SEPTA Route 101 Trolley - Image 1
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SEPTA Route 101 Trolley

3.9
·55 reviews·Media, United States

A charming trolley ride to Media, PA, offering affordable parking and a delightful small-town experience with great dining.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the weekend crowds

CrowdLow
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SEPTA Route 101 Trolley - Image 1

SEPTA Route 101 Trolley

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the weekend crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming trolley ride to Media, PA, offering affordable parking and a delightful small-town experience with great dining.

3.9
(55 reviews)

"Eddie at the ticket office is the kindest man I’ve met, turning a simple transaction into a delightful experience. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The $1.00 daily parking lot fills fast! :car:

🎟️ Tap-Ride-Tap Ticketing

Use the 'tap-ride-tap' system for easy fare payment. :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Charming Media Borough

Charming Media Borough

State Street, Media, PA

Explore a vibrant small town with diverse restaurants and unique shops like Seven Stones.

Reddit
Dining Under The Stars

Dining Under The Stars

State Street, Media, PA

Experience al fresco dining on State Street during this popular special event.

Reddit
Eddie's Exceptional Service

Eddie's Exceptional Service

Media Train Station

Enjoy a friendly and helpful ticketing experience with a highly praised agent.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating the SEPTA 101 Trolley

The SEPTA Route 101 Trolley offers a charming way to reach Media, PA. Be aware that boarding and alighting happen at street level, a unique experience for many. Parking at the Media station is affordable at $1.00 for the day, but it fills up quickly, so arrive early. Reddit

Ticketing and Station Amenities

Purchasing tickets is straightforward with the 'tap-ride-tap' system, and the ticket agent, Eddie, is frequently praised for his exceptional kindness and patience. Reddit However, note that the station building's function and opening hours can be unclear, and kiosks may not always be able to refill SEPTA Key cards. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the weekend crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Enjoy dinner downtown
Crowd
Medium
When
During 'Dining Under The Stars'
Why
Unique street dining
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The $1.00 daily parking lot fills fast! Reddit :car:

🎟️ Tap-Ride-Tap Ticketing

Use the 'tap-ride-tap' system for easy fare payment. Reddit :ticket:

🚶 Street-Level Boarding

Be ready to board and alight directly from street level. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🍽️ Explore State Street Eats

Discover a variety of restaurants on Media's State Street. Reddit :forkandknife:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The $1.00 daily parking lot fills fast! Reddit :car:

🎟️ Tap-Ride-Tap Ticketing

Use the 'tap-ride-tap' system for easy fare payment. Reddit :ticket:

🚶 Street-Level Boarding

Be ready to board and alight directly from street level. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🍽️ Explore State Street Eats

Discover a variety of restaurants on Media's State Street. Reddit :forkandknife:

⏳ Check Station Hours

Building hours can be unclear; check SEPTA's website. Reddit :information_desk:

What Travellers Say

3.9
(55 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The SEPTA Route 101 Trolley provides an affordable and charming route to Media, PA, praised for its economical parking and the exceptional kindness of its ticket agent. However, riders note infrequent service and a lack of station amenities like restrooms and functional ticket kiosks. Reddit

"This is one of the greatest small towns in the Philadelphia area. Known for it's lively variety of restaurants that they hold a special event Dining Under The Stars on State Street. They feature a Trader Joe's and a store called Deals which has the atmosphere of a Woolworths 5 n 10. My favorite store is Seven Stones. I enjoy eating at Willows Garden Cafe, Rivalry Cafe, Desert Rose, Cafe Isla and Fellini Cafe."

Ken Bobst

"I cannot say enough wonderful things about Eddie, the ticket agent at the Media Train Station. From the moment we walked up to the counter, my daughter and I were greeted with a warm, genuine smile that immediately put us at ease. It had been many years since I last rode a train, so I felt a bit overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
Eddie was incredibly kind and patient, taking the time to walk us step by step through the entire process. He carefully explained how to read the schedule, showing us which trains would best fit our travel needs and what each column meant. He even suggested the most convenient times based on our plans, offering thoughtful advice that felt more like guidance than a transaction. He explained how to purchase a ticket - just remember "tap-ride-tap".
He didn't rush us at all — instead, he made sure every question we had was answered clearly and thoroughly.
His kindness and professionalism turned what could have been a stressful experience into an absolute delight. We left the station feeling confident, informed, and genuinely cared for.
If every station had a ticket agent like Eddie, more people would choose to travel by train just for the experience alone! Thank you for going above and beyond Eddie — you truly made our day!"

Dawn Gillin

"Eddie at the ticket office is the kindest man I’ve met. With all the craziness of the Eagles parade and train pass tickets, he has a great attitude. But SEPTA needs to figure out something so it just isn’t one person working the booth!"

