FAQs

What are the Rail Park’s hours?

Phase One of the Rail Park is free and open to the public from 7am to 10pm, every single day.

Come visit! Wander the paths. Sit for a bit. Relax on the bench swings. Meet someone new. Enjoy the sweeping views of our beautiful city. Get a breath of fresh air.

Where is the entrance to the Rail Park?

There are two entrances to the Rail Park.

The wheelchair accessible entrance is on Noble Street, just east of Broad. Then the park runs along Noble, and arcs up over 13th Street and onto the Viaduct.

The second entrance is a staircase on Callowhill Street, between 11th and 12th.

Is the park pet-friendly?

Yes! Pets are welcome throughout the open park, but please clean up after your pet and keep them out of the planting beds.

Who is in charge of maintenance and security?

Phase One of the Rail Park is maintained by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation with Friends of the Rail Park playing a supporting role in maintenance and stewardship of the park.

Are there bathrooms at the Rail Park?

There are no bathrooms available at the Rail Park. We recommend using the bathroom ahead of your visit.

Who designed the Rail Park?

Phase One (the open portion of the Park) was designed by Studio Bryan Hanes and Urban Engineers. The construction restored and maintained much of the existing infrastructure, and carried the industrial scale and character of the site through to platforms, benches, and guardrails throughout the park. Environmental graphics were designed by Cloud Gehshan. Construction funds were raised and project management was provided by our partners at the Center City District.

When will the Rail Park expand?

In early 2023, Friends of the Rail Park completed a comprehensive visioning feasibility study. This study establishes a conceptual vision for the Park and underscores the importance of its equitable development.

Friends of the Rail Park is eyeing the Cut as the next phase of development and looks forward to building an Equitable Development Plan, establishing a network of community stakeholders for collaborative design and planning, and fundraising for future phases of the Park.

Can I host an event at the Rail Park?

If you are looking to host a large event at the Rail Park, you may need to obtain a permit from the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. You can find out whether you need a permit and how to get one here. With any questions, please reach out to Adrián Basta, Operations Associate, adrian@therailpark.org.

Can I rent the Rail Park for a private event?

Because the Rail Park is a public park in the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation parks network, we always keep the park open and accessible to the public. While events may be permitted at the park, we are unable to limit access to the park for a private event.

Who are Friends of the Rail Park?

Friends of the Rail Park is the 501(c)(3) organization responsible for stewarding the Three Mile Vision of The Rail Park. In addition to stewarding and activating Phase One, Friends of the Rail Park advocates, plans, and raises funds for the Rail Park’s expansion, while championing equitable development in the surrounding Rail Park neighborhoods. Friends of the Rail Park is a member of the Highline Network, which supports a community of infrastructure reuse projects and the people who are helping them come to life in creating vibrant and equitable public spaces.

I want to support the Rail Park. How can I get involved?

If you believe in the Rail Park, help us bring the full Three Mile Vision to life. Become a member of Friends of the Rail Park. As a member, you’ll be part of the community that’s turning this unused rail line into a public green space for all. You’ll also receive updates on events, news, and progress as we work to bring the park to life.

Become a member today.

How will the Rail Park impact me?

Whether you are a visitor or a lifelong Philadelphian, the Rail Park has something for you. When complete, the Rail Park will offer a new way to experience Philadelphia and travel across the city. The Rail Park will connect communities, provide space for recreation, a platform for the arts and cultural activities, and a place to engage with nature for Philadelphians and visitors alike.

What will the Rail Park do for Philadelphia?

The Rail Park will have a positive impact on the quality of life for all Philadelphians, as well as visitors from near and far.

When the park is complete, it will provide an entirely new transportation path for pedestrians and bicyclists running across Philadelphia, just north of Center City. It will provide open green spaces for all kinds of programming, enhancing education, culture, health and wellness, and the arts.

It will also spark local economic growth, elevating Philadelphia as an attraction for visitors and tourists from around the region and around the world.

Is my donation to the Rail Park tax deductible?

Yes! Friends of the Rail Park is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit. When you make a donation, you will receive a letter acknowledging your contribution that can be used for tax purposes.

I’m having trouble with my donation. Who do I contact?

If you need help making a donation to the park, you can email impact@therailpark.org or call 215.485.2221. We can either help you work out the kinks or accept a donation over the phone.

