Field guide
Schuylkill river trail running, access, and parking info
A practical guide for runners and hikers on the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia. Find official information on public transit and access points.
The Schuylkill River Trail is a riverfront path located in the heart of Philadelphia. This guide covers the southernmost portion of the trail system.
This page provides information for runners and hikers based on official sources, focusing on how to get to the trail using public transportation.
Official facts at a glance
- What it is
- riverfront setting
- What it is
- southernmost portion of the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT)
- Location
- in the heart of Philadelphia
- Public transit access
- SEPTA Regional Rail, Market Frankford Line, many bus and trolley routes, and PATCO
- SEPTA access point
- 30th Street Station (via Market Street Bridge ramp or JFK Boulevard Bridge stairs)
- Bus access
- Multiple bus routes cross over the tidal Schuylkill River
- PATCO access point
- Locust Street Station (via Locust Street Crossing)
- PATCO alternative access
- Spruce Street (via Schuylkill River Parks Connector Bridge) if Locust Street Crossing gates are closed
- Bike share program
- Indego, Philadelphia's bike share program
- Bike share docking stations
- at trail entrances at MLK Jr. Drive, Race Street, Locust Street, and Wharton Street
Sources: Explore the Trail (schuylkillbanks.org), Find Your Way to Schuylkill Banks (schuylkillbanks.org). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The trail environment
This portion of the Schuylkill River Trail runs along the riverfront in central Philadelphia. It provides a dedicated space for recreation away from city streets.
Getting to the trail by public transit
The trail is accessible by several public transit systems, including SEPTA Regional Rail, the Market Frankford Line, and various bus and trolley routes. The PATCO line also provides access.
From SEPTA's 30th Street Station, you can reach the trail using the Market Street Bridge ramp or the stairs at the JFK Boulevard Bridge. For PATCO users, Locust Street Station connects to the trail via the Locust Street Crossing.
Using the bike share program
Philadelphia's bike share program, Indego, has docking stations located at several trail entrances. You can find these stations at MLK Jr. Drive, Race Street, Locust Street, and Wharton Street.
Before you go
- The trail is located in the southernmost portion of the larger Schuylkill River Trail system.
- Multiple bus routes cross over the tidal Schuylkill River, offering additional points of access.
- If the Locust Street Crossing gates are closed, an alternate PATCO access point is available at Spruce Street via the Schuylkill River Parks Connector Bridge.
- Access from 30th Street Station involves either a ramp from the Market Street Bridge or stairs from the JFK Boulevard Bridge.
- Bike share stations are available at key entrances, including MLK Jr. Drive, Race Street, Locust Street, and Wharton Street.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Philadelphia. All cities: City running and hiking guides.