Visiting Chester for a Game?

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is your gateway to Chester, sitting just about 9 miles north of the city — a roughly 12-minute drive. SEPTA Route 37 bus runs from PHL's Arrivals Road (Zone 1, outside baggage claim) to Chester Transportation Center, with a total trip time of roughly 55–60 minutes and a fare of $2.50 whether paying cash or with a SEPTA Key card. If you prefer speed and convenience, a rideshare or taxi from PHL to Chester takes about 12 minutes and costs $30–$40.

Chester is a small, compact city and SEPTA bus routes — including lines 37, 109, 113, 114, 117, 118, and 119 — cover the main corridors, with the Chester Transportation Center at 595 Avenue of the States acting as the local hub. The SEPTA Wilmington/Newark (WIL) regional rail line also stops at Chester Transportation Center, offering easy connections to Philadelphia's Center City. However, most visiting fans will find a rideshare app or rental car the most practical option for flexible movement between Subaru Park, downtown Chester, and the broader Philadelphia metro area.

Chester itself has limited upscale hotel inventory, so most visiting fans base themselves closer to Philadelphia and make the short trip south on game day. The Philadelphia Airport hotel corridor (near PHL) offers the most convenient middle ground, with rates typically running $100-$180/night at properties like Courtyard, Aloft, and Sheraton, and the 12-minute drive to Subaru Park is a straight shot down I-95. Center City Philadelphia is another solid option for fans wanting to combine the Union match with the broader Philadelphia sports and nightlife scene, with hotel rates ranging from $150-$300/night depending on timing. Avoid booking directly in Chester if you want dining and entertainment options within walking distance of your hotel.

Chester's Subaru Park sits on the Delaware River waterfront and is considered one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in MLS, with a passionate supporter culture led by the Sons of Ben supporters group who have been with the club since before it played a single game. The Philadelphia Union compete in MLS's Eastern Conference and carry an intense regional rivalry with the New York Red Bulls, making those matchups the hottest tickets of the season. Visiting fans should also note that Philadelphia's full sports ecosystem — the Eagles (NFL), Phillies (MLB), 76ers (NBA), and Flyers (NHL) — is just 15 minutes north at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, making Chester a natural add-on for a broader Philadelphia sports trip. The Harrah's Philadelphia casino is also located in Chester if you want to extend an evening after the match.