Considering the New Jersey suburbs?
Not only are there dozens of diverse suburbs, but there are countless ways to commute from the city to the suburbs. Whether you’re a fan of scenic ferry rides, direct train routes, or the flexibility of bus travel, there are at least a few options perfect for your day-to-day. As you explore different towns, be sure you’re looking into these commuting options.
The Rail Routes: Train Commutes
New Jersey Transit has five train lines running into Penn Station in New York, so you can choose a route that best fits your schedule and location. Towns like Summit, Morristown, and Montclair offer convenient connections. NJ Transit provides a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
Midtown Direct Line
This line is perfect for those who want a streamlined, hassle-free ride into Penn Station. Serving towns like South Orange, Maplewood, Millburn, Short Hills, Summit, and Chatham, it’s the go-to option for a smooth commute.
Montclair-Boonton Line
This line offers a direct route, ideal for Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, and Montclair residents. The line continues out to suburban towns including Wayne and Mountain Lakes. Commuters can also access the path train or ferry from the Hoboken stop.
Union County Lines
Towns like Cranford and Westfield offer train lines that mostly switch at Newark Penn during peak rush hour mornings and evenings. There are several off-peak direct routes on the schedule in the late morning and early afternoon hours. A few years ago, the commute was made even better – no more escalators! Now, simply cross the platform, making the journey much smoother.
PATH Trains: Quick Access to Lower Manhattan
New Jersey residents can easily catch the NJ Transit train to Newark Penn Station or Hoboken. From there, a quick transfer to the PATH gets you to the city. The PATH connects you directly to key Manhattan locations like the World Trade Center and 33rd Street, making it an efficient choice for your daily commute.
With its convenient connections and frequent service, the PATH allows you to enjoy suburban living without sacrificing easy access to the city. Whether you’re heading to work or planning a day in Manhattan, the PATH provides a straightforward and comfortable commute, making it a valuable resource for suburban residents looking to stay connected to the urban lifestyle.
On the Water: Ferries
If you’re looking for a scenic and stress-free commute, consider taking a ferry.
NY Waterway Ferry
For those living in the New Jersey suburbs, commuting to Manhattan by ferry offers a scenic and efficient alternative to traditional road and rail routes. The NY Waterway Ferry is particularly convenient for residents of Essex and Bergen counties, who can easily drive or take a short train ride to terminals in Weehawken or Hoboken. From these points, ferries provide quick access to Midtown and Downtown Manhattan, allowing you to avoid the traffic and enjoy sweeping skyline views.
For those closer to the Jersey Shore, the Seastreak Ferry offers daily, year-round service from Atlantic Highlands and Highlands to Pier 11 Wall St. and East 35th St. in New York City. The journey, which takes about an hour, is comfortable and relaxing, with indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, restrooms, and free parking available. Seastreak also provides seasonal services to popular destinations like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, as well as special trips to Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.Whether you’re coming from the northern suburbs or the beach towns, these ferry options offer a pleasant and efficient way to reach the city, bypassing the usual commuter congestion and providing a unique perspective on the journey. For more information, you can contact Seastreak at 1-800-BOATRIDE or visit their website at www.seastreak.com.
The Bus Routes: Flexibility and Comfort
For those who prefer a flexible and comfortable commute, exploring bus routes is a great option.
NJ Transit Buses
The NJ Transit bus system is extensive and can take you right into the heart of NYC, with routes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. If you’re coming from Newark Airport, there’s a convenient bus to Newark Penn Station. While traffic can be a factor, buses offer flexibility and comfort – perfect for catching up on work or reading a book.
Boxcar Bus
Boxcar is an integrated commuting company dedicated to taking the stress out of your daily travel. Offering both on-demand parking and luxury motor coach services, Boxcar ensures your commute is seamless and enjoyable. With Boxcar, you can reserve parking in advance, guaranteeing a spot every day, and hop on a top-of-the-line bus from select town centers to midtown Manhattan. These luxury motor coaches feature reserved seats, high-speed WiFi, power outlets, restrooms, and dedicated drivers who know you by name.
Boxcar serves a wide range of New Jersey towns across Essex, Bergen, Morris and Union Counties. Whether commuting from the suburbs to the east or west sides of NYC, Boxcar’s curbside drop-off locations throughout midtown make your journey convenient and efficient. The morning routes start drop-offs on 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, then to 6th Avenue and up Madison Avenue from 34rd Street to 71st Street. Evening departures along 5th Ave and 42nd St take you directly back to your pick-up locations, ensuring a smooth end to your day. The commute from New Jersey to the Upper East Side of Manhattan has always been challenging. Boxcar provides a streamlined and stress-free solution that appeals to professional commuters.
Coach USA Bus Lines
Coach USA operates an extensive network of bus routes from New Jersey to New York City, making it a convenient option for many commuters. These buses run from various towns such as Princeton Junction, Metuchen, West Caldwell, Verona, Montclair, Upper Montclair, Clifton, Waldwick, Ho-Ho-Kus, Ridgewood, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Summit, Fanwood, Westfield, Cranford, Convent Station, Madison, and Chatham, with direct service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.
Jitney Services
Train station parking can be tricky in some towns, but many, like Glen Ridge and Maplewood, offer jitney services to make your commute smoother. Additionally, some towns provide ample parking for residents of neighboring areas, ensuring you have options no matter where you live.
The Final Word: What’s Your Commute Personality?
As you explore towns, remember that your commute is a significant part of your daily routine. Are you all about the quickest route with transfers, or do you prefer the direct ride – even if it takes a few more minutes? Does commuting by water sound like the perfect way to unwind after your 9-to-5? Is a luxury bus how you want to spend a few hours each week? Will a one-seat ride enable you to be productive and do work? Consider what will make your mornings (and evenings) more enjoyable and less stressful, and make sure you’re exploring communities that align.
Ready to find your perfect town with the ideal commute? Let’s talk! Get in touch now to schedule your Suburbs Strategy session and discover the best commuting options New Jersey offers.
