Airport Shuttle from South Jersey to PHL, Newark & JFK: Complete Guide
Routes, pricing, and timing for airport transfers from Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, and Cape May to Philadelphia, Newark, and JFK airports.
If you're traveling from South Jersey to any major airport in the region, you've probably experienced the stress firsthand: the Atlantic City Expressway crawling at rush hour, impossible parking rates at Newark, or circling for 30 minutes at PHL trying to find your Uber pickup point.
After 25+ years of driving travelers from Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, and the entire South Jersey region to airports, we've learned exactly what makes the difference between a stressful start to your trip and a smooth one. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting to Philadelphia International (PHL), Newark Liberty (EWR), and JFK from South Jersey.
South Jersey to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Philadelphia International is the closest major airport for most South Jersey residents, serving over 30 million passengers annually with approximately 75,000 flights across seven terminals with 126 gates. But "closest" doesn't always mean "easiest" — especially when you factor in parking costs, traffic patterns, and terminal logistics.
Route Options & Drive Times from Key South Jersey Locations
- Atlantic City to PHL: 60 miles, 1-1.5 hours via AC Expressway to I-76. Best route: AC Expressway → I-76 West → I-95 South
- Cherry Hill to PHL: 12 miles, 20-40 minutes via I-295 South. Rush hour can double this time.
- Marlton/Medford to PHL: 18 miles, 25-45 minutes via Route 73 to I-295
- Cape May to PHL: 90 miles, 1.5-2 hours via Garden State Parkway to AC Expressway
- Vineland/Millville to PHL: 45 miles, 50-70 minutes via Route 55 to I-295
PHL Terminal Layout: Know Before You Go
Philadelphia International has 7 terminals labeled A-West, A-East, B, C, D, E, and F. All terminals are linked post-security, with the walk from Terminal A-West to Terminal F being around 1.3 miles (approximately 30 minutes). Here's the breakdown by major airline:
- American Airlines: Terminals A-East, B, C (AA's Northeast hub — 65% of airport operations)
- Southwest: Terminal E
- Delta: Terminal D and E
- United: Terminal A-West and D
- Frontier, Spirit: Terminal A-East and F
- International (British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar): Terminal A-West
Pro tip: Free shuttle buses operate between Terminals A-East and F within the secure area. SEPTA Airport Regional Rail runs every 30 minutes with stops at Terminals E, C/D, and A-East.
The Real Cost of Driving Yourself to PHL
Many travelers default to driving themselves without calculating the true cost. Here's what you're actually paying:
7-Day Trip Cost Comparison: Self-Drive vs Shuttle
Self-Drive Costs:
- • Economy parking: $15/day × 7 = $105
- • Gas (round trip from AC): ~$25
- • Shuttle bus wait time: 10-20 minutes
- • Your time parking + shuttle: 30+ minutes
- Total: ~$130 + stress
Private Shuttle:
- • Door-to-terminal service
- • Luggage assistance included
- • No parking, no shuttle bus
- • Pickup at your exact flight time
- Often comparable or less for 2+ travelers
South Jersey to Newark Liberty International (EWR)
Newark served over 48 million passengers in 2024, making it one of the busiest airports in the region. It's often the best choice for international flights and United Airlines travelers. However, the drive from South Jersey involves crossing into North Jersey via the New Jersey Turnpike — one of the most congested highways in America.
Route Options & Realistic Drive Times
- Atlantic City to EWR: 100 miles, 1.5-2.5 hours. Route: AC Expressway → NJ Turnpike North → Exit 14
- Cherry Hill to EWR: 85 miles, 1.25-2 hours via NJ Turnpike
- Cape May to EWR: 145 miles, 2.5-3.5 hours
Traffic Warning: NJ Turnpike Exits 8-14
The stretch between Exit 8 and Newark (Exit 14) is notorious for delays. During rush hour (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM), add 30-60 minutes to your estimated drive time. Friday afternoons and holiday weekends can see 2+ hour delays in this section alone.
Newark Terminal Guide
Newark has 3 terminals. Critical note: They are NOT connected post-security. If you're dropped at the wrong terminal, you'll need to take the AirTrain (free between terminals) and go through security again. The new Terminal A opened December 8, 2022 as part of a $2.7 billion redevelopment with 33 modern gates.
- Terminal A: 33 gates — Spirit, Frontier, Canadian carriers, some United domestic
- Terminal B: 24 gates across 3 concourses — British Airways, Lufthansa, Delta, American, JetBlue (note: cannot move between concourses without re-clearing security)
- Terminal C: 68 gates — United Airlines hub (all United international flights)
South Jersey to JFK International Airport
JFK is the longest drive from South Jersey, but it's often worth it for international travelers due to the breadth of direct flights to destinations that PHL and EWR don't serve.
Route Options
- Atlantic City to JFK: 125 miles, 2-3.5 hours depending on traffic
- Cherry Hill to JFK: 100 miles, 1.75-3 hours
Route options: NJ Turnpike → Goethals Bridge → Belt Parkway, or NJ Turnpike → Outerbridge Crossing → Staten Island Expressway
Why Groups of 2+ Should Always Consider a Shuttle
The economics of airport transportation change dramatically when you're traveling with others:
Cost Per Person: Uber/Lyft vs Private Shuttle (Atlantic City to PHL)
Plus: dedicated driver, flight monitoring, luggage assistance, and guaranteed availability — unlike Uber surge pricing at 4 AM.
When to Book Your Airport Shuttle
Availability varies by season and time of day. Here's our recommendation based on 25+ years of experience:
- Standard travel: Book 48-72 hours in advance
- Early morning flights (before 7 AM): Book 3-5 days ahead
- Holiday periods: Book 1-2 weeks in advance (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break)
- Summer weekends: Book 4-7 days ahead for Shore area pickups
What to Tell Your Driver When Booking
To get an accurate quote and ensure smooth service, have this information ready:
Booking Checklist
- ✓ Exact pickup address (house number, apartment/unit if applicable)
- ✓ Which airport and terminal (if known)
- ✓ Flight number and departure time
- ✓ Number of passengers
- ✓ Number and size of bags
- ✓ Any special requirements (car seats, wheelchair accessibility, extra stops)
Sources & References
- • Philadelphia International Airport Terminal Information — PHL.org
- • Newark Liberty International Airport Terminals — Port Authority of NY & NJ
- • PHL Economy Parking Rates ($15/day) — PHL.org Official Parking
Ready to Book Your Airport Shuttle?
Call us for a personalized quote or submit a trip request. We serve all of South Jersey including Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Vineland, Cape May, and everywhere in between.
