Philadelphia & Southeastern Pennsylvania Bus Guide
Find Your SEPTA Bus Route, Schedule, Stop, Fare and Live Arrival
SEPTA buses connect Philadelphia with neighborhoods and destinations across Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties. Every route has its own directions, service days, timepoints, stop locations and operating span.
This guide explains how to find the correct route, read weekday and weekend schedules, check live bus locations, prepare the $2.90 fare, use free transfers and understand the major Bus Network changes beginning August 23–24, 2026.
Bus & Metro fare
$2.90
Key/contactless transfers
Up to 2 free
Transfer window
2 hours
Customer service
215-580-7800
Information reviewed
Current SEPTA Bus Schedules and the August 23–24 Network Change
The schedules in effect on August 4, 2026 generally reflect SEPTA’s June 14, 2026 summer schedule cycle. A major Bus Network Phase 1 change begins later in August.
Now through August 22
Current network
Use the normal SEPTA schedule page, real-time map and current route PDFs.
Sunday, August 23
Phase 1 begins
Most new routes, extensions, frequency adjustments, realignments and route eliminations take effect.
Monday, August 24
105 and 106 change
Route 105 extends to Paoli Hospital on selected trips and Route 106 is discontinued.
Friday, August 28
Key Tix deadline
Previously purchased Key Tix stop being accepted after August 28. New Key Tix sales already ended.
Do not save one timetable for the entire year: reopen the official route page after August 23–24 because route paths, frequencies, terminals and alternatives may change.
Four Checks Before Using Any SEPTA Bus Schedule
Confirm the route
Match the full route number or name. Bus 15 and Metro G1 are not the same service, and Boulevard Direct uses its own label.
Confirm the direction
Use the destination shown on the bus or schedule, not only “inbound” or “outbound.”
Confirm the day
Weekday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday schedules may have different first buses, last buses and service gaps.
Check live conditions
Compare the timetable with the real-time map and current alert before walking to the stop.
Fastest official tools: use the SEPTA schedule search for the timetable, the Trip Planner for a complete journey, the real-time map for vehicle predictions and the alerts page for detours or cancellations.
SEPTA Bus Rider Guide
How to Find a SEPTA Bus Schedule, Times and Stops
Open the official SEPTA schedule directory.
Visit the SEPTA Bus Schedule page.
Enter the route number or route name.
Search for a number such as 14, 24, 47, 60, 108 or 113. Use “Boulevard Direct” for that separately named service.
Read the route endpoints.
Confirm that the displayed terminals match your journey. Several routes have branches or different short-turn destinations.
Select the correct direction.
Stop lists and departure times change when the direction changes.
Select the service day.
Check weekday, Saturday or Sunday separately. A route may operate less often or not operate on one of those days.
Open the schedule PDF when exact timepoints are needed.
The PDF normally includes the route map, major timepoints, service notes, accessibility symbols and separate timetable columns.
Find the closest timepoint before your stop.
Printed PDFs list selected major stops, not every bus stop.
Check the live map before departure.
The timetable is planned service. The live map can show estimated arrivals and vehicle movement.
Read active alerts.
A detour can temporarily skip, move or reverse the normal boarding location.
Recheck after a schedule-change date.
The August 23–24 Phase 1 change affects multiple routes and eliminates seven existing route numbers.
Popular SEPTA Bus Routes and Major Connections
SEPTA operates city, suburban and cross-county bus services. The examples below help identify the correct schedule, but they are not a complete list of every active route.
Route 3
Connects 33rd–Cecil B. Moore with Frankford Transportation Center.
Open Route 3 ScheduleRoute 14
Serves Oxford Valley and Neshaminy Malls with service to Frankford Transportation Center.
Open Route 14 ScheduleRoute 21
Connects Penn’s Landing and 69th Street Transportation Center through Center City and West Philadelphia.
Open Route 21 ScheduleRoute 24
Operates between Southampton or Rockledge and Frankford Transportation Center.
Open Route 24 ScheduleRoute 47
Connects Whitman Plaza with 5th–Godfrey through South Philadelphia, Center City and North Philadelphia.
Open Route 47 ScheduleRoute 60
Currently connects 35th–Allegheny and Richmond–Westmoreland.
