Princeton University hosts some of the most significant events in any family's life: move-in day for freshmen, Parents Weekend, Reunions, and graduation. Each of these events brings thousands of visitors to a campus that was designed for foot traffic, not modern automobile congestion.

If you're traveling from South Jersey, Philadelphia, or the surrounding region, this guide will help you navigate the logistics and arrive relaxed rather than frazzled from circling for parking.

The Princeton Parking Problem: Why Shuttles Make Sense

Let's be direct: parking at Princeton during major events is a nightmare. The university sits in a small town with limited parking infrastructure. During events like Parents Weekend or Graduation, you're competing with thousands of other families for a few hundred spots.

Princeton Parking Challenges

Limited campus parking: Most lots require permits or are reserved for faculty/staff
Street parking: 2-hour limits strictly enforced, expensive meters
Remote lots: Often 15-20 minute walks to central campus
Event overflow: Sometimes directed to lots in Princeton Junction, requiring shuttle bus

Getting to Princeton from South Jersey & Philadelphia

Drive Times from Key Locations

Atlantic City to Princeton: 80 miles, 1.5-2 hours via Garden State Parkway to NJ Turnpike
Cherry Hill to Princeton: 45 miles, 50-70 minutes via I-295 to Route 1
Philadelphia Center City to Princeton: 50 miles, 1-1.5 hours via I-95 to Route 1
Cape May to Princeton: 120 miles, 2-2.5 hours
Vineland to Princeton: 65 miles, 1-1.5 hours via Route 55 to NJ Turnpike

Event-by-Event Transportation Guide

Freshman Move-In Day (Late August)

Move-in day is one of the most logistically challenging campus events. You're bringing a car full of dorm supplies, fighting with hundreds of other families for the same loading zones, and dealing with August heat.

Move-In Day Tips

✓ Arrive during your assigned time slot — Princeton staggers arrivals by residential college
✓ Unload quickly at designated zones — you typically have 20-30 minutes
✓ One person parks while others begin unpacking
✓ Consider a shuttle for the return trip if you have multiple cars

First-Year Family Weekend (November 2025)

First-Year Family Weekend 2025: November 7-8, 2025

Registration opens via ffw.princeton.edu (code: FFW2025). Register by November 4 if possible.

This is THE event for Princeton families with first-year students. You'll want to attend seminars, see your student's dorm, and often catch events around campus. Here's why shuttle service makes this weekend so much better:

No parking stress: Drop off at Nassau Street, picked up wherever you end the day
Flexibility: Attend events across campus without worrying about moving your car
Group travel: Grandparents, siblings, and extended family can travel together comfortably
Dinner reservations: Get dropped off at Princeton restaurants without hunting for parking

Reunions Weekend (May 2026)

Princeton Reunions 2026: May 21-24, 2026

The P-rade typically starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, followed by the University Orchestra concert and fireworks.

Princeton Reunions is legendary — the largest annual gathering of alumni at any university in the country. Reunions 2025 brought nearly 25,000 alumni, family, guests, faculty, staff, and graduating seniors to campus.

Reunions Transportation Warning

Parking during Reunions is virtually impossible without advance arrangements. The university provides shuttle service from remote lots, but waits can exceed an hour. Many alumni book private transportation months in advance.

Graduation / Commencement (May 2025)

Princeton's 278th Commencement: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 10:00 AM

Academic procession begins 9:40 AM. Ceremony in Princeton Stadium runs approximately 10 AM - 11:30 AM. Baccalaureate is Sunday, May 25; Hooding ceremony Monday, May 26 at 4:30 PM on Cannon Green.

Graduation is often a full-day affair with morning ceremonies and afternoon celebrations. Families often include grandparents and extended family members, making a comfortable shuttle particularly valuable.

Graduation Day Logistics

Morning arrival: 8-9 AM recommended for best seating
Ceremony duration: ~1.5 hours (10 AM - 11:30 AM)
Post-ceremony: Photos, department receptions, family celebrations
Departure: Often late afternoon or early evening

Other Universities We Serve

Princeton isn't the only university we regularly drive families to. Our service area includes:

Rutgers University (New Brunswick): 70 miles from Atlantic City, 1.5 hours
University of Pennsylvania: 60 miles from Atlantic City, 1-1.5 hours
Rowan University: 35 miles from Atlantic City, 45 minutes
Stockton University: 15 miles from Atlantic City, 20 minutes

When to Book Princeton Transportation

Family Weekend: Book 2-3 weeks in advance minimum
Reunions: Book 1 month+ in advance
Graduation: Book as soon as you confirm attendance (often 1-2 months ahead)
Regular campus visits: 3-5 days notice usually sufficient

Sources & References

• First-Year Family Weekend 2025 — ffw.princeton.edu
• Princeton Reunions 2026 (May 21-24) — reunions.princeton.edu
• 278th Commencement - May 27, 2025 — commencement.princeton.edu
• Reunions 2025 drew nearly 25,000 attendees — Princeton News

Planning a Princeton Visit?

Whether it's Parents Weekend, graduation, or just a campus tour, call us for door-to-campus transportation. We'll handle the driving so you can focus on your Tiger.

Call (609) 555-0123 Submit a Trip Request

Princeton University Transportation: Parents Weekend, Move-In & Graduation