Travel to Princeton (2023 Version)

General Notes

General information about traveling to and visiting Princeton University can be found on the "visiting campus" webpages.

Please send any questions about travel to Princeton to codas-hep@googlegroups.com.

Travel by Train

From Newark Liberty International (EWR) airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and from many other locations along the east coast (e.g. Boston, NYC, Washington DC and Baltimore), it is possible to travel to Princeton by train. Note that there are two train stations you will need to know:

  • The major train station closest to Princeton is "Princeton Junction Station" (PJC). This is served by New Jersey Transit on the "Northeast Corridor Line". PJC also has some limited direct service by Amtrak.
  • The campus train station is "Princeton Station". This is served only by a small commuter train (the "Dinky") which goes along a spur line from Princeton Junction Station to campus. It is operated by New Jersey Transit. NOTE 16 July 2023 - It turns out that the Dinky train is down for maintenance this week and they are instead running a bus between Princeton Junction station and campus.

If you are coming from EWR, Trenton or NYC Penn Station, you should buy a New Jersey Transit ticket through to Princeton Station. You will then need to take a train to Princeton Junction train station (check that your particular train stops there!), get off at Princeton Junction train station and take the "Dinky" from Princeton Junction train station to Princeton train station.

If you are coming on Amtrak, most trains do not stop at Princeton Junction (with only a few exceptions, see the Amtrak website). You will need to take Amtrak to Newark or Trenton and then switch to New Jersey Transit, as above, to arrive to Princeton Station on campus.

Travel by Air

The closest and most convenient airport to come to Princeton is Newark Liberty International (EWR). Most participants will find that the best solution for domestic flights within the US. This is the recommended airport unless the cost is significantly higher than other alternatives. From there it is convenient to take the train as described above.

Another option is flying into John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) at the cost of additional travel time. From JFK, the easiest is probably to the Airtrain to Jamaica Station and then take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or to New York Penn Station. Alternatively there is the subway or a bus (NYC Airporter with service from JFK to NYC Penn Station. From NYC Penn Station, you can take the train to Princeton as described above.

From a small number of locations it may also be possible to fly to Trenton-Mercer Airport. Getting from there to the Princeton campus is more complicated and involves buses and/or going to the train station in Trenton and taking New Jersey Transit trains, as above.

In general long distance taxis will be costly and should be avoided. Uber and Lyft should be possible on and around the Princeton campus (incl. Princeton Junction train station) at a modest price.

Local Princeton Information

Annotated Map

Accommodation - Whitman College on the Princeton campus

Participants will reside in dorm rooms provided in Whitman College on the Princeton campus. They are a 10 minute walk from the Princeton (Dinky) train station and a 5 minute walk from Jadwin Hall, where the school lectures will take place.

Check-in and dorm key pickup is possible from 2:00-6:00 pm on Sunday, 16 July, 2023 directly at Wendell Hall, Whitman College. If arriving after 6:00 pm, go tp Public Safety at 200 Elm Drive (near Whitman College) to pick up the dorm key.

If you are arriving for some reason by Uber/Lyft/Car share, the best drop off point to get to Wendell Hall is probably at the campus Princeton (Dinky) Station.

Bedsheets, blankets, and pillows will be provided.

Important Phone Numbers / Public Safety

For emergencies:

  • From Campus Phone: 911
  • From Cell Phone: (609) 258-3333

Non-emergencies:

  • (609) 258-1000

Parking on campus

Visitor Parking on Campus is free for participants and visitors. However, visitors may not park in any campus parking facility overnight without permission. If you need to park a car overnight, please register online in advance.

Weekday visitor parking is available at Stadium Drive Garage (map: Princeton Stadium Drive Garage). The Stadium Garage is located on the corner of Faculty Road and Fitzrandolph Road.

Free TigerTransit (campus bus) service to stops on Washington Road, Nassau Street and University Place. Click for more information on TigerTransit routes and schedules.

Visitors using the garage are asked to register for a daily parking permit. Registration can be done online in advance or at the garage during arrival. Click here for more information on visitor parking

On weekends and evenings, visitors may also park in most other University lots and garages. Metered parking is available on streets around campus.

Princeton University Visitor Parking Map

WiFi on Campus

You should be able to connect to "eduroam" from most places on campus. There is also a "PUVisitor" network which should be openly accessible.

On-Campus Food

There are many nearby locations where food is available with the closest being WAWA, located next to the Princeton Train Station and open 24 hours, and University Store, located 36 University Place, which features snacks, souvenirs, laundry detergent, toiletries and a pharmacy and open from 9 AM - 9 PM. Both are within five minutes walking distance from the dorm.

Access to Campus Gym Facilities

Access by visitors to campus gym facilities (Dillon Gym) is possible. Gym passes are available for $5 each (at the participant's own expense) at the office of the Princeton Conference and Event Services at 71 University Place. The office is open from 9:00am through 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Restaurants, Coffeeshops, Bars and Stores

There are a number of restaurants, coffeeshops, bars and stores along Nassau St. or along the streets on the other side of Nassau St. from campus.

Sites of Interest in Princeton

Two sites of interest for physicists in Princeton are:

Additional things of touristic or historical interest can be found in the "Points of Interest" section on the Princeton, NJ, Wikipedia page.

General information