The NJ Transit River LINE is a diesel light rail service in southern New Jersey, running about 55 km (34 miles) between Trenton Transit Center and Entertainment Center in Camden. The system serves 21 stations across Mercer, Burlington, and Camden counties, follows a Delaware River corridor, and connects with Amtrak, SEPTA, PATCO, NJ Transit rail, bus routes, and the Atlantic City Line. It opened on March 14, 2004, uses Stadler GTW diesel multiple-unit cars, and operates on a proof-of-payment fare system.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | NJ Transit River LINE, a diesel light rail route in southern New Jersey |
| Route | Trenton Transit Center to Entertainment Center in Camden |
| Length | 55 km (34 miles) |
| Stations | 21 fully ADA-compliant stations |
| Opening date | March 14, 2004 |
| Fare | Base fare $1.90 (US$1.90); reduced senior, child, and disabled fare $0.85 (US$0.85) |
| Ticket system | Proof of payment; tickets must be purchased and activated or validated before boarding |
| Main connections | Trenton Transit Center, Pennsauken Transit Center, and Walter Rand Transportation Center |
Morris & Essex Line Map
NJ Transit River LINE map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download NJ Transit River LINE map in PDF format.
Route and Stations
The NJ Transit River LINE route runs between Trenton Transit Center and Entertainment Center in Camden, following communities along the Delaware River. It is an important local transport link for Trenton, Burlington County, Pennsauken, and Camden, and it also works as part of the wider public transport network in southern New Jersey.
The route plan is straightforward: trains travel north and south along a 55 km (34-mile) corridor with 21 stations. Key transfer points include Trenton Transit Center, Pennsauken Transit Center, and Walter Rand Transportation Center at Broadway in Camden. For riders checking a stations map or building a route timetable, these hubs matter most.
All River LINE stations and rolling stock were built after 1990 and are fully ADA-compliant. Passenger service shares the rail corridor with freight operations under time-based separation: NJ Transit passenger trains use the line during the day, while Conrail has freight access at other times.
Full Station List
The stations list below runs in order from Trenton to Camden. Station names may appear in slightly different forms in schedules, but these are the 21 River LINE stops used for trip planning.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Trenton Transit Center | Northern terminus; located just west of the rail station |
| Hamilton Avenue | Serves CURE Insurance Arena |
| Cass Street | Serves Trenton Thunder Ballpark |
| Bordentown | River town stop south of Trenton |
| Roebling | Station on the Burlington County section of the route |
| Florence | Park-and-ride station |
| Burlington Towne Centre | Serves central Burlington |
| Burlington South | Park-and-ride station |
| Beverly/Edgewater Park | Serves Beverly and Edgewater Park |
| Delanco | Station along the Delaware River corridor |
| Riverside | Serves Riverside |
| Cinnaminson | Serves Cinnaminson |
| Riverton | Serves Riverton |
| Palmyra | Serves Palmyra |
| Pennsauken-Route 73 | Park-and-ride station |
| Pennsauken Transit Center | Connection to the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line |
| 36th Street | Camden-area station |
| Walter Rand Transportation Center | Connection to PATCO at Broadway and major bus services |
| Cooper Street-Rutgers University | Serves Rutgers University-Camden |
| Aquarium | Serves Adventure Aquarium |
| Entertainment Center | Southern terminus; serves Freedom Mortgage Pavilion |
Major Stations and Transfer Hubs
Several River LINE stations are especially useful for transfers, events, and regional transportation in New Jersey and Philadelphia-area travel.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Trenton Transit Center | Northern terminus with Amtrak Northeast Corridor, NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line, SEPTA Trenton Line, and bus connections |
| Walter Rand Transportation Center | Camden hub with PATCO Speedline access at Broadway and many NJ Transit bus routes |
| Pennsauken Transit Center | Regional interchange with the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line |
| Hamilton Avenue | Useful for CURE Insurance Arena |
| Cass Street | Useful for Trenton Thunder Ballpark |
| Cooper Street-Rutgers University | Convenient for Rutgers University-Camden |
| Aquarium | Best stop for Adventure Aquarium |
| Entertainment Center | Southern terminus serving Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and Camden waterfront events |
Schedule, Frequency, and Real-Time Service
River LINE schedule details vary by day, so riders should check the current train schedule before traveling. In general, service runs between about 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM, with real-time departure information available in the Transit app and NJ Transit trip tools.
