Train Travel in New Jersey
New Jersey is the most rail-dense state in the country, with NJ Transit, Amtrak, PATH, and a long stretch of the Northeast Corridor.
Passenger rail services with at least one stop in New Jersey.
Regularly served stations in our research index.
U.S. census/transit region for connecting service.
Routes serving New Jersey
The following passenger rail services call at one or more stations in New Jersey. Routes range from short-haul commuter rail systems to transcontinental long-distance trains; the table below sorts by service type and distance. A useful supplemental resource is the state-level rail capital plan summary for context on funded improvements.
| Route | Type | Distance | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acela | Acela (High-Speed Rail) | 457 mi | Up to 20 weekday round trips |
| Northeast Regional | Regional Intercity | 728 mi | Up to 50 daily round trips end-to-end and segment service |
| Keystone Service | Regional Intercity | 195 mi | 14 daily round trips Philadelphia–Harrisburg; most through-running to New York |
| Pennsylvanian | Regional Intercity | 444 mi | Daily |
| Cardinal | Long-Distance | 1,147 mi | Three round trips per week |
| Crescent | Long-Distance | 1,377 mi | Daily |
| Silver Star | Long-Distance | 1,522 mi | Daily |
| Silver Meteor | Long-Distance | 1,389 mi | Daily (status varies; check Amtrak) |
| Palmetto | Regional Intercity | 829 mi | Daily |
| Carolinian | Regional Intercity | 704 mi | Daily |
| Vermonter | Regional Intercity | 611 mi | Daily |
| NJ Transit Rail | Commuter Rail | 536 mi | 12 lines with frequent weekday service |
| SEPTA Regional Rail | Commuter Rail | 277 mi | 13 lines with all-day frequency |
Stations in New Jersey
Our station index covers 7 facilities in New Jersey, from large urban union stations to rural flag stops.
Travel notes
New Jersey is part of the Mid-Atlantic region. Riders connecting between routes within the state can use any of the major hubs above for cross-platform or short-walk transfers, depending on the station. For onward travel beyond the rail network, intercity bus and connecting Thruway services often complement the train; consult the operator for current connecting itineraries.
Fare structures, on-board amenities, and ticketing systems differ between Amtrak, state-supported corridors, and individual commuter operators. Long-distance Amtrak trains typically offer reserved sleeping accommodations alongside coach class; corridor services are reserved coach with optional business class; and commuter rail is generally open seating with monthly-pass fare options.
More New Jersey Rail Resources
- New Jersey rail advocacy and ridership data
- A weekend rail itinerary across New Jersey