The Trenton Line is a SEPTA Regional Rail commuter rail route between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Trenton, New Jersey. It serves 15 stations, runs through Bucks County along the Delaware River, and connects with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT at Trenton Transit Center. The route is part of the Northeast Corridor and is an important public transport link for local transport, regional rail trips, and intercity connections.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | SEPTA Regional Rail |
| Route | Temple University to Trenton Transit Center |
| Stations | 15 |
| Main connection | Trenton Transit Center for Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT, River LINE, and bus services |
| Running time example | 71 minutes from Temple University to Trenton Transit Center on the listed early trip |
| Rolling stock | Silverliner electric multiple units and locomotive-hauled push-pull trains |
| Daily ridership | 7,937 in FY 2024 |
| History | Electrified service between Philadelphia and Trenton began on June 29, 1930 |
Trenton Line Map
The Trenton Line map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Trenton Line map in PDF format.
Stations and Route
The Trenton Line route runs from Center City Philadelphia through North Philadelphia, then northeast through river-corridor communities before crossing into New Jersey. Trains operate over a four-track corridor from 30th Street Station through North Philadelphia, then continue near I-95 and US 13 toward Trenton Transit Center.
For trip planning, the stations list below follows the main route pattern used in current service information. It works well as a quick stations map companion when checking a route plan, path train information, or route timetable.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple University | Most weekday trains terminate here in current service patterns |
| Jefferson Station | Most weekend trains terminate here |
| Suburban Station | Center City station with a ticket office open 7 days a week |
| Gray 30th St Station | Major Philadelphia rail hub with Amtrak connections |
| North Philadelphia | Weekday Amtrak connections available |
| Bridesburg | SEPTA bus connection listed for Route 73 |
| Tacony | Northeast Philadelphia station |
| Holmesburg Junction | SEPTA bus connection listed for Route 84 |
| Torresdale | SEPTA bus connections listed for Routes 19 and 84 |
| Cornwells Heights | Busiest SEPTA Regional Rail station outside Center City; weekday Amtrak service also available |
| Eddington | SEPTA bus connection listed for Route 133 |
| Croydon | SEPTA bus connection listed for Route 128 |
| Bristol | SEPTA bus Route 129 and Bristol rushbus connection listed |
| Levittown | SEPTA bus connections listed for Routes 127 and 128 |
| Trenton Transit Center | Terminal for SEPTA Trenton Line service and a major connection point for Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT, River LINE, and buses |
Center City Philadelphia Stations
In Center City Philadelphia, the Trenton Line uses the Center City Commuter Connection and serves 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station. These stations are the most useful stops for downtown travel and transfers to other SEPTA Regional Rail, Metro, and city transport services.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| 30th Street Station | Major rail transfer point with Amtrak connections |
| Suburban Station | Central Philadelphia station with a ticket office open 7 days a week |
| Jefferson Station | Common weekend terminal for Trenton Line trains |
| Temple University | Common weekday terminal for Trenton Line trains in current service patterns |
| North Philadelphia | Weekday Amtrak connections available |
The route also passes the Philadelphia Zoo area without stopping there, then continues through North Philadelphia toward Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County.
Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County Stations
Beyond Center City, the line serves Northeast Philadelphia and Bucks County stations including Bridesburg, Tacony, Holmesburg Junction, Torresdale, Cornwells Heights, Eddington, Croydon, Bristol, and Levittown. This stretch is useful for commuter trips, local transport connections, and travel between Philadelphia and communities along the Delaware River.
Cornwells Heights stands out because it is the busiest SEPTA Regional Rail station outside Center City and also has Amtrak service on weekdays. Several stations in this section connect with SEPTA bus routes, although amenities and ticket office hours can be more limited outside Philadelphia.
Trenton Transit Center
Trenton Transit Center is the main passenger rail station in Trenton, New Jersey. It sits on the Northeast Corridor and is served by SEPTA Regional Rail, Amtrak intercity trains, NJ TRANSIT, River LINE service, and bus routes.
The station is the northern terminus of SEPTA’s Trenton Line, the southern terminus of NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor Line, and the northern terminus of NJ TRANSIT’s River LINE. It also functions as a terminal for NJ TRANSIT and SEPTA buses.
