Palmyra NJ Commute Guide: Your Gateway to Philadelphia

Palmyra, New Jersey sits on the eastern bank of the Delaware River, directly across from Northeast Philadelphia. Its location is the single biggest advantage for commuters in Burlington County. The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge connects the borough to Philadelphia in under five minutes, and Center City is reachable in 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. For anyone searching for "Palmyra NJ commute" options, this guide covers every mode of travel, every route, and every time estimate you need.

Whether you commute by car, train, bus, or a combination of options, Palmyra offers a rare combination of affordable housing and genuine proximity to one of the East Coast's largest employment centers. This guide breaks down every commute option from Palmyra to Philadelphia, New York City, and surrounding job hubs.

Commute options overview

Palmyra benefits from multiple transportation corridors that give residents flexibility in how they get to work. The borough sits at the intersection of several key routes:

• Tacony-Palmyra Bridge directly into Northeast Philadelphia (the fastest option for drivers)
• PATCO Speedline via Camden stations for a rail commute to Center City
• NJ Transit River LINE light rail connecting to Camden and Trenton
• NJ Transit bus routes serving the borough directly
• I-295 and Route 73 for regional highway access
• New Jersey Turnpike via I-295 for longer-distance commutes

The borough's location roughly 10 miles from Center City Philadelphia puts it closer to downtown than many Philadelphia suburbs on the Pennsylvania side of the river. For commuters, that proximity translates directly into shorter drive times, lower transportation costs, and more time at home.

Tacony-Palmyra Bridge: the commuter's secret weapon

The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge is the defining transportation feature of Palmyra. This four-lane bridge crosses the Delaware River and connects Palmyra directly to the Tacony neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. For Palmyra residents, it is the fastest way into Philadelphia by a significant margin.

Bridge details:

• Crossing time: approximately 2 to 3 minutes from the Palmyra toll plaza to the Philadelphia side
• Toll: $2.00 for standard passenger vehicles with E-ZPass or cash, $5.00 for toll-by-plate (2026 rates)
• Operated by the Burlington County Bridge Commission
• Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• E-ZPass accepted for automatic toll collection

Drive times from the bridge into Philadelphia:

• Tacony neighborhood: 2 to 3 minutes
• Northeast Philadelphia: 5 to 10 minutes
• Center City Philadelphia: 12 to 18 minutes via Roosevelt Boulevard
• Philadelphia International Airport: 20 to 25 minutes
• University City (Drexel, Penn, CHOP): 15 to 20 minutes

The bridge is especially valuable for commuters who work in Northeast Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Navy Yard, or along the Roosevelt Boulevard corridor. It eliminates the need to use the Ben Franklin or Walt Whitman bridges entirely, cutting 10 to 15 minutes off a typical commute from other South Jersey suburbs.

For a deeper look at what it's like to live in Palmyra, read our complete guide to living in Palmyra, NJ.

PATCO Speedline access

The PATCO Speedline is the region's premier rail connection between South Jersey and Center City Philadelphia. While PATCO does not have a station in Palmyra itself, the closest stations are easily reachable by car or connecting bus.

Closest PATCO stations to Palmyra:

• City Hall Station (Camden) - approximately 3 miles from Palmyra, about a 7 to 10 minute drive
• Broadway (Walter Rand Transportation Center) Station (Camden) - approximately 4 miles, about a 10 minute drive

PATCO commute times from Camden stations to Center City Philadelphia:

• City Hall to 8th and Market (Center City): 5 to 7 minutes
• City Hall to 12th/13th and Locust: 7 to 9 minutes
• City Hall to 15th/16th and Locust: 8 to 10 minutes
• City Hall to 9th/10th and Walnut: 6 to 8 minutes

Total estimated commute from Palmyra to Center City via PATCO: 20 to 30 minutes door-to-door, including the drive to City Hall Station, parking, the PATCO ride, and a short walk to your office. PATCO trains run frequently during peak hours, with trains every 5 to 8 minutes in the morning and evening rush periods.

Parking is available at the Camden PATCO stations, though lots can fill during peak hours. Many Palmyra residents drive to the station in under 10 minutes, park, and ride PATCO directly into Center City without the hassle of bridge traffic or parking in Philadelphia.

Driving to Philadelphia

For commuters who prefer to drive, Palmyra offers multiple routes into Philadelphia depending on your destination within the city.

Via the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge (best for Northeast Philly and Center City)

As covered above, this is the fastest option. Cross the bridge into the Tacony neighborhood, then connect to Roosevelt Boulevard (US 1) southbound. From there, you can reach Center City in about 12 to 18 minutes during moderate traffic. During peak hours, expect 20 to 25 minutes to Center City.