Frequency is generally every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes at other times. The app can show timings today, upcoming departures by station, current service updates, and total running time for a selected trip.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| General service window | About 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Passenger operating hours listed for the shared corridor | About 5:30 AM to 10:10 PM Sunday through Friday, with Saturday night and Sunday morning service also available |
| Peak frequency | About every 15 minutes |
| Off-peak frequency | About every 30 minutes |
| Real-time service | Next departures, service updates, map view, and trip running time are shown in the Transit app |
Weekday, Weekend, and Holiday Service
The River LINE timetable changes by day of week and during holiday periods. Weekdays generally use the weekday schedule, while weekends and holidays may run on a Saturday or Sunday schedule depending on the service plan in effect.
For New Year’s Eve service plans, the River LINE has operated on a weekday schedule with extended late-night trains after midnight on New Year’s Day for Camden Waterfront events. Those special trains run between Camden and Trenton and make all local stops. On New Year’s Day, service has operated on a Sunday schedule.
If your trip depends on a close connection, check the schedule today before leaving. Holiday opening times, closing time, and the last train can differ from a normal weekday.
First and Last Trains
River LINE starting time is generally just before 6:00 AM, with evening service ending around 10:00 PM. The last northbound train is listed as departing WEC at 9:00 PM, while the last southbound train departs Trenton at 9:30 PM.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| RvLN Waterfront Enter Cen | 5:27 AM |
| RvLN Camden | 5:30 AM |
| RvLN Trenton Express | 5:45 AM |
| RvLN Trenton | 5:56 AM |
| Last northbound train from WEC | 9:00 PM |
| Last southbound train from Trenton | 9:30 PM |
| RvLN Camden Express | 9:15 PM |
| RvLN Burlington South | 9:28 PM |
Fares, Tickets, and Passes
River LINE uses NJ Transit’s proof-of-payment fare system. Buy a ticket before boarding, activate or validate it when required, and keep it with you until you leave the station area. Fare checks can happen on board or at stations.
The base ticket price is $1.90 (US$1.90). Senior, child, and disabled fare is $0.85 (US$0.85). The fare is treated as equivalent to a one-zone bus ride, and riders can buy tickets through the NJ Transit Mobile App, ticket vending machines, and some ticket offices.
River LINE does not require a complex fare calculator for most trips because the basic ride uses a flat fare. Monthly passes and selected rail passes may also be valid, depending on value and NJ Transit rules.
Ticket Types and Where to Buy Them
NJ Transit offers one-way tickets, weekly passes, monthly passes, ten-trip tickets, reduced-fare tickets, and eligible student passes. From July 1, 2024, one-way tickets have a 30-day expiration and are non-refundable. Ten-trip tickets provide ten one-way trips valid for 30 days. Weekly passes are valid from 12:01 AM Saturday through 6:00 AM the following Saturday, and monthly passes allow unlimited travel during the calendar month for which they are valid.
You can buy River LINE tickets in the NJ Transit Mobile App using MyTix, at ticket vending machines at stations, at ticket offices where available, and through web ticketing for train travel. On-board purchases are allowed only when no ticket agent or vending machine is available; otherwise, a surcharge may apply.
- NJ Transit Mobile App with MyTix
- Ticket vending machines at River LINE stations
- Ticket offices at selected stations
- Web ticketing for train travel
- On-board purchase only when no ticket office or machine is available
Monthly rail passes valued at $67 (US$67) or more can be used on River LINE during their valid period. For bus travel, the number of zones allowed is printed on the pass.
How to Validate Tickets Before Boarding
Digital and paper tickets must be valid before you board. Mobile River LINE tickets become valid three minutes after activation and remain valid for 75 minutes.
