Commuting & Transportation in Voorhees Township, NJ
When people start looking for homes in South Jersey, Voorhees often makes the shortlist for one major reason: it hits the sweet spot between a quiet, residential lifestyle and serious connectivity. You aren’t right on top of the city, so you get the benefit of trees and space, but you aren’t stranded in the middle of nowhere, either.
For many of my clients, the decision to move here often hinges on the commute. Voorhees is widely considered a suburban commuter hub, primarily because of its direct rail access to Philadelphia. While the township itself is spread out—meaning you will almost certainly need a car for your weekly grocery runs to the Voorhees Town Center or trips to the gym—getting to work is a different story.
If you are looking into living in Voorhees, you have options. Whether you prefer the independence of driving or the predictability of the train, here is exactly how the locals navigate the area.
The Commuter’s Lifeline: PATCO Speedline
If you work in Center City Philadelphia, the PATCO Speedline is going to be your best friend. It is widely regarded as one of the cleanest and most reliable transit systems in the country. For residents here, the train isn’t just an alternative to driving; for many, it is the primary way they organize their work week.
Ashland Station: The Local Hub
Voorhees is home to Ashland Station, located at 2 Burnt Mill Road. This is the station most residents consider “theirs,” even though the line continues further east. The ride from Ashland to 15th/16th & Locust in Philadelphia is fast—usually clocking in at about 26 minutes.
One of the biggest perks of this system is the schedule. Unlike some commuter rails that shut down after the evening rush, PATCO runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During rush hour, trains arrive every 5 to 10 minutes, so you rarely have to stress about missing a specific departure time.
The Insider’s Guide to Parking
Parking at Ashland Station is where a little local knowledge goes a long way. The station has gated lots that require payment between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The cost is very reasonable—currently $1.00 per day—but the payment method trips people up. The gates do not accept cash or credit cards directly; you must have a FREEDOM Card (the system’s reloadable smart card) to lift the gate.
If you arrive after 10:00 AM or on weekends, parking is free and the gates are raised. There are also non-gated lots available for free, but be warned: these fill up extremely quickly, often before 7:30 AM.
The Lindenwold Strategy
Sometimes, Ashland is just too full. If you arrive late in the morning rush, you might find the lot at capacity. The good news is that the Lindenwold Station (the end of the line) is just a short drive away.
Many seasoned commuters actually prefer driving the extra few minutes to Lindenwold. Since it is the first stop on the line, you are practically guaranteed a seat. By the time the train gets to Ashland, it’s often standing room only during peak hours.
Driving in Voorhees: Major Roads & Highways
While the train handles the heavy lifting for city commutes, daily life in Voorhees revolves around the car. The township is designed with broad avenues and commercial corridors that connect the residential pockets.
Navigating Route 73
Route 73 is the main commercial spine of the area. This is where you’ll find the big shopping centers, restaurants, and medical offices. Because it is the primary artery, traffic volume is high. During rush hour (roughly 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM), you should expect congestion and slower speeds, particularly near the intersections with Evesham Road and Cooper Road.
Local Routes and Highway Access
For getting around town without hitting the highway, Route 561 (Haddonfield-Berlin Road) is a key connector. It cuts through the center of the township and offers a slightly more scenic drive than the highway corridors.
When you need to leave the immediate area, access to major highways is straightforward. You are only a short drive from I-295 and the NJ Turnpike, which opens up the rest of the Northeast Corridor.
Crossing the Bridge
If you choose to drive into Philadelphia, you will typically use the Walt Whitman Bridge or the Ben Franklin Bridge. Both are viable options depending on where in the city you are heading.
- Time: Without traffic, the drive to Center City takes about 30–45 minutes. However, during rush hour or if there is an event at the sports complex, you should budget 60 minutes or more.
- Tolls: Remember to budget for tolls. It costs $5.00 to cross into Pennsylvania (westbound), while coming back into New Jersey is free.
NJ Transit Bus Services
While PATCO is the star of the show, NJ Transit provides bus service that is essential for intra-county travel. These buses are generally slower than the train for getting to Philadelphia, but they are excellent for moving between local South Jersey towns.
- Bus Route 451: This route connects the Voorhees Town Center to the Walter Rand Transportation Center in Camden. It’s a reliable link if you need to access county services or transfer to the River LINE.
- Bus Route 459: This line runs through the county, connecting Voorhees to the Avandale Park/Ride and Camden County College.
These routes are particularly useful if you are working locally within Camden County or need to get to the college without a car.
Airport Access: PHL, ACY, and EWR
Whether you travel for business or are planning a vacation, Voorhees is well-positioned relative to three major airports.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
This is the closest and most convenient hub. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive takes about 30 to 35 minutes. If you are taking a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, you can typically expect to pay between $40 and $60, though surge pricing during holidays or bad weather can push that higher.
Atlantic City International Airport (ACY)
Located about 45 minutes southeast, ACY is a smaller, stress-free airport. It is primarily serviced by Spirit Airlines. Many locals prefer flying out of here for trips to Florida or the Caribbean because parking is cheaper and the security lines are significantly shorter than at PHL.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
For long-haul international flights that aren’t available out of Philly, Newark is your best bet. It is located up the NJ Turnpike, and the drive usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Getting to New York City from Voorhees
Living in South Jersey doesn’t mean you’re cut off from the Big Apple. Residents here frequently take day trips to Manhattan for Broadway shows or business meetings. You have three main strategies:
- The Hamilton Station Method (Preferred): Most locals drive about 35 minutes north to the Hamilton Station on the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor line. From there, it’s a direct, comfortable train ride into New York Penn Station. The parking garage at Hamilton is large and easy to navigate.
- The All-Rail Route: You can take PATCO to Philadelphia, transfer to the SEPTA Trenton Line, and then transfer again to NJ Transit. This is inexpensive but takes a long time and requires multiple transfers.
- Driving: You can drive the entire way via the NJ Turnpike. Without traffic, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but tunnel traffic entering NYC is notoriously unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I live in Voorhees, NJ without a car?
Technically, it is possible, but it is challenging. While the PATCO train makes commuting to work without a car very easy, the township itself is suburban and spread out. Grocery stores, medical offices, and entertainment venues are not always within walking distance of the residential neighborhoods. Most residents find they need a vehicle for daily errands.
How much is parking at the Voorhees PATCO station?
Parking at Ashland Station costs $1.00 per day for the gated lots if you arrive between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM. After 10:00 AM and on weekends, parking is free. It is critical to remember that the gates do not accept cash; you must use a FREEDOM Card.
Does the PATCO train run 24 hours?
Yes. PATCO is one of the few transit systems in the United States that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is a huge benefit for shift workers, hospital staff, or anyone enjoying a late night out in Philadelphia.
How long is the commute from Voorhees to Philadelphia?
If you take the train from Ashland Station, the ride is approximately 26 minutes to Center City. If you drive, the trip typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, though you should plan for up to 60 minutes during heavy rush hour traffic.
