Princeton Junction Train Station, North Bound

This station is pretty nice and lively. I prefer coming here than death-trap Trenton. 🚉💺🚂🚊🚆🚄🚅🚃🚇🛤️🚝🚈

Princeton Junction Station, located at 2 Wallace Circle in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, serves as a pivotal hub for commuters and travelers in the region. This station offers a blend of modern amenities, efficient services, and strategic connectivity, making it a preferred choice for many.  Accessibility and Connectivity Strategically positioned along the Northeast Corridor, Princeton Junction Station provides seamless access to major destinations. It accommodates both NJ Transit and select Amtrak services, facilitating travel to cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, the station is the starting point for the renowned “Dinky” train, officially known as the Princeton Branch, which offers a direct link to Princeton University.   Parking Facilities Parking at Princeton Junction is both ample and well-organized. The West Windsor Parking Authority manages several lots, including the Station Drive Daily Lot and the Wallace Daily Pay Lot, both priced at $7 for a single stay of up to 24 hours. Payments can be conveniently made via the ParkMobile app or onsite pay stations. For those planning extended stays, the Vaughn Permit Lot offers options for up to 14 consecutive days. West Windsor residents benefit from free parking in the Wallace Permit Lot from Friday 3 p.m. to Monday 3 a.m., as well as on federal holidays.     Station Amenities The station boasts a range of amenities designed for passenger comfort. Travelers can find ticket vending machines, spacious seating areas, and restrooms. The facility is well-maintained, ensuring a clean and pleasant environment. Bike racks are available for cycling enthusiasts, promoting eco-friendly commuting options.  Community Feedback Feedback from the community highlights the station’s efficiency and convenience. Users appreciate the straightforward parking payment methods and the availability of spaces, especially during weekdays. The ParkMobile app has been noted for its user-friendly interface, allowing for hassle-free parking sessions.    Areas for Improvement While the station excels in many areas, some users have pointed out challenges. For instance, there have been occasional issues with ticket vending machines, emphasizing the importance of retaining payment receipts. Additionally, during peak hours, certain parking lots can become crowded, suggesting the need for early arrival to secure a spot.  Conclusion Princeton Junction Station stands as a testament to effective transportation infrastructure, seamlessly blending convenience, accessibility, and user-centric amenities. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, the station’s offerings are tailored to ensure a smooth journey.

Princeton Junction Train Station is a fantastic hub for both local and long-distance travel. The station is well-maintained, with clean platforms and facilities. There is ample parking, which is a huge convenience, and the staff are always helpful and courteous. The trains are generally on time, making it a reliable choice for commuters. Additionally, the station's location is perfect, with easy access to Princeton University and nearby towns. Overall, it’s a great experience every time I use this station. Highly recommended!

Nice and quiet little station Staff is helpful too

Great parking and easy access.

I've not been inside the train station. The only time I go this train station is when I'm picking up someone coming from Philadelphia. I used to go to the Trenton Train Station. I prefer it here in Princeton as it's more well lit, more parking spaces and easier to get to. In Trenton, I could never find a parking spot just to wait. I'll usually illegally stop across from the station as that's my only option.

One of the best train stations anywhere. Trains come and go all the time - although sometimes they are delayed, which is disappointing, but whaddya gonna do?!

The train cars are efficient, clean, and well maintained--everything runs smoothly and on time!

Ya gotta love Yelp when I found a text for the "10 best train stations in Princeton Junction" sitting in my inbox. As the ONLY train station in Princeton Junction, maybe it's time to update my review. Pre-pandemic this station was subject to horrendous overcrowding and grossly inadequate parking for the Wall Street bedroom community money changers that rose pre-dawn for their daily migration into lower Manhattan. Currently, with WFH still lingering and the exit of many financial houses to the tax free climes of Florida, parking is far easier and in true close the barn door after the horses have run off fashion, a new multi-level parking deck is being constructed to accommodate the waning demand. As for the station, I would offer that clubbing and reverie is not what you're here for. A small coffee shop, ticket machines and wooden benches are your VIP amenities and IF (and it's a big if) the trains are on-time it's 60 minutes (more or less) into the bowels of Penn Station. All aboard, or should I just say, bored. Decent and functional snares four stars for the Junction. In any case, it still beats driving by a mile.

