Getting Around
Public Transportation and Other Options
The public transport system in the Philadelphia region is called SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transport Authority). SEPTA provides a number of forms of local transportation, including buses, trains, subways, and streetcars. To get information on routes and times for SEPTA local bus, subway and commuter train service, call 215.580.7800 or refer to their website. SEPTA system maps and route schedules are available at 30thStreet, 69th Street, and Suburban Stations.
SEPTA’s city buses can take you most places you want to go. To get downtown, take the #42 or #21 bus on Chestnut Street. These are also the buses to use to get to Society Hill, Penn’s Landing, and South Street. Service frequency is at least every 10 minutes on weekdays, every 15-20 minutes after 6:30 p.m., and every 15-30 minutes on weekends.
The #76 bus links many of Philadelphia’s cultural centers, the Art Museum on the Parkway, Penn’s Landing activities, Center City shops, the Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo. Service frequency is every 15 minutes every day between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday evening until 9:00 p.m.
The subway is a fast and easy way to get to center city. There are several different subway lines, and many people in Philadelphia call them by different names. You can transfer between the different lines at 30th Street and City Hall.
The Market-Frankford Line (also called the Blue Line or the El) runs east and west, and provides a quick direct link from Drexel to Independence Hall and Penn’s Landing. You can get on the Blue Line at 34th and Market Street.
The Broad Street Subway (also called the Orange Line) runs north and south from City Hall. It leads to Temple University to the north and to the sports complex in South Philadelphia.
The Subway-Surface Line is also known as the Green Line, the trolley, or the streetcar. It runs from City Hall to several points in West Philadelphia. There is a stop at 33rd and Market Street.
There are many train services by SEPTA that run from the suburbs to central Philadelphia. To obtain schedule and more information, you can visit the SEPTA website.
International visitors to the United States can drive in Philadelphia with an international driver’s licence for up to one year. If your international license is not in English, you will need a valid International Driving Permit also, which can be obtained in your home country.
In order to get a Pennsylvania driver’s license, most students will be required to show at least one year on their I-20.
Philadelphia is one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. Cycling in Philadelphia is a cheap way to explore the city that is faster than walking. Cyclists should be careful, though, as Philadelphia traffic can be tricky to navigate, and a cyclist must obey the traffic laws for motor vehicles.
Indego, Philadelphia's bike share program, allows riders to rent out bikes for trips around the city 24 hours a day. Visit the Indego website to learn more.
You can call a taxi (also known as a cab) to pick you up at your door and take you any place you like. Tipping 10%-15% is customary.
Cabs are easy to find on most busy city streets
Uber and Lyft are convenient and easy ways to get around as well. Just download the Uber or Lyft app, sign up an account and request a ride using your phone.
The Drexel Shuttle Service is a free service for students carrying a valid Drexel ID. It consists of four fixed bus routes which are designed to be convenient to Hagerty Library, academic buildings, local eateries and shopping areas.
Students with a Drexel ID are also allowed access to University of Pennsylvania campus shuttle service. This service operates between 48th Street and Woodland Avenue and 20th and South Streets.
See the Bus Service Schedules