30th Street Station
A magnificent Beaux-Arts masterpiece, 30th Street Station is Philadelphia's iconic transit hub, blending history with modern travel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
30th Street Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magnificent Beaux-Arts masterpiece, 30th Street Station is Philadelphia's iconic transit hub, blending history with modern travel.
"30th Street Station is an iconic hub of Philadelphia! The building itself is stunning, with its grand architecture and spacious interior."
📸 Admire the Architecture
Take time to soak in the stunning Beaux-Arts design. It's a photographer's dream!
🚆 Check Train Boards
Digital boards are clear, but always double-check your platform number.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Hall
Marvel at the stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, soaring ceilings, and intricate details of this iconic station.
Public Art Installations
Discover impressive sculptures and art pieces scattered throughout the station, adding a cultural layer to your visit.
Architectural Details
Look up and around to appreciate the ornate stonework, grand clocks, and the overall majestic design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Grand Hall
Food & Refreshments
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Admire the Architecture
Take time to soak in the stunning Beaux-Arts design. It's a photographer's dream!
🚆 Check Train Boards
Digital boards are clear, but always double-check your platform number.
☕ Limited Food Options
Renovations mean fewer food choices. Grab a coffee or snack beforehand.
🚶♀️ Easy Transfers
Conveniently connect to Drexel's campus and SEPTA lines.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Admire the Architecture
Take time to soak in the stunning Beaux-Arts design. It's a photographer's dream!
🚆 Check Train Boards
Digital boards are clear, but always double-check your platform number.
☕ Limited Food Options
Renovations mean fewer food choices. Grab a coffee or snack beforehand.
🚶♀️ Easy Transfers
Conveniently connect to Drexel's campus and SEPTA lines.
💡 Old vs. New Boards
Some miss the old spinning departure boards, but the new ones are efficient.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise 30th Street Station for its breathtaking Beaux-Arts architecture and historical grandeur, calling it an iconic Philadelphia landmark. While many appreciate the station's organization and safety, the current limited food options due to renovations are a common point of disappointment.
"Great architecture and public art, clean restrooms, and food are available here. It's a nice place to wait for a train or to get off a train. Drexel Station is a very short walk from one of the entrances, so you can easily transfer to and from the subway. Both of the entrances to the hall have pickup/dropoff areas outside."
Neal
"Very impressive train station. My favorite way of arriving and departing Philadelphia on Amtrak. Can’t wait for the new additions when construction is completed"
Noah Langford
"Beautiful train station, even as it gets some renovations in 2025. Easy to navigate both Amtrak and SEPTA. Catch a regional train here to go to the Airport."
PAUL RITZ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
30th Street Station is a major hub accessible by Amtrak, SEPTA Regional Rail, and various bus lines. It's also a short walk from Drexel University's campus. For those coming from other parts of the city, SEPTA's Market-Frankford Line (MFL) is a convenient option, though the direct connection to the main hall is currently unavailable, requiring a short walk outside.
Absolutely! 30th Street Station is a primary transit hub for Amtrak and SEPTA Regional Rail. You can easily reach it via numerous SEPTA bus routes and regional rail lines, making it a central point for travel within the Philadelphia metropolitan area.
Yes, you can easily catch a SEPTA Regional Rail train directly to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) from 30th Street Station. It's a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to the airport.
For a quick trip to Center City, SEPTA Regional Rail is your best bet. You can also take a short Uber or Lyft ride, or if you're up for a longer walk, it's about a 20-30 minute stroll to areas like Rittenhouse Square.
Yes, both entrances to the main hall have designated pickup and dropoff areas for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, making it easy to get to or from the station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While you can purchase tickets at the station, booking Amtrak tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular routes, to secure better prices and ensure availability. You can do this online or via the Amtrak app.
30th Street Station is generally open 24 hours a day for passenger access, though specific ticket windows and amenities may have limited hours. It's always a good idea to check Amtrak's website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours for services within the station.
No, there is no entrance fee to access the public areas of 30th Street Station. It's a public transportation hub, and you can enter and explore the Grand Hall freely. You only need a ticket if you are boarding a train.
SEPTA tickets can be purchased at ticket machines located within the station or via the SEPTA Key mobile app. For regional rail, it's often easiest to buy directly from the machines before boarding.
If you lose your train ticket, head to the Amtrak customer service desk within the station. They can assist you with reissuing a ticket, though there may be a fee involved. It's best to keep your ticket in a safe place.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the stunning Beaux-Arts architecture of the Grand Hall. You can also find public art installations, comfortable seating areas to wait for your train, and a sense of historical grandeur.
