Philadelphia Skyline

Philadelphia is easier without a car.

Skip the bridge tolls, the I-95 traffic, and the parking fees. NJ TRANSIT connects New Jersey to Center City Philadelphia by rail and bus from across the state.

Whether you're commuting, attending a game at the South Philly sports complex, or exploring Independence Hall, NJ TRANSIT gives you a direct, affordable connection from across New Jersey to the heart of Philadelphia — without the toll, without the traffic, and without the $40 parking garage.

Plan Your Trip Download the NJ TRANSIT App

How to Get to and Around Philadelphia

Philadelphia is reachable from most of New Jersey by rail or bus. Some routes are direct with no transfers; others connect through Trenton or Camden. Use the tabs below to find the service that works for your starting point.

By Rail

Northeast Corridor → SEPTA Trenton Line

Board the Northeast Corridor at New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station, or any NJ TRANSIT NEC station in New Jersey. Ride to Trenton Transit Center, then transfer to the SEPTA Trenton Line directly into Philadelphia. SEPTA Regional Rail serves Suburban Station and Jefferson Station in Center City, plus 30th Street Station — Philadelphia's main rail hub.

Note: SEPTA is a separate transit system with a separate fare. You will need a SEPTA ticket or Key card to board the Trenton Line at Trenton Transit Center. Purchase one at the SEPTA ticket machines at Trenton Transit Center before boarding, or online at septa.org/fares.

Atlantic City Rail Line

The Atlantic City Rail Line connects Atlantic City to Philadelphia 30th Street Station daily, with stops at Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Lindenwold, Atco, Hammonton, Egg Harbor City, and Absecon. Atlantic City Rail Line tickets are accepted on the 417 bus between Philadelphia and Pennsauken Transit Center.

River LINE

The River LINE light rail connects Trenton to Camden, directly across the Delaware from Philadelphia, with free parking at several stations along the route. At Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, the River LINE connects with the PATCO Speedline for onward service into Center City Philadelphia. The River LINE also connects to the Atlantic City Rail Line at Pennsauken Transit Center.

By Bus

NJ TRANSIT bus routes connect communities across South and Central Jersey to Philadelphia in two ways: direct service across the Delaware into Center City, or service to Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, where the PATCO Speedline provides a direct connection into Philadelphia.

Center City Connector Routes (Direct to Philadelphia)

These routes operate express service across the Delaware and serve stops on Market Street, JFK Boulevard, and 30th Street Station in Center City:

  • Route 414 — Moorestown, Merchantville, Maple Shade to Philadelphia
  • Route 417 — Willingboro, Cinnaminson, Delran, Mt. Holly, Pennsauken to Philadelphia
  • Route 555 — Sicklerville (Avandale Park & Ride) Express to Philadelphia — morning and evening peak hours only

Other Direct Routes to Center City Philadelphia

Not sure which route serves your town? Use the Trip Planner to find your route. The routes below all cross the Delaware into Philadelphia, stopping at Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden along the way.

Jersey Shore

  • Route 313 — Cape May, Millville, Washington Township, Pitman to Philadelphia 30th Street Station
  • Route 315 — Cape May, Wildwood, Washington Township to Philadelphia 30th Street Station
  • Route 316 — Cape May, Wildwood, Sicklerville, Gloucester to Philadelphia 30th Street Station (seasonal — daily from first Saturday of summer through Labor Day)
  • Route 317 — Asbury Park, Burlington County, Fort Dix, Burlington City to Philadelphia
  • Route 551 — Atlantic City, Hammonton, Lindenwold to Philadelphia (see the Atlantic City page for excursion fares)