I never have been here but it sounds like a great place to visit! I would absolutely love to see this area of the country being a CA native.

I absolutely love this train station. It was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad and you can catch both NJ TRANSIT and Amtrak here. The station is everything it should be. Ticket machines on the platform, a waiting room and ticket office that are open off peak hours including weekends, you get the idea. The station is named Princeton Junction because it is the transfer point between the Northeast Corridor and the Princeton Dinky which takes approximately 5 minutes in both directions running on 2.7 miles of track. You access it from the westbound platform and it consists of a two-car train of GE Arrow III electric multiple units with BEAUTIFUL interiors (with reversible seats at that) and AWESOME SOUNDING Wabco AA2 air horns.

Another pretty train station along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. It is also rather historic as Albert Einstein used to come here often and watch the trains go by when he used to teach at Princeton. Trains come through here at a blitzing speed of 135 mph. Most Amtrak trains run through here, but there are a few that will stop. This station is predominantly served by NJ Transit customers and college students. It also helps that the Princeton "Dinky" - a small shuttle train that runs from the station to downtown Princeton, allows easy access without having to deal with parking. It is a well maintained station. But make sure you have a parking pass or you will definitely pay later with a hefty parking ticket! I can tell you that from personal experience. Otherwise than that small blip I enjoy coming here watching the trains, much like Einstein did.

Princeton Junction train station is a big hub for the near by town. It has a frequent trains NorthEast corridor and Amtrak regional/express lines. I've used this train station frequently for a commute in to NYC for work and pleasure. There're express trains (Roughly 50 mins) into NYC with fewer stops during rush hour in morning and evening. The local can get crowded and some do not have luggage racks. If taking luggage, be prepared to pick it up over the gap when entering and do it quickly. And shove some under your seat if it gets crowded. They've recently upgraded the parking facilities at the station as well. With automated parking system you can pay with your credit card, $5 per day. Since this train is conveniently located in my home town, I use it regularly for my work commute into NYC couple of times a week.

This is my go to train station when I take the train to NYC - mainly because Trenton Station parking prices are insane and it's close to one of my favorite restaurants. Parking here is $6/DAY which is a steal and there's a ton of lots! You can use the ParkMobile app too which adds an 50 cent convenience fee. I'll usually pay for the first day at the station and then depending on when I decide to come back from New York, I'll just add more days on the app. It's so convenient and the price can't be beat.

I can't believe this is the first review of "The Dinky Train!' Two cars long, The Dinky takes you from Princeton Junction to Princeton (University). Just one stop. Takes all of 5 minutes! The fare is $2.25, if you buy a ticket from the machine, $7,25 on board. Not knowing this, I get on The Dinky with $6 and a $100 bill. The really sweet conductor told me to buy a $2.25 ticket from the machine when we arrived and bring it back! What a nice older gentleman. SF Muni drivers, please take note!

Easy and convenient way to catch the the train into NYC. Tons of parking. Download the ParkMobile app beforehand.

Overall this station provides a bit more than the essentials, and then some when it comes to riding the train. After all, this train station is called Princeton Junction, even having the same name as the neighborhood it's in (technically a part of West Windsor). Whether it's arriving or departing, it's best to be informed while planning to be her. This station offers two lines if you're using New Jersey Transit: Northeast Corridor (from New York Penn Station to Trenton), or Princeton Shuttle/Branch, aka "the Dinky", faithfully bringing people from this station to Princeton, at the southern edge of the prestigious university. Amtrak also runs here, having 3 lines stop here: Keystone Service (NYC-Harrisburg, PA), Palmetto (NYC-Savannah, GA), and Northeast Regional (NYC/Boston-Washington DC), while their other lines, especially Acela, speed past here. It's rather infrequent for them to stop, especially for weekends, where maybe 2 Amtrak trains stop here a day. In terms of pricing, as of this review, it's: 5$ for an all day parking at the station's permissible daily parking lots, 5$ (10$ round trip) for a Trenton-Princeton Junction ticket, or 16$ (32$ round trip) for a New York City-Princeton Junction ticket, and if going into Princeton via the "Dinky", it's 3$ (it's a separate ticket/ride, so keep it handy!). In terms of amenities, there's two train shelters/waiting rooms on both side of the tracks: a smaller one with a basic interior, and a larger one on the other side, fitted with a convenience store, Amtrak TVM/booth, and a NJ Transit TVM, plus a waiting room. The con is that they're generally open during "business" or peak hours, in other words, when ridership is at a high, it's no good for Sat-Sun, when it's closed past 3PM. There's a tunnel right underneath the tracks, helping move people from one side to the other. Plus, there's a dedicated bus stop which can take you either to Princeton, Lawrence, or Trenton, among other locations, and taxis, mostly from Princeton. Timing, it can range from an hour to 70 minutes (60-70) to ride to/from this station to/from NY Penn, 15 minutes to/from Trenton, and 5 minutes to Princeton. Fortunately the "Dinky" arrives in sync most of the time when the (NJT) trains roll in, giving you 2-5 minutes to react and head out, same can be said for the opposite. Now for my cons, it's something most of us share. The parking dilemma for starters, there's more than thousands of parking spots spread across 8 different lots, which can be sorted out either as permit holders (naturally, people who actually live in Princeton Junction/West Village gets a higher priority), or daily drivers. It's a cheap, affordable 5$ a day (you can park here as long as you want for 2 weeks max, assuming you pay), a magnet for everyone far and wide, and the occasions I've arrived on M-F, it's a nightmare! Also, it's next to laughable for the wait time when it comes to getting a permit, some can be nearly 3 months, while others can range to 10 years of a wait period! Lot can happen in that time, but of course, if you've wanted a break from driving your car to go to NYC/elsewhere, this is for you. Plus, in those rare occasions where the train cannot stop on the platform, it's an annoyance to unload/load at the wooden platforms, especially so if you have to run for the Dinky. It's a great station for what it's worth, and it's the next to last peg whenever I'm going to Princeton, wish it would improve, but it will in time. PS, careful for quick barreling Amtrak trains! There's plenty of warnings informing people that those trains won't stop for anyone or anything (unless if they have to here), so have a grip on your personal things. Until next time!

Nice train station to get you from PA or NJ to NYC. There is plenty of inexpensive parking($5 per day). You could pay for parking at a machine or app on your phone. The station is very small, but it gives you a chance for a bathroom break before your 75 minute train ride. It's an easy drive from PA.

This is not a major train station, about 2 from Trenton and a few from Newark Airport. Primary serve by the NJ Transit, but Amtrak stops on a limited scheduled. Found out just 3 times during rush hour in the morning - if you are going northbound and 3 times, same during rush hours, in the afternoon southbound. So if you are planning to take the Amtrak beware. NJ transit have more frequent stops and quite convenient and affordable. There is not much nearby, so if you don't have a car, I strongly recommend using Uber.

Fifty minutes to travel comfortably from Princeton junction train station in NJ to Penn station in NYC! Plenty of affordable parking space at this train station for ~ $5 per day, clean and safe station with an easy process to buy train tickets, etc.

Princeton Junction is the one spot on NJ Transit's NE Corridor line where a little branch breaks away from the main line. It runs less than three miles, is two cars long, and is the one final link that makes it possible to fly into Newark Airport, and end up in Princeton, never having to travel a New Jersey road. Today, it has the fancy name "Princeton Commuter Train." But it will always be "The Dinky" to me. P.S.: The Dinky Platform is on the southbound side of the NE Corridor Line. If you exit from a northbound train at Princeton Junction, look for the little tunnel that takes you under the tracks.

It's a nice small station but a busy busy one. The parking lots are huge but takes few years to get a parking permit. The convenience store hours are weird and it's hard to get coffee when you need it the most. The rush hours are pretty jam packed as most of the express trains stop here.

