- Must visit
Zimmerli Art Museum
Rutgers art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong teaching focus across many cultures and eras.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from State College, PA to New Brunswick, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $65. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 7h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $65, and a flight costs an average of $409.
Distance: 180 miles (290 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$159 Average price | $436 Average price | $65 Average price Cheapest | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 56m Average total duration Fastest 7h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 40m Average total duration 8h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 35m Average total duration 18h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from State College, PA to New Brunswick, NJ:
A bus is $94 (€76) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from State College, PA to New Brunswick, NJ costing on average $159 (€129).
A bus is $371 (€303) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from State College, PA to New Brunswick, NJ costing on average $436 (€356).
Other travel options to New Brunswick, NJ take longer:
Flight takes on average 8h 40m.
Bus takes on average 18h 5m.
Tickets start at around $159 (€129) compared to roughly $44 (€36) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-114.13 (€-93.16). The journey takes 7h 26m versus 3h 38m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare bus, flight, 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 State College, PA to New Brunswick, NJ run on average 1 times per day, taking around 7h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $159 (€129) but you can travel from only $65 (€53) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:48, the last at 14:00. The fastest train covers the 180 miles (290 km) distance in 7h 26m.
Distance 180 miles (290 km) |
Average train duration 7h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $159 (€129) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 7h 26m |
First train 7:48 AM |
Last train 2:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of New Brunswick, NJ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Brunswick, NJ trip today.
Rutgers art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong teaching focus across many cultures and eras.
Historic house museum in Buccleuch Park with period interiors and exhibits on local history, architecture, and families.
University geology museum featuring minerals, fossils, and educational displays that appeal to families and science fans.
Historic Rutgers campus green surrounded by landmark buildings, ideal for walking, photos, and understanding university history.
Compact downtown district centered on arts venues and public life, popular for strolling before shows and events.
Major downtown corridor lined with theaters, institutions, and shops, making it one of the city's key walking streets.
A New Jersey diner classic: thin-sliced Taylor ham or pork roll, egg, and cheese on a hard roll. Beloved statewide and common in New Brunswick breakfast spots.
A Cuban sandwich variation linked to New Jersey Cuban communities, including nearby Middlesex County. Ham, roast pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on pressed bread.
Indian street snacks are central to Edison and New Brunswick dining culture. Crisp puris, chutneys, yogurt, and spices reflect the area’s strong South Asian community.
Popular casual spot for inventive hot dogs and sausages with many toppings. Fun, informal atmosphere and one of downtown’s best-known quick bites.
Upscale steakhouse known for dry-aged beef, seafood, and polished service in a historic downtown setting near the theater district.
Well-regarded local pizzeria and Italian restaurant known for thin-crust pies, pasta, and classic comfort food in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Moderate for the region: hotels can be pricey near Rutgers, but dining and NJ Transit are similar to other Northeast college towns.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for cafe drinks if there is table service or extra help.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from State College, 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.

Most State College, PA to New Brunswick, NJ trains use the State College, Greyhound Bus Station to New Brunswick Station station pair. Use this guide to compare State College, PA and New Brunswick, NJ train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
New Brunswick Station is 1 km from New Brunswick city centre. Public transport options include:
New Brunswick Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Old Man Rafferty's, The Frog and The Peach
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at New Brunswick Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at New Brunswick Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at New Brunswick Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at New Brunswick Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at New Brunswick Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Heldrich Hotel, Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, Rutgers University Inn.
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