New Hope is easiest by car. From Philadelphia, allow about an hour to 90 minutes depending on traffic; from central New Jersey, use the river crossings at Lambertville or the Route 202 toll bridge north of town. Parking is the limiting factor on summer weekends, so arrive early or expect to circle.
There is no regular passenger rail to New Hope. SEPTA and NJ Transit can get you part of the way to the Delaware Valley, but the final leg usually requires a rideshare, taxi, or a lift. Cyclists can approach on canal towpaths from either side of the river when conditions are good.