Commuting from Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill's location in the heart of South Jersey makes it one of the most commuter-friendly communities in the region. Whether you work in Center City Philadelphia, throughout the Delaware Valley, or further north, Cherry Hill offers multiple transportation options that make getting to work easier than in most suburbs.

Commuting to Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the primary commute destination for Cherry Hill residents. The trip to Center City takes approximately 20 minutes by car or 25 minutes by PATCO rail. This is one of the shortest commutes from any South Jersey suburb to Philadelphia, and it is a major reason why Cherry Hill is so popular with professionals.

Driving to Philadelphia

The most common driving route is via Route 70 west to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which delivers you directly to Center City Philadelphia. The New Jersey Turnpike (I-95) provides access to the Walt Whitman Bridge and south Philadelphia. During peak hours, the commute can take 25 to 35 minutes. Leaving before 7:00 AM or after 9:30 AM significantly reduces travel time.

Parking in Philadelphia is expensive, with monthly garage rates typically ranging from $200 to $400. Many commuters find that PATCO is more cost-effective when factoring in parking, tolls, gas, and vehicle wear and tear.

PATCO Speedline

The PATCO Speedline is the most popular transit option for Cherry Hill commuters heading to Philadelphia. Two stations serve the Cherry Hill area:

• Woodcrest Station -- Located in eastern Cherry Hill, this is the most convenient station for most Cherry Hill residents. It offers ample free parking.
• Haddonfield Station -- Located just across the Cherry Hill border in Haddonfield, this station is walkable from some western Cherry Hill neighborhoods.

The ride from Woodcrest to Center City Philadelphia takes approximately 25 minutes. Trains run frequently during rush hours, typically every 7 to 10 minutes. A monthly PATCO pass costs significantly less than driving and parking in the city daily.

NJ Transit Buses

NJ Transit operates several bus routes through Cherry Hill connecting to Philadelphia, Camden, and other South Jersey communities. The bus terminal near the Cherry Hill Mall is a hub for regional service. Buses are a less popular option than PATCO for Philadelphia commuters but can be useful for reaching specific destinations in the city.

Commuting to Other Destinations

Camden and South Jersey

Many Cherry Hill residents work locally in Camden County. Major employment corridors along Route 38, Route 70, and Route 73 provide easy access to offices, hospitals, and businesses throughout the region. Cherry Hill itself is one of the largest employment centers in Camden County, with over 55,000 jobs within the township.

North Jersey and New York City

For commuters heading to North Jersey or New York City, the most common route is via the New Jersey Turnpike. The trip to Manhattan typically takes 90 minutes to two hours depending on traffic. NJ Transit trains from the Trenton or Hamilton stations provide rail access to New York Penn Station, with the drive to those stations taking about 30 to 40 minutes from Cherry Hill.

Many Cherry Hill residents who work in New York commute two to three days per week rather than daily, taking advantage of hybrid work schedules. The PATCO ride to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia also connects to Amtrak's Northeast Corridor for faster service to New York.

Wilmington and Delaware

Wilmington, Delaware, is approximately 35 to 40 minutes from Cherry Hill via I-295. This is a manageable commute for those working in Delaware's banking and legal sectors. The drive is typically less congested than the Philadelphia commute.

Commute Times at a Glance

Pro Tips for Cherry Hill Commuters

After 20 years in Cherry Hill, here are my best commute tips:

• Use PATCO for Philadelphia. It is faster, cheaper, and less stressful than driving in city traffic. The Woodcrest station has free parking.
• Timing is everything. If you drive, leaving before 7:00 AM or after 9:30 AM makes a huge difference. Route 70 backs up between 7:30 and 9:00 AM.
• Know your alternate routes. When Route 70 is backed up, Haddonfield Road and Cuthbert Boulevard can save you time.
• Consider a hybrid schedule. Many Cherry Hill employers now offer flexible or hybrid work arrangements, which have significantly reduced commute stress for township residents.
• Live near your transit option. If you commute daily, choosing a home near the Woodcrest PATCO station (Woodcrest neighborhood) or with easy Route 70 access can save you 10 to 15 minutes each way.

Is Cherry Hill Good for Commuters?

Cherry Hill is one of the best suburban options for commuters in the Philadelphia region. The combination of PATCO rail access, major highway connections, and proximity to the city makes it hard to beat. For those who commute to Philadelphia, the 20-minute door-to-door time (with PATCO) is significantly shorter than most suburbs offer.

Even for those commuting to other destinations, Cherry Hill's central location and highway access make it a convenient base. The commute is one of the top reasons people choose Cherry Hill, and it is a factor that continues to drive the township's real estate demand.

If commute time is shaping your home search, the best neighborhoods guide highlights areas like Woodcrest with direct PATCO access, while the real estate market page shows what those neighborhoods cost. First-time buyers weighing transit against budget will find practical advice in the first-time buyer guide, and the cost of living guide breaks down transportation expenses.