Via Route 73 and I-295 to the Ben Franklin Bridge (best for Center City and University City)

This route takes you south on Route 73 to I-295 eastbound, then into Camden and across the Ben Franklin Bridge into Philadelphia. The Ben Franklin Bridge deposits you directly at 6th and Vine streets in Center City, making it convenient for Old City, Society Hill, and the central business district.

• Palmyra to Ben Franklin Bridge: 12 to 15 minutes
• Crossing the bridge: 2 to 3 minutes
• Total to Center City: 18 to 25 minutes (off-peak), 25 to 35 minutes (peak)
• Toll: $5.00 (one-way eastbound, cash or E-ZPass)

Via Route 73 and I-295 to the Walt Whitman Bridge (best for South Philly and the Airport)

If you work in South Philadelphia, the Sports Complex, or at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the Walt Whitman Bridge is your best option. Take Route 73 south to I-295, then follow signs to the Walt Whitman Bridge.

• Palmyra to Walt Whitman Bridge: 18 to 22 minutes
• Total to South Philadelphia: 22 to 30 minutes (off-peak), 30 to 40 minutes (peak)
• Toll: $5.00 (one-way eastbound, cash or E-ZPass)

General driving tips for Palmyra commuters:

• Rush hour traffic on Route 73 and I-295 can add 10 to 15 minutes to your commute. Plan accordingly.
• The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge sees less traffic than the major bridges, making it a reliable alternative even during peak hours.
• E-ZPass is recommended for all bridge crossings. It saves time and money compared to toll-by-plate.
• Philadelphia International Airport is 20 to 26 minutes from Palmyra depending on traffic and route.

NYC commute options

For Palmyra residents who commute to New York City, there are several options depending on your budget and schedule. The drive to Midtown Manhattan takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes in light traffic, covering about 89 miles.

Driving to NYC:

• Route: Palmyra to I-295 north to the New Jersey Turnpike (Exit 6 or 7), then north to the Lincoln Tunnel or George Washington Bridge
• Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes without traffic
• Peak time: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes during rush hour
• Tolls: approximately $15 to $20 round trip with E-ZPass

Train to NYC:

• Take the NJ Transit River LINE from Palmyra Station to Trenton Transit Center (approximately 55 to 60 minutes)
• Transfer to an NJ Transit Northeast Corridor train from Trenton to New York Penn Station (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)
• Total journey: approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes each way
• One-way cost: $15 to $40 depending on time of day and fare type

The train option is best for occasional commuters or those with flexible schedules. For daily commuters, driving or a combination of driving to a NJ Transit express station (like Hamilton or Princeton Junction) may be more practical.

Bus options: NJ Transit routes

Palmyra is served by NJ Transit bus routes that connect the borough to Camden, Philadelphia, and surrounding communities. These are the most practical bus options for commuters:

NJ Transit Route 419

The Route 419 bus is the primary NJ Transit bus serving Palmyra. It runs between the Walter Rand Transportation Center (WRTC) in Camden and Riverside, with stops on Broad Street at Delaware Street in Palmyra. From the WRTC, you can transfer to PATCO for a direct ride into Center City Philadelphia.

• Route: Camden to Pennsauken to Palmyra to Riverside
• Service: Daily, approximately hourly
• Weekday first departure: approximately 4:38 AM
• Weekday last departure: approximately 8:38 PM
• Connections: PATCO Speedline at Walter Rand Transportation Center, River LINE at various stops

BurLink B9

The BurLink B9 is a Burlington County local shuttle that connects the Palmyra River LINE station to Cinnaminson and Moorestown, including the Moorestown Mall. This is a good option for local trips and connections to the River LINE for longer commutes.

NJ Transit River LINE

While technically light rail rather than a bus, the River LINE is a key commuter option from Palmyra. The Palmyra Station is located on Railroad Avenue and provides trains north to Trenton and south to Camden.

• Palmyra Station to Camden (Walter Rand Transportation Center): approximately 19 minutes
• Palmyra Station to Trenton Transit Center: approximately 55 to 60 minutes
• Frequency: Every 30 to 60 minutes depending on time of day
• From Camden, connect to PATCO for Center City Philadelphia or NJ Transit buses for other destinations

Average commute times table

Here is a quick-reference table of average commute times from Palmyra to major destinations:

Why Palmyra's location is ideal for Philly commuters

Palmyra's location offers a combination of factors that make it one of the most commuter-friendly towns in Burlington County:

True proximity to Philadelphia. At roughly 10 miles from Center City, Palmyra is closer to downtown Philadelphia than many neighborhoods on the Pennsylvania side of the river. A 15-minute drive from Palmyra puts you in Center City. From many Philadelphia suburbs in Montgomery County or Delaware County, a 15-minute drive barely gets you to the local grocery store.

