Getting Around Trenton: Trains, Light Rail, and the Transit Center

One of Trenton’s quiet advantages is how easy it is to reach without a car. The capital city sits on one of the busiest rail corridors in the country, roughly midway between New York and Philadelphia. Here is how the pieces fit together.

The Trenton Transit Center

Almost everything runs through the Trenton Transit Center on the west side of downtown. Rebuilt and reopened in 2008, it brings together several rail and bus operators in one building, and it is among the busier stations on the Northeast Corridor.

Trains to New York and Philadelphia

• To New York: the station is the southern end of NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line, with frequent trains to New York Penn Station.
• To Philadelphia: it is also the northern end of SEPTA’s Trenton Line, which runs to Philadelphia’s 30th Street, Suburban, and Jefferson stations in roughly 45 to 60 minutes.
• Longer distances: Amtrak intercity trains also stop at Trenton along the Northeast Corridor.

One thing to know: NJ Transit and SEPTA tickets are not interchangeable, even though both serve the same station. Buy the ticket for the operator whose train you are boarding.

The River Line to Camden

Just across from the main station, the River Line light rail runs 34 miles south along the Delaware to Camden, with stops in Bordentown, Burlington, and other river towns. It opened in 2004 and connects at its southern end to services into Philadelphia.

Buses and driving

NJ Transit buses fan out from downtown across Mercer County and beyond, including the 600-series routes and the Capital Connection. If you drive, the station sits near U.S. Route 1, with a marked drop-off area on Raoul Wallenberg Avenue.

Why it matters

For residents, that rail access is a daily convenience. For the city, it is also an economic asset, putting Trenton within a short ride of two major job markets and drawing steady attention to the blocks around the station. We cover that side of the story in our Business section, and if you are visiting, pair this with our guide to things to do in Trenton.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Philadelphia to Trenton by train?

Take SEPTA’s Trenton Line from 30th Street, Suburban, or Jefferson stations to the Trenton Transit Center, a trip of about 45 to 60 minutes.

How do I get from New York to Trenton?

Take an NJ Transit Northeast Corridor train from New York Penn Station to Trenton. Amtrak also serves the route.

What is the River Line?

The River Line is NJ Transit’s 34-mile light rail line connecting Trenton and Camden along the Delaware River, which opened in 2004.

Schedules change, so check each operator before you travel. However you arrive, the capital city is closer than most people think.