The facility was rebuilt and reopened in July 2008. It includes passenger, retail, and office areas, along with public art installations made with handmade tiles showing historic Trenton scenes.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Trenton Transit Center | Located at 72-83 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey 08609, near Raoul Wallenberg Avenue |
| Station code | TRE |
| Platforms and tracks | 2 island platforms, 1 side platform for the Northeast Corridor, 2 side platforms for the River LINE, and 8 tracks |
| Ticket office opening hours | Monday-Friday 6:00 AM-9:00 PM; Saturday 7:00 AM-8:00 PM; Sunday 7:00 AM-8:00 PM |
| Ticket machines | Available at the station |
Fares, Tickets, and SEPTA Key
Trenton Line fare and ticket price depend on your trip, zone, day type, and payment method. SEPTA accepts several payment options, including SEPTA Key Card, contactless payment where available, cash, and Quick Trip tickets.
For Regional Rail, riders using SEPTA Key Card or contactless payment must tap on at the starting station and tap off at the destination so the correct cost is charged. If you do not tap off, you may be charged the maximum fare.
A SEPTA Key Card costs $4.95 USD. The amount is refunded to the Travel Wallet when the card is registered within the required time. The card can hold Travel Wallet funds as well as Daily, Weekly, or Monthly passes.
Children under 12 ride free with a fare-paying adult. Seniors age 65 and older ride free with a valid SEPTA Senior Fare Card, subject to SEPTA rules for the route being used.
Fare Zones
SEPTA Regional Rail uses fare zones, and each station belongs to a zone. Because the Trenton Line crosses from Center City Philadelphia through outlying areas and into New Jersey, zone selection matters when buying a ticket or pass.
- CC: The five Center City stations — Penn Medicine Station, William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, and Temple University Station
- 1: Stations near Center City
- 2: Philadelphia and nearest suburbs
- 3: Outlying Philadelphia areas and suburbs
- 4: Distant suburbs, Philadelphia Airport, and Delaware
- NJ: New Jersey
The farther you travel across zones, the higher the fare. For the right price, check the zone for your origin and destination before buying a ticket or pass.
How to Pay for a Trenton Line Trip
The easiest way for many riders is SEPTA Key: load value or a pass, tap on before boarding, and tap off when you arrive. That keeps the fare calculation accurate.
If you pay onboard, you can use cash or a card on Regional Rail. The conductor issues a Quick Trip ticket that can be used to exit gated Center City stations. If a conductor does not reach you before you enter Center City, an exit fare kiosk can be used.
Onboard fares listed in the provided material are $8 USD on weekdays and $7 USD on weekends. For trips from the city, a kiosk ticket may cost $6.75 USD on weekdays or $5.25 USD on weekends, depending on the trip and purchase location.
Daily commuters or riders transferring between NJ TRANSIT and SEPTA at Trenton Transit Center can also buy joint NJ TRANSIT/SEPTA rail tickets. Prices vary by origin and destination.
SEPTA Key, Contactless Payment, and Quick Trips
SEPTA Key is a reloadable contactless card for Travel Wallet value and passes. Cards can be loaded or reloaded at fare kiosks, through the SEPTA App, or through SEPTA Key account tools.
Contactless payment is accepted with credit cards, debit cards, and mobile wallets on Bus, Metro, and Regional Rail, but contactless tap-to-ride is not available for travel to or from New Jersey.
Quick Trip tickets are single-ride tickets. For travel toward Center City, conductors can sell a Quick Trip onboard using cash or a bank card. For trips from Center City, riders without a fare must buy a Quick Trip from a fare kiosk or sales office for station entry on the date of purchase.
Cash and Quick Trip riders are not eligible for free transfers. SEPTA Key Card and eligible contactless payment users can make up to two free transfers within 2 hours of the first tap, using the same card for all segments.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| SEPTA Key Card | Card cost is $4.95 USD; can hold Travel Wallet funds and passes |
| Contactless payment | Accepted on many SEPTA services, but not for Regional Rail trips to or from New Jersey |
| Quick Trip | Valid for a single ride; no free transfers |
| Cash | Accepted onboard; conductors cannot accept $50 or $100 bills |
Joint NJ TRANSIT/SEPTA Tickets
Joint NJ TRANSIT/SEPTA rail tickets are useful for riders transferring at Trenton Transit Center. They are sold at NJ TRANSIT rail stations and ticket vending machines, including Amtrak 30th Street Station, and at SEPTA ticket offices at Market East, Suburban Station, and SEPTA 30th Street Station.
A joint ticket has two parts: one for the NJ TRANSIT portion and one for the SEPTA portion. The price varies by origin and destination.
