River LINE Light Rail Schedule: 2026 Timetables, Routes & Southern NJ Transit Guide

Navigating public transit across Southern New Jersey requires up-to-date, precise schedule data. This guide details the NJ Transit River LINE light rail system, which operates along a 34-mile corridor connecting Trenton Transit Center to Camden's Entertainment Center along the Delaware River.

The River LINE serves as a vital arterial connection between Mercer, Burlington, and Camden counties, providing direct transfers to regional rail networks including SEPTA, Amtrak, the PATCO Speedline, and the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line. Operating on a hybrid diesel-light rail model, the line balances high-frequency commuter service during rush hours with steady off-peak and weekend operations.

2026 River LINE Operating Timetable & Train Frequencies

The NJ Transit River LINE operates seven days a week, 365 days a year, with operational adjustments during major holidays and special waterfront events in Camden. Understanding the headway patterns—the time interval between arriving trains—helps ensure smooth connections at major transportation hubs.

Note: Services run northbound toward Trenton Transit Center and southbound toward Camden (Walter Rand Transportation Center and Entertainment Center).

River LINE Timetable Summary (2026 Schedule Structure)

Early morning "shuttle" trips occasionally originate from Florence or Cinnaminson railyards to accommodate early shift workers before full corridor service commences.

Key Station Stop Guide & Regional Commuter Transfers

The River LINE features 21 active stations designed for smooth drop-offs, park-and-ride convenience, and immediate intermodal transit transfers.

Critical Connection Hubs

Trenton Transit Center (Northern Terminus): Direct access to the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor line (to Newark and New York Penn Station), SEPTA Trenton Line (to Center City Philadelphia), and Amtrak Northeast Regional services.

Pennsauken Transit Center: Multi-level transfer facility providing direct access to the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line, connecting Philadelphia 30th Street Station directly to Atlantic City.

Walter Rand Transportation Center (WRTC - Camden): Major transit hub offering direct transfers to the PATCO Speedline (serving Center City Philadelphia and eastern Camden/Gloucester counties) and over 10 local NJ Transit bus routes.

Complete List of River LINE Stations (North to South)

1. Trenton Transit Center (Mercer County) – Full rail transfers, paid parking structures.
2. Hamilton Avenue (Trenton) – Serves residential and commercial districts in southern Trenton.
3. Cass Street (Trenton) – Local neighborhood stop with immediate bus connections.
4. Bordentown – Historic downtown access; surface parking available.
5. Roebling (Florence Twp) – Serves the historic industrial community; commuter parking lot.
6. Florence – Major Park-and-Ride hub adjacent to major logistics centers.
7. Burlington Towne Centre – Downtown Burlington shopping and municipal facilities.
8. Burlington South – Large commuter park-and-ride lot off Route 130.
9. Beverly / Edgewater Park – Residential access point with dedicated drop-off zones.
10. Delanco – Local borough stop near the Rancocas Creek crossing.
11. Riverside – Historic town center access; walkable commercial zone.
12. Cinnaminson – Park-and-ride site serving western Burlington County commuters.
13. Riverton – Traditional village station; high pedestrian traffic.
14. Palmyra – Serves local commuters prior to crossing into Camden County.
15. Route 73 / Pennsauken – Expansive park-and-ride lot located right along the highway corridor.
16. Pennsauken Transit Center – Direct transfer platform to Atlantic City Line trains.
17. 36th Street (Camden) – Serves northern Camden industrial and residential neighborhoods.
18. Walter Rand Transportation Center (Camden) – Primary transit hub for PATCO and regional buses.
19. Cooper Hospital / University (Camden) – Direct pedestrian access to Cooper University Health Care and medical school facilities.
20. Aquarium (Camden Waterfront) – Access to the Adventure Aquarium and surrounding waterfront developments.
21. Entertainment Center (Camden Waterfront Southern Terminus) – Direct access to the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion and surrounding parking.

Fares, Ticketing Options & Validation Guidelines

The River LINE operates as a proof-of-payment system. Passengers must possess a valid, stamped ticket or an active mobile ticket before boarding the train. Transit fare inspectors conduct random audits, and failure to present valid fare results in significant civil municipal fines.

Fare Structure Breakdown (2026 Rates)

• Single-Ride Ticket: $1.60 (One-way trip between any two stations).
• Discounted One-Way (Senior / Child / Disability): $0.75 (Requires qualifying ID or NJ Transit Reduced Fare card).
• Weekly Pass: $18.00 (Unlimited travel Monday through Sunday on the River LINE).
• Monthly Pass: $54.00 (Unlimited travel for the calendar month; includes cross-honoring on select connecting local bus routes).
• Student Monthly Pass: $40.50 (Requires registration through an accredited university portal).