Yes, 30th Street Station is generally considered safe. It's a well-maintained and busy transportation hub with staff present. As with any large public space, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Yes, clean restrooms are available within 30th Street Station, which is a welcome amenity for travelers.
Amtrak typically offers free Wi-Fi access within its stations, including 30th Street Station. You should be able to connect to the Amtrak Wi-Fi network to stay connected.
Clear digital departure boards are located throughout the Grand Hall, displaying train numbers, destinations, and platform assignments. Staff are also available to assist if you have trouble locating your platform.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Currently, food options are limited due to ongoing renovations. You'll find Dunkin' and a coffee shop. Travelers recommend bringing your own snacks or planning to eat before or after your visit.
While the station is undergoing renovations, the selection of restaurants is quite limited. The primary options are Dunkin' and a coffee shop. The food court is expected to reopen with more choices once renovations are complete.
Yes, there is a coffee shop available within the station where you can grab your morning brew or a pick-me-up.
Yes, the area surrounding 30th Street Station, particularly near Drexel University, offers a growing number of dining options. You can also find more extensive choices a short ride away in Center City.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks into 30th Street Station. This is a great option given the current limited food availability.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside 30th Street Station for personal use. It's a popular spot for photographers due to its stunning architecture.
The Grand Hall, with its high ceilings and natural light, is a prime spot. Also, look for interesting angles of the staircases, arches, and any public art. The exterior architecture is also impressive.
Tripod use might be restricted during peak hours or for commercial photography. It's best to check with station management or Amtrak staff if you plan to use a tripod, especially for extended shoots.
While personal photography is usually fine, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb other travelers. Professional or commercial shoots may require permits.
Morning light can be beautiful in the Grand Hall, creating a softer glow. Evenings can also be dramatic with the station's interior lighting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families traveling to or from the airport, the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line is a convenient and direct option. The station is generally safe and well-organized, but keeping a close eye on children in busy areas is always recommended. The short walk required due to the MFL connection might be a minor consideration for families with very young children or strollers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Morning light can provide beautiful, soft illumination within the station, while evening offers a more dramatic ambiance with artificial lighting. While personal photography is generally permitted, be mindful of other travelers and avoid using tripods during peak hours without checking with station management. The station's exterior also presents opportunities for capturing its monumental facade.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Nearby Cities
+1If your destination is closer to the University City area, the station's proximity to Drexel University makes it a perfect starting point. Remember that food options within the station are currently limited, so consider grabbing a bite at one of the many eateries in Center City or University City after you arrive.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Architecture
Beyond its architectural splendor, the station has witnessed decades of American history, serving as a crucial transportation hub during wartime and peacetime alike. It's not just a place to catch a train; it's a destination in itself, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of travel. The recent renovations aim to preserve its historic character while modernizing its facilities for contemporary travelers.
Visitors often remark on the station's impressive scale and the feeling of stepping back in time. The Grand Hall is particularly breathtaking, with its vast open space, marble floors, and intricate plasterwork. Keep an eye out for the public art installations that are integrated into the station's design, adding a contemporary artistic layer to its historic fabric.
Navigating Amtrak and SEPTA
SEPTA Regional Rail is the backbone of local transit, connecting Philadelphia's suburbs and surrounding counties to the city center. This makes 30th Street Station an essential transfer point for many commuters and day-trippers. While the direct connection to the Market-Frankford Line (MFL) subway is currently unavailable due to renovations, requiring a short walk outside, the station remains a key point for accessing various SEPTA lines.
When planning your journey, it's crucial to distinguish between Amtrak and SEPTA platforms. Digital departure boards are prominently displayed throughout the station, providing real-time information on train numbers, destinations, and assigned platforms. For those heading to the airport, the SEPTA Regional Rail Airport Line is a direct and convenient option from 30th Street Station.
Dining and Amenities Amidst Renovations
Many travelers suggest bringing your own snacks or planning to dine before or after your visit to the station. The renovation of the food court is anticipated to bring more diverse culinary options back to the station in the future. Despite the current limitations, the station does offer clean restrooms and ample seating areas, which are essential amenities for travelers waiting for their trains.
For those looking for more dining variety, the areas surrounding the station, particularly near Drexel University, are developing with new eateries. Additionally, a short ride into Center City Philadelphia will open up a vast array of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit any palate.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit