Thinking about making the move to the New Jersey suburbs? If you’re like most families, there are tons of draws to living in the New Jersey ‘burbs. For starters, these commuter-friendly communities are packed with top-tier schools, plenty of parks, and tons to do — and they offer lots of ways to get from the city to the suburbs.
From direct trains to scenic ferries to luxury motor coaches with WiFi and plush seats, New Jersey offers some of the most diverse commuting options in the NYC suburbs. Whether you’re headed to Midtown, Downtown, or anywhere in between, there’s likely a transit solution that fits your lifestyle.
Below, we’re breaking down the top ways to commute from NJ suburbs to NYC, including a few options that might surprise you.
NJ Transit Rail: Direct, Dependable, and Widely Accessible
With five key NJ Transit rail lines connecting suburban towns to Penn Station and Hoboken, commuting by train remains one of the most reliable and flexible options.
Midtown Direct Line
This line remains one of the most in-demand routes for NYC-bound commuters, delivering a direct ride into Penn Station. Popular towns along the line:
If you’re looking for a predictable, one-seat ride, this is your gold standard.
Montclair-Boonton Line
Serving Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Montclair, and beyond, this line offers both direct Midtown trains and Hoboken-bound options with PATH and ferry connections. This dual-access makes it a favorite for commuters working in both Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, offering flexibility that adapts to your work location.
Raritan Valley & Northeast Corridor Lines
Towns like Westfield, Cranford, and Fanwood benefit from these routes. While most Raritan Valley Line trips require a transfer at Newark Penn, many off-peak trains now offer direct service into NYC.
For additional options, the Northeast Corridor connects towns like Metuchen, Princeton, and Secaucus Junction with city-bound trains running frequently during rush hours.
Recent infrastructure upgrades, including platform-level boarding, have made this route even smoother for daily riders.
PATH Trains: Fast, Frequent Access to Downtown Manhattan
If you’re heading to the Financial District or anywhere downtown, the PATH train is a game-changer. With stations in Newark, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Harrison, the PATH offers 24/7 access to 33rd Street (Midtown) and World Trade Center (Downtown).
Key benefit: PATH trains run more frequently than most commuter rail lines and are typically more budget-friendly. If you’re living in Jersey City, Hoboken, or Harrison, this is the fastest, most direct option into NYC.
Ferry Commutes: The Scenic and Surprisingly Efficient Route
Commuting by boat is a real thing – and in New Jersey, it’s not just for tourists.
NY Waterway
With routes from Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City, and even further north in Edgewater, the ferry takes you into Midtown (West 39th Street), Wall Street / Pier 11, and Brookfield Place.
Bonus: NY Waterway offers free shuttle buses to major hubs like Grand Central and Penn Station once you dock in Manhattan.
Seastreak Ferry
Living further south? Seastreak’s year-round service from Highlands and Atlantic Highlands to Manhattan (Wall Street and East 35th Street) is comfortable, fast, and relaxing.
Perks include:
- Free parking
- Climate-controlled indoor cabins
- Open-air decks
- Complimentary WiFi and bar service
For those commuting from Monmouth County, this is a no-traffic, no-stress way to start and end your day.
Bus Routes: Private Coaches, WiFi, and Midtown Access
New Jersey’s extensive bus network isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a go-to for thousands of commuters each day.
NJ Transit Buses
From Bergen, Union, Essex, and Passaic Counties, NJ Transit buses run frequently to Port Authority, with direct access to Midtown Manhattan.
Yes, you’ll have to factor in traffic. But if you’re not near a rail station, or prefer the flexibility of frequent departures, NJ Transit buses are reliable and cost-effective.
Boxcar
Looking for an elevated commuting experience? Boxcar offers luxury coach service with:
- Reserved seating
- WiFi and power outlets
- Restrooms
- Comfortable, quiet rides
Pick-up spots include towns across Morris, Essex, Bergen, and Union Counties, with morning drop-offs near 42nd Street, Madison Avenue, and uptown corridors. You can also reserve local parking spaces through the app – a lifesaver in towns where station parking is limited.
Coach USA
Serving towns like Ridgewood, Montclair, Chatham, and even Princeton, Coach USA provides direct routes to Port Authority with a reputation for reliability. This is a popular choice for longer-distance commuters looking for a no-transfer ride into Midtown.
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Local Jitneys, Shuttles & Park-and-Ride Options
In some NJ suburbs, getting to the train or bus station is half the battle. Fortunately, many towns offer solutions:
Municipal Jitneys
Towns like Maplewood, Montclair, and Glen Ridge run local jitney services to and from train stations during peak commute hours. They’re fast, inexpensive, and incredibly convenient, especially on cold mornings or rainy evenings.
Park-and-Ride Lots
For those driving in from further suburbs, many towns offer commuter lots with permit parking or even daily options. These lots are often near NJ Transit or PATH stations and serve as a gateway to a no-hassle city commute.
Bike + Scooter Options
More towns are adding bike-friendly infrastructure and encouraging micro-mobility. Places like Hoboken and Jersey City now support CitiBike and other local scooter services that connect riders to PATH, ferries, and buses without needing a car.
Driving: For the Flexible (and Patient) Commuter
Let’s be real – driving into Manhattan isn’t for the faint of heart. Between tolls, traffic, and pricey parking, it’s rarely the first choice. But for remote workers with in-office flexibility or people with unpredictable hours, driving is occasionally the best option. If you’re planning to drive even once or twice a week, consider towns with easy highway access to I-78, I-280, Route 22, the NJ Turnpike, or the Garden State Parkway.
Pro tip: Use driving only as a supplement to a reliable weekday commute. Many NJ families prefer a “train for work, drive on weekends” model when choosing where to live.
What Kind of Commuter Are You?
Your commute shapes your day and your life. So ask yourself:
- Do I need a one-seat ride so I can work on the way in?
- Do I want flexibility if I’m only commuting 2-3 days a week?
- Am I craving a scenic, low-stress ride?
- Do I need WiFi and outlets to get work done en route?
- Am I planning to drive or bike to the station?
Every suburb offers something different. The key is to find a town that aligns with your priorities, not just your job.
The Commute Is Part of the Package
Choosing a suburb isn’t just about schools, square footage, or charming downtowns. It’s about how you live Monday through Friday, and how easily you can get to the city when you need to.
The good news? New Jersey offers more commuter flexibility than almost anywhere else in the country. Whether you’re on the train, ferry, bus, or PATH, there’s a route that fits your lifestyle.
Ready to Find Your Ideal Commute and Community?
At Suburban Jungle, we help you look beyond the basics. We’ll match you with towns that not only check your boxes, but make your daily life easier, more efficient, and yes, more enjoyable.
For more insights, visit Suburban Jungle’s New York City suburbs section and the New York City blog page on our website.
Let’s find your perfect suburb and your perfect commute. Book your free initial strategy call today.
