Getting from Newark to Philadelphia is easiest by Amtrak, which runs direct trains from Newark Penn Station to Philadelphia’s William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in about an hour, with frequent departures through the day. The cheapest rail option is NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line from Newark Penn to Trenton, about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, followed by SEPTA’s Trenton Line to Philadelphia, about 50 minutes more, so the trip takes roughly two to two and a half hours in total. Driving is about 85 to 90 miles, mostly on the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), and usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic, plus Turnpike and bridge tolls. Intercity buses also run between Newark and Philadelphia. Travelers flying into Newark Liberty International Airport can take Amtrak from the Newark Liberty International Airport station, reached by AirTrain, without going through Newark Penn Station.
Key Takeaways
- Fastest: Amtrak, about 1 hour to 30th Street Station.
- Cheapest rail: NJ Transit to Trenton, then SEPTA, about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Driving: about 85 to 90 miles, 1.5 to 2 hours, plus tolls.
- Bus: intercity buses from Newark Penn Station.
- From the airport: Amtrak from Newark Liberty International Airport station.
- Book early: Amtrak fares rise closer to departure.
Travel times and routes come from Amtrak, NJ Transit and SEPTA schedules and published trip planners, reviewed before publication. Fares and schedules change, so check the operators’ apps before you travel.
Newark to Philadelphia at a Glance
| Option | Typical time | Cost level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Northeast Regional or Acela | About 1 hour | $$ to $$$ | Speed and comfort |
| NJ Transit + SEPTA via Trenton | About 2 to 2.5 hours | $ | Lowest train fare |
| Car | About 1.5 to 2 hours | Gas, tolls and parking | Groups and flexibility |
| Intercity bus | About 1.5 to 2.5 hours | $ | Budget travel |
By Amtrak
Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela trains run between Newark Penn Station and Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station many times a day, and the trip takes about an hour. Acela is a little faster and more expensive, while Northeast Regional trains offer the best balance of price and speed. Fares are cheapest when booked early, and prices rise at busy times such as Friday afternoons and holidays. Some Amtrak trains also stop at the Newark Liberty International Airport station, which connects to the airport terminals by AirTrain.
By NJ Transit and SEPTA
For the lowest fare, combine two commuter railroads.
- Take NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line from Newark Penn Station to Trenton Transit Center, the last stop, about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Transfer to SEPTA’s Trenton Line at Trenton, on a nearby platform.
- Ride SEPTA to 30th Street Station or Center City stations such as Suburban and Jefferson, about 50 minutes.
You buy separate tickets for each railroad. NJ Transit tickets are available in the NJ Transit app, and SEPTA fares can be paid with a SEPTA Key card or contactless payment options where available. Check both schedules so your connection at Trenton lines up, especially in the evening and on weekends, when trains run less often.
By Car
The drive from Newark to Philadelphia is about 85 to 90 miles. Most drivers take the New Jersey Turnpike south, then cross the Delaware River on one of the bridges into Philadelphia, such as the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman or Betsy Ross Bridge, or use the Pennsylvania Turnpike connector at Exit 6. The trip usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but rush hour and summer weekend traffic can add much more.
| Route | Notes |
|---|---|
| NJ Turnpike south, then local highways to a Delaware River bridge | Common route to Center City and South Philadelphia |
| NJ Turnpike to Exit 6, Pennsylvania Turnpike connector | Useful for northern Philadelphia and suburbs |
| US 1 | Toll-free but slower, with traffic lights |
Expect NJ Turnpike tolls and a toll to cross the Delaware River bridges into Pennsylvania, which is collected in the westbound direction. E-ZPass saves time at toll plazas. Parking in Center City can be expensive, so compare garages or use park-and-ride options.
By Bus
Intercity bus companies run between Newark and Philadelphia, often from Newark Penn Station to stops in Center City. Buses can be the cheapest option, especially when booked in advance, but travel times depend on traffic. Check the operator’s app for current stops and schedules.
Which Option Is Best?
| If you want | Choose |
|---|---|
| The fastest trip | Amtrak |
| The cheapest train | NJ Transit and SEPTA |
| To travel with family or luggage | Car |
| A low fare without transfers | Bus |
| To go straight from Newark Airport | Amtrak from the airport station |
Tips for the Trip
- Book Amtrak early for the lowest fares.
