How to Get to New York City from New Jersey by Train, Bus, Car & Ferry

Updated: October 11th, 2023 | Posted by: Grace Kim

Are you looking to visit New York City but your flight arrives at EWR (Newark Liberty International Airport) in New Jersey? Don’t panic because although EWR is in Newark, New Jersey, it is only 16 miles away from Manhattan. If this is your first time visiting the tristate area, figuring out how to get to NYC from NJ seems overwhelming, but is not as complicated as it looks.

From the number of ways to get into NYC from NJ, luckily there are 3 airports that you can arrive from. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia International Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airpot (EWR).

While you don’t have to leave the state if arriving into JFK and LGA, arriving into Newark is just as simple. I’d like to say that NJ is NYC’s 6th borough, only separated by the Hudson River. But whether you’re a tourist or a local, here are the best ways to get to NYC from NJ:

Bus it: The Affordable Option

Taking the bus is an excellent option for budget travelers. While the bus may take longer due to traffic and multiple stops, it is the most affordable option and the go-to for many Jersey locals. But what many don’t know is that there are reliable buses from every town in New Jersey through NJ Transit that will drop you off on 42nd street at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Depending on where in Jersey you are commuting from, your bus ticket can range anywhere between $3.50 to $9.50.

This option is perfect for those with families living in New Jersey but commute into New York City for work, or if there aren’t direct train options that runs from that town.

Is it safe taking a bus from New Jersey to New York City?

Yes. With 24/7 supervision and as the most trusted way to get into the city, the buses are extremely safe, whether you’re traveling alone or with someone else. With 100 seats available on each bus, there’s enough space for those to get their own seat and while the buses are typically quiet, everyone minds their own business.

Hop on the Train: A Quick Way into NYC

In most cities, trains are typically the go-to method of transportation. While trains are many people’s go-to option, trains don’t run in through every town in NJ. However, if you are within walking or a short driving distance to a train station, it is the most efficient way of getting into NYC from NJ.

Across the 253 boroughs in New Jersey, there are only 12 train lines that run across 166 stations. Trains aren’t necessarily the quickest transportation method, but is the best way of getting into NYC from NJ during rush hour. But, if you happen to miss the train, you will have to wait anywhere between 30 mins to 1 hour for the next one. But once you’re on a train, there is a lot of overhead space to place your luggage, which is great if traveling to and from the airport.

Path Trains

With the same NYC MetroCard, you’re able to use it when taking a PATH Train into places like Jersey City and Hoboken. No matter what time of day, the PATH typically runs every 10-15 minutes during the day, and every hour after 12:00am. A singular PATH ride costs $2.75 to any station, and ranges anywhere between 10-20 minutes, as there are two lines: one to the World Trade Center and the other to various stops in Midtown Manhattan (Christopher Street, 8th, 14th, and 33rd). Plus, if you’re traveling NYC on a budget, taking the PATH is the way to go as it is extremely budget friendly at a fixed cost.

Drive Yourself in: The Freedom of the Road

If comfort and control supersedes all, driving yourself into the city isn’t a bad option. Depending on the event and location, driving from NJ to NYC varies. If you’re driving in during rush hour, expect to be stuck in traffic anywhere between 45 minutes to 1+ hours. But if you’re driving in during off hours, you can expect to the drive to take as little as 30 minutes.

>> Book your car rental for your NYC visit

If driving is your preferred method, these are the 3 routes in which you can drive into NYC: George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel.

Driving through the Holland Tunnel and Lincoln Tunnel will leave you in downtown Manhattan, with the Holland Tunnel being better for those heading to Greenwich Village, East Village, or the World Trade Center. On the other hand, the Lincoln Tunnel will leave you closer to Midtown, Hell’s Kitchen, and the Garment District. Driving across the George Washington Bridge from Fort Lee will lead you right in Washington Heights. While the Heights sounds far from places like midtown, driving down the Henry Hudson Parkway is a straight drive down, making it easier to get to places like the Upper East Side, or the Upper West Side.

No matter which route you’re looking drive into, note that there is an unavoidable toll fee that must be paid. While the toll fee is the same across all 3 ways, you do not have to pay a toll fee driving back to NJ from NYC. Here’s a breakdown of the toll fees driving from NJ to NYC:

Eastbound only: $17.00
Tolls-by-Mail: $14.75 during peak hours
E-ZPass: $12.75 during off-peak

Parking Garages

Whether you’re planning on spending only a few hours or the entire day exploring New York City, ensuring your cars safety is important. Even if it’s not raining or snowing, parking your car in a garage is the safest option with different type of passes available.

Day passes ranging anywhere between $20 – $37
Overnight parking can cost anywhere between $40 – $60
Monthly passes range around $570

However, if you happen to beat rush hour and arrive into the city early enough, there’s a high chance that you will find street parking, which is the most cost efficient way of parking your car. Hourly parking ranges anywhere between $1.25 – $7.50, and $5 – $8 for commercial vehicles.

