Thinking about a move to the New Jersey suburbs? Great choice. Not only do you have access to an incredible mix of towns, but your commute into the city can be just as varied. Prefer a fast train? Love the idea of a waterfront ride? Want to scroll your inbox in a luxury motor coach? New Jersey’s got options – and lots of them.
NJ Transit: Train Commutes into the City
With five NJ Transit rail lines connecting the suburbs to Penn Station, your daily ride can be both efficient and predictable. Whether you’re in Montclair, Morristown, or Maplewood, direct lines make it easy to get into Manhattan without major transfers or long delays.
Midtown Direct Line
One of the most coveted routes for NYC-bound commuters, the Midtown Direct delivers a direct shot into Penn Station. Stops include popular towns like South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit, and Chatham. Expect a reliable ride, ideal for anyone prioritizing simplicity and speed.
This line is a favorite among residents of Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, and Montclair. It’s a hybrid line, offering both direct-to-NYC and Hoboken-bound trains. From Hoboken, you can easily transfer to the PATH or hop on the ferry. This flexibility makes it a strong contender for downtown and midtown workers alike.
Union County Rail Lines
The Raritan Valley Line serves Westfield, Cranford, and surrounding towns. While most peak-hour trains require a transfer at Newark Penn, you’ll find some off-peak direct trips into Manhattan. Plus, recent updates like platform-level transfers have made this commute even more seamless.
For additional options, the Northeast Corridor (NEC) connects towns like Elizabeth, Union, Rahway, and New Brunswick with city-bound trains running frequently during rush hours.
PATH Trains: The Lower Manhattan Shortcut
The PATH system is a lifeline for many commuters heading into downtown NYC. With transfers available from NJ Transit at Hoboken, Newark Penn Station, and Jersey City, the PATH offers fast, frequent service to 33rd Street and the World Trade Center. It’s especially convenient for anyone working in SoHo, Tribeca, or the Financial District—and it’s a top choice for commuters living in Jersey City, given the easy access and short ride across the river.
Ferry Commutes: The Scenic Route
Dreaming of skyline views and a breeze in your hair on your way to work? The ferry might be your perfect match.
Hop aboard from Weehawken or Hoboken and cruise into Midtown or Downtown Manhattan. If you’re living in Essex or Bergen County, getting to the terminal is a quick drive or train ride away – and you’ll skip traffic entirely.
Further south? Seastreak offers daily year-round ferry service from Atlantic Highlands and Highlands to Pier 11 (Wall Street) and East 35th Street. The ride is about an hour long and comes with perks: climate-controlled cabins, outdoor decks, bar service, WiFi, and free parking. Seastreak also offers seasonal ferry service to Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and even Yankees and Mets games.
Bus Routes: Comfort, Flexibility, and High-Speed WiFi
Prefer your own seat, a power outlet, and zero transfers? New Jersey’s extensive bus network gives you plenty to consider.
These buses run from virtually every corner of the state into the Port Authority Bus Terminal. While traffic can be a factor during peak hours, buses offer flexibility, comfort, and a solid chance to knock out a few emails or your daily Wordle.
This luxury commuter service offers direct, reserved-seat bus rides from select NJ town centers into Midtown Manhattan. Think of it as the country-club version of commuting. With plush seating, WiFi, restrooms, and onboard power outlets, Boxcar serves commuters from Morris, Essex, Bergen, and Union Counties. Plus, Boxcar offers pre-reserved parking in local lots – a lifesaver if station parking is tricky.
Morning buses drop off along 42nd, 6th Avenue, and Madison Avenue up to 71st Street. Evening rides depart from 5th Avenue and 42nd, shuttling you back home in comfort and style.
Coach USA buses serve a wide area, including towns like Ridgewood, Montclair, Chatham, and Princeton Junction, with direct routes to the Port Authority. It’s a reliable option for those farther out, or looking for a no-transfer commute into Midtown.
Jitneys & Parking: Getting to the Station Without the Stress
In towns where train station parking is limited, jitney services step in to save the day. Municipal jitneys in towns like Maplewood and Glen Ridge ferry commuters to and from stations with ease. Many towns also offer resident-only parking permits or, in some cases, parking access for neighboring towns to make commuting even more accessible.
What Kind of Commuter Are You?
Your commute isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It’s about how you want to spend your mornings and evenings. Do you need a one-seat ride with room to work? Is a water commute your dream come true? Want to read, relax, or work while someone else drives?
Think about your priorities – speed, flexibility, comfort, WiFi, even scenery – and make sure you’re exploring towns that align. The perfect community isn’t just about what’s in your neighborhood, but how easily you can connect to what matters.
Ready to find your perfect suburb – and your perfect commute? Let’s talk. Book your free initial strategy call and explore the best commuter towns New Jersey has to offer.
