buses make stops at every street. The 21 bus goes up Walnut Street beyond 40th, while the 42 bus turns left at 34th and Walnut and discharges passengers on the southwest corner before turning right on Spruce Street.
MORE INFORMATION ON PHILADELPHIA TRANSIT: [SEPTA website]
Taxis
In Philadelphia, taxis can be hailed on the street. Use only well-marked vehicles. The taxi station nearest the conference is in front of the Sheraton University City, at 36th and Chestnut Streets. Fares are determined by distance according to a meter. There may be a surcharge for fuel (about $1.00) and for additional passengers. You are expected to tip the driver; tip between 10% and 20% of the final fare, depending on service.