Bridge diversity. Palmyra residents have direct access to three bridge crossings into Philadelphia (Tacony-Palmyra, Ben Franklin, Walt Whitman) plus the bridges into New Jersey from the Pennsylvania side. If one bridge is backed up, there is always an alternative. This flexibility is something that towns with only one river crossing simply do not have.

Transit redundancy. Between the River LINE light rail, NJ Transit buses, PATCO connections, and major highways, Palmyra commuters are never dependent on a single mode of transportation. If your car is in the shop or bridge traffic is gridlocked, you have viable alternatives.

Cost savings. Housing in Palmyra costs significantly less than in communities closer to Philadelphia on the Pennsylvania side or in higher-demand South Jersey suburbs like Moorestown or Cherry Hill. That price difference can offset commuting costs substantially over the life of a mortgage.

For a full picture of daily life in the borough, read our complete guide to living in Palmyra, NJ.

How 1032 Harbour Drive makes commuting even smarter

At $200,000, 1032 Harbour Dr Unit 1032 represents a rare opportunity for commuters who want to maximize their lifestyle while minimizing their housing costs. Here is why this property is a particularly good fit for Philadelphia-area commuters:

• Prime location near major routes. Harbour Drive is located in a quiet community with easy access to Route 73, the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, and I-295. You can be on the bridge in under 5 minutes from your front door.
• Move-in ready, no commute disruption. The home is fully renovated with new flooring, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, modern bathrooms, and in-unit laundry. There is no need to spend weekends on renovations or deal with construction stress while managing a commute.
• Low-maintenance living. As a townhouse in a managed community, 1032 Harbour offers low-maintenance living that works well for busy professionals. Less time on yard work means more time for your actual life.
• Two full bathrooms. In a 2-bedroom home, two full bathrooms mean no morning rush-hour bathroom conflicts. For roommates or couples with different schedules, this is a real quality-of-life advantage.
• Price point that makes sense. At $200,000, the mortgage on 1032 Harbour is likely lower than what many commuters pay in rent in Philadelphia or the closer suburbs. And you build equity instead of paying a landlord.

For commuters who have been priced out of Philadelphia's rental market or who want to stop throwing money away on rent, this property offers a path to homeownership that is actually affordable on a commuter's budget.

Frequently asked questions about commuting from Palmyra NJ

How long does it take to commute from Palmyra to Center City Philadelphia?

By car via the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, the commute to Center City is approximately 12 to 18 minutes off-peak and 20 to 25 minutes during peak hours. By PATCO (drive to Camden, then train), the total door-to-door commute is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Is the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge tolled?

Yes. The toll is $2.00 for standard passenger vehicles with E-ZPass or cash, and $5.00 for toll-by-plate transactions. The bridge is operated by the Burlington County Bridge Commission and accepts E-ZPass for electronic toll collection.

Does PATCO have a station in Palmyra?

No. The closest PATCO stations are City Hall Station and Broadway (Walter Rand Transportation Center) Station in Camden, approximately 3 to 4 miles from Palmyra. A short 7 to 10 minute drive gets you to the station, and then the PATCO ride to Center City takes 5 to 10 minutes.

What NJ Transit bus routes serve Palmyra?

NJ Transit Route 419 runs through Palmyra along Broad Street, connecting the borough to Camden (Walter Rand Transportation Center) and Riverside. The BurLink B9 shuttle connects the Palmyra River LINE station to Moorestown and Cinnaminson. The River LINE light rail also stops at Palmyra Station on Railroad Avenue.

How do I get from Palmyra to New York City?

Driving takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes via I-295 and the New Jersey Turnpike. By train, take the River LINE from Palmyra Station to Trenton Transit Center (55 to 60 minutes), then transfer to NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor line to New York Penn Station (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Total journey time is about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is the best route from Palmyra to Philadelphia International Airport?

The fastest route is typically via the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge into Philadelphia, then south on I-95 to the airport. This takes approximately 20 to 26 minutes without traffic. Alternatively, take I-295 to the Walt Whitman Bridge and then south on I-95. Allow 30 to 40 minutes during peak hours.

Is Palmyra a good town for remote workers who need occasional office access?

Yes. Palmyra offers a quieter, more affordable lifestyle than Center City while keeping you within a 15 to 25 minute drive of the office when you need to be there. The combination of affordable housing and genuine proximity to Philadelphia makes it an excellent choice for hybrid and remote workers.

Are there bike or pedestrian commuting options from Palmyra to Philadelphia?

The Tacony-Palmyra Bridge has a pedestrian and bicycle path, making it possible to walk or bike across the Delaware River into Philadelphia. The Delaware River Heritage Trail also passes through Palmyra, connecting to a larger regional trail network. However, for most daily commuters, driving or public transit is more practical.