Princeton
Discover Princeton
Princeton, home to the prestigious Princeton University, is a municipality with a population of approximately 32,000 (2017) in Mercer County, central New Jersey. The University's Nassau Hall served as the capital of the United States for a single summer in the late 18th century. Princeton counts among its former residents Albert Einstein and Thomas Mann.
What to Experience in Princeton
Taste of Princeton...
Travelers on a shoestring budget should be aware that it is difficult to secure inexpensive lodging in town. There are no known hostels or lodging-houses in the Princeton area. There are a number of hotels and motels along Route 1 to the east (outside of actual town limits), but those without cars must note that there are no public transportation links to downtown Princeton from this area.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsPrinceton has an eponymous airport located in Montgomery, less than 2 miles from Nassau Street and Princeton University. Princeton Airport serves mostly general aviation (i.e. hobby) flying, but it also sees its fair share of business charter flights. It has one runway, fuel stations, lots of aircraft tie-down space, and hangars. This makes the airport a very cost-effective solution for travelers who pilot their own airplanes. Car-rental service is located on-site. Other nearby airports include the Somerset Airport, Central Jersey Regional Airport, and Teterboro airport (TEB). These airports, like Princeton, do not operate commercial flights, but anyone with his/her own airplane can fly in. The larger Trenton Mercer airport offers some air-taxi options. A small rail station in close proximity to both the University campus and the downtown district provides a shuttle service, known locally as "the Dinky," to the nearby Princeton Junction train station....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Everything in the downtown area is easily accessible on foot from the main parts of the campus or the two hotels in town. A physically fit visitor can reach any part of town with a bicycle. The only public transit is a single bus line that makes a leisurely loop around the outer parts of the town. Taxis are easily available by cell phone, or at the taxi stand on Nassau St and Witherspoon. The university operates several buses between campus, university housing, and several campus parking lots. These buses are for faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors, but no checking is done. See also the real-time bus map. Whether with family or by yourself, there is a variety of things to do throughout the duration of your stay in Princeton. From walking Princeton University campus grounds, to visiting the Princeton art museum there are many cultural activities to take part in. Downtown Princeton is full of shops.
Where to Stay
Travelers on a shoestring budget should be aware that it is difficult to secure inexpensive lodging in town. There are no known hostels or lodging-houses in the Princeton area. There are a number of hotels and motels along Route 1 to the east (outside of actual town limits), but those without cars must note that there are no public transportation links to downtown Princeton from this area.
Money & Budget
Downtown Princeton is full of shops. Many are high-priced boutiques catering to the town's non-student residents, although some are worth mentioning. Almost all are on Nassau Street, the heart of Princeton. Travelers on a shoestring budget should be aware that it is difficult to secure inexpensive lodging in town. There are no known hostels or lodging-houses in the Princeton area. There are a number of hotels and motels along Route 1 to the east (outside of actual town limits), but those without cars must note that there are no public transportation links to downtown Princeton from this area.
Safety Information
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Princeton
Princeton University, USA
an old brick building with a clock tower
Classic architecture at Princeton University in New Jersey.
a large building with a clock tower on top of it
brown and green trees near brown concrete building during daytime
a large building with a clock tower on top of it
a large building with a clock on the front of it
a tall tower with a clock on the top of it
A group of cars parked in front of a building
Building at Princeton University in fall
Princeton University, USA
an old brick building with a clock tower
Classic architecture at Princeton University in New Jersey.