Can you bike from Philadelphia to New York? Yes — and you can do a big part of it on calm, car-free canal trails. In mid-October, three friends rode about 120 miles from South Philly to New York City in two days, with a motel night in Princeton in between. Here’s how we did it.
This post covers our route (the D&L Trail and the D&R Canal trail, part of the East Coast Greenway corridor), where we slept, where we ate and what we’d tell anyone planning their own Philly to NYC bike trip.
Day 1: Cycling from South Philly to Princeton on the D&L and Canal Trails
We set off from South Philadelphia with one big goal: ride all the way to New York City. Our first stop was Rae’s place in North Philly, and around 6 pm Rae, Jeremy and I rolled out together and headed north. We picked up the D&L Trail, then followed the canal trail toward Princeton — calm, car-free riding along the water as the evening turned into night. With good front lights, night riding on the towpath was one of the best parts of the whole trip.
Where to Sleep: A Motel Night in Princeton, NJ
After a night ride, we reached Princeton, New Jersey, and checked into the Red Roof Inn. A simple motel, a hot shower and a bed felt like luxury after hours in the dark on the trail. Princeton sits close to the halfway point, which makes it an easy, budget-friendly stop for anyone splitting the Philadelphia to New York bike ride into two days.
Day 2: Princeton to New York City by Bike
The next morning we rolled out of Princeton for the second half of the trip, back on the D&R Canal State Park towpath under autumn leaves. We took plenty of breaks by the water, and when we got a flat tire we fixed it on a riverside bench with a snack break — then kept going.
Mile by mile the towns got busier, until the New York skyline came into view. We reached the city at night, stopped on the bridge to take in the lights, and rode our loaded bikes onto the Staten Island Ferry, watching lower Manhattan glow across the harbor. Arriving in New York by bike, with friends, is a feeling that’s hard to beat.
The next day we explored the city by bike. We cruised up the Hudson River Greenway on a sunny afternoon, with the river on one side, autumn trees on the other and the George Washington Bridge ahead. Then came a long rest on the grass in the park and a stop in Times Square with the Nomadic Bike flag. To get home, we took the train with our bikes from New York to Trenton, then a second train from Trenton back to Philadelphia.
Where We Ate Along the Way
Food is half of every Nomadic Bike ride. On day one we fueled up with noodles, curry and sushi before the night ride to Princeton, and on day two we refilled with momos, cashew stir-fry and fried rice before the last push into the city. Small, family-run spots like these are the best part of traveling slowly by bike — and they’re exactly what we love to share on our Philadelphia bike rides.
Philadelphia to NYC Bike Route Tips
- Split it into two days, with Princeton as a natural halfway point.
- Use the D&L Trail and the D&R Canal trail to avoid traffic between Philadelphia and Princeton. Check the East Coast Greenway’s key NYC–Philly segments for the current route.
- Bring strong front and rear lights — the canal towpaths are unlit at night.
- Pack a spare tube, tire levers and a pump. Gravel towpaths and autumn leaves can hide sharp stuff.
- Book a budget motel in Princeton, or bring a tent if you prefer camping.
- No bikepacking bags? Borrow them free from the Nomadic Bike Library in South Philly — the same Ortlieb panniers you see in our photos.
- Want company? Join our free Sunday group ride in Philadelphia and meet riders for your next adventure.
Philadelphia to New York by Bike: FAQ
How far is it to bike from Philadelphia to New York?
Our route from South Philly to New York City was about 120 miles. Trail detours add some distance compared with driving, but they’re worth it for the car-free riding.
How long does it take?
We did it in two days, leaving Philadelphia in the evening and stopping overnight in Princeton. Riders with loaded bikes can plan on two relaxed days; strong riders sometimes do it in one long day.
Is the route mostly off-road?
A big part of it is. Between Philadelphia and Princeton we rode the D&L Trail and the D&R Canal towpath, which are car-free. Closer to New York there are more streets and busier towns, so plan that section carefully. The East Coast Greenway maps the most protected route.
Where can you stay overnight?
Princeton, New Jersey, is a natural halfway stop. We stayed at the Red Roof Inn, a simple, budget-friendly motel.
How do you get back to Philadelphia with your bike?
We took the train with our bikes from New York to Trenton, then a second train from Trenton to Philadelphia. Bikes are generally allowed on these trains outside rush hours, but rules change, so check NJ Transit’s bike policy and SEPTA’s before you go.
Ready for your own ride from Philadelphia to New York? Follow us for routes, food stops and group rides — and message us on Instagram if you want tips before you go.