If you buy a one-way ticket from a ticket vending machine, time-stamp it in a validator machine before boarding. Validator machines are located near the TVMs. Insert the ticket with the print side up and the NJ Transit logo facing left. The machine stamps the ticket for one continuous ride in one direction.
Monthly passes do not need validation. Once your ticket is activated or validated, board the train and keep the ticket ready in case a fare enforcement officer asks to see it.
Proof-of-Payment Checks and Fare Rules
River LINE tickets are not collected when you board. Instead, fare enforcement officers may request proof of payment at any time. A valid ticket or pass must be kept until you leave the station area at your destination.
A one-way River LINE ticket is valid for 75 minutes after validation or mobile activation. It is valid for one ride in one continuous direction of travel. If you use a reduced-fare senior or disability ticket, you may be asked to show valid identification.
Riding without a valid ticket can result in fines up to $100 (US$100). Repeat offenders may face criminal theft-of-service charges.
Payments at NJ Transit ticket offices and TVMs may be made with credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Some checks and commuter benefit cards are accepted only under NJ Transit’s stated requirements and may need to be handled at a ticket window.
Reduced Fares, Children, Students, and Passes
Senior citizens age 62 and older and customers with disabilities can travel at a reduced fare of half the regular one-way fare or less at all times. When buying through a ticket vending machine or MyTix, select Senior/Disabled to get the discounted ticket.
Children ages 5-11 save 50 percent on eligible fares, and up to three children ages 4 and under ride free with a passenger paying any valid fare. On weekends and holidays, the Family SuperSaver Fare lets up to two children ages 5-11 ride free with a paying passenger from 7:00 PM Friday, or the day before a holiday, until 6:00 AM Monday, or the day after a holiday.
Students at post-secondary schools participating in the University Partnership Program may buy monthly student passes online and save 25 percent off regular monthly pass fares. Students through 12th grade can purchase discounted River LINE tickets at select locations with valid identification.
Any monthly rail pass valued at $67 (US$67) or more can be used on River LINE while valid. Weekly passes and bulk sales options are also available under NJ Transit fare rules.
How to Ride the River LINE
Riding the River LINE is simple once you know the proof-of-payment rules. Plan your trip, buy your ticket before boarding, validate or activate it, and keep it with you for the full ride.
Use the timetable, route map, station signs, or NJ Transit app to check the route, schedule, and next train. If you are making a connection, give yourself extra time at major hubs such as Trenton Transit Center, Pennsauken Transit Center, or Walter Rand Transportation Center.
Step-by-Step Trip Planning
Start by checking your origin and destination stations. Review the route timetable online, on the platform, or in the NJ Transit app. The app’s planner can help with timings, connections, and service alerts.
If buying in the app, choose Buy Tickets, review any notices, select light rail, choose the River LINE route, and pick the ticket type you need. For a round trip, buy two one-way tickets. After purchase, open View Tickets or My Tickets and activate the ticket before boarding.
If buying at a station kiosk, follow the prompts for language, ticket type, and payment. Kiosks accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. You may also be able to use tap and ride at the station scanner with a contactless payment card or mobile wallet to receive a validated one-way ticket.
If you choose to validate later, use the validator next to the ticket vending machine before boarding. Then stand on the correct side of the station, check the destination signs, and wait for the train.
- Check the River LINE timetable or trip planner.
- Buy a ticket in the NJ Transit app or at a station TVM.
- Activate your mobile ticket or validate your paper ticket before boarding.
- Keep your ticket as proof of payment.
- Listen for announcements and watch the onboard stop display.
Boarding, Riding, and Getting Off
Wait behind the yellow line until the train stops. Let passengers exit first, then board calmly. Seats are not assigned, and accessible seating should be left for riders who need it.
During the ride, keep aisles clear, store bags safely, and keep your ticket available. Stop announcements and signs at the front of the train help you track each station. A map of stops is also located above the doors.
