3 Best Ways to Get from NJ to NYC (Manhattan), Train/Subway, Ferry, Bus

Updated On Sept 25th, 2023 by Katie Howard

New York City (Manhattan) can be accessed from New Jersey by several modes of transportation including NJ Transit trains, the PATH subway, the NYC Waterway ferry, and NJ Transit busses. This website is dedicated to helping you find the right transportation, parking garage or hotels in NJ near NYC.


Q: What is the best way to get from NJ to NYC?

A: The best way to get from NJ to NYC is to take the PATH Subway or the Ferry. The PATH Subway offers convenient and frequent service, taking only about 15 minutes to reach Manhattan. Alternatively, the Ferry from Port Imperial and Lincoln Harbor is another popular option, although the schedule is not as frequent as the PATH trains which almost run 24/7. The best way four tourist to get from NJ to NYC is to take the Ferry in the morning and then utilize the PATH train for a return in the evening.

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

A: The travel time from NJ to NYC can range from 15 to 25 minutes utilizing the NYC Waterway Ferry or the PATH subway. Depending on your specific location and chosen mode of transportation. The PATH subway takes about 15 minutes from Hoboken, or Jersey City and about 25 minutes from Newark’s Penn Station to get into Manhattan.

Q: What parking garages near transit are the best options for those commuting from NJ to NYC?

A: The recommended parking garages near transit options for commuting from NJ to NYC include options near the PATH Journal Square, Hoboken and Exchange Place stations, or garages near the Port Imperial, Lincoln Harbor Ferry / Bus Terminal.

Q: Which areas in NJ offer the best commute into NYC?


A: If you’re looking for the best commute into NYC from NJ, consider areas such as Jersey City, Hoboken, Newark, Weehawken, and Lincoln Harbor. These areas provide easy access to parking options near PATH subway stations, NJ Transit, or ferry terminals. The specific area that suits you best will depend on your location and personal preferences.

[SEE HUGE! MAP]

Map of Transit Options from NJ to NYC


The Best Parking Garage Options in NJ near Transit to NYC


Journal Sq Parking Garages PATH Subway or Ferry to NYC in 15 Mins
Newport Parking Garages PATH Subway or Ferry to NYC in 15 Mins
Exchange Place Parking Garages PATH Subway or Ferry to NYC in 15 Mins
Newark Parking Garages PATH Subway or Train to NYC in 25 Mins
Port Imperial Parking Garages Ferry to NYC in 15 Mins
Lincoln Harbor Parking Garages Ferry to NYC in 15 Mins
Hoboken Parking Garages PATH Subway or Ferry to NYC in 15 Mins

THE BLUE P ICONS ON THE MAP REPRESENT PARKING NEAR TRANSIT TO NYC


NJ to NYC Using The PATH Subway


How to Get From NJ to NYC on the PATH Subway Train

Q: Why Should I Use the PATH Subway to Get to NYC?

A: Simply put the PATH is the cheapest, fastest and most available mode of transit between Manhattan and New Jersey. The PATH Subway connects Newark, Hoboken and Jersey City to Manhattan Midtown and the World Trade Center.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Ride the PATH?

A: All rides are $2.75 one way.

Q: Can I Use the MetroCard on a PATH Train?

A: Yes, the MetroCard can be used on the PATH.

Q: How Often Does the PATH Subway Run?

A: For most intents and purposes the PATH runs 24/7. The trains run frequently and very late into the night and start early in the morning, most people won’t have any issues with the PATH schedule.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get from NJ to NYC on the PATH Train?

A: No more than 25 minutes from the furthest stations and as little as 12 minute if you are traveling from Hoboken to Midtown.

Q: Can I Park Near the PATH Train & Ride Into NYC?

A: Yes, the Newark, Journal Square, Newport and Hoboken Stations all have parking garages nearby. It is best to book parking ahead of time in order ensure that you are able to get a spot at a nearby garage. We found that parking near the Journal Square station is the cheapest option.

path subway map getting from NJ to NYC


NJ to NYC Using the Ferry


Q: How to Take the Ferry from NJ to NYC?