Clean safe train station on NJ Transit line As a first time user I was intimidated by the thought of driving in NYC in my Mazda so I decided to take NJ Transit into Penn Station. BEST OPTION every. NJ Transit runs from 4am - 1:30 am - $14 train ride one way, and the parking is very easy at this station. Just Download the App, and its $5 a day for parking with options to extend longer. Very Easy. Vaughn Lots are the way to go and about 2 city blocks from the station. I left my car there for a 3 day trip to NYC, and drove up from Norfolk, VA. Saved myself the Headache of driving in NYC and parking, and just used my metrocard to get around

Overall this is a decent train station that would deserve 4 or 5 stars. However yesterday in the women's bathroom at around 11:15am there was a turd on the floor just inside one of the stalls--the handicap stall. Baby Ruth size. Needless to say my wife was not happy. How or why it ended up on the floor was a mystery, but NJ Transit probably needs to have more frequent bathroom cleanings on busy weekends. On a positive note the waiting area was clean and warm and there was actually a person selling tickets.

Great station. Building open most hours. Has Amtrak ticket office with limited Amtrak trains stopping at Princeton Jct. Station. Station on Northeast Corridor--New York Penn Station in 50 minutes to an hour during rush hour express service. Like most stations on the NEC, it needs more parking facilities. A monthly parking permit can take up to ten years to get. Princeton Junction is the NEC end of the Princeton - Princeton Jct. Shuttle named the "Dinky."

Princeton jct. was my train station growing up. Super busy during commuter hours. Clean and staff is helpful. Wells Fargo atm available. Small coffee shop. Parking is $5 for a day. It is $29.50 for roundtrip trip to Penn Station.

I used to use this station all the time until one day the ticket machine charged my credit card 3 times for 1 pair of round trip tickets to NYC. I paid almost $100 for 1 pair of tickets. The station gave me the runaround when I wanted a refund and I never got a refund. Their broken machines are why I will never come to this particular station again. I won't be paying $100 for a pair of tickets to NYC anymore. I just drive up to the Secaucus station and pay a few extra dollars to park instead of coming here again. Less of a headache and much cheaper than paying $100.

This is a junction station, and NJT often does well to make sure the schedules are lined up properly. The Princeton shuttle is known as the "dinky." Sometimes threatened to be closed, the dinky holds on to its core ridership of professors and students. Sometimes, if you are lucky, the train from NYC arrives at the exact same moment as a dinky. Although you must take separate trains, a combo fare from Princeton to anywhere in NJ can be obtained for only a minimal surcharge. (A one way adult currently costs $1.75 with combo purchase, or $3.00 a la carte.) On my most recent visit to Princeton, there was a transit overhaul project going on but the trains were still running on time, and the walkways to the platform were easily accessible from both sides of the tracks. Down at Princeton Junction, the connection to a train from New York towards Trenton/Phila is a piece of cake, however a connection to the north/east bound train towards New York is more tricky because of a narrow, slippery wet underground tunnel. All in all, Princeton Junction is a great place for people watching and train spotting, because so many different trains pass through this little station. I think the station could be improved with better schedule information and boarding announcements. The dinky platform's schedule was posted only 5 weeks ago but the ink is already starting to run from rain damage. A simpler dinky schedule could be posted showing the times that the next train leaves for Princeton and for New York because the schedules that show the whole line, while necessary in some form, are overwhelming to the average rider.

As far as public transportation goes, this one is no different than others except maybe its a little cleaner. If you are a commuter, forget about parking. All the parking slots are booked and from what I hear there is a long waiting list. It seems once someone gets a parking permit they hold on to it forever. Princeton Junction is a very busy station with many people commuting to and from work in New York City or Philadelphia. Additionally, because of Princeton University, many people come into the station every day from across america. To commute out of the Junction to New York City or Philadelphia in the morning once has to be fast, and early in order to grab a seat. Since this station is so busy, and there are so many people using it, finding an empty seat is a rarity.

