One of the most common questions I hear from buyers considering a move to South Jersey is about the commute. How long does it take to get to Philadelphia? What towns have the best transit access? Is it better to drive or take the train? The answer depends on where you work, how you prefer to travel, and what you are willing to trade off for a shorter or more comfortable commute.
Over 20 years of helping buyers in this region, I have learned which towns work best for different commuter profiles. This guide covers the top options, from PATCO-served walkable downtowns to drive-friendly suburbs with easy highway access.
15-25 min
PATCO to Center City
20-40 min
Drive to Philadelphia
13
PATCO Stations in NJ
$3.00
PATCO Round Trip Fare
What Are Your Commute Options From South Jersey to Philadelphia?
Before we dive into specific towns, it helps to understand the transit options available:
- PATCO Speedline: The high-speed rail line connecting Camden County (and one stop in Burlington County) to Center City Philadelphia. Trains run 24/7, with frequent service during peak hours. Stations in New Jersey include: Woodcrest, Haddonfield, Westmont, Collingswood, Ferry Avenue, Broadway (Camden), and City Hall (Camden). The ride from Woodcrest to 8th & Market in Philadelphia takes about 17 minutes.
- NJ Transit River LINE: Light rail connecting Burlington County river towns to the Trenton Transit Center. From Trenton, you can connect to NJ Transit Northeast Corridor trains to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. Stations include: Riverside, Riverton, Palmyra, Cinnaminson, Burlington South, Burlington Town Centre, and more.
- NJ Transit Bus: Multiple bus routes connect Burlington County towns directly to Philadelphia. Key routes include Route 317 (Lumberton, Mount Holly to Philadelphia) and Route 413 (Burlington City to Philadelphia).
- Driving: Three bridges connect South Jersey to Philadelphia: the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (Route 73), the Ben Franklin Bridge (I-676), and the Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76). I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike provide regional access. Most Burlington County towns are a 20-to-40-minute drive from Center City, depending on traffic.
Best PATCO-Served Towns
If you want the shortest, most reliable transit commute, PATCO is the gold standard. Here are the best towns along the line:
Haddonfield
Haddonfield is the premier PATCO-accessible town. Its historic downtown is one of the best in South Jersey, with boutique shops, acclaimed restaurants, and a walkable Main Street that rivals many city neighborhoods. The PATCO station is at the center of town, and the ride to Center City takes about 17 minutes.
- Commute time: 17 minutes on PATCO to Center City
- Home prices: $500K to $1M+
- Schools: Ranked #2 in Camden County by Niche
- Walk Score: High. The downtown is very walkable, and many homes are within walking distance of the PATCO station
- Best for: Professionals who want a walkable, train-accessible town with top schools and a vibrant downtown
Read the complete Haddonfield living guide.
Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill is the largest and most diverse community on the PATCO line. It offers the Woodcrest and Ashland PATCO stations, both with large Park-and-Ride lots. The town itself is suburban with excellent shopping, dining, and schools. You get the convenience of PATCO access with the amenities of a full-service suburb.
- Commute time: 17 minutes on PATCO from Woodcrest to Center City
- Home prices: $350K to $800K
- Schools: Cherry Hill Public Schools, highly rated with strong programs
- Walk Score: Moderate. Most areas are car-dependent, but some neighborhoods are walkable to the PATCO station
- Best for: Families who want PATCO access, great schools, and abundant amenities
Read the complete Cherry Hill living guide.
Collingswood
Collingswood is a walkable, artsy town with a vibrant downtown, a farmers market, and a strong sense of community. The PATCO station is at the center of town, and the ride to Philadelphia is about 12 minutes. Home prices are more accessible than Haddonfield, while still offering excellent schools and a walkable lifestyle.
- Commute time: 12 minutes on PATCO to Center City
- Home prices: $325K to $600K
- Schools: Collingswood Public Schools, solid K-12 district
- Walk Score: High. Haddon Avenue is lined with restaurants, shops, and the PATCO station
- Best for: Buyers who want a walkable, affordable town with quick PATCO access
Best River LINE Towns
The River LINE is a light rail line that runs along the Delaware River from Trenton to Camden. It serves several Burlington County river towns and connects to NJ Transit Northeast Corridor trains at Trenton, providing access to both Philadelphia and New York.
Cinnaminson
Cinnaminson is a family-friendly river town with excellent schools, beautiful parks along the Delaware River, and the Cinnaminson River LINE station. The train to Trenton takes about 20 minutes, and from there, NJ Transit trains reach Philadelphia's 30th Street Station in about 35 minutes total. Many residents also drive across the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, which is about a 25-minute drive to Center City.
- Commute time: 25 minutes drive, ~35 minutes by River LINE + NJ Transit
- Home prices: $350K to $650K
- Schools: Cinnaminson Township Public Schools, highly rated K-12
- Best for: Families who want excellent schools, riverfront living, and a flexible commute
Read the complete Cinnaminson living guide.
Palmyra
Palmyra is a small, historic river town with a tight-knit community, the Palmyra Cove Nature Park, and a River LINE station. The drive to Philadelphia is about 15-20 minutes via the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Palmyra offers more affordable entry points than nearby Riverton or Cinnaminson.
- Commute time: 15-20 minutes drive, ~30 minutes by River LINE + NJ Transit
- Home prices: $275K to $500K
- Schools: Palmyra Public Schools with strong K-8, then Cinnaminson High School
- Best for: Buyers who want a walkable river town with a quick drive to Philadelphia
Read the Palmyra relocation guide.