Aaron Thomas

What People Like

Affordable parking
Friendly ticket agent
Charming destination

What People Dislike

Infrequent service
Limited station amenities
Unclear building hours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The SEPTA Route 101 Trolley is a convenient public transportation option to reach Media, PA. It runs from 69th Street Terminal and stops directly in the heart of Media's State Street. Parking is available at the Media station for $1.00 per day, but it's advisable to arrive early as it fills up quickly. Reddit

The Media SEPTA station offers a large parking lot for a very affordable $1.00 for the entire day. However, it is highly utilized and tends to fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

Based on user feedback, the frequency of the SEPTA 101 Trolley can be an issue, with some noting it runs only once an hour, which is considered infrequent by some riders. Reddit

A distinctive feature of the SEPTA 101 Trolley is that boarding and alighting occur at street level, rather than from traditional platforms. This offers a different experience for passengers accustomed to platform boarding. Reddit

Fare payment on the SEPTA 101 Trolley utilizes the 'tap-ride-tap' system. This means you'll tap your SEPTA Key card or contactless payment method when boarding and again when exiting. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased at the Media Train Station. The ticket agent, Eddie, is frequently highlighted for his exceptional kindness and patience in assisting passengers with the ticketing process. Reddit

Unfortunately, user reports indicate that none of the three kiosks at the Media station are capable of refilling SEPTA Key cards. Reddit

The operating hours for the building at the Media station are unclear, and it is often noted as not being open. It's best to check the official SEPTA website for any available information regarding its function and hours. Reddit

Based on traveler feedback, there are no bathrooms available at the Media SEPTA station. Reddit

Parking at the Media SEPTA station is extremely affordable at just $1.00 for the entire day, making it a great option for commuters and visitors. Reddit

🎫 📍 Onsite Experience

Media, PA, known as 'Everybody's Hometown,' boasts a lively State Street filled with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and unique shops like Seven Stones. The town also hosts special events such as 'Dining Under The Stars' on State Street. Reddit

Media offers a diverse culinary scene. Popular choices mentioned include Willows Garden Cafe, Rivalry Cafe, Desert Rose, Cafe Isla, and Fellini Cafe. Reddit

Media is described as a charming small town with a lively atmosphere, particularly on State Street, which features a good variety of shops and dining options. Reddit

Yes, the train cars on the SEPTA 101 Trolley are quite large. Standing next to one as it arrives or departs can give you a sense of their significant size. Reddit

The SEPTA 101 Trolley is an excellent option for a day trip to Media, PA. It provides easy access to the town's shops, restaurants, and events, offering a pleasant and affordable escape. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The SEPTA Route 101 Trolley offers a unique and affordable way for families to visit Media, PA. The street-level boarding can be an exciting novelty for children, making the journey itself part of the adventure. Reddit Once in Media, State Street provides a pleasant environment for a stroll, with various cafes and shops that might appeal to younger visitors. Consider visiting during a time when the town is less crowded to allow children more space to explore. Reddit

While the trolley ride is short and direct, families should be aware that there are no restrooms at the Media station, so plan accordingly before boarding or upon arrival in Media. The affordable parking at the station is a plus for families who might opt to drive part of the way and then take the trolley for the final leg into town. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the SEPTA Route 101 Trolley is an excellent choice. The $1.00 all-day parking at the Media station is incredibly economical, making it a cost-effective way to access the area. Reddit The trolley fare itself is standard SEPTA pricing, offering a much cheaper alternative to driving and parking in more congested areas. Reddit

Once in Media, the town's emphasis on its diverse dining scene means there are options for various budgets, from quick bites at cafes to more substantial meals. Exploring State Street's shops can also be done without spending a fortune, and the general atmosphere of the town is free to enjoy. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Media Borough: A Traveler's Guide

Media, PA, affectionately known as 'Everybody's Hometown,' offers a delightful small-town experience easily accessible via the SEPTA Route 101 Trolley. The heart of Media is State Street, a vibrant thoroughfare brimming with a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and unique boutiques. Visitors can enjoy everything from casual eateries to more upscale dining options, with many establishments participating in special events like Dining Under The Stars, where State Street transforms into an outdoor dining haven. Reddit

Beyond the culinary scene, Media features charming shops such as Seven Stones, offering a unique shopping experience. The town's atmosphere is consistently described as lively and welcoming, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed day trip. The convenience of the trolley, with its affordable parking at the Media station, further enhances its appeal for those looking to escape the city bustle without a long drive. Reddit

Key attractions include the aforementioned State Street's shopping and dining, as well as the general ambiance of a well-preserved historic downtown. For those interested in the local culture, checking the town's event calendar for festivals or markets can add an extra layer to the visit. The ease of access via SEPTA makes it a sustainable and stress-free travel choice. Reddit

Navigating SEPTA Fares and Station Amenities

Riding the SEPTA Route 101 Trolley involves a straightforward ticketing process, primarily using the 'tap-ride-tap' system with a SEPTA Key card or contactless payment. This system requires tapping your card upon boarding and again upon exiting the trolley. Reddit The ticket agent at the Media station, often referred to as Eddie, receives consistent praise for his exceptional kindness, patience, and helpfulness, turning a potentially mundane transaction into a positive interaction for many travelers. Reddit

However, the amenities at the Media station present some challenges. While parking is a significant draw at just $1.00 per day, it is highly sought after and fills up quickly. Reddit Furthermore, user feedback indicates that the station building's function and opening hours are unclear, and importantly, the kiosks are not equipped to refill SEPTA Key cards. There are also no restrooms available at the station, which is a crucial detail for planning longer stays or journeys. Reddit

Travelers are advised to plan their fare payment in advance and be prepared for street-level boarding, which differs from traditional platform boarding. Understanding these practical aspects can significantly enhance the overall travel experience on the SEPTA 101 Trolley line. Reddit

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