5 Ways to Commute to New York City from New Jersey

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Planning to live in NJ and commute to New York City? If so, you’ll be joining the 1.5 million commuters that travel into the city each day. Whether you’re planning on taking public transit or questioning the benefits of driving you own car, here is an evaluation of 5 ways to get there.

PATH Train

Perhaps the most common mode of transportation is the PATH Subway system. It’s the fastest and cheapest option between the two cities, so it’s certainly no surprise that so many people opt for it. The PATH Subway connects Newark, Hoboken and Jersey City to Manhattan Midtown and the World Trade Center. With stops at 9th, 14th, 23rd and 33rd St, it’s extremely convenient to either hop off and walk to your office or jump on the subway. It also runs 24/7 unlike many other cities; so late nights at the office aren’t an issue. All rides are $2.75 each way and the train takes no more than 25 minutes from the furthest stations and as little as 12 minute if you are traveling from Hoboken to Midtown. Many of the NJ stops have parking garages nearby, but beware these spots go fast and it’s best practice to book parking ahead of time so you can be guaranteed a spot.

NJ Transit (Train)

The New Jersey Transit trains are another option for you daily commute into Manhattan. If you live deep into the NJ suburbs this option is typically your best bet. These trains have quite a few more stops than the PATH and they tend to run less frequently. As is typical with most commuter trains, the cost per ticket depends on what stop you’re getting on/off at, but typically this option is more expensive by 3x – 5x times the PATH.

Ferry

While it might not have been your first thought, the NY Waterway Ferry is a great option for your commute. Boat rides from Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, and other parts of New Jersey will take you to the financial district, Brooklyn, Queens, and midtown Manhattan, making it a convenient choice for commuters. It’s also a top option for those who don’t mind spending a bit more money in exchange for picturesque views of the city in a less crowded space. Generally, ferries run about every 20 minutes and cost $9 each way for adults. Most people hop on the ferry at the Port Imperial/Weehawken landing as they have a parking garage there, and take it to Pier 79 at West 39th St. This trek only takes about 8 minutes of travel time, which blows typical car and bus averages out of the water (literally)! Once you’ve made the ride across the Hudson, the NY Waterway offers a free bus service. Some of their most popular routes include 57th Street, 49th Street, 42nd Street, 34th Street and a special Downtown loop. A lot of commuters opt to take this route one way (typically in the morning) and then take the PATH back at night to save money.

Bus

For those people looking to be dropped off right in the center of the hustle and bustle at Port Authority, the New Jersey Transit Bus System may be your best option. Taking the bus not only takes the hassle of driving out of the equation, but it also gives you the flexibility and space that the train oftentimes doesn’t. While you will be subject to NYC’s gridlocked traffic, you’ll also be able to get work done or take some personal time reading a book while you wait for your stop.

Car

Last, but not least, you can always drive in from NJ to Manhattan. While the thought of driving in NYC might terrify you, this mode of transportation definitely has its benefits. Not only will you have the flexibility of operating on your own schedule, but you also don’t have to deal with public transportation. As with any option though, driving does have its disadvantages. You’ll need to find and most likely pay for parking once in the city, which is a huge reason many commuters don’t drive. If you’re considering this option, be sure to check out online deals on sites like Groupon to see if they have deals for discounted parking rates.