The RiverLink Ferry is a seasonal passenger ferry that crosses the Delaware River between Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the Camden Waterfront in Camden, New Jersey. It serves tourists, local riders, concertgoers, and anyone looking for a short public transport link between waterfront attractions, festivals, and events. The crossing takes about 15 minutes, operates rain or shine, and includes regular daytime service plus extended concert and event service.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Seasonal passenger ferry across the Delaware River |
| Route | Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia to Wiggins Park on the Camden Waterfront |
| Running time | About 15 minutes each way |
| Main season | Daily from May through September |
| Shoulder season | Fridays through Sundays in April and October |
| Regular operating hours | 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM during normal daily service |
| Service type | Regular ferry service plus concert and event service |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
| Ferry vessel | Freedom, described in the materials as a 500+ passenger ferry |
RiverLink Ferry Map
The RiverLink Ferry map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the RiverLink Ferry map in PDF format.
Route and Ferry Landings
The RiverLink Ferry route connects two busy waterfront areas: Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia and Wiggins Park in Camden. It is a practical city transport option for attractions, concerts, museums, and riverfront events on both sides of the Delaware River.
The ferry begins each service day in Camden. Departures from Camden usually leave on the half-hour, while departures from Philadelphia leave on the hour. This simple route plan makes the service easy to use even if you are riding it for the first time.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia Landing: Penn’s Landing | 211 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106. Ticket booth and boat entrance are at Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street, next to the Independence Seaport Museum. |
| Camden Landing: Wiggins Park | Wiggins Park, Camden, NJ 08103, at Riverside Drive and Martin Luther King Boulevard, between Adventure Aquarium and the Wiggins Park River Stage. |
Philadelphia Landing: Penn’s Landing
The Philadelphia landing is at Penn’s Landing, near Columbus Boulevard and Walnut Street. It is convenient for the Independence Seaport Museum, Old City, the Delaware River Waterfront, and seasonal riverfront events.
Tickets are available at the Penn’s Landing ferry terminal. The ferry is wheelchair accessible, and the crossing is a low-stress alternative to driving between the Philadelphia and Camden waterfronts.
Construction on the new park at Penn’s Landing may affect nearby pedestrian paths and public spaces, so allow a little extra time when walking to the terminal.
Camden Landing: Wiggins Park
The Camden landing is at Wiggins Park, close to Adventure Aquarium, Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, the Battleship New Jersey, the Riverstage, and other Camden Waterfront destinations.
Regular service starts in Camden at 9:30 AM. From Camden, typical daily departures include 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, additional Camden departures are available at 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM.
Tickets can be purchased at the Camden terminal or at the Philadelphia landing. The ferry operates rain or shine, and holiday service is available on select dates with modified hours.
Schedule, Season, and Service Types
The RiverLink Ferry schedule changes by season, service type, holidays, weather, and events. Regular service is daily from May through September, with Friday through Sunday service in April and October. For concerts at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, the ferry runs extended event service before, during, and after the show.
During normal operating hours, the route timetable is straightforward: Camden departures are on the half-hour, and Philadelphia departures are on the hour. Severe weather can cause delays of up to 30 minutes, but the ferry normally operates rain or shine.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Regular daily service | 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM during normal daily operational hours |
| Main season | Daily from May through September |
| Shoulder season | Fridays through Sundays in April and October |
| Camden departures | Hourly on the half-hour |
| Philadelphia departures | Hourly on the hour |
| Holiday service | Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day, generally 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Concert and event service | Starts at least 2 hours before the event, continues during the event, and runs after the event ends |
| Concert frequency | About every 30 to 45 minutes, or as needed |
| Concert closing time | Last ferry from Camden departs 30 minutes after the concert ends |
Regular Ferry Service
Regular RiverLink Ferry service is meant for daytime trips between the Philadelphia and Camden waterfronts. The ride takes about 15 minutes and is useful for museums, parks, local transport connections, and waterfront events.