Camden, Gloucester & Salem Counties

  • Route 400 — Sicklerville, Blackwood, Williamstown, Camden to Philadelphia
  • Route 401 — Salem, Carneys Point, Penns Grove, Woodbury, Brooklawn to Philadelphia
  • Route 402 — Pennsville, Salem, Woodstown, Woodbury, Brooklawn to Philadelphia
  • Route 404 — Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, Merchantville to Philadelphia
  • Route 406 — Berlin, Voorhees, Marlton to Philadelphia
  • Route 408 — Millville, Vineland, Bridgeton, Deptford, Gloucester City to Philadelphia
  • Route 410 — Bridgeton, Vineland, Gloucester City, Woodbury to Philadelphia
  • Route 412 — Glassboro, Sewell, Turnersville, Woodbury to Philadelphia

Burlington & Mercer Counties

  • Route 409 — Trenton, Florence, Burlington City, Willingboro to Philadelphia
  • Route 418 — Trenton, Burlington City, Riverside, Delanco Express to Philadelphia

To Walter Rand Transportation Center, Camden

The following routes serve Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden. At Walter Rand, connect to the PATCO Speedline for direct service into Center City Philadelphia, or to the River LINE for connections across South Jersey toward Trenton.

  • Route 413 — Camden, Mt. Holly, Florence
  • Route 419 — Riverside, Pennsauken Transit Center, Camden
  • Route 450 — Cherry Hill Mall, Audubon, Collingswood, Camden (via Black Horse Pike)
  • Route 451 — Voorhees, Haddonfield area, Collingswood, Camden (weekdays only)
  • Route 457 — Moorestown Mall, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Gloucester City, Camden

PATCO Speedline at Walter Rand: The PATCO Speedline station at Walter Rand Transportation Center (Broadway Station) provides frequent service into Center City Philadelphia, with stops at City Hall, 13th-Locust, 15th-16th & Locust, and 8th & Market. For PATCO schedules and fares, visit ridepatco.org.

⚠ Paying on the bus: The NJ TRANSIT Mobile App and Tap & Ride are the easiest ways to pay — no cash handling, no waiting. If you pay cash on board, drivers do not carry change. Have exact fare ready or you may forfeit the difference. Check the Trip Planner or individual route timetables for current fares.

Park & Ride to Philadelphia

Don't live near a train station? NJ TRANSIT Park & Ride facilities let you drive to a convenient lot, park your car, and board from there — combining the flexibility of driving with the ease of transit for the rest of your trip into Philadelphia.

  • Free and low-cost parking is available at many NJ TRANSIT stations and Park & Ride lots across South and Central Jersey.
  • Notable Park & Ride options for Philadelphia travelers include the Avandale Park & Ride in Sicklerville (served by Route 555 Express direct to Philadelphia) and Pennsauken Transit Center (served by multiple routes and the River LINE).

Find a Park & Ride near you → njtransit.com/station-park-ride-to

Getting Around Philadelphia

Once you're in Philadelphia, SEPTA connects you to neighborhoods across the city. The key lines from Center City stations:

  • Market-Frankford Line (MFL): The east-west subway running through Center City. Accessible from Jefferson Station (Market East) and 30th Street Station. Serves Old City (2nd St), City Hall (13th/15th/City Hall stations), University City (30th St), and neighborhoods across West and North Philadelphia.
  • Broad Street Line: The north-south subway running under Broad Street. Board at City Hall station, one block from Jefferson Station or Suburban Station. Key stop: NRG Station for the South Philadelphia Sports Complex (Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, 76ers arena).
  • SEPTA Regional Rail: Suburban trains connecting Center City to Philadelphia's neighborhoods and suburbs, all passing through Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, and 30th Street Station.
  • SEPTA Key Card: The reusable smart card for all SEPTA services — subways, buses, trolleys, and regional rail. Buy at any SEPTA Fare Kiosk or manage online at septakey.org. A single-ride Quick Trip card is also available at Fare Kiosks.
  • Amtrak at 30th Street Station: Book Amtrak connections at amtrak.com for travel beyond the region.

Going to a Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, or 76ers event? See the full South Philadelphia Sports Complex travel guide → njtransit.com/southphilly

Explore Philadelphia by Transit

Philadelphia's top destinations are a short SEPTA ride or walk from 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, or Jefferson Station.

