Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to Cherry Hill is by combining the Airport Line train to 30th Street Station and then an NJ Transit train to Cherry Hill station. This takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs roughly $10-$15. For the most budget-friendly option, take the SEPTA Bus Route 37 to Philadelphia and transfer to the NJ Transit 317 bus (~2+ hours, ~$5). For the fastest and most convenient door-to-door service, a taxi, Uber, or Lyft is recommended (~30-45 mins, $50-$70).
Train from Philadelphia Airport to Cherry Hill (Best Overall Value)
Taking the train is the most recommended method for balance of cost, reliability, and avoiding traffic. There is no single direct train; the journey requires one seamless transfer in central Philadelphia.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- SEPTA Airport Line: From any PHL terminal, follow signs to “Regional Rail.” Board the SEPTA Airport Line towards Center City. Trains depart every 30 minutes. Get off at 30th Street Station (the 2nd stop, about 25 mins). Fare: $6.75 (purchase at kiosk or via SEPTA Key card).
- Transfer to NJ Transit: Inside 30th Street Station, follow signs to NJ Transit (concourse level). Purchase a ticket to “Cherry Hill” station from a kiosk or the NJ Transit app.
- NJ Transit Atlantic City Line: Board the Atlantic City Line train heading towards Atlantic City. Cherry Hill is typically the 3rd or 4th stop (about 15-20 mins ride from 30th St). Fare: $4.00 - $5.75 depending on time.
Pro Tip: Check the NJ Transit schedule in advance. Trains run hourly, and late-night service is limited. The total walk/transfer time between trains is about 10-15 minutes.
Bus from PHL to Cherry Hill (Most Economical)
For budget travelers, buses offer the lowest cash fare but are subject to road traffic, making travel times variable.
Primary Route Option:
- SEPTA Bus 37 + NJ Transit Bus 317:
- Step 1: From PHL baggage claim, find the “SEPTA Bus” area. Board Route 37 towards 13th-Snyder station in South Philadelphia. (~45-60 mins, $2.50 with exact change or SEPTA Key).
- Step 2: Get off at Broad St & Snyder Ave. Walk to the adjacent Broad St Line subway station and take the Broad Street Line (BSL) Northbound to City Hall (~10 mins, same $2.50 fare covers transfer).
- Step 3: From Suburban Station (connected to City Hall), walk to 15th St & Market St to board NJ Transit Bus 317 towards Mount Laurel. Get off at the “Cherry Hill Mall” or “Ellisburg Circle” stops (~40-60 mins, ~$1.60).
Important Bus Considerations:
This route involves multiple transfers and is not recommended with heavy luggage or late at night. Schedules vary, especially on weekends. Always check real-time updates via the NJ Transit app.
Rental Car & Driving Directions from PHL
Renting a car is excellent for exploring the wider South Jersey region but may be overkill if you're staying solely in Cherry Hill.
Process & Route:
- Rental: The PHL Rental Car Center is accessible via a free shuttle from all terminals. Major companies (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, etc.) are on-site.
- Driving Route: The most straightforward drive is via I-95 South to I-676 East (towards NJ), which becomes NJ-42 South. Then take NJ-295 South or Route 70 East into Cherry Hill. Distance: ~20 miles. Drive Time: 30-50 mins (heavily traffic-dependent).
- Costs: Daily rental rates vary from $40-$100+/day, plus gas, ~$10 in tolls (for the Ben Franklin Bridge or Walt Whitman Bridge), and parking fees at your destination.