Riverton
Riverton is a historic National Register District with stunning Victorian architecture, a walkable downtown, and a riverfront park. The River LINE station provides access to Trenton and Philadelphia. Riverton's charm comes at a premium, but it is one of the most unique and beautiful communities in Burlington County.
- Commute time: 15-20 minutes drive, ~30 minutes by River LINE + NJ Transit
- Home prices: $400K to $800K+
- Schools: K-8 in Riverton, then Cinnaminson High School
- Best for: Buyers who value historic character, walkability, and a short commute
Read the complete Riverton living guide.
Best Drive-Friendly Towns
If you prefer to drive, or if your work schedule does not align with transit schedules, these towns offer the best highway access for a smooth commute:
Mount Laurel
Mount Laurel's location at the intersection of Route 38, Route 73, and I-295 makes it one of the most accessible towns in Burlington County. The drive to Center City Philadelphia takes about 20-30 minutes. Mount Laurel also has a diverse housing stock, from affordable townhomes to estate properties, and excellent schools.
- Commute time: 20-30 minutes drive to Center City
- Home prices: $300K to $700K
- Schools: Mount Laurel Schools (K-8) + Lenape Regional High School District
- Best for: Commuters who drive and want maximum flexibility and housing variety
Read the complete Mount Laurel living guide.
Moorestown
Moorestown is centrally located with easy access to Route 38, Route 295, and the New Jersey Turnpike. The drive to Philadelphia is about 30 minutes. While Moorestown does not have a PATCO station, its location and road access make it a convenient choice for drivers. The top-ranked schools and historic downtown are additional draws.
- Commute time: 30 minutes drive to Center City
- Home prices: $535K to $787K+
- Schools: #10 in New Jersey by Niche
- Best for: Families who prioritize schools and are willing to drive for the commute
Read the Moorestown relocation guide.
Marlton (Evesham)
Marlton is a large, family-friendly community with excellent schools, abundant shopping and dining, and easy access to Route 70, Route 73, and I-295. The drive to Philadelphia takes about 25-35 minutes. Marlton offers a wide range of housing options and price points.
- Commute time: 25-35 minutes drive to Center City
- Home prices: $350K to $650K
- Schools: Evesham Township School District, feeding into Cherokee High School
- Best for: Families who want great schools, shopping, and dining with a straightforward drive
Read the complete Marlton living guide.
Medford
Medford is a bit farther from the bridges, offering a 30-to-40-minute drive to Philadelphia. The trade-off is more space, larger lots, and a quieter, more rural feel. Medford's historic village center, excellent schools, and strong community make it a popular choice for those who do not mind a slightly longer commute.
- Commute time: 30-40 minutes drive to Center City
- Home prices: $400K to $800K+
- Schools: Medford Township Schools, feeding into Shawnee High School
- Best for: Buyers who want space, privacy, and top schools and are willing to drive a bit longer
Read the Medford relocation guide.
How to Choose the Right Commuter Town for You
Here is a quick decision guide based on your commute preference:
- Shortest transit commute: Collingswood (12 minutes on PATCO)
- Best walkable town with PATCO: Haddonfield
- Best value with PATCO access: Cherry Hill (Woodcrest station area)
- Best river town with transit: Cinnaminson or Palmyra (River LINE)
- Best drive commute with top schools: Moorestown or Mount Laurel
- Best value with drive commute: Marlton or Mount Laurel
- Best for space and a rural feel: Medford (30-40 minute drive)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does PATCO take from South Jersey to Philadelphia?
From Woodcrest (Cherry Hill), PATCO reaches Center City Philadelphia in about 17 minutes. From Collingswood, about 12 minutes. From Haddonfield, about 15 minutes. Trains run every 7-10 minutes during peak hours and 24/7.
What is the cheapest South Jersey town for commuters?
Palmyra, Riverside, and Collingswood offer some of the most affordable entry points for commuters. Palmyra and Riverside provide River LINE access and quick drives to Philadelphia. Collingswood is on the PATCO line with a 12-minute ride to Center City.
Is it better to drive or take the train from South Jersey to Philadelphia?
It depends on where you live and work. PATCO is faster and more reliable for Center City destinations. Driving is better if you work outside Center City, have irregular hours, or need a car during the day. Many commuters use a combination: PATCO when it works, driving when it doesn't.
What is the best town for a family with a Philadelphia commute?
For the best balance of schools, commute, and community, consider Haddonfield (PATCO, top schools), Cherry Hill (PATCO, great schools, affordable), or Cinnaminson (River LINE, excellent schools, good value). Each offers a strong school system and a manageable commute.
How much does it cost to park at PATCO stations?
Parking at PATCO stations is free at most lots. Woodcrest, Ashland, and Lindenwold have large Park-and-Ride lots. Some stations have paid parking or permit requirements. The PATCO website has up-to-date parking information for each station.
Find Your Commuter Town
The right commuter town depends on your specific situation. I have helped many buyers find the perfect balance of commute time, schools, home value, and lifestyle. Let me help you find yours.
Bob Millaway
Redfin Senior Agent and AI Certified Agent with over 20 years of experience helping families find the right South Jersey community for their commute and lifestyle. License: Salesperson · 791082 · NJ
About Bob