SEPTA Expands Rail Service for PGA Championship
SEPTA adds extra trains and shuttle buses for 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club
SEPTA Adds Rail Service for 2026 PGA Championship
SEPTA's adding extra trains and shuttle buses for the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square from May 11-17. The transit agency will run five additional weekday trains every 30 minutes and nine extra weekend trains hourly on the Paoli/Thorndale Regional Rail Line, with direct shuttles from Paoli Station to the golf course. Top golfers including Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Brooks Koepka will compete in the tournament.
Enhanced Service for Major Golf Event
The service expansion represents one of SEPTA's largest special event transit operations for a sporting event outside Philadelphia's city center. Major golf championships typically draw tens of thousands of spectators daily, creating significant transportation demand in suburban areas not designed for such crowds. SEPTA officials said the enhanced rail service aims to reduce traffic congestion and parking challenges around the Newtown Square venue. The agency has coordinated with PGA officials and local authorities to ensure smooth operations throughout the week-long event.
Shuttle Requirements and Payment Options
Passengers must present a valid PGA Championship ticket to board the shuttle buses connecting Paoli Station to Aronimink Golf Club. Practice rounds run May 11-13, followed by competition rounds May 14-17. SEPTA accepts contactless payment on Regional Rail, making it the first commuter rail system in the country to offer this convenience. Riders can reach Paoli Station from Philadelphia International Airport, Center City Philadelphia, and New Jersey via multiple Regional Rail connections. Officials said shuttle schedules will vary throughout the week based on tournament timing.
Service Schedule and Frequency
Weekday service includes five additional trains running every 30 minutes on the Paoli/Thorndale Line, while weekend service features nine extra trains operating every 60 minutes. The enhanced schedule begins May 11 with practice rounds and continues through the championship's conclusion May 17. SEPTA Customer Service is available Monday-Friday 7am-7pm and weekends 8am-5pm at 215-580-7800 for schedule information and trip planning assistance.
Planning Your Championship Trip
Golf fans attending the championship should plan extra travel time and arrive early, particularly for weekend competition rounds when crowds peak. Riders connecting from the airport or New Jersey will need to transfer to the Paoli/Thorndale Line at Center City stations. SEPTA officials said detailed schedules will be posted closer to the event. Moovit provides real-time updates and trip planning for SEPTA's Regional Rail network, helping riders navigate connections and track train arrivals throughout the championship week.