Cost & Time Comparison: Philadelphia Airport to Cherry Hill
Use this table to quickly compare all options at a glance.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Travel Time | Approx. Total Cost (One Way) | Best For | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (SEPTA + NJ Transit) | 1.5 - 2 hours | $10 - $15 | Best overall value, solo travelers, avoiding traffic | Requires one transfer, limited late-night service |
| Bus (SEPTA + NJT) | 2 - 2.5+ hours | $5 - $7 (Cheapest) | Extreme budget travel, no luggage | Multiple transfers, traffic delays, complex route |
| Uber / Lyft | 30 - 50 mins | $50 - $75 | Convenience, groups of 3+, late-night arrival | Price surges during peak times/events |
| Taxi (Flat Rate) | 30 - 50 mins | $60 - $70 | Immediate pickup, no smartphone needed | Fixed rate, sometimes higher than rideshare |
| Rental Car | 30 - 50 mins (drive time) | $50 - $100+/day + tolls/gas/parking | Exploring region, multiple destinations | Traffic, parking costs, rental logistics |
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for the PHL to Cherry Hill Trip
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey:
- Download the Apps: Have the SEPTA and NJ Transit apps installed for real-time schedules, mobile ticketing, and service alerts. Also have Uber/Lyft ready.
- Beware of Rush Hour: Weekdays from 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM significantly impact travel times for cars, buses, and even airport shuttles. Train remains the most reliable during these times.
- Luggage Strategy: The train transfer at 30th Street Station involves stairs/escalators. If you have very heavy bags, consider a taxi/rideshare or budget extra time.
- Purchasing Tickets: Buy your SEPTA ticket at the airport kiosk. For NJ Transit, using their app is fastest to avoid lines at 30th Street Station.
- Verify Your Cherry Hill Stop: Cherry Hill is a large township. Confirm whether your final destination is closer to the “Cherry Hill” train station, the “Cherry Hill Mall” bus stop, or elsewhere to choose the best transit endpoint.
- Consider a Wawa Stop: A beloved regional convenience store chain. There's one near the Cherry Hill train station—a perfect spot to grab a cheap coffee or snack upon arrival.
FAQs: Traveling from Philadelphia Airport to Cherry Hill
Is there a direct train from Philadelphia Airport to Cherry Hill, NJ?
No, there is no single direct train. The most efficient train route requires one transfer at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station from the SEPTA Airport Line to the NJ Transit Atlantic City Line.
What is the cheapest way to get from PHL to Cherry Hill?
The cheapest method is using public buses: SEPTA Route 37 to Philadelphia, then transferring to NJ Transit Bus 317. The total fare is approximately $5-$7, but it takes over 2 hours and multiple transfers.
How much is a taxi from Philadelphia Airport to Cherry Hill?
Taxis operate on a flat rate zone system to New Jersey. The fare from PHL to Cherry Hill is typically between $60 and $70, not including toll or tip. Always confirm the rate with the driver before starting your trip.
Is Uber or Lyft available at Philadelphia Airport?
Yes, both Uber and Lyft operate freely at PHL. Pickup zones are clearly marked outside each terminal baggage claim area. Prices are dynamic but often competitive with or cheaper than taxis.
How do I get from PHL to Cherry Hill late at night?
After train and bus services have ended (post-midnight), your only practical options are taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft). While more expensive, they provide 24/7 door-to-door service. Pre-book a taxi or check app wait times upon arrival.
What's the fastest way to get to Cherry Hill from the airport?
Under normal traffic conditions, a taxi, Uber, or Lyft is the fastest (30-45 mins). However, during rush hour, the train (which is not affected by road traffic) can often be the most reliable and sometimes quicker option door-to-door.
Is it easy to transfer between trains at 30th Street Station?
Yes, it's a straightforward, indoor transfer. After getting off the SEPTA Airport Line, follow signs for NJ Transit (usually up an escalator to the main concourse). The walk takes 5-10 minutes. Allow 15-20 minutes between scheduled trains to be safe.
Should I rent a car at Philadelphia Airport for a stay in Cherry Hill?
It depends on your plans. If you are only staying in Cherry Hill and using local taxis/Uber, a rental car is unnecessary and costly. If you plan to explore the Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania Dutch Country, or other parts of South Jersey extensively, then a rental car becomes very valuable.