Booking Amtrak In New Jersey..!!
New Jersey, often dubbed the “Crossroads of the East,” plays a pivotal role in the Northeast Corridor – Amtrak’s busiest and most vital route. Whether you’re commuting to a bustling city, heading to an important meeting, or embarking on a scenic adventure, Amtrak offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel through and from the Garden State.
Forget the traffic jams and airport hassles! This complete guide will walk you through every Amtrak station in New Jersey, detailing their services, key connections, amenities, and, crucially, their distances to major cities and airports.
Why Choose Amtrak in New Jersey?
- Convenience: Many stations offer direct connections to local transit systems, making last-mile travel a breeze.
- Comfort: More legroom, Wi-Fi, and dining options beat cramped cars and airplanes.
- Sustainability: Train travel is a greener alternative to driving or flying.
- Strategic Location: New Jersey’s stations are perfectly positioned for easy access to New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and beyond.
Let’s dive into the stations!
1. Newark Penn Station (NWK)
Newark Penn Station is New Jersey’s busiest transportation hub and a major stop on the Northeast Corridor. It’s a bustling gateway, offering extensive connections to both local and regional transit.
- Location: Downtown Newark, Essex County.
- Amtrak Routes: Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, Vermonter, Carolinian, Crescent, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star.
- Key Connections: NJ Transit (multiple commuter rail lines), PATH (to NYC), Newark Light Rail, numerous local and regional bus services.
- Station Amenities: Full-service station with a large waiting area, restrooms, various food and retail options, ATM, accessibility features, bag storage (limited). Parking available in nearby garages.
Distances from Newark Penn Station:
| Destination | Approx. Acela Travel Time | Approx. Northeast Regional Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (NYP) | 15-20 minutes | 15-25 minutes |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 1 hour | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Washington D.C. | 2 hours 45 minutes | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Boston South Station | 4 hours | 4 hours 30 minutes |
Distances to Key Airports from Newark Penn Station:
| Airport | Nearest City | Connection Method | Approx. Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark Liberty (EWR) | Newark, NJ | AirTrain direct from station | 20-30 minutes |
| JFK International | Queens, NY (NYC) | PATH/NJ Transit to NYP, then LIRR/AirTrain | 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes |
| LaGuardia (LGA) | Queens, NY (NYC) | PATH/NJ Transit to NYP, then subway/bus | 1 hour – 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Philadelphia, PA | Amtrak to 30th St Station, then SEPTA Airport Line | 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours |
2. Metropark (MET)
Strategically located in Middlesex County, Metropark is a popular choice for commuters and travelers looking to avoid the heart of the city while still having excellent access to the Northeast Corridor.
- Location: Iselin, Woodbridge Township, Middlesex County.
- Amtrak Routes: Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, Vermonter, Carolinian, Crescent, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star. (Some express trains may bypass Metropark).
- Key Connections: NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line, local bus services.
- Station Amenities: Large multi-story parking garage, waiting area, restrooms, coffee shop, newsstand, accessibility features.
Distances from Metropark:
| Destination | Approx. Acela Travel Time | Approx. Northeast Regional Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (NYP) | 30-40 minutes | 40-50 minutes |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 50 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Washington D.C. | 2 hours 30 minutes | 3 hours |
| Boston South Station | 4 hours 15 minutes | 4 hours 45 minutes |
Distances to Key Airports from Metropark:
| Airport | Nearest City | Connection Method | Approx. Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark Liberty (EWR) | Newark, NJ | NJ Transit to Newark Penn, then AirTrain | 40-50 minutes |
| JFK International | Queens, NY (NYC) | NJ Transit to NYP, then LIRR/AirTrain | 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours |
| LaGuardia (LGA) | Queens, NY (NYC) | NJ Transit to NYP, then subway/bus | 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Philadelphia, PA | Amtrak to 30th St Station, then SEPTA Airport Line | 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 15 minutes |
3. New Brunswick (NBK)
Situated in the vibrant city of New Brunswick, this station serves Rutgers University and the area’s medical and pharmaceutical industries. While a significant NJ Transit stop, Amtrak service here is less frequent compared to Newark or Metropark.
- Location: Downtown New Brunswick, Middlesex County.
- Amtrak Routes: Primarily Northeast Regional, some Keystone Service, and select long-distance trains. Limited Acela Express stops.
- Key Connections: NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line, local bus services.
