Riverton NJ Commute Guide: Getting to Philly, NYC, and Beyond

Location is everything when you are choosing where to live in South Jersey. Riverton offers something that most historic river towns cannot match: a commute to Philadelphia that consistently clocks in under 20 minutes. Whether you work in Center City, across the river in Northeast Philadelphia, or commute to New York a few days a week, this guide breaks down every option, every route, and every trade-off so you can decide if Riverton is the right move for your lifestyle.

Commute Options at a Glance

Riverton sits in a sweet spot of Burlington County, hugged by the Delaware River and positioned within minutes of major commuter arteries. Unlike many South Jersey towns that require a long drive just to reach a highway ramp, Riverton puts you at the junction of multiple transit options: the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, Route 130, I-295, the NJ Transit River LINE, NJ Transit bus routes, and PATCO connections all within a short distance. Commuters have real choices based on where they need to go and when.

Quick Summary of Commute Times from Riverton

Tacony-Palmyra Bridge: The Direct Route to Philly

The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge is the single most important commuter connection for Riverton residents. This bridge spans the Delaware River between Palmyra, New Jersey and the Tacony neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. From your driveway on Elm Avenue to the Philadelphia side of the bridge, the drive is about 3 miles and takes less than 5 minutes. Once across, you are on State Road (Route 73) and can reach Center City in another 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic.

The bridge is operated by the Burlington County Bridge Commission. Tolls are collected only for Pennsylvania-bound traffic, so returning to New Jersey is free. Current toll rates are approximately $4.00 cash or $3.00 with E-ZPass. Rates are subject to adjustment by the commission, and E-ZPass always gives the lower rate, so every regular commuter should have a transponder. The bridge sees moderate traffic during peak hours, but wait times rarely exceed a few minutes because it is a relatively short crossing with no major interchange backups.

For commuters headed to Northeast Philadelphia, the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge is unbeatable. You can be in the Tacony, Holmesburg, or Torresdale neighborhoods in under 15 minutes door to door. The bridge also provides quick access to Roosevelt Boulevard (US-1), which connects to the rest of Philadelphia's road network.

PATCO Access: The Rail Commuter's Choice

While Riverton does not have a direct PATCO station within walking distance, the combination of the NJ Transit River LINE and PATCO creates a reliable rail commute to Center City Philadelphia that avoids traffic entirely.

Riverton has its own River LINE light rail station at the intersection of Broad and Main Streets, right in the heart of the borough. From there, the River LINE runs south to Camden, arriving at the Walter Rand Transportation Center (Broadway station) in approximately 20 minutes. At Broadway, you transfer directly to the PATCO Speedline into Philadelphia. PATCO trains run frequently during peak hours, with departures every 5 to 10 minutes at rush hour.

The total trip from Riverton Station to PATCO's 8th and Market Street station in Center City Philadelphia takes about 30 to 40 minutes. For commuters who prefer to drive to a PATCO station, the closest stations are Woodcrest (about 8 miles from Riverton, located in Cherry Hill on Evesham Road) and Haddonfield (about 9 miles). Both offer ample parking. From Woodcrest, the PATCO ride to 8th and Market is approximately 17 minutes, and from Haddonfield it is about 12 minutes. Including the drive to the station, the total door-to-door commute from Riverton via Park-and-Ride PATCO is roughly 30 to 45 minutes.

PATCO fares vary by distance. From Woodcrest to Center City, a one-way fare is approximately $3.00 with a FREEDOM Card. Monthly passes are available for regular commuters. PATCO trains run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it a viable option even for late shifts or early morning travel. The train stations are clean, safe, and staffed during operating hours.

Driving to Philadelphia: Route 130, I-295, and the Walt Whitman Bridge

For commuters who need to reach destinations in South or West Philadelphia, the Walt Whitman Bridge route is often a better choice than the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. Here is how the driving options compare.

Route 130 is the main north-south arterial through Riverton. Elm Avenue connects directly to Route 130 within a few blocks. From Route 130, you can reach I-295 ramps heading both north and south in under 5 minutes. Route 130 also provides direct access to Cinnaminson, Burlington City, and points north along the Delaware River. For local errands and short trips, Route 130 is your daily driver.

I-295 is accessible from Route 130 just south of Riverton near Cinnaminson. From there, I-295 North takes you toward the Betsy Ross Bridge (connecting to the Frankford/Tacony area of Philadelphia) and I-295 South takes you toward the Walt Whitman Bridge (connecting to South Philadelphia and I-76). The Walt Whitman Bridge toll is approximately $5.00 with E-ZPass during off-peak hours, with slightly higher rates at peak times. Tolls are collected eastbound into New Jersey, so the return trip is free.