As your station approaches, gather your belongings. When the train stops, exit carefully and watch the gap between the train and platform. If you are transferring, follow station signs for NJ Transit, PATCO, SEPTA, Amtrak, bus, taxi, or rideshare connections where available.
Connections with Other Transit Systems
The River LINE connects local transport with regional rail, city transport, and bus networks in Trenton, Pennsauken, and Camden. This is one reason the line is useful beyond short local trips.
At Trenton Transit Center, riders can connect with Amtrak, NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line trains, SEPTA Regional Rail, and bus routes. At Pennsauken Transit Center, the line connects with the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line. At Walter Rand Transportation Center, riders can transfer to PATCO at Broadway and a large bus network.
The system also includes important local bus connections along the route, including the Capital Connection developed to link the River LINE with the Statehouse and the Trenton Station Complex.
Trenton Transit Center Connections
Trenton Transit Center is the River LINE’s northern terminus and the most important rail transfer point on the route. Connections include Amtrak Northeast Corridor service, NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line trains, SEPTA Regional Rail’s Trenton Line, and multiple bus routes.
This station is especially useful for longer trips toward Philadelphia, other Northeast Corridor destinations, and local Trenton-area travel. Nearby River LINE stops also connect with local bus routes, including Hamilton Avenue with NJ Transit routes 409, 601, 603, and 609, and Bordentown with route 409.
Pennsauken Transit Center Connections
Pennsauken Transit Center links the River LINE with NJ Transit’s Atlantic City Line. It was created to provide a direct connection between the two services after the lack of an easy interchange was criticized when the River LINE opened.
The station opened to passenger service on October 14, 2013. It includes one low-level platform for River LINE trains, two high-level platforms for Atlantic City Line trains, and free parking for riders.
In June 2014, NJ Transit introduced a through-fare ticket covering the Northeast Corridor Line, River LINE, and Atlantic City Line, making transfers through Pennsauken more convenient.
Walter Rand Transportation Center and PATCO Connections
Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden is one of the River LINE’s busiest transfer hubs. The River LINE stop is next to PATCO’s Broadway Station, giving riders a direct connection between Camden, Philadelphia, and South Jersey.
The transportation center is located at Martin Luther King Boulevard and Broadway. It is served by the River LINE, NJ Transit buses, Greyhound intercity buses, and PATCO Speedline trains. PATCO provides a direct rail link between southern New Jersey and Philadelphia, while the River LINE continues north toward Trenton.
- River LINE service at Walter Rand Transportation Center
- PATCO Broadway Station in the same complex
- NJ Transit bus service and Greyhound service
- Direct transfer option for Camden-Philadelphia trips via PATCO
The station is also listed as the planned northern terminus of the Glassboro-Camden Line, which would expand regional transit connectivity in the future.
Bus Connections Along the Route
Bus connections make the River LINE more useful for everyday transportation in South and Central Jersey. At Trenton, the line connects with NJ Transit bus routes 409, 418, 600, 601, 608, 609, 611, and 624, plus SEPTA Suburban Bus 127.
Hamilton Avenue is served by routes 409, 601, 603, and 609. Bordentown connects with route 409. Florence connects with BurLink B5 and routes 409 and 413. Burlington Towne Centre connects with route 413, and Beverly/Edgewater Park is served by BurLink B1 and B2.
Farther south, Pennsauken-Route 73 and Pennsauken Transit Center connect with route 419. Pennsauken Transit Center also connects with routes 404 and 417 and the Atlantic City Line. At 36th Street, route 452 provides another local bus link.
The largest bus network is at Walter Rand Transportation Center, where riders can transfer to PATCO, many NJ Transit bus routes, SJTA Bus Pureland Shuttle, and Greyhound Lines.
Parking, Bikes, and Accessibility
NJ Transit provides free parking capacity for more than 3,000 personal vehicles at River LINE stations and park-and-ride locations. Many stations also have bike racks, and some offer bike lockers for long-term rental. Riders must provide their own locks and are responsible for their belongings.
