Considering using the train(s) to New Brunswick, NJ. Yes or nah? (college, living)

[Yanaka]

Hi, all!

So still in the reflection period, I'm toying with the idea of staying in my apt in Philly (I live a short walk from 30th) and commuting to New Brunswick (I got into a program at Rutgers).

I think the morning train is ok, pretty early but a little over an hour--I'm more worried about the trip back. It seems that that one can get a little backed up and take longer.

Is this a crazy option to consider? I really love this city and would like to keep living here, at least try.

If anyone has experience going back and forth with SEPTA and Amtrak, and with how the commute feels after a while (I'm used to 50-60min daily of subway/train or almost but this trip sounds a little longer), I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks, all!

[timeEd32]

Do you have to be there 5 days a week? Is the Amtrak cost an issue? Seems kind of doable since you can walk to 30th.

[Yanaka]

I think I'd use SEPTA and then NJ transit. Amtrak is too tricky, I think. The issue is actually morning trains between Trenton and NB look pretty limited.

I don't need to be there 5 days a week at the beginning, but I think it would be best during my first year just to connect with the department.

[timeEd32]

Oh true, does Amtrak even stop at NB?

Yeah, there are a decent number of NJT NE Corridor trains that are express that skip NB.

What Rutgers campus do you need to get to? That would probably decide it for me.

[Yanaka]

It's the College Ave campus, another 10-mn walk from the NB station this time.

I'd be stuck with only two options with SEPTA/NJ Transit in the morning (the first one being really early and there's a 30-mn wait at NB so in the winter UGH), but on the way back it's actually the opposite of what I thought, there are more options. So getting to work at 9:30-ish has to be okay and missing that train isn't an option haha.

Do you do that trip?

[timeEd32]

Ok, good. If you said Busch or really any that isn't College Ave I would have said no way. Adding Rutgers buses to the commute would be a death sentence.

You mean a 30 min wait at Trenton?

[Yanaka]

Originally Posted by timeEd32

Ok, good. If you said Busch or really any that isn't College Ave I would have said no way. Adding Rutgers buses to the commute would be a death sentence.

You mean a 30 min wait at Trenton?

Yeah, there's a train that leaves 30th at like 6am something, but then it gets in at Trenton at 7:21 and the next train to NB is at 7:50 I think? The only "direct" trip is at 8 (which is a good time! but a little scary that there's just the one option).

The things I'd do just to stay in Philly haha

[timeEd32]

At least you can sit indoors at Trenton.

The twice daily change of trains is what makes me question it because things can (and will) go wrong and it adds stress. Personally, I'd say go for it especially if you could decide to move closer to Rutgers if it's not going well (or cut back on the number of days).

[Yanaka]

Yeah I can decide to move later if it's not doable. I'm already commuting with MFL + NHSL, but they might be a little more reliable than these other two (they're surprisingly reliable actually. Amtrak is the one that sucks. And busses). I'm def. going to try them out a few times before officially deciding.

[NewtownBucks]

This would be too much for me. You're looking at 2 hrs + in the AM with the 30 min wait at Trenton. You're better off driving if you can leave early enough, especially after the new 95 turnpike interchange is finished.