- Avoid rush hour on the Turnpike if you are driving.
- Check the last trains for the NJ Transit and SEPTA combination at night.
- Use 30th Street Station for connections to SEPTA regional rail and the subway.
- Allow extra time on game days and holidays.
Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station was renamed in honor of former Congressman William H. Gray III, but most travelers still call it 30th Street Station. From there, SEPTA regional rail, the Market-Frankford Line and buses connect to Center City, University City and the airport.
The same options work in reverse, from Philadelphia to Newark, so this guide applies to both directions. For commuters, monthly NJ Transit passes can reduce the cost of regular trips to Trenton.
Newark to Philadelphia Travel Times Compared
| Option | Door-to-door estimate | Transfers |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | About 1.5 hours including getting to and from stations | None |
| NJ Transit + SEPTA | About 2.5 to 3 hours | One, at Trenton |
| Car | About 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic | None |
| Bus | About 2 to 3 hours | None |
Going From Newark to Philadelphia Airport
If you are traveling from Newark to Philadelphia International Airport, the simplest options are driving or taking a train to 30th Street Station and connecting to SEPTA’s Airport Line, which runs to the terminals. Allow extra time for the connection. Rideshare services and private car services also make the trip, but they cost more.
Many people travel from Newark to Philadelphia for sports games, concerts and conventions. On busy event days, trains fill quickly and parking near stadiums is limited, so booking train tickets early is a good idea.
For regular commuters between Newark and Philadelphia, monthly passes and multi-ride tickets can bring down the cost of each trip.
Parking and Station Tips
If you drive to Newark Penn Station to catch a train, several paid garages and lots are nearby, and rates vary by operator. Some travelers prefer to start at Metropark in Iselin or at the Newark Liberty International Airport station, which have large parking facilities and Amtrak service. In Philadelphia, 30th Street Station has paid parking, and it connects to SEPTA subway, trolley and regional rail lines, so you rarely need a car once you arrive. Checking parking availability before you leave helps avoid surprises on busy travel days.
Whichever option you choose, check real-time service alerts before leaving, since track work and weather can affect trains on the Northeast Corridor.
More NJ Travel Guides
Explore New Jersey destinations along the way with our things to do in NJ guide, plan a North Jersey visit with our NJ area codes guide for local numbers and check driver rules in our NJ license renewal guide. Find more in our Getting Around section or on the homepage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Newark to Philadelphia
How long is the train from Newark to Philadelphia?
About 1 hour on Amtrak, or about 2 to 2.5 hours using NJ Transit and SEPTA via Trenton.
What is the cheapest way from Newark to Philadelphia?
NJ Transit to Trenton plus SEPTA, or an intercity bus booked in advance.
How far is Newark from Philadelphia?
About 85 to 90 miles by car.
How long is the drive from Newark to Philadelphia?
About 1.5 to 2 hours without heavy traffic.
Can I take Amtrak from Newark Airport to Philadelphia?
Yes. Some Amtrak trains stop at the Newark Liberty International Airport station, reached by AirTrain.
Where do trains arrive in Philadelphia?
At William H. Gray III 30th Street Station; SEPTA also serves Center City stations.
Do I need separate tickets for NJ Transit and SEPTA?
Yes. You buy tickets separately and transfer at Trenton.
Are there tolls from Newark to Philadelphia?
Yes, on the NJ Turnpike and on the Delaware River bridges into Pennsylvania.
Is Amtrak or NJ Transit better from Newark to Philadelphia?
Amtrak is faster and direct, while NJ Transit plus SEPTA is cheaper but takes longer.
How do I get from Newark to Philadelphia International Airport?
Take a train to 30th Street Station and connect to SEPTA’s Airport Line, or drive.
The Bottom Line
From Newark to Philadelphia, Amtrak is fastest at about an hour, NJ Transit plus SEPTA via Trenton is cheapest at about two to two and a half hours, and driving takes about 1.5 to 2 hours for 85 to 90 miles plus tolls. Book Amtrak early, and check connections at Trenton if you take the commuter trains.