Driving from Riverton to Center City via I-295 and the Walt Whitman Bridge typically takes 25 to 35 minutes in moderate traffic, about 10 minutes longer than via the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. However, this route gives you direct access to South Philadelphia sports complexes, the Philadelphia International Airport (about 30 minutes via I-95), and I-76 westbound toward the Main Line suburbs.

NYC Commute: Getting to New York City from Riverton

Riverton is approximately 80 miles from New York City, making it feasible for occasional in-office days or a hybrid schedule. While a daily NYC commute from Riverton would be a grind, it is very manageable for a two or three-day-per-week arrangement.

Public Transit to NYC

The most efficient rail route from Riverton to New York Penn Station combines two NJ Transit lines. Start at Riverton Station on the River LINE heading north to Trenton Transit Center. The River LINE ride takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes through Burlington and Mercer Counties, passing through Riverside, Delanco, Beverly, Burlington, and Bordentown along the way. At Trenton Transit Center, transfer to an NJ Transit Northeast Corridor express train to New York Penn Station. The express train takes 65 to 75 minutes, with trains departing roughly every 30 minutes during peak periods.

Total trip time is approximately 2 hours from Riverton to midtown Manhattan. One-way fares range from $21 to $55 depending on whether you buy a single ticket or a monthly pass. Many hybrid commuters find that a monthly rail pass combined with a few office days per week is more cost-effective than driving and parking in Manhattan. NJ Transit trains have Wi-Fi available on most Northeast Corridor cars, so you can work during the ride.

Driving to NYC

Driving from Riverton to New York City takes approximately 1.5 hours without traffic and 2 to 2.5 hours during peak periods. The route uses Route 130 north to I-295, then I-295 to the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) northbound. The Turnpike takes you directly to the Lincoln Tunnel (midtown) or George Washington Bridge (uptown). Tolls include NJ Turnpike fees plus bridge or tunnel tolls of approximately $13 to $16 with E-ZPass. Parking in Manhattan adds significant daily cost, so this option works best for commuters who can park outside the city and take transit in, or for those whose workplace provides parking.

NJ Transit Bus Options

NJ Transit operates two bus routes that serve the Riverton area, offering additional commuter flexibility.

Route 419 (Riverside to Camden/Walter Rand Transportation Center) stops at Broad Street and Pompesse Avenue in downtown Riverton, within walking distance of most borough homes. From the Walter Rand Transportation Center, you can transfer to PATCO into Philadelphia or to NJ Transit's Route 551 express bus, which runs directly to Market Street in Center City. This two-seat ride is slower than driving or the River LINE and PATCO combination, but it is a viable backup option.

Route 409 (Trenton to Philadelphia) stops at US-130 at Riverton Road, about a half-mile from the center of town. This is the better bus option for Philadelphia commuters because it runs directly to Vine Street at 8th Street in Center City without requiring a transfer. The route operates multiple times daily, though frequency varies by time of day. The ride to Center City takes approximately 40 to 55 minutes depending on traffic. Route 409 also provides access to Trenton Transit Center for NJ Transit Northeast Corridor connections.

Why Riverton's Location Works for Commuters

Riverton's location is not just about proximity to Philadelphia. It is about the quality of the commute experience. Here is what sets this historic river town apart.

You avoid the worst traffic. Riverton sits north of the busy I-295 and Route 38 corridors that dominate much of Burlington County's commuter landscape. Commuters from Cherry Hill, Marlton, and Mount Laurel face 10 to 15 minutes of stop-and-go traffic before they even reach a highway ramp. Riverton's bridge access bypasses that entirely. The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge approach is local streets, not a highway interchange, so you are moving from the moment you pull out of your driveway.

Multiple options for different schedules. Not every job runs 9 to 5. Riverton's transit options cover the full day. PATCO runs 24 hours. The River LINE operates early morning to late evening. Driving routes are short enough that even a bad traffic day adds only 10 or 15 minutes. If one route is blocked by an accident or bridge opening, you have viable alternatives within minutes.

The commute is part of the lifestyle. This matters more than most buyers realize. A 15-minute commute from a tree-lined Victorian neighborhood on the Delaware River is fundamentally different from a 45-minute slog on a congested interstate. You save 5 to 10 hours per week compared to a typical South Jersey suburban commute. That is time for family, hobbies, exercise, or simply enjoying the screened porch at 419 Elm Avenue with a cup of coffee before heading to work.

Walkability reduces car dependency. Riverton is one of the most walkable towns in Burlington County. The downtown business district on Main Street, Riverton School, the River LINE station, and the waterfront are all within walking distance of most homes. Many residents find they can leave their car parked for weekend errands, keeping mileage low and gas costs down. For a commuter, that means one car can sometimes serve a two-adult household.

Frequently Asked Questions