- Philadelphia 30th Street: for trips including Philadelphia 30th St., Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, Temple University, and University City
- SEPTA Intermediate: for Trenton Line Regional Rail stations from North Philadelphia through Levittown
- SEPTA Tunnel: for travel to or from other SEPTA Regional Rail stations not on the Trenton Line
Schedule, Frequency, and Service Alerts
Trenton Line timings vary by day, direction, and station, so always check the train schedule before you ride. The timetable shows departure times, not arrival windows, and the Transit app can show real-time departures, service alerts, frequency information, and the line on a map.
Service alerts may include delays, closed stations, signaling issues, skipped stops, cancellations, and other changes. If you are checking the schedule today or timings today, confirm your exact station and direction before heading to the platform.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Listed early trip | Leaves Temple University at 5:39 AM and arrives at Trenton Transit Center at 6:50 AM |
| Running time for listed early trip | 71 minutes |
| Weekday TRE train example | TRE train #705 to Trenton is listed with a weekday departure at 7:40 AM |
| QuietRide Car | Weekdays, Monday-Friday, 4:00 AM-7:00 PM, when three or more cars are open for passenger service |
| Weekend terminal pattern | Most weekend trains terminate at Jefferson Station in current service patterns |
| Holiday service | Major holidays and extreme weather may use a special schedule |
The next-train display and full route timetable are the best places to confirm the starting time, closing time for the day’s service at your station, and last train details. Rider reports in the provided material showed the line arriving on time on 66% of previous trips.
Weekday Service
Weekday service runs Monday through Friday except major holidays. In current service patterns, most weekday Trenton Line trains terminate at Temple University, while some continue to other destinations.
Amtrak connections are available on weekdays at North Philadelphia and Cornwells Heights. QuietRide Car service is also available on weekday trains from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM when three or more cars are open for passenger service.
Weekend and Holiday Service
Most weekend Trenton Line trains terminate at Jefferson Station in current service patterns. SEPTA notes that major holiday schedules may differ, and some holidays may be observed on another day.
Regional Rail major holidays include New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Independence Weekend service operates on a Saturday schedule on July 3 and July 4, and extreme weather can also trigger a special timetable.
Connections and Transfers
The Trenton Line connects with rail, Metro, tramway, and bus services across Philadelphia and New Jersey. Trenton Transit Center is the key transfer point for NJ TRANSIT, Amtrak, River LINE, and bus service, while Center City stations connect the route with SEPTA’s wider city transport network.
At 30th Street Station, riders can transfer to Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT Atlantic City Rail Line service, along with SEPTA Metro and bus routes. Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, and Temple University also provide Center City connections to other SEPTA rail and transit services.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Levittown | Bus Routes 127 and 128 |
| Bristol | Bus Route 129 and Bristol rushbus |
| Croydon | Bus Route 128 |
| Eddington | Bus Route 133 |
| Cornwells Heights | Bus Routes 78 and 133; weekday Amtrak service |
| Torresdale | Bus Routes 19 and 84 |
| Holmesburg Junction | Bus Route 84 |
| Tacony | No connecting service listed in the provided material |
| Bridesburg | Bus Route 73 |
If Trenton Line service is unavailable, the Chestnut Hill West, Lansdale/Doylestown, and Manayunk/Norristown lines provide service to and from North Philadelphia. For stations beyond North Philadelphia, SEPTA Metro service with a bus connection may be used.
SEPTA Regional Rail and Metro Connections in Center City
The Trenton Line runs through the Center City Commuter Connection, the tunnel linking 30th Street Station, Suburban Station, and Jefferson Station. This makes it easy to connect with other SEPTA Regional Rail lines, Metro services, buses, and downtown destinations.
Most weekday trains terminate at Temple University in current service patterns, while most weekend trains terminate at Jefferson Station. At North Philadelphia, riders can also connect with Amtrak on weekdays, plus SEPTA Regional Rail, SEPTA Metro, and SEPTA City Bus routes 4 and 16.
NJ TRANSIT, Amtrak, River LINE, and Bus Connections at Trenton
Trenton Transit Center is a major transfer station for transportation in New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. It is served by SEPTA Regional Rail, NJ TRANSIT Northeast Corridor trains, Amtrak, the River LINE, and multiple bus routes.
