Taking the Train to the Plane – Philadelphia

by Adam Stuart | May 7, 2025 | 0 Comments

The regional train connection from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station to Philadelphia International Airport provides a quick train to plane connection – just don’t expect luxurious trip or a place for your large luggage.

The summary

A surprising number of US cities provide train/subway connections between airports and the cities they serve. As most would expect, these connections exist in most major northeast cities from DC north to Boston (NYC LaGuardia a notable exception). But there are rail/rapid transit connections out west (SFO), in Texas (DFW), in the Rockies (DEN), Chicago (both airports), and the South (ATL and MIA).  I had a chance to connect from Philadelphia’s main intercity train station (30th St. Station) to PHL, where I had a rare flight from the airport. 

Rail service to the airport is provided by SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) via the Airport Line Train. This is a commuter train that mostly runs from the three Center City stations (Jefferson, Suburban, 30th St) to the airport. These three stations are connected to the entire SEPTA regional rail network and to the city’s subway lines. Thus, the Airport Line is very accessible to travelers throughout the Delaware Valley.  In addition, 30th Street Station is one of the busiest Amtrak Stations in the country and is how I connected to the Airport Line.

Architecturally, 30th Street is an impressive structure – equal to Grand Central Station. Note – the main hall is undergoing a major renovation.

SEPTA trains, including the Airport Line, connect on the northwest side of the station, a bit apart from the main train hall. There is plenty of signage to guide you to the SEPTA trains, with electronic boards to connect you to the right track.

The train is not designed for airport travel. This is as regular commuter train.

There are 2 intermediate stops after departing 30th Street before reaching the airport. One bonus is that the train stops at each terminal. Thus, passengers are never that far from their airline connection. The trip from departure to the first terminal takes approximately 20 minutes. Each terminal station is rather featureless – just a platform with signs to direct passengers to the airport.

All in all – taking the Airport Line is ideal for travelers originating from PHL or heading to the airport from all points in the metropolitan area. Too bad this line does not have any racks for larger luggage.

