Amtrak, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, operates a significant network of stations throughout the state of New Jersey, facilitating intercity and regional rail travel. New Jersey’s strategic location within the Northeast Corridor makes it a crucial component of Amtrak’s national system, serving both intrastate and interstate passenger traffic. This article provides an overview of Amtrak stations in New Jersey, including key locations, services, and connections.
Overview of Amtrak Stations in New Jersey
Amtrak operates numerous stations across New Jersey, primarily along the Northeast Corridor and connecting lines. These stations serve a diverse range of communities, from major urban centers to suburban and smaller towns. Amtrak stations in New Jersey are integral to the state’s transportation infrastructure, providing access to regional and national destinations.
Key Amtrak Stations in New Jersey
The following table outlines key Amtrak stations in New Jersey, categorized by their significance and service volume:
| Station Name | Station Code | City/Town | County | Services | Connections | Amenities | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark Penn Station | NWK | Newark | Essex | Northeast Corridor, Acela, Regional, Keystone Service, Vermonter | NJ Transit (multiple lines), PATH, Newark Light Rail, Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Full amenities, parking, accessibility, Wi-Fi, baggage service, restrooms, shops | Major transportation hub, high-volume station, NEC and regional rail interchange |
| Trenton Transit Center | TRE | Trenton | Mercer | Northeast Corridor, Acela, Regional, Keystone Service | NJ Transit (multiple lines), SEPTA Regional Rail, River Line, Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Full amenities, parking, accessibility, Wi-Fi, restrooms, shops | Major transportation hub, NEC and regional rail interchange, state capital |
| Metropark | MET | Iselin (Edison) | Middlesex | Northeast Corridor, Acela, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), Bus (local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | High-volume suburban station, primarily commuter and business travel |
| Princeton Junction | PJC | Princeton Junction | Mercer | Northeast Corridor, Acela, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), Princeton Branch (Dinky), Bus (local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Serves Princeton University and surrounding areas, commuter station |
| New Brunswick | NBK | New Brunswick | Middlesex | Northeast Corridor, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Serves Rutgers University and New Brunswick, commuter station |
| Metuchen | MET | Metuchen | Middlesex | Northeast Corridor, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), Bus (local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Suburban commuter station |
| Rahway | RAH | Rahway | Union | Northeast Corridor, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Suburban commuter station |
| Linden | LDN | Linden | Union | Northeast Corridor, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), Bus (local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Suburban commuter station |
| Elizabeth | ELZ | Elizabeth | Union | Northeast Corridor, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Urban commuter station, serves Elizabeth city center |
| North Elizabeth | NEL | Elizabeth | Union | Northeast Corridor, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), Bus (local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Suburban commuter station, primarily residential area |
| **Princeton NJ Transit (Princeton Branch “Dinky”), Bus (local) | Minimal amenities, accessibility, restrooms | Serves Princeton University campus, branch line terminus | |||||
| Atlantic City | ACY | Atlantic City | Atlantic | Atlantic City Line | NJ Transit (Atlantic City Line), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms, ticket office | Serves Atlantic City, primarily leisure and tourism travel |
| Cherry Hill | CYN | Cherry Hill | Camden | Keystone Service | NJ Transit (Bus), Local Bus | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Suburban station serving Cherry Hill and Camden County |
| Hamilton | HMI | Hamilton Township | Mercer | Northeast Corridor, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), Bus (local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Suburban commuter station in Hamilton Township |
| Newark Airport | EWR | Newark | Essex | Northeast Corridor, Acela, Regional | NJ Transit (Northeast Corridor Line), AirTrain Newark, Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Limited amenities, parking via Newark Airport, accessibility, restrooms | Airport rail station, serves Newark Liberty International Airport |
| Secaucus Junction | SEC | Secaucus | Hudson | Trains Pass Through – No Stop | NJ Transit (multiple lines), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Full amenities, parking, accessibility, Wi-Fi, restrooms, shops | Major NJ Transit transfer hub; Amtrak trains pass through without stopping. |