Regular ferry tickets are valid during normal daily operational hours from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Tickets are valid for any departure during the service in operation, but boarding is first-come, first-served. Arrive about 20 minutes before the departure you want.
The regular train schedule keyword does not apply here because this is a ferry, but the ferry schedule works much like a simple route timetable: Camden on the half-hour, Philadelphia on the hour.
| Fare type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Adult | US$12.00 |
| Child ages 5 to 12 | US$10.00 |
| Senior age 65 and up | US$10.00 |
| Student with ID | US$10.00 |
| Infant age 4 and under | Free |
Drink and snack vending machines are available onboard. Restrooms are available during general ferry service, subject to availability. Smoking, vapes, e-cigarettes, hookah, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed onboard.
Concert and Event Service
Concert and Event Service is designed for Freedom Mortgage Pavilion shows and major Camden Waterfront events. It is not a fixed timetable service. Instead, ferries usually depart every 30 to 45 minutes, or as needed, based on passenger demand.
Service starts at least 2 hours before the event begins, continues throughout the event, and runs afterward. The last ferry departs from Camden 30 minutes after the concert ends, so do not wait too long after the show.
Regular ferry service tickets are not valid for Concert and Event Service. If you are traveling after 7:00 PM, you need a Concert and Event ticket.
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Concert and Event Service round trip | US$18.00 |
| Group rate for parties of 20 or more | US$9.00 per person |
When your ticket is scanned or purchased at the booth, you receive a wristband. Keep it on for the rest of the evening because the QR code cannot be scanned again.
Weather, Holidays, and Seasonal Changes
The RiverLink Ferry operates rain or shine. In severe weather, delays of up to 30 minutes can happen, so check timings today before heading to the dock if the forecast looks rough.
Seasonal service usually runs daily from late May through early September, with weekend and concert service extending into the fall. In some years, service continues into late September or October according to the published operating calendar.
Holiday service is available on Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day, generally from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Opening hours, working hours, and closing time may shift for holidays and events.
Fares, Tickets, and Passes
RiverLink Ferry fare details depend on the service type. Regular round-trip tickets cover normal ferry service, while Concert and Event tickets are required for Freedom Mortgage Pavilion events and travel after 7:00 PM.
Tickets can be purchased at the Penn’s Landing and Camden Waterfront ticket booths, and also at the Independence Visitor Center. Visa and MasterCard are accepted with a US$15.00 minimum purchase. The supplied materials do not list a fare calculator or day pass, but they do include regular fares, event tickets, group rates, and package options.
Round-Trip Tickets
Round-trip tickets are valid for regular ferry service during the operating season. General fare tickets expire at the end of the season, and all sales are final.
| Ticket | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adult round trip | US$6.00 |
| Child ages 3 to 12 | US$5.00 |
| Senior age 65 and up | US$5.00 |
| Group of 15 or more | US$4.50 per person when booked 10 days in advance |
Package tickets are also mentioned in the supplied materials. The River Pass includes the Independence Seaport Museum, Adventure Aquarium, and a round-trip ferry ride. The Ship’s Pass includes the Independence Seaport Museum, the Battleship New Jersey, and a round-trip ferry ride.
Concert and Event Tickets
Concert and Event tickets are separate from regular ferry tickets. They are date-specific, valid only for the event shown on the ticket, and required for travel after 7:00 PM.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Concert and Event Service | US$18.00 round trip |
| Group rate for parties of 20 or more | US$9.00 per person |
Event service starts at least 2 hours before the event, runs during the event, and continues until about 30 minutes after the concert ends. Departures are not fixed and usually run every 30 to 45 minutes, or as needed.
Once your QR code is scanned, the ticket cannot be reused. Your wristband becomes your pass for the rest of the evening.
Group Rates and Discounts
Group rates are available for larger parties, including the listed Concert and Event group rate of US$9.00 per person for groups of 20 or more. Some regular group pricing is also available when booked in advance.
Partner packages may combine ferry service with local attractions such as the Independence Seaport Museum, Adventure Aquarium, and the Battleship New Jersey.
