PATCO Speedline Guide: Best Towns Along the Route

The PATCO Speedline is the backbone of the Philadelphia commuter corridor in South Jersey. For anyone considering a move to the region, understanding how PATCO works and which towns it serves is one of the most important decisions you will make. The right station can mean a 12-minute train ride to Center City. The wrong one can mean a 30-minute drive just to get to the train.

I have spent the last 20 years helping buyers find the right PATCO-accessible town for their budget, lifestyle, and commute preferences. This guide breaks down every New Jersey station on the line, the communities they serve, and what you need to know before choosing a home along the PATCO corridor.

How PATCO Works: What Every Rider Should Know

PATCO (Port Authority Transit Corporation) operates a 14.2-mile high-speed rail line between Lindenwold, New Jersey, and Center City Philadelphia. The line has 13 stations in New Jersey and 2 in Philadelphia, making it the most direct transit connection between the two states.

Key things to know about PATCO:

• 24/7 service: PATCO is one of the few commuter rail systems in the country that runs around the clock. Trains run every 7-10 minutes during peak hours, every 15-20 minutes during off-peak daytime, and every 30-40 minutes overnight.
• Affordable fares: A one-way ride costs $1.40 with a Freedom Card, or $1.60 with cash. A round trip purchased the same day is $3.00. Monthly passes are available for frequent riders.
• Free parking: Most suburban stations have free Park-and-Ride lots. Woodcrest, Ashland, and Lindenwold have the largest lots with thousands of spaces.
• Quiet ride: PATCO trains are known for being clean and quiet. Many riders use the commute time to read, work, or relax.
• Bike-friendly: Bikes are allowed on all trains at all times. Each car has designated bike spaces.

PATCO Stations in New Jersey: Station-by-Station Guide

Here is every PATCO station in New Jersey, listed from the Philadelphia side outward, with the towns they serve and what you need to know about each one.

Broadway (Camden)

The Broadway station is located in downtown Camden, near the Camden County Courthouse and Rutgers-Camden. It serves Camden residents and connects to NJ Transit buses and the River LINE light rail. While Camden itself is not a typical residential destination for most suburban buyers, this station is a critical transfer point for commuters coming from River LINE towns.

• Commute to Philadelphia: 4 minutes
• Parking: Limited street parking
• Best for: Transferring between River LINE and PATCO

City Hall (Camden)

The City Hall station is located at 5th and Market in Camden, near the Camden City Hall and the Adventure Aquarium. Like Broadway, it serves as a connection point rather than a residential commuter station.

• Commute to Philadelphia: 5 minutes
• Parking: Limited street parking
• Best for: Camden workers and River LINE connections

Ferry Avenue (Camden)

The Ferry Avenue station serves the Fairview and Parkside neighborhoods of Camden. It is the first station with a parking lot, making it a potential option for commuters from nearby areas who want to avoid the longer drive to suburban stations.

• Commute to Philadelphia: 7 minutes
• Parking: Free lot available
• Best for: Budget-conscious commuters close to Camden

Collingswood

Collingswood is one of the most popular PATCO towns in South Jersey, and for good reason. The station is located right in the heart of downtown Collingswood's Haddon Avenue, surrounded by excellent restaurants, shops, and a vibrant community. The 12-minute train ride to Center City is the shortest of any suburban station.

• Commute to Philadelphia: 12 minutes
• Parking: Paid permit parking for residents, limited free parking
• Home prices: $325K to $600K
• Schools: Collingswood Public Schools, solid K-12 district
• Best for: Buyers who want a walkable, vibrant downtown with the shortest train commute

Collingswood is especially popular with young professionals and couples who want to live in a walkable community with easy access to Philadelphia. The town's farmers market, restaurant scene, and community events make it feel like a small city neighborhood, not a typical suburb.

Westmont

Westmont is a station located in the unincorporated community of Westmont, part of Haddon Township. The station is about a 15-minute walk from the Collingswood downtown and has its own small commercial district. Westmont offers a more affordable entry point than Collingswood while still being close to the same amenities.

• Commute to Philadelphia: 14 minutes
• Parking: Free lot available
• Home prices: $300K to $500K
• Schools: Haddon Township Schools, well-regarded K-12
• Best for: Buyers who want Collingswood-adjacent living at a lower price point

Haddonfield

Haddonfield is the premier PATCO town. Its historic downtown along Kings Highway is one of the best in South Jersey, with boutique shops, acclaimed restaurants, and a walkable layout that rivals many city neighborhoods. The PATCO station is steps from the main street, and the 15-minute ride to Center City is among the fastest.