How to Validate Your Ticket

Ticket Stamping Requirement

Physical paper tickets purchased at TVMs (Ticket Vending Machines) are un-timestamped when printed. Riders must insert paper tickets into the orange or blue validator machines located on the station platform prior to boarding. The machine stamps the date and time on the ticket, rendering it valid for 60 minutes. Boarding with an un-stamped ticket carries the same penalty as riding without a ticket.

If you purchase tickets via the NJ Transit Mobile App, you must activate your digital ticket on your mobile device immediately prior to stepping onto the train platform. Mobile tickets display an animated color barcode and current timestamp for visual inspection by fare enforcement personnel.

Operational Analysis: Advantages vs. Limitations

When deciding whether to utilize the River LINE for daily commuting or occasional leisure travel along the Delaware River, review these operational factors:

Advantages

• Affordability: At $1.60 per single ride, it remains one of the most cost-effective mass transit systems in the United States.
• Avoids Highway Congestion: Bypasses heavy traffic congestion along U.S. Route 130, Interstate 295, and the NJ Turnpike.
• Intermodal Hub Access: Excellent seamless connections to SEPTA, Amtrak, PATCO, and regional buses.
• Free and Reduced Parking: Many suburban stations (e.g., Route 73, Florence, Burlington South) feature large commuter parking lots with free or low-cost parking.

Limitations

• At-Grade Rail Crossings: Because trains share traffic corridors and rail-level crossings, severe weather or motor vehicle accidents on track intersections can lead to regional service delays.
• 30-Minute Off-Peak Headways: Missing an off-peak train requires a 30-minute wait on platform areas, which can complicate tight transfer connections at Trenton or WRTC.
• Late-Night Service Cuts: Rail service ends around midnight, requiring late-night commuters to rely on alternative regional night bus routes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Boarding and Riding the River LINE

Follow this operational step-by-step workflow to ensure a smooth, worry-free trip on the River LINE.

1. Check Real-Time Departure Times: Open the official NJ Transit Mobile App or consult station display boards to confirm the departure track and verify that no signal delays are impacting the timetable.
2. Purchase Your Fare: Use a station Ticket Vending Machine (accepts cash, credit, and debit cards) or select the River LINE ticket option within your mobile app wallet.
3. Validate the Ticket Platform-Side: If using paper, insert your ticket into the platform validator box until it stamps the top edge. If using a smartphone, tap activate and ensure the live screen graphic displays properly.
4. Wait Behind the Yellow Safety Line: Stand clear of the track edge. The light rail vehicles run quietly on high-grade steel rails; stay alert near track intersections.
5. Board the Train: Allow exiting passengers to step off completely before stepping inside. Step carefully across the short gap between the concrete platform and the train door sill.
6. Store Luggage & Bikes Properly: Secure bicycles in designated open spaces near the train doors or keep strollers clear of main center aisles.
7. Disembark smoothly: Press the door activation button on the handrail or door frame as the train approaches your station stop to signal the operator to open the doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the base fare for a one-way trip on the River LINE?

The standard single-ride base fare for an adult traveling on the River LINE is $1.60. Discounted tickets ($0.75) are available for senior citizens, military personnel, and passengers with qualifying disabilities.

Do I need to validate my River LINE ticket before boarding?

Yes, paper tickets must be stamped using the platform validator machines before stepping onto the train. If you buy tickets through the NJ Transit app, activate your digital ticket right before boarding.

How often do River LINE trains run during peak hours?

During morning peak (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and evening peak (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM) periods on weekdays, trains run every 15 minutes in both directions.

Can I transfer directly from the River LINE to Philadelphia transit lines?

Yes, you can transfer to the PATCO Speedline at Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden, or transfer to the SEPTA Trenton Line at the Trenton Transit Center to access Philadelphia.

Are bicycles permitted on River LINE light rail vehicles?

Yes, bicycles are permitted on board River LINE trains at all times, subject to available space. Cyclists should hold their bikes securely in designated low-floor seating areas without blocking door access.

Where can I park my car to catch the River LINE?

Dedicated park-and-ride lots with free or low-cost daily parking are located at major stations, including Florence, Burlington South, Route 73 / Pennsauken, and Cinnaminson.

Strategic Commuter Recommendations & Next Steps

When organizing your daily journey, always build a 5-to-10-minute buffer into your schedule if you plan to connect with SEPTA or NJ Transit Northeast Corridor trains at Trenton Transit Center. During peak hours, transfers are synchronized, but minor weather-related rail holds can occasionally shift arrival times. Downloading the mobile app allows you to receive push notifications for track changes or unexpected signal maintenance across Burlington and Camden counties.