The best commuter towns in South Jersey for Philadelphia workers are Collingswood, Haddonfield, and Cherry Hill along the PATCO Speedline for train commuters; Cinnaminson, Delran, and Riverton along the River LINE; and Mount Laurel and Marlton for drivers who want quick highway access. Philadelphia workers have been moving to South Jersey for decades, drawn by more affordable housing, lower city taxes, and a high quality of life that is still within reach of Center City. The key is finding the right balance between commute time and the community features that matter to you.
I work with many buyers who work in Philadelphia and want to make the move across the river. Some are first-time buyers who have been renting in the city and are ready for more space. Others are growing families who want good schools and a yard but cannot afford the city's private school tuition. And some are empty nesters who want a walkable downtown with train access. Here is what I have learned about the best commuter towns and how to choose the right one.
The Commuter Options: PATCO, River LINE, NJ Transit, and Driving
South Jersey has several commute options for Philadelphia workers, each with its own advantages:
- PATCO Speedline: The fastest way into Philadelphia. Trains run frequently from stations in Camden County towns including Collingswood, Westmont, Haddonfield, Woodcrest (Cherry Hill), and Ashland (Voorhees). The ride from Haddonfield to 8th and Market takes about 15 minutes. From Ashland, about 22 minutes.
- NJ Transit River LINE: A light rail line that runs from Trenton through Burlington County river towns to Camden, where you can connect to PATCO or buses. Stations serve Bordentown, Florence, Roebling, Riverton, Cinnaminson, Riverside, Delran, and Palmyra.
- NJ Transit buses: Several bus routes connect South Jersey towns directly to Philadelphia, including routes from Mount Laurel, Marlton, Medford, and Willingboro.
- Driving: Routes 295, 70, 38, 73, and 130 all provide highway access to the Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman, Betsy Ross, and Tacony-Palmyra bridges.
Your choice of commute will largely determine which towns are realistic options. If you want a train commute, you will focus on PATCO towns or River LINE towns. If you prefer to drive, a wider range of towns opens up, but you will want to consider bridge traffic and parking costs in Philadelphia.
Collingswood: Walkable, Train-Friendly, and Vibrant
Collingswood is one of the most popular commuter towns in South Jersey, and for good reason. The town has a walkable downtown with excellent restaurants, a farmers market, and a strong sense of community. The PATCO station is right in the center of town, making the commute to Philadelphia quick and convenient.
The train ride from Collingswood to Center City takes about 12 minutes. Trains run frequently, especially during peak hours, and the parking at the station is well-managed for residents. Many Collingswood commuters report door-to-door commute times of under 45 minutes from their home to their office in Center City.
Collingswood's housing stock includes historic Victorians, row homes, and twins at a range of price points. The town has a lively dining scene along Haddon Avenue and strong community events like the annual Collingswood Book Festival and the farmers market.
What commuters love about Collingswood:
- PATCO station in the heart of downtown
- 12-minute train ride to Center City
- Walkable downtown with excellent dining
- Strong community identity and events
- Historic homes with character and charm
Haddonfield: Premium Location, Premium Commute
Haddonfield offers one of the best lifestyle-commute balances in South Jersey. The PATCO station is steps from Kings Highway, the town's walkable main street. The train takes about 15 minutes to reach Center City, and the town itself is a destination with boutique shopping, farm-to-table restaurants, and a historic character that is hard to match.
Haddonfield's homes are among the most expensive in Camden County, but the combination of top-rated schools, walkability, and train access makes it a top choice for professionals who can afford the premium. Many residents walk or bike to the PATCO station, leaving their cars at home.
Cherry Hill: Convenience and Options
Cherry Hill has two PATCO stations: Woodcrest and Ashland. Both offer direct access to Philadelphia with ample parking. The drive from Cherry Hill to Center City via the Walt Whitman Bridge takes about 20 to 25 minutes in moderate traffic.
Cherry Hill's advantage is options. You can take PATCO, drive, or take a NJ Transit bus. The town is large enough that you can find the right neighborhood for your budget and lifestyle, from affordable townhomes near the PATCO station to larger single-family homes in established neighborhoods.
Cinnaminson and Delran: River LINE Commuters
For buyers who want Burlington County's excellent schools and river town lifestyle with a train commute, the River LINE communities of Cinnaminson, Delran, and Riverton are excellent options.
The River LINE connects these towns to the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, where you can transfer to PATCO for the ride into Philadelphia. The total commute time from Cinnaminson to Center City is about 45 to 55 minutes, including the transfer.
Cinnaminson and Delran offer excellent schools, riverfront parks, and more moderate home prices than the PATCO corridor towns. For families who want suburban amenities with a rail commute, these towns are among the best values in the region.
Mount Laurel and Marlton: Driver's Choice
Mount Laurel and Marlton (Evesham) are two of the most popular towns for commuters who prefer to drive. Located at the intersection of Routes 70, 73, 38, and 295, both towns offer quick highway access to the bridges into Philadelphia.
The drive from Mount Laurel to Center City takes about 25 to 35 minutes in typical traffic. From Marlton, add 5 to 10 minutes. Both towns offer excellent schools, extensive shopping and dining, and a wide range of housing options.
For commuters who want the convenience of driving and the space that comes with living further from the train lines, Mount Laurel and Marlton are top choices. NJ Transit also operates bus routes from both towns to Philadelphia, providing an alternative to driving.
How to Choose the Right Commuter Town
Here is a framework I share with commuting buyers:
- Train or drive? If you want a train commute, focus on PATCO towns (Collingswood, Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Voorhees) or River LINE towns (Cinnaminson, Riverton, Palmyra, Delran, Florence, Bordentown)
- How much time can you tolerate? Every 10 minutes of commute time you add typically saves you $30,000 to $50,000 on the home price
- What about parking? If you drive to Philadelphia, factor in the cost of monthly parking, which can run $200 to $400 per month in Center City
- School quality matters: Even if you do not have children, buying in a town with good schools protects your resale value
- Test the commute: Before committing to a town, do the actual commute a few times during peak hours to see what it really feels like
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest commute from South Jersey to Philadelphia?
The PATCO Speedline from Collingswood or Haddonfield to 8th and Market Street takes about 12 to 15 minutes. From the Woodcrest station in Cherry Hill, about 18 minutes. This is the fastest option for most South Jersey commuters.
Which South Jersey town has the best train access to Philadelphia?
Collingswood, Haddonfield, and Cherry Hill all have PATCO stations with direct, frequent service to Philadelphia. Collingswood and Haddonfield offer walkable downtowns where you can live car-light or car-free.
How long is the commute from Mount Laurel to Philadelphia?
By car, about 25 to 35 minutes in typical traffic via Route 70 or 38 to the Walt Whitman Bridge. By NJ Transit bus, about 35 to 45 minutes. Mount Laurel also offers quick access to the PATCO station in Cherry Hill.
Is the River LINE a good option for commuting?
Yes, for Burlington County river town residents. The River LINE connects towns like Cinnaminson, Riverton, and Bordentown to Camden, where you transfer to PATCO. The total commute is longer than PATCO-only towns, but the home prices and schools in these towns are excellent.
Which commuter town is most affordable?
Maple Shade and Pennsauken offer PATCO-adjacent living at lower price points. River LINE towns like Delran, Riverside, and Florence offer reasonable pricing with train access. For drivers, Willingboro and Pemberton offer the lowest home prices with a reasonable commute.