- Station Amenities: Waiting area, restrooms, accessibility features. Parking in nearby city garages.
Distances from New Brunswick:
| Destination | Approx. Acela Travel Time | Approx. Northeast Regional Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (NYP) | 45-55 minutes | 45-55 minutes |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 40-50 minutes | 50 minutes – 1 hour |
| Washington D.C. | 2 hours 15 minutes | 2 hours 45 minutes |
Distances to Key Airports from New Brunswick:
| Airport | Nearest City | Connection Method | Approx. Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark Liberty (EWR) | Newark, NJ | NJ Transit to Newark Penn, then AirTrain | 50 minutes – 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Philadelphia, PA | Amtrak to 30th St Station, then SEPTA Airport Line | 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours |
4. Trenton Transit Center (TRE)
Trenton Transit Center is a multi-modal hub at the crossroads of Central New Jersey and Pennsylvania. It’s the last major stop in New Jersey before entering Pennsylvania on the Northeast Corridor and is a key transfer point for travel into Philadelphia.
- Location: Downtown Trenton, Mercer County (state capital).
- Amtrak Routes: Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, Vermonter, Carolinian, Crescent, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star.
- Key Connections: NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line, River Line (light rail), SEPTA (Trenton Line to Philadelphia), local bus services.
- Station Amenities: Large waiting area, restrooms, various food vendors, newsstand, accessibility features, parking garage.
Distances from Trenton Transit Center:
| Destination | Approx. Acela Travel Time | Approx. Northeast Regional Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (NYP) | 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 25 minutes | 35 minutes |
| Washington D.C. | 1 hour 50 minutes | 2 hours 20 minutes |
| Boston South Station | 4 hours 45 minutes | 5 hours 15 minutes |
Distances to Key Airports from Trenton Transit Center:
| Airport | Nearest City | Connection Method | Approx. Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark Liberty (EWR) | Newark, NJ | NJ Transit to Newark Penn, then AirTrain | 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Philadelphia, PA | SEPTA local train direct to PHL Airport Line | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
| JFK International | Queens, NY (NYC) | NJ Transit to NYP, then LIRR/AirTrain | 2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes |
5. Rahway (RAH)
Rahway, while a smaller city, has a well-situated train station that serves as a vital connection point in Union County, particularly for those coming from the North Jersey Coast Line. Amtrak service here is less frequent, mainly consisting of Northeast Regional trains.
- Location: Downtown Rahway, Union County.
- Amtrak Routes: Primarily Northeast Regional, some Keystone Service. Very limited Acela Express stops.
- Key Connections: NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line, North Jersey Coast Line, local bus services.
- Station Amenities: Waiting area, restrooms, accessibility features. Parking available in municipal lots/garages.
Distances from Rahway:
| Destination | Approx. Acela Travel Time | Approx. Northeast Regional Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (NYP) | 25-35 minutes | 30-40 minutes |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | 1 hour 10 minutes | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Washington D.C. | 2 hours 50 minutes | 3 hours 20 minutes |
Distances to Key Airports from Rahway:
| Airport | Nearest City | Connection Method | Approx. Total Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark Liberty (EWR) | Newark, NJ | NJ Transit to Newark Penn, then AirTrain | 30-45 minutes |
| Philadelphia (PHL) | Philadelphia, PA | Amtrak to 30th St Station, then SEPTA Airport Line | 2 hours – 2 hours 30 minutes |
Important Considerations for Your Trip:
- Book in Advance: Especially for Acela Express or during peak travel times, booking your tickets ahead of time can save you money and secure your seat.
- Check Schedules: Amtrak schedules can vary, particularly for those stations with less frequent service (like New Brunswick or Rahway). Always confirm your train times.
- Accessibility: All Amtrak stations in New Jersey are designed to be accessible. If you require special assistance, notify Amtrak when booking your ticket.
- Parking: While most stations offer parking, availability and cost can vary. Check the specific station’s information if you plan to drive.
- NJ Transit Connections: If you’re connecting from other parts of New Jersey, be sure to utilize NJ Transit’s extensive network to get to your Amtrak station.
New Jersey’s Amtrak stations are more than just stops on a map; they are vital links connecting individuals to opportunities, adventures, and the vibrant life of the Northeast Corridor. So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider the comfort, convenience, and scenic routes offered by Amtrak in the Garden State.
Happy travels!