Getting in and out of Philly by train

The main railway station in Philadelphia is 30th Street Station, which has both AMTRAK and Regional Rail (commuter) connections.  The station is located at 30th Street (duh!) and Market Street.  It is a few blocks' walk or ride from 30th Street to University City (between 33rd - 40th and Market) or City Hall (15th and Market).  There is also a connection to the Market-Frankford subway line, although you can't take a bike on the subway.

AMTRAK

It is usually cheaper and faster to travel to Philadelphia from Washington, Baltimore, New York, and even Boston by AMTRAK than plane.  Trains on this North East Corridor run about every 30 min during the day, and come in three speeds and price structures (regular, Metroliner, or Acela).  Other connections are to Atlantic City and Harrisburg.  Check out schedules and fares on the AMTRAK web site. 

Rumor has it that only the red eye trains on the North East Corridor accept assembled bikes.  Boxed bikes must be checked baggage.  Call 1-800-USA-RAIL for information.  My wife once successfully took her bike with her into the passenger compartment of the train after taking the wheels and pedals off, tying them to the frame, and wrapping the whole thing in bubble wrap. She told the conductor it was art.

Regional Rail Lines

Regional Rail (Commuter) lines are run by SEPTA and serve the surrounding communities, including the Main Line (named for the railway line).  The trains are used by bicyclists to commute and to get to organized rides starting in the surrounding countryside.

You can take a boxed bike on the train at any time, at the discretion of the conductor.   I would not advise trying this during rush hours.  You can take an assembled bike providing (1) it is not rush hour, (2) there are not already two bikes on the train (highly unlikely), (3) there is not a passenger in a wheelchair (bikes travel in the spot assigned for wheelchairs), and (4) the conductor agrees.  Be prepared to carry your bike (box) down elevators (frequently broken) and over turnstiles.

Online timetables and fares are available.  Tickets are less expensive if you buy them before boarding the train, although many stations do not sell them (in which case, this rule is waived).

New York by Regional Rail

From 30th Street Station, take the R7 train to Trenton.  In Trenton, switch to a connecting NJ transit train to Penn Station, New York.  Takes about  3 hours, but less than a third of the price of AMTRAK.

PATCO

PATCO, is a 14 mile high speed rail line operated by the Port Authority Transit Corporation.  It runs from Philadelphia (stops at 30th St, Suburban Station, and Market East) to 9 stations in New Jersey, ending in Lindenwold.  Bicycles are allowed.  See the PATCO website for details (click on "Traveling on PATCO" and then on "Bicycles").