Best Way to Commute from New Jersey to New York
Living in New York City can be a hustle, especially if you are not a native. From the harsh weather to the high rents and property costs, the city has had its fair share of challenges over the years.
Perhaps the most common problem is dealing with the roaring traffic in the city. A New York City Planning report from the Department of City Planning indicates that approximately 1 million people enter NYC every day for work. This figure represents 20% of the New York labor force.
Given this reality, it’s important to know the various commuting options available for you to get in and out of the big city. This guide will cover the best commuting solutions from New Jersey to New York and offer a list of the most convenient neighborhoods you can live in.
The PATH Rail System (Subway)
The first and most common form of transportation is the PATH Subway which connects Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken to Manhattan Midtown all the way to the Twin Towers.
The PATH rail system runs from New Jersey to the heart of Manhattan, making it one of the best solutions for those traveling to Manhattan, New York.
The good thing about the subway is that it’s available 24 hours a day. Another advantage is that the PATH subway is fast – traveling from the farthest station to your destination will take less than 30 minutes. And at only $2.75 per ride, the PATH is incredibly cheap.
Traveling By Ferry
Another opportunity you can exploit is the New York Waterway Ferry.
You can ride on a boat to the main financial district from Jersey City, Weehawken, Hoboken, and other locations within New Jersey. A key advantage of the New York Waterway Ferry is that you get to enjoy the scenery. Plus, you get to avoid the crowds and traffic associated with buses.
If you want to take your car, you can park it at the Weehawken landing and use the ferry to access Pier 79 Midtown / W. 39th St. The most common New York Waterway Ferry routes are the 57th, 42nd, 49th, and 34th streets. Prices are also fair. A typical ride will set you back $9 per ride.
The New Jersey Transit Train
Apart from the PATH Rail System, you can take the New Jersey Transit Train to Port Authority.
The NJ Transit train takes approximately 30 minutes from New Jersey to New York, although this may vary with unexpected delays. The advantage is that NJ Transit makes more stops than the subway. You are also better suited for this if you have a home in the New Jersey suburbs.
Traveling By Bus
You can also go for the New Jersey Transit Bus System that takes you to the heart of New York City (Port Authority). If you’re coming from Newark Airport, you can take a bus to Newark Penn Station. Expect much traffic if you opt for this option.
The main benefit, though, is that a bus offers much-needed flexibility. Plus, you can make business phone calls, work on that unfinished assignment, or read your favorite book as you travel. Yes, it’s that spacious and convenient.
Traveling By Car
Another consideration is driving yourself into New York City.
Traveling by car is a far more convenient alternative because you drive on your own schedule. The best option for car owners is to use Route 9 or the I-95 to avoid traffic snarl-ups during rush hour.
Motorists can also go south and take the along I-278 through Staten Island into Manhattan if the traffic is high. Note that getting a secure parking space in New York can be a problem due to congestion, so check for designated parking areas in Manhattan prior to your trip.
Traveling By Corporate Shuttle
The final option is taking a corporate shuttle into New York.
So, what’s a corporate shuttle? Simply put, a corporate shuttle is a private transportation service that works with customized schedules for a company’s employees to and from their destinations. Corporate shuttles provide a safe and secure way to get to and from your office location, removing the reliance on public transportation or private car.
Corporate shuttles are ideal for all organizations—big or small. Whether you’re a start-up with few employees or a multinational that employs hundreds, you can get a corporate shuttle service customized to your business needs. With corporate shuttles, you can control employee capacity per shuttle, ride times, shuttle frequency, and collection points with ease.
Like driving, shuttle services are convenient. This option can also enhance productivity, transforming your employees’ commute time into a more productive journey with secure WIFI and USB charging ports.
Housing Tips for Commuters
If you are a regular commuter between New Jersey and New York, you might want to check out this list of the most convenient neighborhoods that you can live in.
- Jersey City – The commute between Jersey City and Manhattan takes roughly 40 minutes. If you live here, you can take the subway or the ferry.
- Union City – Living here gives you a quick route through the Lincoln Tunnel. The best commuting decision is to take a New Jersey Transit bus line to Manhattan in under 30 minutes.
- Newark – The best commuting option from Newark to Manhattan is taking the train from Newark’s Penn Station to New York Penn Station in Manhattan. The trip can take anywhere under 20 minutes, or you can just drive into the city in 40-45 minutes.
- Hoboken – From Hoboken to New York, you can take the subway in 15 minutes or drive through the Lincoln Tunnel, which will take you 30-45 minutes. The final option is the New York Waterway Ferry (less than 10 minutes).
And that’s it! We hope you are now better placed to travel to and from New York City from New Jersey.