Additional savings may be available through Phlash and Splash: riders who present a Phlash ticket can save US$1.00 on the ferry. Phlash runs daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM with service every 12 minutes.
Connections and How to Get There
The RiverLink Ferry is part of the broader transportation in Philadelphia and Camden, linking local transport, public transport, walking routes, biking access, and waterfront parking options.
In Philadelphia, the dock is at Walnut Street and Columbus Boulevard at Penn’s Landing. In Camden, the dock is behind Adventure Aquarium at Wiggins Park. Ticket booths are available at both landings.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Penn’s Landing, Philadelphia | Reach by Phlash, Philadelphia Trolley Works, Big Bus, or SEPTA bus routes 21 and 42. |
| Wiggins Park, Camden | Reach by PATCO High Speed Line, River LINE, or NJ TRANSIT, with nearby waterfront attractions close to the dock. |
Sample daytime departures follow the regular route timetable: from Camden at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, and 4:30 PM; from Philadelphia at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:00 PM.
On Mondays through Thursdays, the last runs listed in the supplied materials are 5:20 from Camden and 5:40 from Philadelphia. On Fridays through Sundays, later service is available, with extra evening service for special events and concerts.
SEPTA, PATCO, and NJ TRANSIT Connections
Several public transport options connect with the ferry route. PHLASH connects with PATCO at 8th and Market Street Station and runs a Center City loop every 12 minutes seasonally from May through October, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM.
PATCO provides rail service between Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia, with connections to SEPTA at 8th and Market, 15th and Locust, and other major transit points. SEPTA riders can also connect to PATCO at City Hall Station.
NJ TRANSIT rail customers can connect to PATCO at Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden or at Lindenwold. NJ TRANSIT bus connections are also available at several PATCO stations, including Lindenwold, Haddonfield, Westmont, Ferry Avenue, and Broadway.
The NJ TRANSIT River LINE serves the Camden Waterfront and continues to Trenton, with a direct link to PATCO at Walter Rand. If you are connecting after ferry service, check your last train or bus timing before you travel.
Walking, Biking, and the Delaware River Trail
You can reach the Philadelphia waterfront on foot, by bike, skateboard, or rollerblade using the Delaware River Trail. The trail runs 5.3 km (3.3 mi) from Pier 70 in South Philadelphia to Penn Treaty Park in Fishtown, with interim trail segments between Tasker Street and Washington Avenue.
Walking routes from Center City to the trail work best via South, Spruce, and Market Streets to Columbus Boulevard. Some sidewalks or pedestrian paths may be affected by Penn’s Landing construction, and access via Chestnut and Walnut Streets is no longer available in the supplied materials.
Biking access is available along Columbus Boulevard. Two Indego Bike stations are noted near the trail: Race Street Pier on North Columbus Boulevard and Foglietta Plaza at 3 Dock Street.
Driving, Drop-Off, and Parking
If you drive, plan extra time. Parking near the waterfront can be limited, especially during concerts and festivals.
In Philadelphia, the materials mention the Market Street Parking Lot at Market Street and Columbus Boulevard, parking along Columbus Boulevard at Lombard Circle, and the Hyatt Regency Hotel parking garage. In Camden, convenient parking is listed at the waterfront parking garage at Federal Street and Delaware Avenue.
Parking charges and parking charges per day are not listed in the supplied materials, so check posted rates at the lot or garage before leaving your car. For easier access without station parking, use bus, PATCO, River LINE, NJ TRANSIT, Phlash, or another public transport connection.
RiverLink Ferry for Concerts at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
The RiverLink Ferry is a popular option for Freedom Mortgage Pavilion concerts because it avoids much of the traffic and parking pressure around the Camden Waterfront. The ride from Philadelphia to Camden takes about 15 minutes, and the Pavilion is about an 8-minute walk from the ferry.
Concert service starts approximately 2 hours before the event, continues during the show, and runs after it ends. During event service, there is no fixed schedule today; ferries depart about every 30 to 45 minutes, or as needed.
