SEPTA University City Station platform with trains and passengers

Penn Medicine Station

Penn Medicine Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Philadelphia Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Penn Medicine Station, located in Philadelphia’s University City, is a pivotal transit hub serving one of the nation’s top medical and academic corridors. Originally opened as University City Station in 1995 and renamed in 2020, the station provides critical access to the University of Pennsylvania, its associated hospitals, and a vibrant array of cultural attractions. This comprehensive guide explores Penn Medicine Station’s operational details, ticketing options, accessibility features, transit connections, nearby attractions, and helpful tips—empowering visitors, patients, commuters, and tourists to navigate both the station and Philadelphia’s historic sites with ease.

For the latest updates and travel planning, consult the SEPTA website and Visit Philadelphia.

Introduction
Station History and Significance
Renaming and Modernization: The Penn Medicine Era
Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information
Accessibility Features
Transportation Connections
Station Amenities
Notable Events and Visitor Experiences
Nearby Attractions
Community Impact and Future Prospects
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Station History and Significance

Penn Medicine Station began as University City Station in April 1995, addressing the growing transit needs of Philadelphia’s expanding medical and academic institutions. Strategically placed near the University of Pennsylvania and its renowned healthcare campuses, the station quickly established itself as a crucial link for students, staff, patients, and visitors. Its proximity to the historic Pennsylvania Railroad’s West Philadelphia Station reflects the area’s deep transportation legacy (SEPTA Overview).

Renaming and Modernization: The Penn Medicine Era

In 2020, a landmark $3.3 million partnership between SEPTA and the University of Pennsylvania Health System led to the station’s renaming as Penn Medicine Station. The change was more than symbolic: it brought new branding, improved signage, real-time digital transit displays, and station beautification. These upgrades reinforced the station’s role as the gateway to major medical institutions like the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (Intersection Success Story).

Visiting Hours and Ticketing Information

Operating Hours

Penn Medicine Station operates daily, generally from 5:00 AM to midnight, in alignment with SEPTA Regional Rail schedules. Service frequency is highest on weekdays during commuter hours and slightly reduced on weekends and holidays. Always consult the SEPTA website or the SEPTA mobile app for up-to-date schedules.

Ticketing Options

SEPTA Key Card: A reloadable fare card usable on regional rail, buses, trolleys, and subways.
Single-Ride, Round-Trip, and Passes: Available at station kiosks or online/mobile app.
Contactless Payments: Supported at ticket vending machines for added convenience.
Discounted Fares: Available for seniors, students, and persons with disabilities.

Ticket prices and options can be found on the SEPTA Fare Guide.

Accessibility Features

Penn Medicine Station is fully ADA compliant, offering elevators, ramps, tactile warning strips, and accessible restrooms. Real-time audio-visual announcements and tactile guidance paths support visually impaired travelers. Staff assistance is available as needed (SEPTA Accessibility).

Transportation Connections

Regional Rail

Penn Medicine Station is served by most SEPTA Regional Rail lines, including:

Airport Line: Direct service to Philadelphia International Airport.
Wilmington/Newark Line: To Delaware.
Media/Wawa Line: To western suburbs.
Paoli/Thorndale, Warminster, West Trenton, Lansdale/Doylestown, Fox Chase Lines: To various suburban communities.

The station is just one stop from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia’s Amtrak hub (Philadelphia Transport Map).

Local Transit

Trolleys: The nearby 37th Street Trolley Portal serves routes 11, 13, 34, and 36.
Market-Frankford Line (Blue Line): Accessible via a short walk to 34th Street Station.
Bus Routes: 21, 40, and 42 serve the area, with additional service from the LUCY Green Loop.

Cycling and Walking

Secure bike racks and Indego bike-share stations are nearby. The area is pedestrian-friendly, and walking between institutions is common.

Station Amenities

Waiting Areas: Covered seating, real-time arrival/departure boards.
Ticketing Machines: Accept cash, cards, and contactless payments.
Security: Surveillance cameras, emergency call boxes, and regular patrols.
Restrooms & Dining: Available within adjacent hospitals and university buildings.

Notable Events and Visitor Experiences

Penn Medicine Station accommodates increased traffic during major events, such as university commencements, medical conferences, and the Philadelphia Flower Show. It is also favored by photographers for its modern design and views of the University City skyline.

Nearby Attractions

Within walking distance, visitors can explore:

University of Pennsylvania Campus: Historic architecture, museums, and open spaces.
Penn Museum: Archaeology and anthropology exhibits.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: World-class pediatric care.
Franklin Field/The Palestra: Iconic sports venues.
Clark Park: Community events and green space.
Schuylkill River Trail: Scenic recreational path.

For broader city exploration, Center City’s historic sites, such as the Liberty Bell and Reading Terminal Market, are just a short train or trolley ride away (Philadelphia Walking Tour Map).

Community Impact and Future Prospects

The partnership between SEPTA and Penn Medicine has increased public awareness of the University City medical district and fostered ongoing investment in station improvements. Targeted outreach and media campaigns now reach nearly all Philadelphians weekly, reflecting the station’s growing community role (Intersection Success Story). With options for extended sponsorship, the future promises further enhancements and connectivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the operating hours of Penn Medicine Station?
A: Typically 5:00 AM to midnight daily. Check the SEPTA website for real-time schedules.

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Use SEPTA Key Card kiosks at the station, the SEPTA app, or vending machines.

Q: Is the station wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, it is fully ADA compliant, with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and staff assistance.

Q: Are there parking facilities near the station?
A: Limited street parking and several nearby paid garages (e.g., 3600 Civic Center Blvd Garage, 38th and Walnut).

Q: Can I reach Philadelphia International Airport directly?
A: Yes, via the SEPTA Airport Line from Penn Medicine Station.

Q: Are there guided tours of the station or nearby institutions?
A: Not at the station itself, but some university and hospital facilities offer guided tours. Visit their official websites for details.

Q: Where can I find maps and visuals of the station?
A: View images and maps via the SEPTA website, University of Pennsylvania Health System website, and Foster + Partners Pavilion project page.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Penn Medicine Station is more than a transit stop—it’s a gateway to Philadelphia’s University City, seamlessly connecting health, education, and culture. Its accessible, modern facilities and comprehensive transit options make it indispensable for commuters, patients, and visitors.

For the most current schedules, fares, and service alerts, download the SEPTA app and subscribe to official updates. Ready to explore University City and beyond? Plan your visit today, and experience the convenience, connectivity, and cultural richness at the heart of Philadelphia.