At Trenton Transit Center River LINE Station, parking is available in the Barlow Street lot. The lot has 105 standard spaces and 5 accessible spaces. Daily parking charges per day are $14 (US$14) for both residents and non-residents. Evening, night, and weekend parking are allowed, but on-street parking is not allowed.
Bicycles are always permitted on River LINE light rail vehicles. Riders can use onboard bike hanging racks, and stations are accessible to bicycles. Personal vehicles must be walked on platforms and inside NJ Transit facilities.
Senior citizens and riders with disabilities have priority in accessible areas. If that space is needed, riders with bikes or other personal vehicles may have to wait for the next train. NJ Transit employees may also limit personal vehicles when trains are crowded or conditions are unsafe.
Shared or rented personal vehicles from providers such as Citi Bike, Lime, and Bird are not allowed on NJ Transit vehicles or property. Hoverboards, tandem bicycles, gasoline-powered personal vehicles, and some other devices are also prohibited.
Park-and-Ride Stations
Several River LINE stations serve as park-and-ride stops, including Florence, Burlington South, and Pennsauken-Route 73.
Pennsauken-Route 73 is a major station parking location with 452 free spaces and access to Route 73, Route 130, the New Jersey Turnpike, and I-295. NJ Transit also offers a guaranteed bus connection between 36th Street Station in Camden and the Pennsauken/Route 73 Park & Ride for an additional late-night travel option.
Parking can be limited at many rail stations and some bus park-and-ride lots on weekdays until about 6:00 PM. If you travel before then, consider a drop-off or a station with a larger parking facility.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Florence | Park-and-ride station |
| Burlington South | Park-and-ride station |
| Pennsauken-Route 73 | 452 free parking spaces; access to Route 73, Route 130, New Jersey Turnpike, and I-295 |
| Trenton Transit Center River LINE Station | Barlow Street lot with 105 standard spaces and 5 accessible spaces; $14 (US$14) daily parking |
Tips for First-Time Riders
Before your first trip, check the River LINE timetable and confirm your station. Platform schedules, the NJ Transit app, and route signs can help you find the correct direction.
Buy your ticket before boarding. If you use the app, activate the ticket before stepping onto the train. If you buy from a kiosk and choose to validate later, use the validator before boarding because tickets are valid for only 75 minutes after validation.
Stand on the correct side of the platform and check the destination sign when the train arrives. Once on board, listen for stop announcements and watch the display at the front of the train. When you arrive, exit carefully and watch the gap.
Rules, Safety, and Rider Etiquette
For a safe River LINE trip, follow station signs, stay alert, and respect other riders. If you need travel assistance, NJ Transit Customer Service can be reached at 973-275-5555 between 8:30 AM and 5:00 PM.
- Arrive early and wait only in designated platform areas.
- Use crosswalks, sidewalks, handrails, and marked paths when available.
- Stay behind safety lines and away from platform edges, moving vehicles, and closing doors.
- Do not run after a bus or train, and never try to board or exit a moving train.
- Watch the gap between the train and platform.
- Keep children close when boarding and exiting.
- Do not block doors, lean on doors, or distract operators while vehicles are moving.
- No smoking, vaping, littering, eating, or drinking where prohibited.
- Use headphones and keep phone conversations quiet.
- Keep aisles clear and do not place bags on seats.
- Respect priority seating for riders who need it.
- Follow crew instructions and listen for stop announcements.
Lift-equipped and kneeling buses are available in the wider NJ Transit system, and onboard assistance can be requested when needed. For accessible boarding information, speak with an NJ Transit representative or call 973-275-5555.
In an emergency, notify the train crew or contact NJ Transit Police at 800-242-0236. If you see a dangerous condition at a grade crossing or near tracks, report it right away.
Brief History
The River LINE opened to the public on March 14, 2004, after VIP runs and opening ceremonies the day before. The 55 km (34-mile) line was built on the former Camden-Bordentown section and Bordentown Branch of the Camden and Amboy Railroad, where passenger service had been abandoned in 1963.