Open Route 60 ScheduleRoute 66
Connects Frankford Transportation Center and the Frankford–Knights area.
Open Route 66 ScheduleRoute 108
Provides an important bus connection between 69th Street Transportation Center and Philadelphia International Airport-area stops.
Open Route 108 ScheduleRoute 113
Links 69th Street Transportation Center with communities and destinations in Delaware County.
Open Route 113 ScheduleRoute 125
Provides service between Center City and King of Prussia/Valley Forge-area destinations.
Open Route 125 ScheduleBoulevard Direct
Limited-stop service along Roosevelt Boulevard between Frankford Transportation Center and Neshaminy Mall.
Open Boulevard Direct ScheduleNew Route 72
Beginning August 23, Route 72 connects Frankford Transportation Center and Cedarbrook Plaza.
Review Route 72 Plan
Route numbering is not a frequency guarantee: a lower route number does not necessarily run more often than a higher number. Always inspect the current schedule cover and timetable.
SEPTA Frequent Bus Routes Shown on the Current Network Map
SEPTA’s current Metro and Frequent Bus Network map highlights selected bus corridors. Route frequencies still vary by time of day, service day and temporary operating conditions.
3North Philly
6Ogontz
17South Philly
18Fox Chase
21Market St
23Germantown
33Center City
45Broad St
475th St
48North Philly
52West Philly
56Erie–Torresdale
60Allegheny
63South Philly
65City Avenue
66Frankford
67Northeast
70Northeast
79Snyder
82Germantown
108Airport
113Delaware Co.
BDBoulevard
Map-change warning: Phase 1 modifies several highlighted routes, including 17, 45, 52, 60 and 79. Use the post-August 23 map for travel after implementation.
How Major SEPTA Bus Hubs Connect the Region
This SVG explains the role of major transfer centers. It is not a street map and does not replace SEPTA’s official map or walking directions.
Frankford Transportation Center
Major Northeast Philadelphia bus hub with connections to the L and numerous city and suburban routes.
69th Street Transportation Center
Major western hub for city buses, suburban buses and SEPTA Metro connections.
Olney Transportation Center
Important North Philadelphia bus transfer location with B Line connections.
Wissahickon Transportation Center
Northwest Philadelphia hub connecting Ridge Avenue, Manayunk and suburban corridors.
Norristown Transportation Center
Montgomery County hub for bus, Regional Rail and M Line connections.
Chester Transportation Center
Delaware County hub connecting multiple bus services and the Wilmington/Newark Regional Rail Line.
Major SEPTA Bus Route Changes Riders Must Know
Phase 1 introduces two new routes, extends several existing routes, changes route alignments and service levels, and discontinues seven routes.
| Route | Effective Date | Main Change | Rider Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | August 23 | Shortened; no longer serves Packer Park, NRG or the Navy Yard. Overnight service is reduced. | Use Route 45 for seven-day Navy Yard service and review B1, 4, 7, 63 or 68 alternatives. |
| 25 | August 23 | Realigned and shortened between Frankford TC and L Spring Garden; more trips and overnight service. | Use new Route 76 for Pier 70 and Columbus Commons. |
| 35 | August 23 | Discontinued. | Review Routes 9, 27 and 61. |
| 45 | August 23 | Extended to the Navy Yard every day on every other trip. | Read the destination sign because not every trip continues to the Navy Yard. |
| 47M | August 23 | Discontinued. | Use Route 47. |
| 49 | August 23 | No longer serves South Philadelphia; operates on 33rd Street in North Philadelphia. | Use Routes 7, 48 or extended Route 79 for affected trips. |
| 53 | August 23 | Extended to Carpenter Regional Rail Station and Richmond–Westmoreland; no longer serves B Hunting Park. | Check both new endpoints before boarding. |
| 57 | August 23 | Most trips use Front–Godfrey to Fern Rock; hourly Crescentville service; Marine Terminal removed. | Use Route 72 or K where applicable. |
| 60 | August 23 | Every other trip extends to Wissahickon TC; Delaware Avenue/Lewis Street service ends. | Check the destination sign to confirm Wissahickon service. |
| 62 | August 23 | Discontinued. | Review Routes 9, 27, 61 or the Manayunk/Norristown Line. |
| 64 | August 23 | Uses Grays Ferry Avenue; all trips operate to Parkside Loop; frequency increases. | Use Routes 12, 29 or 79 for affected Reed/Wharton trips. |
