How to Get from Philadelphia Airport to South Street

While not the most direct route to South Street, SEPTA's Regional Rail is a comfortable above-ground option, especially if you have heavy luggage or arrive during off-peak hours. It requires a transfer to the subway or a walk from the final station.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the Station: Follow signs for "Trains" or "Regional Rail" inside any airport terminal. Take the free Airport Line shuttle bus (it runs 24/7) to the Airport Regional Rail Station.
2. Buy a Ticket: Purchase a one-way ticket to "Center City Philadelphia" (Zone 2) from the vending machine. A one-way fare is $6.75 (Cash: $8.00). For the best fare, use a SEPTA Key Card.
3. Board the Train: Take any Airport Line train (bound for Glenside, Warminster, or West Trenton). Get off at Jefferson Station (formerly Suburban Station).
4. Transfer to South Street: From Jefferson Station, you have two options:
   • Walk: It's about a 25-minute walk (1.2 miles) southeast to South Street.
   • Subway: Walk underground to the 13th Street Station and take the eastbound Market-Frankford Line two stops to 2nd Street (additional $2.50 with transfer discount on Key Card).

Pros: Comfortable seats, space for luggage, avoids street traffic. Cons: Requires a shuttle bus transfer at the airport, not a direct route to South Street, less frequent than the subway.

This is the most efficient and economical method directly connecting PHL to the heart of South Street. The SEPTA Airport Line is a subway service that runs through the airport terminals themselves.

Detailed Route & Instructions:

1. Locate the Station in Your Terminal: Signs for "Trains to City" or "SEPTA" are everywhere. The stations are located inside:
   • Terminals A-West & B: Walk to the end of the baggage claim.
   • Terminals C, D, & E: Take the pedestrian walkway from baggage claim.
2. Payment & Fares:

   Payment Method	Cost to 2nd St Station	Notes
   SEPTA Key Card (Travel Wallet)	$6.75	Best value. Includes free transfer from Airport Line to MFL. Purchase at airport kiosks.
   Quick Trip (Single Ride) Ticket	$8.00	Available at vending machines. No transfer discount.
   Cash (Onboard)	$9.00	Exact change required. Not recommended.

3. The Ride: Board any westbound Airport Line train. Enjoy the 25-minute ride to 30th Street Station. Do not get off here.
4. The Crucial Transfer: At 30th Street Station, follow signs for the Market-Frankford Line (MFL). Go upstairs and board an eastbound train (direction: Frankford Transportation Center). Ride for 6 stops to 2nd Street Station.
5. Arrival at South Street: Exit the 2nd Street Station. You will emerge at the intersection of 2nd and Market Streets. South Street is just 2-3 blocks south. Walk straight down 2nd Street and you'll hit it in under 5 minutes.

Why It's the Best: Direct terminal access, frequent service (every 30 mins), cost-effective, and drops you within a short walk of South Street. Operates from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily. Check the official schedule here.

For the ultra-budget traveler, SEPTA's Route 37 bus provides a direct, albeit slower, connection between the airport and parts of South Philadelphia, requiring a final walk or transfer to South Street proper.

Complete Bus Guide:

• Route: SEPTA Bus Route 37 (Penrose to PMCC/PHL).
• Where to Board: At the Airport's Arrivals Level (outside baggage claim) at any terminal. Look for the public bus stop signs.
• Fare: $2.50 (exact cash) or $2.00 with a SEPTA Key Card. Transfers are $1.00 with a Key Card.
• The Journey: The bus travels through South Philadelphia neighborhoods. To get closest to the popular section of South Street (between Front and 8th), get off at Broad St & Snyder Ave.
• Final Leg: From Broad & Snyder, you can:
  • Walk north on Broad Street for about 15-20 minutes to reach South Street.
  • Transfer to the Broad Street Line subway (northbound) for one stop to Tasker-Morris, then walk east.

Pros: Rock-bottom price. Cons: Long travel time (60-90 mins total), subject to road traffic, less convenient for large luggage, and drops you a significant walk from the main South Street drag. Not ideal for first-time visitors or late at night. View Route 37 schedule.

For door-to-door convenience, especially with a group, lots of luggage, or after-hours arrival, taxis and rideshares are available but come at a significant premium.

Cost & Pickup Details:

Service	Estimated Cost to South Street	Pickup Location & Notes
Official PHL Taxi	$35 - $50 (flat rate to Center City)	Follow signs to "Taxi" at each terminal. Regulated flat rate includes tolls and up to 4 passengers. Confirm rate with driver before departure.
Uber/Lyft	$30 - $65+ (surge pricing varies)	Use the app. Designated Rideshare pickup zones are on the Commercial Transportation Roadway. Prices fluctuate dramatically with demand.
Pre-Booked Private Car	$75 - $150+	Companies like Blacklane or local services. Driver meets you at baggage claim with a sign. Best for guaranteed service.

Travel Time: 20-40 minutes, heavily dependent on I-95 and I-76 traffic.
When to Choose This: Late-night/early-morning arrival (when transit is closed), traveling with 3+ people, have mobility issues, or are carrying excessive luggage. For solo or budget travelers, it's hard to justify the cost over the $6.75 subway.

This table summarizes all key data to help you decide the best Philadelphia Airport to South Street transportation.

Transport Method	Approx. Total Travel Time	Approx. Cost (One Way)	Best For	Notes
SEPTA Subway (Airport Line → MFL)	45-60 mins	$6.75 (Key Card)	Most Travelers (BEST OVERALL)	Fastest public transit, direct terminal access, frequent service.
SEPTA Regional Rail	60-75 mins	$6.75 + $2.50 (transfer)	Heavy luggage, off-peak comfort	Requires airport shuttle bus; not a direct route.
SEPTA Bus (Route 37)	60-90 mins	$2.50 (Cash) / $2.00 (Key)	Extreme Budget (CHEAPEST)	Very slow, traffic-dependent, long walk from stop.
Taxi (Flat Rate)	20-40 mins	$35 - $50	Groups of 3-4, late night	Door-to-door, fixed price for Center City.
Uber / Lyft	20-40 mins	$30 - $65+	Convenience, variable group size	Price surges during peak times.

Key Takeaway: For 90% of visitors, the SEPTA Subway route (Airport Line to Market-Frankford Line) offers the perfect balance of speed, cost, and convenience. Invest in a SEPTA Key Card at the airport for the easiest and cheapest experience.

Beyond schedules and fares, these practical tips will make your journey smoother.

Essential Advice for a Smooth Trip:

• Get a SEPTA Key Card Immediately: Purchase and load it at the vending machines inside the airport train stations. It gives you the lowest fares and free transfers between subway lines. You can also use it on buses for future trips.
• Navigating 30th Street Station Transfer: This is the only potentially confusing part. When you get off the Airport Line, look for blue signs saying "Market-Frankford Line" and "To Trains". You'll go up an escalator/stairs to the main concourse. The eastbound MFL platform is clearly marked.
• Luggage on Transit: The subway trains have open space for luggage. Avoid rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) if you have large suitcases. The Regional Rail has overhead racks.
• Late-Night Arrivals: If your flight lands after midnight, the subway has stopped running. Your only public option is the Night Owl bus service (routes 17, 33, 48, 57), but it's complex. A taxi or rideshare is strongly recommended for simplicity and safety at night.
• Weather Preparedness: The walk from 2nd Street Station to South Street is short but uncovered. Have a rain jacket or umbrella handy, especially in spring and fall.
• Payment Readiness: If you don't get a Key Card, have exact change for the bus ($2.50) or cash for a taxi. Card readers are on all vending machines.