🚗 How to Get to New Jersey From Philadelphia [2025–2026 Guide]
New Jersey lies just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, only 5–10 miles away. Driving takes 15–30 minutes with tolls of $3–$5. Public transit options like PATCO trains, NJ Transit, and SEPTA buses take 20–60 minutes at costs of $3–$10. This 2025–2026 guide covers all routes, times, and prices.
New Jersey is Philadelphia’s closest neighbor, separated only by the Delaware River. Whether you’re heading to Camden for a concert, the Jersey Shore for the beach, or North Jersey for business and sports, there are fast and affordable ways to travel. From quick bridge crossings by car to direct trains into New Jersey towns, it’s one of the easiest trips you can make from Philly.
🚗 Driving From Philadelphia to New Jersey
Driving is the most common way to reach New Jersey. Depending on your destination, the trip can take anywhere from 15 minutes (to Camden or Cherry Hill) to 1.5–2 hours (to North Jersey or the Jersey Shore).
Crossing into New Jersey involves bridges like the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, or Betsy Ross, with tolls typically around $3–$5 eastbound. Parking in cities like Camden is affordable ($5–$15 per day), but expect higher rates in Newark or Jersey City.
🚆 Train From Philadelphia to New Jersey
Several train services connect Philadelphia directly to New Jersey:
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PATCO Speedline: Runs from Center City (15th/16th & Locust or 8th & Market) into Camden County towns like Camden, Collingswood, and Lindenwold. Trains run every 10–15 minutes, cost $3–$5, and take 15–30 minutes.
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NJ Transit Atlantic City Line: Departs from 30th Street Station and reaches Atlantic City in about 1 hour 35 minutes, with fares around $12–$15 one way.
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Amtrak/NJ Transit Northeast Corridor: From 30th Street Station, you can connect to Newark, Trenton, or New York via NJ Transit or Amtrak. Travel times range from 30 minutes (to Trenton) up to 1.5 hours (to Newark), with fares $10–$40 depending on service.
🚌 Bus From Philadelphia to New Jersey
Buses are widely available and cover short trips to Camden or longer rides to Jersey Shore towns.
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NJ Transit Buses run from Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal into Camden, Cherry Hill, and Atlantic City. Short trips cost $3–$6, while longer routes to the shore range from $10–$20.
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Greyhound and FlixBus also operate services to Newark, Jersey City, and New York, with prices ranging from $15–$35 and travel times of 1.5–3 hours.
🚖 Rideshare or Taxi
Uber and Lyft are quick and convenient for short hops across the Delaware River. A ride from Center City Philadelphia to Camden usually costs $15–$25, while trips farther east (like Cherry Hill) cost around $30–$40.
Longer rides—such as from Philly to Atlantic City ($120–$160) or Newark ($180–$250)—are possible but expensive unless split among several passengers.
📝 Travel Summary
| Method | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Drive | 15 mins–2 hrs | $3–$5 tolls + gas | Fast and flexible; best for short trips or Jersey Shore travel. |
| 🚆 Train (PATCO) | 15–30 mins | $3–$5 | Best for Camden County towns and commuters. |
| 🚆 Train (NJ Transit/Amtrak) | 30 mins–1.5 hrs | $10–$40 | Good for Trenton, Newark, or North Jersey. |
| 🚆 Train (Atlantic City Line) | 1h 35m | $12–$15 | Direct route to Atlantic City. |
| 🚌 Bus | 20 mins–3 hrs | $3–$35 | Budget-friendly; frequent service to many NJ towns. |
| 🚖 Rideshare | 15 mins–2 hrs | $15–$250 | Convenient for short trips; pricey for longer ones. |
❓ FAQ
Q1: How far is New Jersey from Philadelphia?
New Jersey starts just across the river—about 5–10 miles from Center City—but reaching different areas can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours.
Q2: What’s the cheapest way to get there?
The PATCO Speedline or NJ Transit buses are the most affordable, with fares as low as $3.
Q3: What’s the fastest way to reach North Jersey?
Taking Amtrak or NJ Transit from 30th Street Station is usually fastest, with travel times under 1.5 hours to Newark.
Q4: Can I get to the Jersey Shore from Philly?
Yes—drive 1.5–2 hours or take the Atlantic City Line train or NJ Transit buses for easy shore access.
Q5: Is Uber practical for the trip?
For short distances to Camden or Cherry Hill, yes. For longer trips like Atlantic City or Newark, it becomes costly unless shared.
If you’re heading just across the river, PATCO and short drives are quickest. For North Jersey or the Shore, NJ Transit and Amtrak are reliable, while buses offer budget options. Driving works well if you want flexibility, especially for beaches.