All Aboard: Train from Princeton to New York City

Taking the train from Princeton Junction to New York City is always an adventure – especially if you don’t have a parking permit.  Start out early if you are planning to  go during the week – you’ll need to get to the train station before 7am if you want to use the Princeton Junction parking lots.  Otherwise you’ll have to use one of the auxiliary parking lots that are run by entrepreneurs using their driveways and backyards for the overflow.  Currently they charge around $8 for the day.
 
Once you’ve found your parking place, make sure you check the train schedule carefully for arrival times at Penn Station in New York City.  The difference between the New Jersey Transit local train that makes frequent stops, and the faster express train can be almost a half hour longer.  A roundtrip ticket from Princeton Junction to Penn Station on the New Jersey transit express train is $23.50.  The local NJ Transit train is $7 less.  Amtrak also has a few trains that run in the early morning from Princeton to Penn Station.  These trains can get you into the city in an hour or less, but cost between $30 and $43.
 
If you live in Princeton, the other alternative is to take the Dinky (also operated by New Jersey transit) to the Princeton Junction train station.  The Dinky station is located on University Place in Princeton, just across from the McCarter theatre.  This is only a 5 minute ride and is certainly easier than driving if you live in proximity to this station.
 
Although the train ride from Princeton to New York City doesn’t provide an abundance of scenery, there are a few landmarks to watch out for.  Some of the notable sites that you’ll be able to observe include the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Prudential Center in Newark (south bound track side), and some of the New York City skyline, including the Empire State Building (north bound side).
 
Once you arrive at Penn Station in New York City, you’ll have complete access to all of the transportation alternatives that the city has to offer – subways, buses, taxis and trains to other destinations.  Posted 10/14/2008.

Below is a video of the Dinky Train that runs between Princeton University and the Princeton Junction railway station.  The Dinky is also operated by New Jersey Transit.

 

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