I want to make a custom or in-kind gift. Who can I talk to?

If you want to discuss alternative ways of supporting the park, we’re always happy to discuss options. Reach out to impact@therailpark.org or call 215.485.2221.

Can I volunteer my time to support the Rail Park?

Yes! We host monthly clean ups at the park and in the surrounding community. Keep an eye on this website or our social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) for future volunteer opportunities. You can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter to stay up to date on all Rail Park happenings.

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What does my donation support?

Unless otherwise specified, your donation to Friends of the Rail Park supports the stewardship of Phase One, free community programming, and our efforts to bring the full Three Mile Vision for the Rail Park to life.

Is the Rail Park wheelchair accessible?

Yes! The wheelchair accessible entrance to the Rail Park is on Noble Street, just east of Broad. The park arcs upward at an ADA-compliant slope, all the way to the other end of the park.

Is there parking available near the Rail Park?

Parking can be found on the street around the Rail Park, both paid and free. There is also a paid parking lot at 411 N 13th Street.

How do I book a tour?

The Rail Park offers a public Three Mile Vision tour, the only historic walking tour in Philadelphia that paints a picture of the past, contextualizes the present, and envisions the future of public space in our city. If you are interested in one of our Saturday tours, please book on our registration page.

Private tours can be tailored to your interest or group, whether a full Three Mile Vision tour or just Phase One. Interested in booking a private tour? Please fill out our interest form.

Will we be going into the tunnel or future park grounds? 

This is a street-level tour. The route follows public walking paths and sidewalks and will peek into future development sites. At the end of the tour, you will be able to walk through Phase One of the park and interact with the space. 

What should I wear? Do I need closed-toed shoes?

Dress weather appropriate. You will be outside for the entire tour. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a bit of walking. 

Do I need to bring anything with me? Can I bring food and drink with me? 

You do not need to bring anything with you! We advise bringing water, especially if it is going to be a hotter day. Feel free to bring a snack with you.

Are there bathrooms?

There are no bathroom stops along the route; please plan accordingly. 

What happens if there is bad weather?

If there is bad weather in the forecast, we will provide a 24-hour notice that your tour has been canceled. Your tour will then be rescheduled for another date.    

Should I tip the tour guide? 

Sure! If you enjoyed the tour and you feel the guide deserves a tip, feel free to do so.

Where do we begin and where do we end?

The Three Mile Vision Tour is a linear tour that begins at 2700 Pennsylvania Avenue and ends at 12th and Callowhill Streets. We do not double back and return to the start! Please plan your transportation accordingly.

Transportation options for arriving at 27th and Pennsylvania Streets: if you drive, there is metered parking at the location. There are also a number of bus lines that have stops at or near the starting point: Lines 49, 32, 7, 43, and 48. There is an Indego Bike Station nearby. There are bike lanes to the meeting point.

At the end of the tour, if you need to go back to the starting point you can borrow an Indego bike, take bus 43, or take a ride share. There are also other public transportation options around the Rail Park. Bus lines 2, 4, 16, 23, 45, and 61. The Broad Street Subway line is about a 5-minute walk away.

What is the cancellation policy? 

If you can no longer go on your scheduled tour, contact us and we will do our best to reschedule you for another tour. 

Are your tours accessible? 

The tour is 3 miles and goes through different parts of the city. There is a potential for unforeseen obstructions like construction during the tour, though we try to travel the safest, most accessible route. There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance to the Rail Park on Noble Street just east of Broad Street. The park arcs upward at an ADA- compliant slope, all the way to the other end of the park. More inclusive tours are in the works.

Is there an age limit and can I bring a stroller? 

Children and strollers are permitted, but please bear in mind the distance you will be walking and that there might be construction blocking sidewalks and other pedestrian areas. 

Can I bring my dog?

We ask that you leave all non-service pets at home for the tour, but please bring your pet to the park on any other date. 

Where does the tour fee go?

Your tour fee goes towards maintaining and funding the Rail Park and its events. 

Can I use my ACCESS Card?

Pennsylvania and Delaware residents with a qualifying ACCESS or EBT card can book a tour for free! Please contact us to reserve your ticket with the ACCESS or EBT discount.