Old City & Independence Hall

America's most historic neighborhood — Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, and Elfreth's Alley, all within walking distance of each other.
Getting there: SEPTA Market-Frankford Line to 2nd Street station, or walk from Jefferson Station.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

One of the largest art museums in the country, at the top of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway — and yes, the Rocky steps are right outside.
Getting there: SEPTA Bus 32 from 30th Street Station, or walk along the Parkway from Suburban Station.

Reading Terminal Market

A National Historic Landmark and one of America's great public markets — Pennsylvania Dutch food, fresh produce, prepared foods, and local vendors under one roof since 1893.
Getting there: Walk from Jefferson Station or Suburban Station.

South Philly Sports Complex

One of the most concentrated sports and entertainment districts on the East Coast — home of the Eagles (Lincoln Financial Field), Phillies (Citizens Bank Park), Flyers, and 76ers (Wells Fargo Center), all within walking distance of each other.
Getting there from Center City: SEPTA Broad Street Line southbound from City Hall station — approximately 15–20 minutes to NRG Station, a short walk from all four venues. NJ TRANSIT also runs direct game-day service. See the full travel guide at njtransit.com/southphilly.

Who Are You? Find Your Best Way to Ride.

Commuters
  • NJ TRANSIT monthly passes available for regular Philadelphia commuters — valid on rail and on connecting buses within your zone.
  • Set up MyTransit Alerts at njtransit.com/users/sign-up for real-time service updates on your route.
  • Remember: SEPTA requires a separate fare from NJ TRANSIT. A SEPTA Key card is the most cost-effective option for regular commuters traveling onward from Trenton.
Day-Trippers & Visitors
  • Use the Trip Planner to find your route and buy a round-trip ticket before boarding.
  • Buy a SEPTA Key card at 30th Street Station on arrival to get around the city easily.
  • Round-trip ticket recommended — buy before boarding to avoid the $5.00 on-board surcharge on rail.
Families & Groups
  • Children ages 5–11 travel at half price; up to three children 4 and under ride free with a paying adult.
  • On weekends and holidays, up to two kids (5–11) ride free with a fare-paying adult.
  • Group travel options are available for groups of 8 or more.
Seniors & Riders with Disabilities
  • Reduced fares available at all times.
  • All NJ TRANSIT buses, River LINE stations, and Atlantic City Rail Line stations are 100% ADA accessible.
  • Learn more about Reduced Fares and Access Link.

Safety & Security on NJ TRANSIT

Your safety is our top priority — every trip, every time.

  • Transit Police Presence — NJ TRANSIT Police patrol trains, stations, and platforms 24/7, with enhanced presence during major events.
  • See Something, Say Something — Report suspicious activity through the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App or by texting NJTPD to 65873.
  • Well-Lit Stations & Security Cameras — Major stations feature lighting, surveillance, and emergency call boxes throughout.
  • Real-Time Alerts — Stay informed with live service updates via the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App.

Ticketing & Fares

NJ TRANSIT Mobile App

The most secure way to buy NJ TRANSIT tickets and passes. Available free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Buy, store, and scan tickets from your phone before you board.

Tap & Ride

NJ TRANSIT light rail and buses support Tap & Ride. On the River LINE, tap the validator at the station with your credit or debit card or phone. On buses, tap at the front and let the driver know your destination.

Web Tickets

Purchase train tickets in advance at webtickets.njtransit.com.

Ticket Vending Machines & Ticket Offices

Available at major stations for cash and card purchases. Ticket offices at select major terminals, including Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden.

⚠ Buy before you board. Train tickets purchased on board add a $5.00 surcharge. Bus excursion round-trip tickets must be purchased in advance — not available on board. If paying cash on a bus, drivers do not carry change — have exact fare ready, or use the app or Tap & Ride instead.

Philadelphia without the driving.

NJ TRANSIT connects New Jersey to Center City by rail and bus — plan your trip, buy your ticket, and leave the bridge tolls behind.

Plan Your Trip Download the NJ TRANSIT App