| 72 | August 23 | New service between Frankford TC and Cedarbrook Plaza every 30 minutes. | Use the new Phase 1 map and timetable. |
| 73 | August 23 | Overnight Owl service ends. | Use Route 25 overnight. |
| 76 | August 23 | New 30-minute service between Columbus Commons and Olney–Rising Sun Loop. | Use for Pier 70, Columbus Boulevard, Frankford Avenue and G Street. |
| 78 | August 23 | Discontinued. | Use the Phase 1 Trip Planner for a replacement trip. |
| 79 | August 23 | Every other trip extends through University City to L 40th Street. | Check whether the approaching bus continues to 40th Street. |
| 80 | August 23 | Discontinued. | Review Routes 22, 51, 55, 72 and 310. |
| 89 | August 23 | Discontinued. | Review the L, Routes 3, 25, 53 and 76. |
| 105 | August 24 | Selected trips extend to Paoli Hospital; Overbrook routing changes; frequency increases. | Check whether the selected trip continues to Paoli Hospital. |
| 106 | August 24 | Discontinued. | Use extended Route 105 or other listed alternatives. |
How SEPTA Shows First Bus, Last Bus and Route Frequency
SEPTA does not publish one operating span for the entire bus system. First and last trips must be checked by route, direction and day.
Frequent route
Peak or daytime
Often ≤15 min
Moderate service
Selected periods
About 20–30 min
Lower frequency
Off-peak/suburban
30–60+ min
Limited service
Peak or selected trips
Exact timetable
These bars explain schedule categories, not guaranteed waits. Traffic, canceled trips, bunching, detours and operator availability can change actual arrivals.
First bus
Use the earliest departure in the correct direction and service-day table. The first bus at your stop will be later than the terminal departure.
Last bus
Confirm the final trip reaches your destination. Some late trips end early or use a short-turn terminal.
“Every 15 minutes or less”
This usually applies only during the stated hours and days on the schedule cover.
“Every 30 minutes or more”
This is a broad frequency category. Exact departures may be farther apart during early morning or late evening periods.
Owl service
Overnight service is route-specific. Do not assume a route operates overnight because Metro service does.
Holiday schedule
Many route PDFs state that a weekend schedule operates on major holidays. Check the specific route notice before traveling.
How to Read a SEPTA Bus Timetable PDF
Direction
Choose the destination heading at the top of the table.
Service day
Select weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday.
Timepoint
Find the listed stop immediately before your boarding point.
Trip note
Read letter markers, footnotes, branches and short-turn notices.
Timepoints are selected stops
A PDF timetable does not list every stop. Stops between two timepoints require an estimate or live prediction.
Columns represent individual trips
Read vertically down one trip column. Moving horizontally can combine times from different buses.
A dash usually means no service
The trip may skip that timepoint, begin later, end earlier or use a different branch.
Letters and symbols matter
A note may identify a school trip, express pattern, short turn, special terminal or selected-day service.
Midnight times require care
A trip shortly after midnight may appear under the prior service day’s late-night schedule.
Effective date controls
Replace an old PDF when its effective date predates a published route or network change.
Use the SEPTA Real-Time Map, System Status and Alerts Together
No single tool answers every question. The timetable explains planned service, the live map estimates bus movement and the alerts page explains disruptions.
Schedule page
Best for service days, route maps, first and last trips, major timepoints and official timetable PDFs.
Real-time map
Best for displaying selected routes, stops, estimated arrivals and live trip information.
System status
Best for a network-wide view of current advisories and affected routes.
Alerts page
Best for planned detours, temporary stops, construction and unexpected service changes.
SEPTA app
Provides trip planning, nearby stops, real-time information, alerts and Key account tools.
Customer service
Call when a route page is unclear, a stop cannot be located or an accessible trip needs additional planning.
No vehicle shown? The bus may not have started the trip, may have lost location data, may have been removed from service or may be operating on a detour.
