Crossing the Delaware River from Camden, New Jersey, into Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, takes very little time, but planning your trip correctly saves you from traffic gridlock and unexpected expenses. Whether you're commuting for work, heading to a concert, or exploring historic Center City, knowing your transportation options changes everything.
Multiple transit routes span the short distance between the two cities. The right choice depends on your starting point, your budget, and where you need to land in Philly.
PATCO Speedline: The Fastest Rail Option
If you want speed and reliability, the PATCO Speedline is your best bet. This underground and elevated rapid transit rail line runs 24 hours a day, connecting Camden stations directly to Center City Philadelphia.
- Key Stations in Camden: Broadway Station and City Hall Station.
- Key Stations in Philadelphia: Stops run along Locust Street from 8th Street up to 15th-16th & Locust.
- Travel Time: Roughly 10 to 15 minutes from Broadway to Center City.
- Timetables: Trains arrive every few minutes during morning and evening rush hours, shifting to every 20 to 30 minutes late at night.
- Cost: A one-way fare from Camden stations to Philadelphia costs $1.40. You can pay using a contactless payment card, cash, or a PATCO FREEDOM Card at station kiosks.
NJ Transit Buses: Direct Street-Level Transit
When your destination isn't right next to a PATCO stop, NJ Transit buses provide direct cross-river service. Several routes connect Camden's transit hubs with key corridors in Philadelphia.
- Main Routes: Buses like the 401, 407, and local lines run from points around Camden, including Broadway and the Camden Waterfront, heading across the Ben Franklin Bridge or via local transit links into central Philly.
- Travel Time: Expect 15 to 25 minutes depending on bridge traffic.
- Timetables: Departures occur roughly every 30 minutes during peak hours, with reduced frequency late at night.
- Cost: Fares typically range from $2.00 to $6.00 one-way depending on the specific zone. Exact change or the NJ Transit mobile app makes boarding straightforward.
Driving and Ridesharing: Bridges and Tolls
Driving yourself or taking a rideshare service gives you door-to-door convenience, but you have to factor in bridge tolls and city traffic.
- The Routes: You will cross either the Ben Franklin Bridge (I-676) or the Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76), both managed by the Delaware River Port Authority.
- Travel Time: 15 to 30 minutes under normal conditions, but rush hour bottlenecks can easily double this time.
- Costs: Westbound crossings from New Jersey to Pennsylvania require paying a toll. As of recent updates, passenger vehicle tolls on DRPA bridges run around $5.00, payable via E-ZPass or toll-by-plate. If you take an Uber or Lyft, expect fares between $35 and $55 before tip depending on surge pricing and exact pickup points.
RiverLink Ferry: Seasonal and Scenic Crossings
If you are traveling between the Camden Waterfront (near the Adventure Aquarium or Freedom Mortgage Pavilion) and Penn's Landing in Philadelphia, the RiverLink Ferry offers a direct pedestrian link.
- Travel Time: About 12 minutes.
- Timetables: Primarily operates during spring and summer months, as well as for special waterfront events, usually running from mid-morning through early evening.
- Cost: General admission round-trip tickets cost around $12.00 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors. Note that special event fares apply during major concerts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting Toll Directions: Remember that tolls entering Pennsylvania are collected on the New Jersey side bridges; you don't pay a toll heading back east into NJ.
- Relying on Cash for PATCO: While ticket machines take cash, having a contactless credit card or purchasing a FREEDOM card speeds up your entry through the turnstiles.
- Ignoring Event Traffic: Big concerts at the Camden waterfront or sports games in South Philly drastically alter travel times. Check local event calendars before driving across.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I walk or bike across the bridge from Camden to Philly?
Yes. The Ben Franklin Bridge features a dedicated pedestrian walkway on the south side. It's open daily during daylight hours (typically 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM), offering a great view of the skyline. Bicycles are allowed during specific hours, though rules vary by season.
Which transit option is cheapest for daily commuting?
The PATCO Speedline is the most cost-effective and reliable option for commuters traveling between Camden stations and Center City Philadelphia, costing only $1.40 each way.
Do I need an E-ZPass to drive across the bridge?
You don't strictly need one, but it saves money and time. Without E-ZPass, the toll-by-plate system photographs your license plate and mails an invoice to the vehicle's registered owner, sometimes with added administrative processing fees.
Is public transit safe late at night?
PATCO maintains active station platforms with transit police patrols and security cameras around the clock. However, like any metropolitan transit system, staying aware of your surroundings late at night is always smart.
