Driving to Philadelphia International Airport from Princeton New Jersey

The drive from Princeton New Jersey to the Philadelphia International Airport takes a little over an hour if you go early in the morning – think leaving before 5AM - or later in the evening after the rush hour.  The same drive can take twice as long if you go during the morning or evening rush hour.
 
The great thing about Princeton is that it’s located between 2 good airports – Philadelphia International and Newark Airport.  The drive to Newark takes a little less time because more of the travel time happens on major highways like 287 and the New Jersey Turnpike.  I95 to Philadelphia is still only 2 lanes in places and the speed limit in Pennsylvania is 55 Miles per hour.
 
So it may be a little easier to get to Newark International Airport, but once you are there be prepared for disappointment.  Even the daily parking at Newark requires a train ride to get to the terminal – and while the ride is short – trains run few and far between later in the evening.  There is nothing more annoying then getting off a plane and then having to wait for 15 minutes to catch a train to the parking deck.  Buses to the outer lots take even longer!
 
The daily parking situation at Philadelphia airport is much better (and cheaper).  The parking decks are actually right across from the terminal buildings so you can walk there after you park – no waiting for trains or buses.  For longer term parking, you will have to take a bus at this airport.
 
Security at Newark airport can be a nightmare – almost any time of the day.  You can get there at 6AM and have to wait for more than 30 minutes to get through security.  Think going to Disney world and waiting online for a popular ride.  Things get even worse when the weather is bad the night before and flights are cancelled.  I’ve seen 1,000 plus people waiting to go through security then.  I’m sure security at Philly can get bad also, but it’s never reached the proportion of Newark airport.
 
Since Newark is a larger airport than Philadelphia, it does have a wider variety of places to eat and shop – not a bad thing if you have to spend some time there.
 
So it’s a little easier and shorter to drive to Newark airport from Princeton New Jersey and it has more food options, but the parking and security are much better at Philadelphia airport.  My vote hands down is Philadelphia.     Posted 4/26/09.

 

 

 

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