How to Find the Correct SEPTA Bus Stop and Direction
Match the route number on the stop sign.
A nearby stop on the opposite side of the street may serve the reverse direction.
Read the bus destination sign.
Confirm the terminal or short-turn destination before boarding.
Check the intersection carefully.
Stops may be before the intersection, after it or around the corner on another street.
Look for a temporary stop notice.
Construction and special events can move the boarding point several blocks.
Use the stop in the official app or map.
A stop-level prediction is more precise than a route-wide arrival estimate.
Signal the operator when required.
Stand in a visible, safe location and indicate that you intend to board.
Request your exit in advance.
Use the stop-request system early enough for the operator to stop safely.
Check the return stop separately.
The reverse-direction stop may be on a parallel street or different side of a transit center.
Transit-center warning: large facilities such as Frankford, 69th Street, Olney and Norristown can use separate bays for different routes and directions. Check the current bay assignment.
SEPTA Bus Fare, Transfers, Passes and Payment Options
Contactless Payment
$2.90
Credit card, debit card or supported mobile wallet
Includes up to two free Bus/Metro transfers within two hours when the same payment method is used.
SEPTA Key Travel Wallet
$2.90
$4.95 initial card cost
Includes up to two free Bus/Metro transfers within two hours. The card cost is refunded to the Travel Wallet when registration requirements are met.
Cash Bus Fare
$2.90
Single ride
Cash does not include a free transfer. A Quick Trip is not valid on a SEPTA bus.
Children Under 12
Free
With a fare-paying adult
Confirm the current family and group payment rules when several children or riders travel together.
Seniors Age 65+
Free
Valid Senior Fare Card required
The free-fare benefit requires the approved SEPTA senior fare credential.
Reduced Fare
Half Fare
Approved Reduced Fare card required
Eligible riders with disabilities must complete the applicable approval and card process.
| Fare Product | Current Price | Best For | Important Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| One Day Convenience Pass | $7.50 | Multiple Bus and Metro trips in one day | Confirm current ride limits and activation rules before purchase |
| Three Day Convenience Pass | $19.00 | Visitors or several travel days | Load and activate through an eligible SEPTA Key product |
| Weekly TransPass+ | $31.00 | Frequent weekly riders | Includes defined Regional Rail validity beyond Bus and Metro |
| Monthly TransPass+ | $116.00 | Daily commuters | Compare the monthly cost with your expected number of trips |
| Key/contactless Multi-Rider | Fare charged per rider | Groups of up to five traveling together | Tap riders together and use the same payment method for qualifying transfers |
| Previously Purchased Key Tix | No new sales | Existing unused tickets only | Final acceptance date is August 28, 2026 |
Free-transfer rule: SEPTA Key Travel Wallet and contactless riders receive up to two Bus/Metro transfers within two hours when the same card or digital payment credential is used.
Regional Rail is different: a Bus/Metro transfer does not include Regional Rail. A separate Regional Rail fare is charged.
View SEPTA Bus and Transit Network Maps
The PDF viewers below use official SEPTA URLs. The first map represents the current Metro and Frequent Bus Network. The second map is the Phase 1 City Transit Map beginning August 23, 2026.
Current Metro and Frequent Bus Network Map
This map highlights Metro lines, Regional Rail connections, frequent bus corridors, transfer stations and major destinations.
Phase 1 City Transit Map — Beginning August 23, 2026
This future-dated map reflects the first phase of SEPTA’s New Bus Network. Do not use it as the active network map before implementation.
Phase 1 North Transit Map
View Bucks County, Northeast Philadelphia, Montgomery County and northern route connections.
Phase 1 West Transit Map
View West Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County and western suburban routes.
PDF viewer not loading? Some browsers or agency servers block embedded PDFs. Use the open-map button to view the official document directly.
SEPTA Bus Wheelchair Access and Accessible Trip Planning
SEPTA states that all fixed-route buses are ADA-accessible and have a wheelchair lift or ramp. Buses can also kneel when a rider asks for the vehicle to be lowered.
Ramp or lift
Tell the operator when a ramp, lift or additional boarding assistance is needed.
Kneeling bus
Any rider may ask the operator to lower the bus to make boarding or exiting easier.