Regular ferry tickets are valid only during normal daily operating hours from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. For travel after 7:00 PM, buy a Concert and Event Service ticket for your show date.
When Concert Service Starts and Ends
For Freedom Mortgage Pavilion concerts and special events, RiverLink Ferry provides extended service from May through the end of September. Service starts at least 2 hours before the event and continues throughout the event.
The last ferry from Camden departs 30 minutes after the concert ends. For concerts, the ferry takes passengers who are in line within that 30-minute window. After the cutoff, boarding is no longer guaranteed.
Outside concert service, regular opening times are based on normal daily hours, generally 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with service patterns varying by day and season.
How Concert Tickets Differ from Regular Ferry Tickets
Concert tickets are tied to a specific date and event. Regular ferry tickets can be used during normal service hours in the operating season, but they are not valid for concert or event service.
Concert and special event tickets are required for Freedom Mortgage Pavilion events and for travel after 7:00 PM. They are date-specific, all sales are final, and boarding is first-come, first-served based on availability and capacity.
There is also an amenity difference: restrooms are available during general ferry service, subject to availability, but they are not available during concert and event service.
- Regular ferry tickets are for normal service hours only.
- Concert and Event tickets are required for Pavilion events.
- Concert tickets are valid only for the date on the ticket.
- Service is first-come, first-served.
- Arrive 20 minutes early and line up promptly after the show.
How to Use the RiverLink Ferry
Buy the right ticket for your trip, then arrive about 20 minutes before the departure you want. Regular ferry tickets work during normal service only. Concert and Event tickets work only for the event date shown on the ticket.
Boarding is first-come, first-served. The ferry operates rain or shine, although severe weather can delay service by up to 30 minutes.
General fare tickets expire at the end of the current season. Concert and special event tickets are date-specific and cannot be used on another night.
Boarding, Wristbands, and Return Trips
For regular ferry service, tickets are valid for any departure during the service in operation. Camden departures are on the half-hour, and Philadelphia departures are on the hour.
For Concert and Event Service, your scanned or purchased ticket is exchanged for a wristband. Keep the wristband on because the QR code cannot be scanned again.
During concert and event service, boats run roughly every 30 to 45 minutes, or as needed. The last ferry leaves Camden 30 minutes after the concert ends.
The vessel is certified to carry up to 300 guests during regular service and up to 500 guests for concert and event service, according to the supplied materials.
Tips for Returning After the Show
After a concert, head to the ferry as soon as the show ends. Passengers who are in line within 30 minutes after the event usually make the return service, while later arrivals may miss the cutoff.
Expect crowds after popular shows. The first boat can fill quickly, but the ferry makes multiple return trips during the event window.
Buy event tickets in advance if possible. If you plan to buy at the booth, arrive early so you are not dealing with payment during the post-show rush.
Restrooms are not available during concert and event service. If you miss the ferry, nearby transit options may include PATCO or the River LINE, depending on your route.
Accessibility, Bikes, Pets, and Onboard Amenities
The RiverLink Ferry is wheelchair accessible and designed for a wide range of riders. The ferry is a double-ended boat with two decks: an enclosed main cabin and a partially covered upper deck, with indoor and outdoor seating.
Bikes are allowed onboard. Pets are also allowed if they are leashed or kenneled and well-behaved. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
Onboard amenities include drink and snack vending machines. Restrooms are available during general ferry service, subject to availability, but not during concert or event service.
No smoking is allowed onboard, including vapes, e-cigarettes, and hookah. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed onboard.
The operator states a commitment to inclusive service for guests regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, sexuality, disability, income, or limited English ability.
Tips for Tourists and Local Riders
The RiverLink Ferry is useful for both visitors and local riders. It connects waterfront attractions, public transport, local events, and concert venues without requiring a car.
Check the schedule before you go, especially after Labor Day, because service becomes more limited and may run only on weekends and for concerts. Opening hours and operating hours also change around holidays and seasonal transitions.
Arrive early for busy departures, especially after concerts. Waiting areas are covered on both sides, which helps when the weather is not ideal.