The two-star applies specifically to the parking situation: If you are a first time commuter and planned on parking at the station for a day-trip to NYC, be warned that you will lose an hour trying to figure out the parking situation, unless you have carefully studied a map beforehand. The signage for first-time commuters is totally inadequate, but below are the essentials: - The major lots near the station are for permit-owners only. - The small, daily parking lots near the station will run out of spots by mid-morning. - The farther daily parking lots (Vaughn Lots) only sell tickets until 11:30 am. - But, as a last resort, you can park at a strip mall southeast of the station (the one with PJ's Pancake House). It's a 10 minute walk to the station from there (west on Alexander Rd and north on Scott Ave). Having run out of options, I left my car at the spacious lot there for the day and it was fine. Shout out to the kind local commuter who told me about the strip mall lot when I was in the depths of despair: You made my day! Update: it looks like now you can pay online to get a daily pass at Vaughn lots. It is $5 for a daily ticket and $0.50 to use the online system. (But I'm still mad at how unnecessarily confusing it is to navigate the parking there).

I have to say, this is one of the nicer train stations in NJ. Very clean, a large and fairly comfortable waiting area for incoming trains and a decent cafe to grab a snack or coffee. Compared to some of the hell hole stations on NJTransit, this place is pretty enjoyable. The only issue is the train doesn't run into downtown Princeton and you have to catch a dingy from here. While it's nice that they even have a dingy, it's still a bit of a hassle as you just wanna get off the train and be in Princeton. There's also a huge parking lot, but my understanding is those spots are incredibly hard to get. If you dare park without a parking pass, you'll get a nice fat ticket. Overall though, a really nice train station that gives NJTransit a good name and the impression that it's not as bad as it really is.

The first time I came through this station was on 3/10/12. I was passing through on my way to NYC. I've never been inside this actual station but I'm guessing that this station is pretty nice inside and very clean.

Perfect place to jump on the train and $13 later be in NYC simple and easy do it

For the NEC it's an above-average stop. They definitely need to add more parking, a lot more parking. If you're having trouble finding a spot there are a few side streets where you can leave your car for the day, not to mention a strip mall a couple blocks away where it is safe to park. The Princeton Junction stop has a little place to sit inside and wait for your train on cold days as well as a small shop that sells newspapers, magazines, coffee, snacks, etc. Considering that this is one of the most used train stations on the East Coast (I know, I was surprised to find this out as well), the town should probably invest in sprucing the place up a bit. But aesthetics aside, the Princeton Jct stop is A-OK with me.

If you do not have a parking permit don't bother coming here. Its a waste of time since you may pay for a daily spot as I did and not find one that is legal to park in. I had to pay again for private parking near the train station. I only came here because Hamilton Station was also completely out of parking. It is hard to believe how this area lacks the infrastructure for commuter travel.

Princeton Junction is a good a choice for traveling in to NYC. There is lots of parking, although you may have to use a commercial lot around the corner on weekdays. The station has a convenience store on the inbound side and an indoor waiting area. According to Wikipedia, Albert Einstein used to sit at this station and watch the trains go by.

The service on the express train between Rutgers to Newark train line has been atrocious, I feel like I can run faster than the train travels most of the time, I'm a regular from Hamilton, ride everyday, seems like it just keeps getting worse, but I bet you're still increasing the price 9% TERRIBLE

I loathe parking at this station - it's straight out of Franz Kafta, from the 8 year wait for a permanent spot to the virtually non-existent daily parking. Formerly you had to buy coins to put in the meter or be there by 11:30AM , but now it's something call ParkMobile - an automated commercial system. You need to register, give a credit card to the company and download a phone app in order to get your crummy, cramped spot for the day. If your cell is not working you will be unable to reach ParkMobile HELP it's only accessible by using Facebook and Twitter to get Technical Support. Many devices, including my own will not accept their app. In the 30 years I've used this place this is the absolute worst. They have never built parking garages but instead steadily expanded the parking over one-level groundscape.

The most crowded train station on weekday mornings. Everybody is pushing and shoving! I have a disability and sometimes it is hard to get a seat. It is especially hard to get a comfortable seat where you can feel comfort. The ticket booth people are usually rude too! The staircases are long and that makes me anxious no escalators or elevators. The women's bathroom only has two stalls.

The little store here keeps whatever hours it feels so don't count on grabbing a snack or anything else you need for the long train ride. What's galling is that the employees are inside ignoring you well before closing with the door locked. Zero stars Princeton Junction.