Mobility-device area
Priority seating and securement spaces must be available for riders who need them.
Audible information
Buses announce route, destination, stops and connections through onboard systems.
Visual information
Route numbers and destinations appear on exterior digital signs, with onboard stop information on equipped vehicles.
Stop accessibility
An accessible bus does not guarantee that every sidewalk or temporary stop location is equally accessible.
Accessible Travel Center
SEPTA offers appointment-based travel training at Suburban Station for riders who want help learning fixed-route transit.
SEPTA Access
Paratransit and Shared-Ride programs are available for eligible riders who cannot use regular fixed-route service or meet senior-program requirements.
Accessibility contacts: call 215-580-7145 for SEPTA Access information, 215-580-3335 for travel-training appointments, or 877-737-8248 for elevator status.
Strollers, Bicycles, Pets, Service Animals and Luggage
Open strollers
Strollers may remain open on buses when space permits. The priority area must be vacated for a rider with a disability.
Busy vehicles
Be prepared to fold or reposition a stroller when it obstructs the aisle, doors or accessible seating area.
Bicycles
SEPTA permits bicycles on most vehicles, but vehicle type, capacity and time restrictions can apply.
Pets
Pets must be in a sturdy, nonobstructive carrier and cannot disrupt other riders.
Service animals
Trained service animals may ride without being placed in a pet carrier.
Luggage and carts
Keep belongings under control and out of aisles, doors, wheelchair securement areas and emergency exits.
Space controls the final decision: a permitted stroller, bicycle or carried item can still be restricted when it creates an obstruction or prevents an accessible boarding.
SEPTA Bus Alerts, Detours, Weather and Holiday Service
Alert
An unexpected service problem happening now, such as a canceled trip or unplanned disruption.
Advisory
A planned temporary change that may begin soon and last from days to months.
Detour
A temporary routing change caused by construction, events, weather, road closures or emergencies.
Temporary stop
A detour may move the stop to another corner, block or parallel street.
Severe weather
Snow, flooding, ice and road closures can delay buses or create emergency routing.
Holiday service
The route PDF or special notice identifies which weekend schedule operates on major holidays.
Do not hard-code a temporary detour into a permanent route guide. Always reopen the current alert page on the day of travel.
Customer Service, Lost and Found, SEPTA Key and Transit Police
TDD/TTY
215-580-7853
Use for customer-service communication assistance.
Use for customer-service communication assistance.
SEPTA Key Call Center
1-855-567-3782
Account, card, balance and replacement assistance.
Account, card, balance and replacement assistance.
General Lost & Found
215-580-7800
Most found items are retained for 30 days.
Most found items are retained for 30 days.
Transit Police Non-Emergency
215-580-4487
Use for non-immediate police concerns.
Use for non-immediate police concerns.
SEPTA Access
215-580-7145
Paratransit, Shared Ride and eligibility information.
Paratransit, Shared Ride and eligibility information.
Elevator Status Hotline
877-737-8248
Check elevator availability for an accessible transfer.
Check elevator availability for an accessible transfer.
When reporting a bus problem, provide: route number, direction, stop or intersection, date, time, destination sign and vehicle number when visible.
Immediate danger: call 911. SEPTA’s emergency and police contacts do not replace local emergency services.
What to Do If You Leave an Item on a SEPTA Bus
Write down the route and direction.
Record the bus number if visible, boarding stop, exit stop, date and approximate time.
Describe the item precisely.
Include brand, color, size, material and distinguishing marks without publicly sharing sensitive account information.
Call SEPTA Customer Service.
Use 215-580-7800 for bus lost-and-found routing.
Allow processing time.
Items are generally turned in, logged and tagged after the vehicle or employee completes the operating assignment.
Protect sensitive property immediately.
Lock phones, cancel payment cards and change exposed passwords rather than waiting for the item to be recovered.
Bring identification for collection.
SEPTA may require proof that the item belongs to you before releasing it.
Retention rule: SEPTA states that most items are kept for 30 days. Perishable items such as food cannot be retained.
SEPTA Bus Checklist Before Leaving Home
- Confirm the exact route number or route name.
- Check that the PDF effective date is current.
- Select weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service.
- Match the bus destination with your direction.