• Commute to Philadelphia: 15 minutes
• Parking: Paid permit parking for residents, limited free parking
• Home prices: $500K to $1M+
• Schools: Ranked #2 in Camden County by Niche
• Best for: Professionals who want a premium walkable town with top schools

Haddonfield's combination of PATCO access, walkability, and school quality is unmatched in the region. The trade-off is price. Homes here command a premium, but they also hold their value exceptionally well. For buyers who can afford the entry point, Haddonfield is one of the best long-term investments in South Jersey.

Read the complete Haddonfield living guide.

Woodcrest (Cherry Hill)

The Woodcrest station is located in Cherry Hill, near the intersection of Route 70 and I-295. It has the largest Park-and-Ride lot on the line, making it the primary station for Cherry Hill residents and commuters from nearby towns like Mount Laurel and Marlton.

• Commute to Philadelphia: 17 minutes
• Parking: Large free lot with thousands of spaces
• Home prices: $350K to $800K
• Schools: Cherry Hill Public Schools, highly rated
• Best for: Families who want suburban amenities with PATCO access

Cherry Hill is large enough that you can find the right neighborhood for your budget and lifestyle. Some neighborhoods are within walking distance of the station. Others require a short drive. The Park-and-Ride lot is large enough that you can always find a spot, even during peak hours.

Read the complete Cherry Hill living guide.

Ashland (Cherry Hill)

The Ashland station is the second PATCO station in Cherry Hill, located further east near the intersection of Route 70 and Springdale Road. It serves the eastern part of Cherry Hill and the nearby communities of Voorhees and Gibbsboro. Like Woodcrest, Ashland has a large Park-and-Ride lot.

• Commute to Philadelphia: 20 minutes
• Parking: Large free lot
• Home prices: $350K to $750K
• Best for: Cherry Hill and Voorhees residents who want easy highway access

Lindenwold

The Lindenwold station is the end of the line in New Jersey. It serves Lindenwold, Clementon, and the surrounding communities. This is the most affordable station area on the line, with lower home prices and a longer commute.

• Commute to Philadelphia: 24 minutes
• Parking: Large free lot
• Home prices: $200K to $400K
• Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want PATCO access

Which PATCO Town Is Right for You?

Choosing the right PATCO town depends on your priorities. Here is a quick decision guide:

• Shortest commute: Collingswood (12 minutes)
• Best schools: Haddonfield
• Best value: Cherry Hill (Woodcrest or Ashland area)
• Most walkable: Collingswood or Haddonfield
• Best for families: Cherry Hill or Haddonfield
• Most affordable: Lindenwold area
• Best parking: Woodcrest (Cherry Hill) or Ashland

How to Buy a Home Along the PATCO Line

If you are looking to buy a home along the PATCO line, here are a few tips from my experience:

• Check the walkability to the station. Homes within a 10-minute walk of a PATCO station command a premium, but they also sell faster and hold their value better. If you have to drive to the station, make sure the parking situation works for your schedule.
• Consider the trade-off between commute time and home price. Every 5 minutes of additional PATCO ride time typically saves you $30,000 to $50,000 on the home price. The question is whether that extra time is worth the savings to you.
• Think about the school district. Even if you do not have children, buying in a town with good schools protects your resale value. PATCO towns with strong schools tend to appreciate faster than those without.
• Do the actual commute. Before committing to a town, take the PATCO from that station during peak hours. See how it feels. Check the parking situation. Make sure the reality matches the map.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the PATCO ride from each New Jersey station to Philadelphia?

From Collingswood: 12 minutes. From Westmont: 14 minutes. From Haddonfield: 15 minutes. From Woodcrest (Cherry Hill): 17 minutes. From Ashland (Cherry Hill): 20 minutes. From Lindenwold: 24 minutes.

Is PATCO parking free?

Most suburban PATCO stations have free parking. Woodcrest, Ashland, and Lindenwold have large free Park-and-Ride lots. Collingswood and Haddonfield have paid permit parking for residents and limited free parking. Check the specific station's parking policy before you rely on it.

Does PATCO run 24 hours?

Yes, PATCO runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trains run every 7-10 minutes during peak hours, every 15-20 minutes during off-peak daytime, and every 30-40 minutes overnight. This is one of the best features of the system.

What is the best PATCO town for families?

Haddonfield and Cherry Hill are the best PATCO towns for families. Haddonfield offers top-rated schools and a walkable downtown. Cherry Hill offers excellent schools, abundant amenities, and more affordable home prices.

How much does a PATCO monthly pass cost?

A PATCO monthly pass costs $74.50 for unlimited rides between any two stations. This is an excellent value for daily commuters, working out to about $1.55 per ride if you commute 20 days per month.

Can you bring a bike on PATCO?

Yes, bikes are allowed on all PATCO trains at all times. Each car has designated bike spaces. This makes PATCO an excellent option for bike-and-ride commuters who bike to the station or from the station to their office.