- Amtrak connections: Trenton, Newark, Metropark, New York, and Philadelphia 30th Street Station
- River LINE: northern terminus at Trenton Transit Center
- NJ TRANSIT bus connections at Trenton: 409, 418, 600, 601, 606, 608, 609, 611, 619, 624
- SEPTA Suburban Bus connection: 127
Important Transfer Stations Along the Line
The most important transfer stations are Trenton Transit Center, 30th Street Station, North Philadelphia, Cornwells Heights, Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, and Temple University. These stops connect the route with intercity rail, Regional Rail, Metro, and bus services.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Trenton Transit Center | Amtrak, NJ TRANSIT, River LINE, and bus connections |
| 30th Street Station | Major Amtrak terminal and rail transfer point |
| North Philadelphia | Weekday Amtrak connections |
| Cornwells Heights | Amtrak and bus connections; busiest SEPTA Regional Rail station outside Center City |
| Suburban Station, Jefferson Station, and Temple University | Key Center City transfer stations |
Airport Connections
The Trenton Line does not provide a direct airport link, but it can connect travelers to airport trips through Trenton Transit Center and Philadelphia rail hubs. Trenton-Mercer Airport is about 6.4 km (4 miles) northwest of Trenton in Ewing Township and serves 8 domestic destinations.
Airlines operating from Trenton-Mercer Airport include Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines. Listed destinations include Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Philadelphia, Punta Gorda, Saint Petersburg, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.
The line also connects at Trenton Transit Center with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, which can be useful for wider regional airport travel. Nearby major airports and rail-linked destinations include Philadelphia International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Atlantic City, Wilmington, and New York-area stations.
Getting to Philadelphia International Airport
Travel between Trenton-Mercer Airport and Philadelphia International Airport can be done by driving, taxi, bus-and-train, or train connections, depending on the balance of speed, cost, and convenience.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Drive | About 54 minutes; road distance about 70.3 km (43.7 miles); estimated cost $7-$12 USD |
| Line 608 bus and train | About 1 hour 41 minutes via Trenton, 30th Street Station, and Airport Terminal A |
| Train via West Trenton and Suburban Station | About 2 hours 35 minutes to Airport Terminal A |
| Taxi | About 54 minutes; estimated cost $140-$180 USD |
| American Airlines Landline motorcoach | About 50 minutes; Trenton departures at 6:45 AM, 12:00 PM, and 4:30 PM; PHL returns at 8:30 AM, 2:00 PM, and 6:40 PM |
On the American Airlines Landline service, passengers check in and clear TSA security at Trenton before boarding. Bags are checked at the starting airport and transferred automatically as part of an American Airlines itinerary.
Airport Transfer Tips for Travelers with Luggage
With luggage, the simplest option from downtown Philadelphia is often a taxi or ride-hailing service. Typical travel time is 40 to 50 minutes from central Philadelphia if I-95 traffic is manageable.
Uber or Lyft usually costs about $50-$80 USD one way, while official taxis may be slightly higher, around $80-$100 USD. If you are leaving during peak hours, book ahead and allow extra time.
Public transport is possible, but it requires a transfer at Trenton Transit Center. The SEPTA Trenton Line trip from Philadelphia to Trenton takes about 45 to 55 minutes and costs about $9-$10 USD, depending on time of day and payment method. From Trenton Transit Center, NJ TRANSIT bus 608 takes about 20 to 25 minutes and costs about $2-$3 USD. A taxi or Uber from the station takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs around $15-$20 USD.
- Check in online and keep your boarding pass on your phone.
- Arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before departure if you have checked luggage.
- Prepare electronics and liquids before TSA screening.
- Watch carry-on size limits, since gate staff may check bags closely.
- Add another 30 minutes for early morning trips, holidays, or tight transfers.
Trenton-Mercer Airport has a compact layout, and the path from arrival to baggage claim is short. The baggage claim area is in a separate wing, and the exit from the arrival zone leads directly to the car park.
Parking, Bikes, and Station Access
Trenton Transit Center has several paid parking options nearby, including the Merchant Street lot, Station Plaza Garage at 50 Yard Avenue, and the Trenton Park and Ride Garage on Walnut Avenue. Other listed parking areas are on South Clinton Avenue, Raoul Wallenberg Avenue, Greenwood Avenue, and Barlow Street.
Parking charges, parking charges per day, overnight rules, permit options, and time limits vary by lot. Check posted station parking details before leaving your car, because some lots require app payment and on-street parking is generally not permitted in the listed lots.
Bike racks or lockers are available at the station, and bike parking is also noted at Trenton Transit Center. The station is ADA accessible.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Trenton Transit Center ticket office, Monday-Friday | 6:00 AM-9:00 PM |
| Trenton Transit Center ticket office, Saturday | 7:00 AM-8:00 PM |
| Trenton Transit Center ticket office, Sunday | 7:00 AM-8:00 PM |
Ticket vending machines are available at the Wallenberg Avenue main entrance, Walnut Avenue entrance, and eastbound and westbound platform areas.