The wrap

The details. Start at 10:34 AM — Arrive at 10:54 AM

What I like. Easy connection, not a lot of intermediate stops

What I don’t like. No luggage racks

Also on BoardingArea
Frequent Miler
Last Chance Deals: 20% Citi Shop Day, Wyndham points sale, 4x on Giftcards.com purchases & more
Welcome to our weekly list of what’s ending this week as well as a collection of some other deals that are due to end soon. Several decent deals are set to end this week. The Citi shopping portal is offering 20% cashback as a statement credit on Tuesday and Wednesday for...
Points With a Crew
How (and why!) Thieves Steal Your Luggage Tags
The baggage claim area is notoriously insecure, with seemingly anyone able to take anyone else's luggage. But this is how and why thieves will ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
What Is Wrong With This Photograph? Part 312
The day at the international airport that serves the greater Atlanta metropolitan area was not unlike any other day there as I was on my way to the gate — not this blog; but an actual gate — for a flight. For this edition of this popular game, can you guess...
Economy Class & Beyond
Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (2nd August)
How have seven months flown by? Nonetheless, we’re now into the beginning of August, as well as at the end of a week. It must be time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond. Bulls in Grand Central – part of the Bulls in the City campaign The Business of...
Frequent Miler
American tourists getting ripped off in Paris, an Avios-only flight to Cape Town, and the costs of hiking the AT (Saturday Selection)
This weekend, we’re learning about how American tourists may be getting ripped off in Parisian cafes, an Avios-only flight to Cape Town, and the costs of hiking the Appalachian Trail. The great Paris tourist rip-off exposed by a fake American Complaints have been mounting about suspiciously jacked up prices for...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Sneaky Way This Texas Airport Ended Passengers’ Complaints About Long Waits
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in the age of social media, it’s that you should fact-check stuff before you write about it. From the Airbnb owner who wouldn’t allow…
Frequent Miler
(Ended early) Fly the JetBlue/Dunkin’ plane to earn TrueBlue Mosaic 1 status + Dunkin’ Boosted status
Update 8/2/25: America may run on Dunkin’, but apparently that wasn’t enough to fuel this promotion all the way to the finish line. Earlier this week, JetBlue quietly ended this promotion more than a month early (and with no Dunkin’ flights since July 14th). Apparently, the Dunkin’ plane is on...
The Bulkhead Seat
2025 Weekly Review: August 2nd
Greetings from Chicago. I spent the earlier part of this week in Tampa and… The post 2025 Weekly Review: August 2nd appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
View from the Wing
Alaska Airlines Stuck Paying $160M For Virgin Name It Dropped—Now Forcing Delta Execs Under Oath Over Broken Deal
If Alaska is going to be held to payments and Virgin cannot partner with any other airline to sell flights in the United States, then Alaska wants to know… how on earth Virgin partners with Delta and sells their flights domestically? Continue reading Alaska Airlines Stuck Paying $160M For Virgin Name...
Frequent Miler
Emirates hikes surcharges on flights from US to Europe and Columbia
While Emirates is known for having a very good product across most of its fleet and cabin classes, it’s also known for imposing painful carrier-imposed surcharges as well, which can top $800 one-way. Emirates’ “fifth freedom” flights, which don’t transit through Dubai, have been a blessed exception to those surcharges....
One Mile at a Time
Weekly Review: August 02, 2025
I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! I just wrapped up my review trip to Europe, and we’re now on a quick getaway to celebrate Miles’ third birthday (our older soon). You can expect a St. Regis hotel review, but I’ll let y’all guess which property. On...
Your Mileage May Vary
We Don’t Sit Next to Each Other on Planes Anymore—Here’s Why
Oftentimes, people who collect points and miles for travel are told they have first-world problems. You know the kind: debating whether to fly to Vietnam on Emirates or Singapore Airlines.…
a group of motorcycles on a road
BoardingArea
Award Flights to Sturgis 2025: Biker Week in the Black Hills
Sturgis, South Dakota, completely transforms each August into the world's most famous biker destination, and in 2025, that transformation hits full throttle. I've always been captivated by this rally's energy, which seems to combine decades of motorcycle heritage, scenic American landscapes, and an inclusive community spirit all in one vibrant...
One Mile at a Time
Do Kids Need TSA PreCheck & Global Entry, Or Can They Go With Parents?
I recently wrote about our experience getting a passport for our second son (who is just a few weeks old). In this post, I’d like to discuss the next thing on our ”to do” list when it comes to travel — how do TSA PreCheck and Global Entry work when...
Miles To Memories
For Better or Worse, This Citi Transfer Partner News is Massive
The Citi AAdvantage transfer partnership affects our points and travel hobby positively and negatively, now and in the future. The post For Better or Worse, This Citi Transfer Partner News is Massive appeared first on Miles to Memories.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
11 Things You Should Know About Driving Across Borders in Southern Africa
The decision to drive around southern Africa for two weeks was a good one for me, as I thoroughly enjoyed my road trips — but there are some things about which you should know if you intend to embark on a similar adventure. Not all border crossing experiences are the same,...
The Bulkhead Seat
Seemingly Intoxicated Passenger Refuses to Leave Delayed United Airlines Flight at Newark
Yesterday was not the time to be on United Airlines flight UA 2731. The… The post Seemingly Intoxicated Passenger Refuses to Leave Delayed United Airlines Flight at Newark appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
Turo Amex Offer: Spend $150 & Get $30 Back (Rental Car Alternative)
There’s another Turo Amex Offer that could save you money on their alternative rental service. There is also a Chase Offer out with the same discount. The Deal Spend $150 in one or more transactions with Turo and get $30 back with an Amex Offer. Key Terms Expires December 31st,...
View from the Wing
Massive Security Breach Leaks Travel Secrets Of High-Ranking Diplomats—And Their Luggage Is To Blame [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips. Continue reading Massive Security Breach Leaks Travel Secrets Of High-Ranking Diplomats—And Their Luggage Is To Blame [Roundup]...
The Bulkhead Seat
Flair Airlines Adds Flights From Toronto and Vancouver to Mexico City
Flair Airlines is a Canadian low-cost carrier based in Edmonton, Alberta. It operates a… The post Flair Airlines Adds Flights From Toronto and Vancouver to Mexico City appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Economy Class & Beyond
More Open Access Routes approved on the East Coast Mainline… with a number of denials
The UK Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has been making further decisions about Open Access rail operations – this time on the East Coast Main Line. Some more services to London King’s Cross, but capacity is starting to get limited.  The additional approved services are: Grand Central: two additional Wakefield Kirkgate...
Your Mileage May Vary
Frequent Flyers’ Flying Etiquette For Non-Frequent Flyers
When it comes to the flying public, there tend to be two groups – the “haves” and the “have-nots.” I don’t even mean those who do or don’t have status,…
Altitude Yes
Airline Nostalgia: Finding Old Travel Photos, Memorabilia in My Home
I've found old travel photos, model airplanes, and more while digging through closets at my Tokyo house. The post Airline Nostalgia: Finding Old Travel Photos, Memorabilia in My Home first appeared on Altitude Yes.
Travel With Grant
When Should You Add or Upgrade to a Premium Citi ThankYou Point Credit Card?
Explore the benefits of upgrading to a premium Citi ThankYou Point credit card and discover the optimal point transfer strategy. Find out when the upgrade makes financial sense to maximize your travel rewards. The post When Should You Add or Upgrade to a Premium Citi ThankYou Point Credit Card? first appeared...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers