PrincetonUniversityA Guide for International Students, 2000-2002
Travel
Princeton University is located in Princeton Borough, Mercer County, New Jersey, approximately 50 miles southwest of New York City, 35 miles southwest of Newark, New Jersey, and 45 miles northeast of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ideally, students should arrive at either John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York or Newark International Airport in Newark. Those students who anticipate arriving at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia should check with their travel agent to determine if they can be booked onto a shuttle flight from Philadelphia to either Newark or JFK. The ideal method to travel from JFK or Newark to Princeton University in Princeton Borough, New Jersey, is by shuttle van, which is a shared ride service booked through the Princeton Airporter (see Airporter, page 17). Note: The schedules and prices described are subject to change and should be verified prior to booking. Arrival in the United States
General Travel Assistance: Students seeking public transportation to Princeton Borough, New Jersey, from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark International Airport, or Philadelphia International Airport should ask to be directed to the Airport Ground Transportation counter near the Baggage Claim area. Students requiring additional travel assistance may ask to be directed to an airport customer service representative at any of the three airports. Travelers with serious emergencies should ask to be directed to airport security or the nearest Travelers Aid Society representative during business hours. The Travelers Aid Society telephone numbers are as follows: JFK Airport, (718)656-4870; Newark Airport, (973)623-5052; Philadelphia Airport, (215)523-7580.
Currency: We encourage students to arrive with travelers checks and a small quantity of low denomination U. S. bills and coins for telephone calls, bus and train service, etc. The alternative is to change currency at an airport currency exchange booth on arrival or to cash travelers checks at an airport branch bank (assuming arrival occurs during banking hours). Travelers checks can be cashed at most banks by presenting identification, i.e., a passport. It is unwise to permit unauthorized people to change money. Once students reach Princeton, there are several banks on Nassau Street within walking distance of the University where they will be able to cash travelers checks as well as open a U. S. checking and/or savings account during weekday banking hours.
Security: While traveling, students should keep money, passports, travel and visa documents, jewelry, and other valuables on their person at all times. Students are advised not to leave luggage unattended and not to leave items of value and importance in luggage, locked automobiles, or airport or train station storage lockers. Travelers are advised to monitor their belongings at all times.
Airporter Shuttle Van Service -- most convenient way to reach the University
The Princeton Airporter maintains a seven-day-a-week shuttle van service (shared ride) between JFK and Newark Airports and downtown Princeton Borough. Reservations may be made in advance or at the Airport Ground Transportation counter at either JFK or Newark Airport. For information on the Airporter for either airport, call (609)587-6600 or (800)385-4000. From JFK to Princeton, it costs $34 each way; from Newark to Princeton, it costs $21 each way. Daily shuttles depart JFK from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; shuttles depart Newark from 6:15 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. Call for weekend and holiday schedules. The trip from JFK takes 2 l&Mac218;2 to 3 hours; the trip from Newark takes 1 l&Mac218;2 to 2 hours. You will exit at the Nassau Inn, Palmer Square, off Nassau Street in Princeton Borough, only a short distance from the University. Note: there is no shuttle van service between Philadelphia Airport and Princeton Borough.
I. Public Transportation-JFK Airport to Princeton Borough
Note: Students using public transportation must first travel from JFK Airport to Midtown Manhattan, then from Midtown Manhattan to Princeton Junction, and finally from the Princeton Junction train station to the Princeton Borough train station. Public transportation takes longer, may involve tipping, and exact change and/or purchasing tickets prior to boarding as well as schedule coordination for each connection. There are penalties for purchasing tickets on the train when ticket windows are open. Rental cars are not recommended, due to high cost and heavy New York City traffic. Schedules vary on weekends and holidays. Caution: Visitors often confuse "New York Penn Station" (New York City) with "Newark Penn Station" in New Jersey.
Step 1: Travel From JFK Airport to Midtown Manhattan
By taxi -- easy but expensive: Airport Ground Transportation can direct students to the taxi stand for travel into New York City to make train or bus connections to reach Princeton Borough. Taxi fare costs approximately $35 one-way. Verify the fare before taking the taxi. Exit the taxi either at New York Penn Station at 31st Street and 8th Avenue (for train connections) or New York Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) at 42nd Street & 7th/8th Avenue (for bus connections). Travel time is 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
By subway (underground) -- inexpensive, but involves boarding a bus and a subway train: Airport Ground Transportation can direct students to the free shuttle bus connecting with the Howard Beach subway station. The shuttle bus runs 24 hours a day; travel time is approximately 20 minutes. Exit at the Howard Beach subway station, purchase a subway ticket, and board the "A" Subway Train, Far Rockaway Line-Manhattan-bound. For shuttle bus and subway schedule information call the MTA, New York City Transit system at (718)330-3000.
A one-way fare costs $1.50. Travel time is approximately one hour. Exit at 34th Street, New York Penn Station for train connections to Princeton Borough, New Jersey, or exit at 42nd Street, the Port Authority Bus Terminal for bus connections to Princeton Borough.
By bus -- more expensive, plus it involves walking or hailing a taxi if using the Commuter Shuttle Bus Line: Airport Ground Transportation in the Baggage Claim Area can direct students to either of two bus lines: (1) The Grayline Air shuttle bus (telephone: 212-397-2600 or 800-451-0455) from JFK to either the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) or New York Penn Station (train). It costs $14 one way. Buses run from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., leaving about every 20 minutes. (2) The Commuter Shuttle Bus (telephone: 212-564-8484) from JFK to the Port Authority Bus Terminal only. Those using the Commuter Shuttle Bus, who wish to use train service to Princeton Borough, must walk or take a taxi from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to New York Penn Station (train). The bus costs $13 one way. Buses run from 6:00 a.m. to 12 midnight, departing about every 30 minutes. Travel time to Midtown Manhattan is approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Step 2: Travel from Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) or New York Penn Station (train) to Princeton Borough
By bus -- a less expensive alternative, with the advantage of exiting at the University gate: Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) employees can direct students to the Suburban Transit bus, Line 100 (telephone: 732-249-1100) from the Port Authority bus terminal in New York City (midtown Manhattan) to Princeton Borough. A one-way fare costs $8.10. Suburban Transit buses depart PABT daily from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. Travel time is 1 1/2 hours. You should exit at Palmer Square off of Nassau Street, which is across from the University in downtown Princeton.
By train -- a more expensive alternative, with a choice of taking either of two train lines plus a commuter train: New York Penn Station employees can direct students to AMTRAK Service or NJ Transit Service counters. Select between AMTRAK and NJ Transit to reach Princeton Junction prior to taking a second NJ Transit train-better known as the "Dinky"-from Princeton Junction to the Princeton Borough train station. Caution: Not all AMTRAK and NJ Transit trains departing New York Penn Station stop at Princeton Junction. Exiting in Trenton is not recommended, as taxis are infrequent and fares are high.
Choice #1: AMTRAK, Northeast Direct and Metroliner Service-faster yet more expensive, but infrequently stops at Princeton Junction. Purchase tickets at the New York Penn Station AMTRAK Counter (telephone: 800-872-7245). If the ticket window is closed, tickets may be purchased on the train. Otherwise, if the ticket window is open, there is a penalty for purchasing tickets on the train. New York Penn Station to Princeton Junction: $31-$33 one-way, unreserved seats; Metroliner-reserved seats, $45 one-way. Travel time is approximately one hour. Trains run Monday to Friday between 6:20 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.; few trains run during the mid-afternoon hours. Call for weekend and holiday schedules. On arrival at the Princeton Junction train station, ask to be directed to the adjacent NJ Transit shuttle train-better known as the "Dinky" -- for travel from Princeton Junction to Princeton Borough. Caution: Unlike NJ Transit, AMTRAK does not coordinate train arrival times with "Dinky" departures. (See "Dinky" details below.*)
Choice #2: New Jersey Transit, Northeast Corridor Line-slower but less expensive, having more stops at Princeton Junction. Purchase tickets at the New York Penn Station NJ Transit counter straight through to Princeton Borough: $9.85 one-way (telephone: 973-762-5100, 800-626-7433, or 800-772-2222). Verify that you have purchased not only a ticket to Princeton Junction, but also one for the "Dinky" to reach Princeton Borough. Trains depart New York Penn Station for Princeton Junction from 4:49 a.m. to 1:40 a.m. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Exit at the Princeton Junction train station and take the "Dinky" (a small commuter train) to Princeton Borough. Note: NJ Transit does coordinate train arrival times with "Dinky" departures. (See "Dinky" details below.*)
*The "Dinky," NJ Transit shuttle service between Princeton Junction and Princeton Borough for AMTRAK and NJ Transit Riders: If your train ticket terminates at Princeton Junction, you can still purchase a ticket at the Princeton Junction ticket counter or from a platform ticket machine for the "Dinky" in order to travel to Princeton Borough. Tickets purchased beforehand cost $1.50 one-way. Tickets purchased on the "Dinky" cost $4.50 one-way (telephone: 973-762-5100, 800-626-7433, or 800-772-2222). Caution: The last "Dinky" departs Princeton Junction train station at 12:47 a.m. Travel time: It's a 5-to-10 minute ride to the Princeton Borough train station, which borders the University.
"Dinky" alternative, take a taxi: Other than the "Dinky," there is no public transportation between Princeton Junction train station and downtown Princeton Borough. Travelers who miss the 12:47 a.m. "Dinky" can use a pay telephone at the train station to call Triple A Taxi (800-481-8294 or 609-921-1177) or the Princeton Taxi Stand (609-924-1222) in order to reach Princeton Borough. Cost: between $10 and $12, plus tip. Verify fare and pick up location with the taxi dispatcher beforehand; there are different pickup locations adjacent to the northbound and southbound tracks.
II. Public Transportation-Newark Airport to Princeton Borough
Note: Students using public transportation must first travel from Newark Airport to Midtown Manhattan, then from Midtown Manhattan to Princeton Junction, and finally from the Princeton Junction train station to the Princeton Borough train station. Public transportation takes longer, may involve tipping, having exact change, and/or purchasing tickets prior to boarding as well as coordinating your schedule for each connection. There are penalties for purchasing tickets on the train when ticket windows are open. Rental cars are not recommended due to high cost and heavy New York City traffic. Schedules vary on weekends and holidays. Caution: Visitors often confuse "New York Penn Station" (New York City) with "Newark Penn Station" in New Jersey.
Step 1: Travel from Newark Airport to Newark Penn Station
Airport Ground Transportation can direct students to the Airlink Bus or the Taxi Stand.
By Airlink Bus -- the less-expensive alternative: The #302 Airlink bus provides service between Newark Airport and Newark Penn Station (train). For schedule information, call ONE Bus, Inc. at (973) 824-6200. A one-way fare costs $4. The Airlink Bus operates 7 days a week from 6:17 a.m.to 1:48 a.m.; travel time is approximately 30 minutes. Exit bus at Newark Penn Station (train station).
By taxi -- an easier but more expensive alternative: The Green Taxi Company (telephone: 973-643-4100) operates as a 24-hour service between Newark Airport and Newark Penn Station. Taxi fare is approximately $11 one-way. Verify the fare before taking the taxi. Travel time is about 20 minutes.
Step 2: Travel from Newark Penn Station (train) to Princeton Borough
By train -- a more expensive alternative, with a choice of taking either of two train lines plus a commuter train: New York Penn Station employees can direct students to AMTRAK service or NJ Transit service counters. Select between AMTRAK and NJ Transit to reach Princeton Junction prior to taking a second NJ Transit train-better known as the "Dinky"-from Princeton Junction to the Princeton Borough train station. Caution: Not all AMTRAK and NJ Transit trains departing Newark Penn Station stop at Princeton Junction. Exiting in Trenton is not recommended, as taxis are infrequent and fares are high.
Choice 1: AMTRAK, Northeast Direct and Metroliner Service-a faster, more expensive alternative, but one that makes infrequent stops at Princeton Junction. Purchase tickets at the Newark Penn Station AMTRAK Counter (telephone: 800-872-7245). If the ticket window is closed, tickets may be purchased on the train. Otherwise, if the ticket window is open, there is a penalty for purchasing tickets on the train. Newark Penn Station to Princeton Junction: $27 one-way, unreserved seats; Metroliner, reserved seats, $38 one-way. Travel time is approximately 35 minutes. Trains run Monday to Friday between 6:30 a.m. and 6:24 p.m.; there are few trains running mid-afternoon. Call for weekend and holiday schedules. On arrival at the Princeton Junction train station, ask to be directed to the adjacent NJ Transit shuttle train-the "Dinky"-for travel from Princeton Junction to Princeton Borough. Caution: Unlike NJTransit, AMTRAK does not coordinate train arrival times with "Dinky" departures. (See "Dinky" details above.*)
Choice 2: New Jersey Transit, Northeast Corridor Line-a slower but less expensive alternative, but one that makes more stops at Princeton Junction: Purchase tickets at the Newark Penn Station NJ Transit Counter straight through to Princeton Borough: $6.40 plus "Dinky" fare (telephone: 973-762-5100, 800-626-7433, or 800-772-2222). Trains depart Newark Penn Station for Princeton Junction from 5:04 am to 1:56 am. Travel time is approximately 1 hour. Exit at Princeton Junction and take the "Dinky" to Princeton Borough. (See "Dinky" details above.*)
III. Public Transportation-Philadelphia Airport to Princeton Borough
Unlike JFK and Newark Airports, there is no shuttle van service from Philadelphia Airport to Princeton Borough. Taxis and rental cars are expensive. To travel from Philadelphia by public transportation is difficult and time consuming. It involves coordinating schedules on several different trains. Students must first travel from Philadelphia Airport to 30th Street Station (train), second from 30th Street Station to Trenton, third from Trenton to Princeton Junction, and last from Princeton Junction to Princeton Borough. Note: Students traveling from Philadelphia's 30th Street Station (train) can either take AMTRAK directly into Princeton Junction, New Jersey or take two trains-the SEPTA R-7 and a NJ Transit train-to reach Princeton Junction. Whether traveling on AMTRAK or NJ Transit, travelers must take the "Dinky" from Princeton Junction to Princeton Borough or telephone for a taxi in order to reach Princeton Borough.
Step 1: Travel from Philadelphia Airport to 30th St. Station (train)
By airport shuttle train -- the first part of the journey: Airport Ground Transportation in the baggage area can direct travelers to the SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority) R-1 Airport Shuttle Train counter for travel from Philadelphia International Airport to 30th Street (train)/AMTRAK Station in West Philadelphia. (For information, call SEPTA at 215-580-7800.) One-way fare: $5. Trains run from 6:00 a.m. to 12 midnight, departing every 30 minutes. Travel time to 30th Street train station is approximately 20 minutes.
Step 2: Travel from 30th Street Station to Princeton Borough
By train -- involves a choice of taking either of two train lines plus a commuter train: 30th Street Station employees can direct travelers to AMTRAK Service or NJ Transit service counters. Select between AMTRAK and SEPTA plus New Jersey Transit to reach Princeton Junction prior to taking a commuter NJ Transit train-the "Dinky"-from Princeton Junction to the Princeton Borough train station. Caution: Not all AMTRAK and NJ Transit trains departing 30th Street Station stop at Princeton Junction. Exiting in Trenton is not recommended, as taxis are infrequent and fares are high.
Choice 1: AMTRAK, Northeast Direct and Metroliner Service-a more expensive but faster alternative that avoids changing trains and platforms in Trenton: Purchase tickets to Princeton Junction at the 30th Street Station AMTRAK Counter (telephone: 800-872-7245). If the ticket window is closed, tickets may be purchased on the train. Otherwise, if the ticket window is open, there is a penalty for purchasing tickets on the train. Philadelphia to Princeton Junction: $24 one-way, unreserved seats; Metroliner, reserved seats, $49 one-way. Travel time is approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Trains run Monday to Friday between 5:30 a.m. and 7:43 p.m. Call for weekend and holiday schedules. On arrival at the Princeton Junction train station, ask to be directed to the adjacent NJ Transit shuttle train-better known as the "Dinky"-for travel from Princeton Junction to Princeton Borough. Caution: Unlike NJ Transit, AMTRAK does not coordinate train arrival times with "Dinky" departure (see "Dinky" details above*).
Choice 2: SEPTA and NJ Transit, Northeast Corridor Line -- a less expensive but slower alternative that involves switching trains and platforms in Trenton prior to reaching Princeton Junction:
First train -- SEPTA: 30th Street/AMTRAK train station employees can direct students to the SEPTA R-7 Trenton Counter. The R-7 train runs between 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Trenton, New Jersey. (For information, call SEPTA at 215-580-7800.) A one-way fare costs $5. Trains run from 5:04 a.m. to 10:45 p.m., departing hourly. Travel time to Trenton is approximately one hour. Exit at Trenton and switch to a NJ Transit train, stopping at Princeton Junction.
Second train -- NJ Transit, Northeast Corridor Line: Purchase tickets either by machine at 30th Street Station or the Trenton train station NJ Transit counter for service from Trenton to Princeton Junction and to Princeton Borough. The fare from Trenton to Princeton Junction is $2.80 one-way, plus the cost of the "Dinky" fare from Princeton Junction to Princeton Borough (telephone: 973-762-5100, 215-569-3752, 800-626-7433, or 800-772-2222). Trains depart the Trenton train station for Princeton Junction from 5:28 a.m. to 11:48 p.m. Travel time to Princeton Junction is approximately 15 minutes. Exit at Princeton Junction and take the "Dinky" to Princeton Borough. (See "Dinky" and/or taxi details above.*)
Baggage and Mail
When mailing clothes and other items, students should mark the package "used personal effects"; this will facilitate customs clearance. Any items that must be shipped should be timed for delivery after a student has arrived in Princeton, except for graduate students living at the Graduate College (where limited storage is available).
Until students know their Princeton address, letters for undergraduates can be sent in care of: International Student Adviser, Office of Student Life, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544. Students should not send packages to this address. Graduate students should have letters sent in care of their department. In both cases, mail is held until students' arrival.
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