How to Ride the Trenton Line
To ride the Trenton Line, choose your station, check the timetable for the right direction, and confirm whether your train stops where you need to go. Not every train pattern is the same, so this small check can save time.
Popular boarding points include Temple University, Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, 30th Street Station, North Philadelphia, Cornwells Heights, Croydon, Bristol, Levittown, and Trenton Transit Center. The Transit app can show real-time departures, alerts, and trip details.
Pay with a SEPTA Key Card, ticket, pass, cash, Quick Trip, or another accepted method for your trip. If using SEPTA Key on Regional Rail, tap on before boarding and tap off at the destination.
During major holidays or severe weather, SEPTA may operate on a special schedule. Before you go, check the schedule today, station alerts, and last train information for your direction.
Travel Tips for Commuters and Visitors
Plan around your exact station, not just the line name. Weekday and weekend schedules differ, and current terminal patterns often send weekday trains to Temple University and weekend trains to Jefferson Station.
- Use the timetable to match your departure and arrival stations.
- Check whether your train terminates at Temple University or Jefferson Station.
- Allow extra time for transfers at North Philadelphia or Trenton Transit Center.
- Verify ticket office opening times, especially outside Philadelphia.
- Check alerts before boarding if weather or service disruptions are possible.
Stations within Philadelphia have ticket offices, while many stations outside the city limits have shorter hours and fewer amenities. At stations without a ticket vendor, onboard purchase may be the available option.
Service Rules and Passenger Etiquette
Keep your ticket, pass, or payment card ready for inspection and use the same card throughout your trip when transfers or fare calculation depend on it. On Regional Rail, tapping off matters; skipping it can lead to the maximum fare being charged.
Board only when the train has stopped and follow crew instructions on the platform and onboard. If you are using a QuietRide Car during weekday working hours, keep conversations brief, silence devices, and avoid loud media.
Give priority seating to riders who need it, keep bags clear of aisles and seats when cars are busy, and allow passengers to exit before boarding. These simple habits make the ride safer and more comfortable for everyone.
Travel information, train schedule details, and service notices can change because of operating conditions, weather, or disruptions. Check alerts before traveling, especially during holidays, storms, or major events.
Brief History
Electrified service between Philadelphia and Trenton began on June 29, 1930. The route later became part of SEPTA Regional Rail and continues to serve Bucks County communities along the Delaware River before ending at Trenton Transit Center.
From 1984 to 2010, the line was designated R7 Trenton as part of SEPTA’s diametrical reorganization. During that period, Trenton Line trains operated through the city center to the Chestnut Hill East Line on the ex-Reading side of the system. The R-number naming system was dropped on July 25, 2010.
SEPTA activated positive train control on the line on May 1, 2017. Ridership between FY 2013 and FY 2019 ranged from 3.1 to 3.6 million annually before dropping during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearby Destinations and Attractions
The Trenton Line provides access to historic sites, museums, parks, civic landmarks, sports venues, and entertainment destinations in and around Trenton, while also linking riders with major Philadelphia stations along the route.
Near Trenton, notable places include the Old Barracks Museum, New Jersey State Museum, New Jersey State House, William Trent House Museum, Artworks Trenton, Trenton Free Public Library, and the World War II Memorial. Cadwalader Park, Trenton Farmers Market, Trenton Thunder Baseball, and Cure Insurance Arena are also useful nearby destinations.
Trenton and New Jersey Destinations
The line ends at Trenton Transit Center, where travelers can connect to Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, including the Northeast Corridor Line. This makes the route useful for trips between Philadelphia, Trenton, and other New Jersey destinations.
- Trenton Transit Center for Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT connections
- Cornwells Heights for weekday Amtrak connections
- 30th Street Station for major regional and intercity transfers
- Temple University and Jefferson Station as common terminal points
Philadelphia Destinations Along the Line
In Philadelphia, the Trenton Line serves Temple University, Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, 30th Street Station, North Philadelphia, Bridesburg, Tacony, Holmesburg Junction, and Torresdale before continuing toward Bucks County and New Jersey.
For Center City access, Jefferson Station, Suburban Station, and 30th Street Station are the key stops. 30th Street Station provides major Amtrak connections, while North Philadelphia offers weekday Amtrak connections. The route also passes the Philadelphia Zoo area without stopping there.