- Use the ferry for a quick cross-river trip between Philadelphia and Camden.
- Plan extra time for event crowds and first-come, first-served boarding.
- Check current timings today before traveling in bad weather.
- Use SEPTA, PATCO, River LINE, NJ TRANSIT, Phlash, or bus service if you want to avoid parking.
Brief History
The RiverLink Ferry began operating on March 31, 1992, exactly 40 years after the earlier Pennsylvania ferry service between Camden and Philadelphia ended on March 31, 1952.
The service first operated as the Riverbus ferry from March 1992 through December 1996 under contract with Coopers Ferry Development Corporation and Riverbus Incorporated. In January 1997, Penn’s Landing Corporation acquired the vessel and renamed it RiverLink, with operations managed by McGovern Marine Corp.
In January 2000, the Delaware River Port Authority purchased the vessel, while McGovern Marine Corp continued to manage operations. Between 1997 and 2004, annual ridership averaged 319,000 passengers, with a one-day record of 15,852 passengers during Opsail 2000.
The service first turned a profit in 2006 and later carried more than 200,000 passengers per year. In 2000, the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration provided a US$1,306,500 grant for the purchase and conversion of a second vessel.
The second vessel became the Freedom Ferry and began operating in 2003. Service was operated by the Delaware River Port Authority from 2000 to 2015, and in 2015 the DRPA sold the RiverLink Ferry to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and the Cooper’s Ferry Partnership.
Today, the ferry remains a seasonal transportation link between Philadelphia and Camden, mainly serving tourists, event visitors, and waterfront riders.
Nearby Attractions on Both Waterfronts
The RiverLink Ferry makes it easy to combine attractions on both sides of the Delaware River in one trip. On the Philadelphia side, it serves Penn’s Landing, the Delaware River Waterfront, and nearby Old City attractions. On the Camden side, it connects directly with major waterfront destinations around Wiggins Park.
The ferry is especially useful for day trips, waterfront festivals, concerts, museums, and family outings.
Philadelphia Waterfront and Old City Attractions
Near Penn’s Landing, riders can visit Spruce Street Harbor Park, Independence Seaport Museum, Blue Cross RiverRink, Race Street Pier, Cherry Street Pier, and the Delaware River Trail.
Old City and Historic District attractions nearby include Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell Center, the National Constitution Center, the Betsy Ross House, and the Benjamin Franklin Museum.
Other Philadelphia destinations mentioned in the supplied materials include Reading Terminal Market, South Street, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Liberty Point, The Moshulu, Waterfront Cafe, Cavanaugh’s River Deck, Rivers Casino, Dave and Buster’s, and FringeArts.
Camden Waterfront Attractions
Wiggins Park sits near several major Camden Waterfront attractions, including the Riverstage, Campbell’s Field, Adventure Aquarium, Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, and the Battleship New Jersey.
Cramer Hill Waterfront Park is also mentioned in the materials. It includes a grassed amphitheater, entry plaza, exercise stations, fishing plaza, picnic areas, a playground, a sensory garden, shoreline observation areas, historic and educational signage, and 4.8 km (3 mi) of hiking and biking trails.
Adventure Aquarium features interactive exhibits and more than 15,000 aquatic animals, including the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast. The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial offers an up-close look at military history aboard one of the largest U.S. battleships ever built.
Freedom Mortgage Pavilion brings major music acts to the waterfront and is one of the main reasons riders use the ferry’s extended event service.
Suggested Day Trip Ideas
For a Camden day trip, take the first ferry from Philadelphia, walk the waterfront, enjoy views of the Delaware River, stop at Adventure Aquarium, and allow time for the Walt Whitman House before returning.
For a Philadelphia day trip, ride into Penn’s Landing, stroll the waterfront, visit the Independence Seaport Museum, explore Independence National Historical Park, stop at the National Constitution Center, and finish with ice cream at Franklin Fountain before heading back.
The ferry also works well for flexible waterfront outings. Ride over, explore for a few hours, and return when the schedule lines up with your plans.