Planning took decades and moved through several studies and agencies. NJ Transit’s work on the Burlington-Gloucester Transit System began in the early 1990s, and a later study examined the Bordentown Secondary, which became the alignment for today’s River LINE. In November 1996, NJ Transit approved a light rail alignment from Glassboro to Trenton using diesel-powered cars, with the initial operating corridor set as Trenton to Camden.
The draft environmental impact statement was completed in 1998, and the contract with the Southern New Jersey Rail Group was finalized in 1999. The line was fully funded by the State of New Jersey through its Transportation Trust Fund, with no federal capital used.
The River LINE opened with 21 stations and later added Pennsauken Transit Center as an infill station on October 14, 2013. It uses Stadler GTW 2/6 diesel multiple-unit cars and was the first modern diesel multiple-unit rail line to open in the United States.
Ridership exceeded early expectations. By the end of fiscal year 2014, the line averaged 9,014 weekday trips, 5,922 Saturday trips, and 4,708 Sunday trips, with 2,869,707 unlinked passenger trips recorded for that year. In 2025, NJ Transit announced it would take over operation from Alstom, with the transition completed by February 14, 2026.
Popular Destinations and Nearby Attractions
NJ Transit’s River LINE gives riders access to river towns, waterfront attractions, sports venues, universities, and historic neighborhoods without needing to drive the full route. The ride itself has scenic stretches along the Delaware River, which makes it more interesting than a typical commute.
In Trenton, the line is useful for Trenton Transit Center, CURE Insurance Arena, Trenton Thunder Ballpark, and nearby historic areas. South of Trenton, Bordentown and Burlington offer river-town character, dining, and older architecture.
In Camden, the River LINE is one of the easiest ways to reach the Camden Waterfront, Adventure Aquarium, Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, Rutgers University-Camden, and connections toward Philadelphia through PATCO.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Trenton Transit Center | Access to downtown Trenton and regional rail connections |
| Hamilton Avenue | Serves CURE Insurance Arena |
| Cass Street | Serves Trenton Thunder Ballpark |
| Bordentown | Dining, river views, and small-town character |
| Cooper Street-Rutgers University | Convenient for Rutgers University-Camden |
| Aquarium | Best stop for Adventure Aquarium |
| Entertainment Center | Serves Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and Camden Waterfront events |
| Pennsauken Transit Center | Free parking and connection to the Atlantic City Line |
Camden Waterfront Attractions
The Camden Waterfront is one of the River LINE’s most popular destination areas. Riders can use the Aquarium and Entertainment Center stops for major waterfront attractions and events.
- Adventure Aquarium
- Battleship New Jersey
- Freedom Mortgage Amphitheater
- Camden Children’s Garden
- Wiggins Park and Marina
Walter Rand Transportation Center is also about a 10-minute walk from the Waterfront and connects with PATCO, buses, and other city transport options.
Trenton Area Destinations
The River LINE’s northern terminus is adjacent to Trenton Transit Center, making it convenient for Trenton-area trips and regional transfers. Nearby stops include Hamilton Avenue, Cass Street, Bordentown, and Trenton Transit Center itself.
- Trenton Transit Center – northern terminus of the River LINE
- Hamilton Avenue – useful for CURE Insurance Arena
- Cass Street – useful for Trenton Thunder Ballpark
- Bordentown – a key stop south of Trenton
From Trenton, riders can continue southbound to Burlington County river towns, Rutgers University-Camden, Adventure Aquarium, Walter Rand Transportation Center, and the Camden Waterfront.
Historic River Towns Along the Line
The River LINE runs parallel to the Delaware River, and several towns along the route are worth a stop for historic character and riverfront scenery.
Bordentown and Burlington City are especially notable, with some homes dating back to the early 1700s. Riverside has historic station-area buildings, while Riverton offers older homes near the river and station.
Other communities on the route include Delanco, Cinnaminson, and Pennsauken. For sightseeing, the train’s path along the river is part of the appeal, with easy access to historic towns and Camden Waterfront attractions on the same line.