Parking Tickets

Although meter parking is the most cost efficient, if you lose track of time and arrive to your car after the meter runs out, there’s a chance you will receive a parking ticket. Let’s say that your car is parked below 96th Street, a parking ticket will cost you $65. Blocking an intersection will cost you a $115 parking ticket. In other boroughs such as Brooklyn, The Bronx and Queens, a parking ticket will cost you $45.

Limo Service

Driving to NYC from NJ might still be the preferred method of traveling, although it is the most expensive. But with an ease of mind and not having to worry about parking tickets, an alternative and less popular option is renting a driver for the day. Combining comfort and flexibility, using a professional car service like Islip Limo Service, is a great means of getting into Manhattan.

While hiring a limo service is not a budget friendly option, paying for the convenience and security might be a smart choice for safety reasons. Especially if you’re visiting New York City for the first time, it can be stressful, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. While limo chauffeurs know the city inside and out, they’re able to navigate the busy streets you’re relaxing and enjoying the ride in the back seat.

Limo services ar perfect for so many different occasions. Whether you’re traveling to and from the airport, celebrating a bachelorette or birthday party, going to prom, or just a night out in the city, the total limousine serves as the cherry on top to your event.

On Water: The Quickest Way to NYC from NJ

Commuting to New York City can seem stressful but if you’re looking for the quickest way to get in, there are a handful of ferries that will take you directly to NYC from NJ. While many locals have never taken the ferry due to limited options, they serve as the total experience, providing unique views of Manhattan’s infamous skyline.

Luckily, ferry schedules can be found online as they run in a timely manner. With parking on site, taking the ferry from Edgewater Ferry Landing will drop you off right in midtown, while ferries at the Liberty Landing Ferry will take you to Liberty State Park and Warren Street in Jersey City directly to the World Trade Center.

Big Bus Tours

Once you’re finally in New York City, experience the city through a bus tour. This is a relaxing way to explore the city as you’ll most likely be in a double decker bus, allowing you to view the city from a semi-bird eye’s view. Tickets range anywhere between $50-$90 before tax, as you’ll be able to see some of the most iconic landmarks throughout the city.

My favorite tour is the New York Downtown Tour, as you’ll be able to see places like the Empire State Building, Flatiron District, Chinatown and Little Italy, and so much more.

Overall

While there are a handful of ways to get to New York City from New Jersey, it all comes down to timing and preference. If you’re visiting NYC on a budget but are staying in New Jersey, taking the bus or PATH train might be the best options. If you’re looking to buy a house in NJ but still need to commute into the city for work, getting a monthly bus or train pass will be the most cost efficient options. Or, if budget isn’t an issue and you want a luxury experience, hiring a personal driver to drive you around in a limo will complete your NYC trip.

For someone whose been taking public transportation into the city for years, taking public transportation to NYC from NJ is extremely reliable, convenient, and safe. While I’ve never come across a bad experience, I will admit that there have been times where I’ve missed the train by seconds. But as long as it’s not too cold, waiting 30 minutes for the next train to come isn’t too bad of an option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a train from New Jersey to New York?

Yes, there are many trains that will take you to New York City from New Jersey. Depending on where in NJ you’re coming from, all trains with NJ Transit will drop you off at Pennsylvania Station on 34th street.

How to get to NYC from NJ without tolls?

The only way to get to NYC from NJ without tolls is if you don’t drive. Unfortunately, there is no way around this if you’re looking to drive in NYC but alternative methods are taking the bus, train, PATH, or the ferry.

What is the best way to get from Jersey City to NYC?

The best way to get from Jersey City to NYC is with the PATH Train. Although there are bus and ferry options, the quickest way is to take the PATH that runs along Exchange Place, Grove Street, and Journal Square.

How long does it take to get from NJ to NYC?

Travel time from NJ to NYC depends on a couple of variables: where in Jersey you’re coming from, the mode of transportation, time of day, and traffic.

During rush hour, you can find yourself stuck in traffic anywhere between 1 – 1.5 hours, while the PATH train will take you no more than 10-15 minutes, even during peak hours.

Can I use my MetroCard on the PATH train?

Yes, you can use your MetroCard to pay for PATH train fares. But if you have an unlimited monthly pass to take the subways in New York, the rides are NOT unlimited when using it for the PATH trains. You will have to pay an additional $2.75 per ride.

How much is the train from NJ to NYC?

If you’re looking to take the PATH train, rides are a flat $2.75. If you’re looking to take a train with NJ Transit, the ticket price depends on the town and distance. This can range anywhere between $5 – $10.

Can I Uber from NJ to NYC?

Yes. Uber rides are available from NJ to NYC. But depending on where in NJ you’re looking to call the car from, you will not see rides any cheaper than $30, as this cost accounts for the $17 toll into the city.

Pin these when planning a trip to NYC!

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In December 2019, I quit my 9-5 to experience passion driven pursuits, leading me towards indefinite travels.

Now, I help travel enthusiasts solo travel, plan indefinite trips, and how to explore the outdoors. And through travel, blogging and photography, I also share and teach others how to obtain this non-linear lifestyle.

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