- Recommended
Zimmerli Art Museum
Rutgers University’s major art museum, known for Russian and Soviet nonconformist art as well as American and European collections. A strong cultural stop in the city center.
Cheapest price
$76
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
45 m
Average duration
52 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
85 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.
Of the 4 trains that leave Philadelphia, PA for New Brunswick, NJ on Sun, May 31, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 85 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 45 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 56 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.
160 Northeast Regional
164 Northeast Regional
158 Northeast Regional
132 Northeast Regional
160 Northeast Regional
158 Northeast Regional
164 Northeast Regional
132 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $7.
Distance: 52 miles (85 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $12 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 20m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 45m Average total duration 1h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ:
A bus is $41 (€33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ costing on average $74 (€59).
Other travel options to New Brunswick, NJ take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 15m.
You'll arrive about 17m sooner (50m by train vs 1h 7m by car). Tickets start at around $74 (€59) compared to roughly $12 (€10) 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 Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
164 Northeast Regional | 11:05 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0h54 | 11:59 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
158 Northeast Regional | 8:10 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0h52 | 9:02 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 31 | |||||
160 Northeast Regional | 7:14 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0h45 | 7:59 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, NJ run on average 3 times per day, taking around 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $7 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:27, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 52 miles (85 km) distance in 45m.
Distance 52 miles (85 km) |
Average train duration 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 (€6) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 45m |
First train 12:27 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of New Brunswick — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Brunswick trip today.
Rutgers University’s major art museum, known for Russian and Soviet nonconformist art as well as American and European collections. A strong cultural stop in the city center.
A small university museum with fossils, minerals, dinosaur exhibits, and earth science displays. Popular with families and a local favorite for a short educational visit.
One of New Jersey’s notable university art museums, offering rotating exhibitions and a respected permanent collection in an accessible campus setting.
The most visited part of Rutgers in New Brunswick, with historic buildings, student energy, and classic campus scenery. Ideal for a first walk through the city.
Downtown New Brunswick’s main street, lined with theaters, shops, and urban activity. It is the city’s most recognizable walking corridor.
A riverside park along the Raritan with open lawns, event space, and skyline views. It is popular for walks, photos, and outdoor relaxation.
A New Jersey breakfast classic made with griddled pork roll, egg, and cheese on a kaiser roll. It is especially iconic across Central New Jersey and widely loved locally.
A regional pizza style linked to New Jersey and nearby Trenton, often featuring a thin crust with cheese under a bright tomato sauce. It is a local favorite worth seeking out.
Diner-style fries topped with brown gravy and melted cheese, similar to poutine. They are a nostalgic New Jersey comfort food commonly found in classic diners.
An established upscale restaurant known for dry-aged steaks, an extensive wine program, and polished service in a refined setting near downtown.
A popular casual spot specializing in gourmet hot dogs inspired by regional styles, with a strong beer selection and relaxed pub energy.
A long-running cocktail bar and restaurant known for creative drinks, a lively atmosphere, and an eclectic menu that has made it a local favorite.
Prices are moderate for the region. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and upscale meals cost more.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20% for strong service. Bartenders USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis 10-15%. Hotel staff USD 1-5. Tipping is expected in most service settings.
Traveling between Philadelphia, PA and New Brunswick, NJ is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. With frequent service connecting these two cities, you can enjoy the scenic views of the Northeast Corridor while relaxing in comfortable seating. The train ride typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for both business travelers and tourists looking to explore all that each city has to offer.
Traveling from Philadelphia to New Brunswick takes approximately 45 minutes with direct connections available. There are 4 trains operating daily on this route. Passengers will depart from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia and arrive at New Brunswick Station in New Jersey.
The first daily train journey departs from Philadelphia at 1:40 PM, providing an afternoon option for travelers. The last departure of the day leaves New Brunswick at 10:50 PM, allowing for a late return after exploring the attractions in either city.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Philadelphia and New Brunswick is $21 (19€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $56 (50.4€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in the northeastern United States.
Welcome to Rutgers University, the eighth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, founded in 1766. Its significance lies not only in its rich academic tradition but also as a pivotal player in American history, having been involved with both the Revolutionary War and civil rights movements. Unique features include its stunning campus architecture that blends colonial charm with modern facilities and an extensive library system housing rare manuscripts.
Next on our tour is The State Theatre New Jersey, a historic venue that has been captivating audiences since it opened its doors in 1921. This landmark holds great importance as a cultural hub for performing arts, showcasing everything from Broadway shows to concerts by world-renowned artists. What sets it apart are its beautifully restored interiors featuring intricate designs reminiscent of classic movie palaces and state-of-the-art acoustics that enhance every performance.
Finally, we arrive at Johnson Park, an expansive green oasis nestled along the banks of the Raritan River that's perfect for relaxation or recreation. This park's significance stems from being one of New Brunswick’s most cherished outdoor spaces where community events flourish throughout the year. Its unique features include scenic walking trails lined with mature trees and picturesque picnic areas offering breathtaking views—ideal for unwinding after exploring urban attractions!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to New Brunswick, 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 New Brunswick, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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