| Morristown | MOR | Morristown | Morris | Morristown Line (NJ Transit) | NJ Transit (Morristown Line), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms, ticket office | Serves Morristown, primarily NJ Transit commuter rail |
| Summit | SUM | Summit | Union | Morristown Line (NJ Transit) | NJ Transit (Morristown Line), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms, ticket office | Serves Summit, primarily NJ Transit commuter rail |
| Princeton – Dinky Station | — | Princeton | Mercer | Princeton Branch (Dinky Shuttle) | NJ Transit (Princeton Branch “Dinky”), Bus (local) | Minimal amenities, accessibility, restrooms | Princeton Branch terminus on university campus |
| Hammonton | HAM | Hammonton | Atlantic | Atlantic City Line (NJ Transit) | NJ Transit (Atlantic City Line), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Limited amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms, ticket office | Serves Hammonton, primarily NJ Transit commuter rail |
| Egg Harbor City | EHC | Egg Harbor City | Atlantic | Atlantic City Line (NJ Transit) | NJ Transit (Atlantic City Line), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Minimal amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Serves Egg Harbor City, primarily NJ Transit commuter rail |
| Absecon | ABS | Absecon | Atlantic | Atlantic City Line (NJ Transit) | NJ Transit (Atlantic City Line), Bus (NJ Transit & local) | Minimal amenities, parking, accessibility, restrooms | Serves Absecon, primarily NJ Transit commuter rail |
Note:
- Secaucus Junction is a major NJ Transit transfer hub, but Amtrak trains pass through without stopping.
- Morristown and Summit stations are primarily served by NJ Transit’s Morristown Line, though Amtrak ticketing may be available for connections.
- Princeton – Dinky Station refers to the on-campus terminus of the Princeton Branch Line, distinct from Princeton Junction.
- Hammonton, Egg Harbor City, Absecon are primarily NJ Transit Atlantic City Line stations, with potential Amtrak connectivity via transfer at larger stations like Philadelphia 30th St or Metropark.
Station Amenities and Services
Amtrak stations in New Jersey offer varying levels of amenities. Major stations such as Newark Penn Station and Trenton Transit Center provide comprehensive facilities, including:
- Ticketing and baggage services
- Waiting areas
- Restrooms
- Food and retail concessions
- Parking facilities
- Wi-Fi access
- Accessibility for passengers with disabilities
Smaller stations typically offer more basic amenities, such as:
- Limited or no ticket vending
- Waiting areas (often unstaffed)
- Restrooms
- Parking (surface lots, availability varies)
- Accessibility features
Intermodal Connections
A significant advantage of Amtrak stations in New Jersey is their integration with other transportation modes. Many stations offer direct connections to:
- NJ Transit: New Jersey’s extensive commuter rail and bus network, providing access throughout the state and into New York City.
- PATH: Port Authority Trans-Hudson rapid transit system, connecting Newark, Harrison, Hoboken, and Jersey City to Lower and Midtown Manhattan.
- SEPTA Regional Rail: Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s regional rail system, accessible at Trenton Transit Center, providing connections to Philadelphia and surrounding Pennsylvania suburbs.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Accessible via the Newark Airport Rail Station, offering connections to air travel.
- Local Bus Services: Numerous local and regional bus operators serve Amtrak stations, facilitating last-mile connectivity.
Ticketing and Information
Passengers can purchase Amtrak tickets and obtain schedule information through various channels:
- Amtrak Website: www.amtrak.com
- Amtrak Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android devices
- Station Ticket Kiosks and Counters: At staffed stations
- Telephone: Amtrak customer service
Accessibility
Amtrak is committed to providing accessible transportation. All Amtrak stations in New Jersey are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering features such as:
- Wheelchair ramps and elevators
- Accessible restrooms
- Trained personnel to assist passengers with disabilities
Conclusion
Amtrak stations in New Jersey are vital components of the state’s and Northeast region’s transportation network. Ranging from major urban hubs to smaller community stops, these stations provide access to Amtrak’s intercity rail services and facilitate connections with diverse transportation modes. Passengers are advised to consult Amtrak’s official website or station-specific information resources for the most current details on station amenities, schedules, and services.
Disclaimer: Station amenities, services, and connecting transportation options are subject to change. Always verify information with official Amtrak and relevant transit agency sources prior to travel.