- Locate the exact stop or transit-center bay.
- Check the live bus prediction.
- Read active alerts and temporary-stop notices.
- Prepare contactless, SEPTA Key or cash fare.
- Allow extra time for an important transfer.
- Recheck routes affected by the August 23–24 change.
Common SEPTA Bus Schedule Problems
The schedule page will not load
Try the official app, direct route PDF, Trip Planner or Customer Service. A website problem does not prove the route is suspended.
The PDF and app show different times
Check the PDF effective date and whether the app is showing live predictions rather than scheduled departures.
The bus disappeared from the map
It may have lost GPS data, changed assignments, entered a detour or been removed from service.
The route number is being discontinued
Use the Phase 1 Trip Planner and official alternatives before the August implementation date.
The bus passed without stopping
Confirm that the stop serves your route and direction and that the vehicle was not full, out of service or operating a limited pattern.
The stop has moved
Read nearby temporary signs and open the route alert for the replacement intersection.
Your free transfer was charged
Confirm that the transfer occurred within two hours and that the identical physical card or digital wallet credential was used.
You missed the final bus
Use the official Trip Planner to check a Metro, Regional Rail, parallel bus or safe alternative rather than assuming another trip is coming.
Official SEPTA Resources Used for This Guide
Bus Schedules
Current route pages, PDFs, directions and service information.
Real-Time Map
Route selection, stops and live trip details.
Alerts
Current advisories, detours and temporary changes.
Maps
System, city, regional and Metro PDF maps.
Fare Information
Pay-per-ride prices, transfers, passes and discounts.
Ways to Pay
Contactless, SEPTA Key, passes and payment conditions.
New Bus Network Phase 1
August 23–24 changes, alternatives, maps and future planning.
Accessibility
Accessible vehicles, travel training, mobility guidance and SEPTA Access.
Customer Service
Phone, chat, lost property, safety and in-person assistance.
Official-source review completed August 4, 2026
Independent-site disclosure: busschedule.us is not SEPTA. It cannot operate buses, modify schedules, sell fares, locate vehicles, return lost property or guarantee an arrival time.
Frequently Asked Questions About SEPTA Bus Schedules
Where can I find the official SEPTA bus schedule?
Use SEPTA’s schedule page, select Bus and enter the route number or name. The route page provides directions, stops, alerts and a timetable PDF when available.
How much is a SEPTA bus ride in 2026?
The current Bus and Metro pay-per-ride fare is $2.90 for contactless payment, SEPTA Key Travel Wallet and cash. Cash does not include free transfers.
Does SEPTA provide free bus transfers?
SEPTA Key Travel Wallet and contactless riders can receive up to two free Bus/Metro transfers within two hours when the same payment method is used.
Can I use a Quick Trip ticket on a SEPTA bus?
No. SEPTA states that Quick Trip tickets are not valid on buses.
How do I track a SEPTA bus live?
Open SEPTA’s real-time map, search for the route, add it to the map and select the correct stop or trip.
Why is the live arrival different from the PDF schedule?
The PDF shows planned service. The live arrival is a prediction based on current vehicle information, traffic and operating conditions.
Are all SEPTA buses wheelchair accessible?
SEPTA states that all fixed-route buses are ADA-accessible and have a wheelchair lift or ramp. Buses can also kneel when requested.
Can a stroller stay open on a SEPTA bus?
Open strollers are permitted when space allows, but the priority area must be made available to riders with disabilities.
Which SEPTA bus routes are being discontinued in August 2026?
Phase 1 discontinues Routes 35, 47M, 62, 78, 80 and 89 on August 23, followed by Route 106 on August 24.
What new SEPTA bus routes begin in August 2026?
New Routes 72 and 76 begin on August 23. Route 72 connects Frankford Transportation Center and Cedarbrook Plaza, while Route 76 connects Columbus Commons and Olney–Rising Sun Loop.
How do I report a lost item from a SEPTA bus?
Call SEPTA Customer Service at 215-580-7800 and provide the route, direction, date, approximate time, boarding stop, exit stop and a detailed description.
What number should I call for SEPTA bus information?
Call SEPTA Customer Service at 215-580-7800. TDD/TTY service is available at 215-580-7853.