- Must visit
Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton's premier art museum is nationally respected for global collections and thoughtful exhibitions on a major Ivy League campus.
Cheapest price
€6
Average price
€63
Fastest journey
43 m
Average duration
50 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
69 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New York, NY to Princeton, NJ is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from New York, NY to Princeton, NJ will cost around €63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €6.
Of the 8 trains that leave New York, NY for Princeton, NJ on Fri, Jul 31, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct trains cover the 69 km distance in an average of 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 43 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest trains will take 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
607 Keystone Service
111 Northeast Regional
79 Carolinian
177 Northeast Regional
129 Northeast Regional
657 Keystone Service
607 Keystone Service
111 Northeast Regional
129 Northeast Regional
641 Keystone ServiceOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New York, NY to Princeton, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €16, and a train costs an average of €5.
Distance: 42 miles (69 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€20 Average price | €16 Average price Cheapest | €20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 21m Average total duration Fastest 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from New York, NY to Princeton, NJ:
A bus is €4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New York, NY to Princeton, NJ costing on average €20.
Other travel options to Princeton, NJ take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 30m.
You'll arrive about 25m sooner (51m by train vs 1h 16m by car). Tickets start at around €20 compared to roughly €20 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for New York, NY to Princeton, NJ trains for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
607 Keystone Service | 5:50 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0h49 | 6:39 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
79 Carolinian | 7:04 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 1h01 | 8:05 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
641 Keystone Service | 7:17 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0h54 | 8:11 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
131 Northeast Regional | 12:10 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0h54 | 1:04 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
129 Northeast Regional | 4:24 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0h53 | 5:17 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
657 Keystone Service | 8:30 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0h43 | 9:13 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
177 Northeast Regional | 10:05 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0h55 | 11:00 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 31 | |||||
111 Northeast Regional | 4:50 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0h52 | 5:42 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from New York, NY to Princeton, NJ run on average 6 times per day, taking around 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €5 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:50, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 42 miles (69 km) distance in 43m.
Distance 42 miles (69 km) |
Average train duration 51m |
Cheapest ticket price €5 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 43m |
First train 4:50 AM |
Last train 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Princeton, NJ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Princeton, NJ trip today.
Princeton's premier art museum is nationally respected for global collections and thoughtful exhibitions on a major Ivy League campus.
This historic mansion museum presents New Jersey history, decorative arts, and changing exhibitions in elegant garden surroundings.
A compact local history museum with engaging exhibits on Princeton's people, neighborhoods, and role in the American Revolution.
This lively main street anchors downtown with historic architecture, university atmosphere, shops, and easy access to major sights.
A scenic towpath along the historic canal popular for walking, cycling, birding, and peaceful waterside views near town.
This broad parkland preserves the 1777 battlefield and offers trails, open lawns, and one of Princeton's most meaningful landscapes.
A New Jersey classic often found around Princeton: thin-sliced pork roll grilled on a breakfast sandwich, prized as a local comfort food with deep regional loyalty.
Fresh Jersey corn is a summer staple in Central New Jersey, valued for its sweetness and strong farm-to-table link to the Princeton area.
Tomato pie is a regional favorite in nearby New Jersey and Philadelphia style: a thin crust topped with bright tomato sauce, often served at room temperature.
Long-running Italian restaurant celebrated for tomato pies, pasta, and classic red-sauce dishes in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Refined fine-dining destination at The Peacock Inn serving contemporary American cuisine with an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Lively Princeton favorite known for upscale comfort food, craft beer, and a bustling bar scene in a polished but relaxed setting.
Moderate for U.S. college towns. Hotels and dining run above small-town averages, but local transit is limited and many everyday food options remain reasonably priced.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. Cafes often use tip jars or card prompts; $1-2 is common.
The train connection between New York, NY and Princeton, NJ is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the charming town of Princeton. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway. Amtrak provides reliable service on this route, ensuring comfortable travel with amenities that cater to both leisure and business passengers. Enjoy scenic views along the way as you transition from the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes surrounding Princeton.
The train connection between New York, NY and Princeton, NJ takes approximately 43 minutes. There are no direct trains available for this route; however, multiple connections operate daily.
The first daily train journey departs from New York at 08:50 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to Princeton. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 08:39 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore and return in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from New York to Princeton is $6 (5.4€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $24 (21.6€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two vibrant locations in the northeastern United States.
Princeton University, founded in 1746, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the United States. Its significance lies not only in its rigorous academic programs but also as a breeding ground for influential leaders across various fields, including politics and science. Unique features include its stunning Gothic architecture and expansive campus that blends history with modern innovation.
Nassau Hall, completed in 1756, serves as Princeton University's oldest building and has played a pivotal role throughout American history; it even housed Congress during the Revolutionary War. This landmark symbolizes both educational excellence and historical resilience while showcasing beautiful Georgian-style architecture that captivates visitors. One unique aspect is its impressive clock tower which chimes every hour—a reminder of time's passage through this storied institution.
The McCarter Theatre Center stands out as a cultural gem within Princeton since opening its doors in 1930 to provide an artistic platform for theater lovers. It holds significant importance by hosting world-class performances ranging from drama to music—making it a vital part of New Jersey’s vibrant arts scene. What sets McCarter apart are its intimate performance spaces designed to create immersive experiences between artists and audiences alike, ensuring each visit feels personal yet grand.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New York, NY to Princeton, NJ by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Princeton, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most New York, NY to Princeton, NJ trains use the Penn Station to Princeton Junction Station station pair. Use this guide to compare New York, NY and Princeton, NJ train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Penn Station is 4 km from New York city centre. Public transport options include:
Penn Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Blue Bottle Coffee, Magnolia Bakery, Starbucks, The Pennsy Food Hall, Nick + Stef's Steakhouse, Penn & Sushi, Krispy Kreme Donuts, T.G.I. Friday's, NY Pizza Suprema, Blarney Stone, & many more
Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00. Information desks are located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
Luggage storage is baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall. .
Available at Penn Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Penn Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penn Station: Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
Nearby hotels include The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea, Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need