A: The NY Waterway Ferry is a good choice for two reasons; number one it provides an excellent view of the city while you are riding to and from NJ across the Hudson River. The second reason is that you can park your car near the Imperial Ferry Terminal. This is generally one of the cheapest options for parking next to public transportation from NJ to NYC.

Q: How Much Does the Ferry Cost from NJ to NYC?

A: The Ferry cost $9 for adults and there are discounts for kids. Compared to the PATH subway system this is X3 as much. For some people the best option is to take the Ferry over in the morning to enjoy the city views and the PATH back at night (perhaps in the summer use the PATH in the morning and the Ferry at night). If you choose to split transit between the PATH and the ferry it is best to reserve a parking space in Jersey City near the Exchange Place PATH station on near the Hudson River across from NYC in downtown Jersey City.

Q: How Often Does the Ferry Run?

A: Ferries typical run every 20 minutes, a good rule of thumb is to make sure you are ready to catch the Ferry at night no later than 11:30 if you are traveling back to NJ. While there are many ferry landings the most popular landing is the Port Imperial / Weehawken landing.

Q: Can I Park & Take the Ferry from NJ to NYC?

A: Yes. We suggest that people either use the Port Imperial / Weehawken landing parking garages, or park near the Newport PATH station. Parking near the Newport PATH station will be more expensive and it is best to reserve a spot ahead, but at the same time the PATH will be X3 cheaper to use. Therefore you could take the ferry in the morning and PATH at night to return home. The PATH also runs more frequently.


NJ to NYC by NJ Transit Trains



Q: Why Should I Use NJ Transit Trains to Access NYC?

A: NJ Transit trains are useful in a few different scenarios, most notably if you want to stay at a hotel in the NJ suburbs with free parking near a train to NYC. The trains are needed if you want to get from Newark Airport to NYC, and they are helpful if you are coming from Trenton. Beyond this the trains tend to run less frequently than the PATH and are more expensive by X3 – X5 times.
Q: Can I Park Near a NJ Transit Train Station & Ride to NYC?

A: Yes, but the options are limited and you should understand the trade offs. Often the deeper you go into the NJ suburbs the cheaper parking becomes, at the same train fares go up and so do the commute times. Take a look at the Montclair Heights station, here parking is $5 per day and the commute into the NYC is 45 minutes via the NJ Transit Trains. MetroPark is also another station within an hour commute of NYC on the train, here parking is $10 per day.


Downtown Newark and Newark Airport to Manhattan (NYC)


Q: How to Get from Newark Airport to NYC

You can get from Newark Airport to NYC Manhattan’s Penn Station in about 45 mins to an hour using first the AirTrain monorail terminal connector to the NJ Transit Train Station just outside the airport grounds. To recap, take the AirTrain Newark from your airport terminal to Newark Liberty International Airport Station. The AirTrain ride is between seven and 11 minutes, depending on which terminal you land at. Then from Newark Liberty International Airport Station, take an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station. The NJ Transit ride is approximately 30 minutes, with New York Penn Station being the last stop. Overall, the total cost for this trip is $15.50 for adults and $11.50 for children/seniors/disabled for a one-way ticket.
Q: How to get from Newark to NYC (Manhattan)

A: The two ways to get from Newark, NJ to NYC (Manhattan). The cheapest and most efficient way is to use the PATH subway. The PATH train gets you to Manhattan’s Financial District in just 20 minutes, while NJ Transit takes you to Midtown Manhattan in 25 minutes. This makes Newark a convenient base to explore all that New York City has to offer. The cost is $2.75. Trains also depart from Newark’s Penn Station and commute to NYC’s Penn Station, however the train is often more expensive and slower.


Jersey City to NYC (Manhattan)



Q: How to get from Jersey City to NYC (Manhattan)

A: The PATH and NYC Waterway Ferry are the best options to get from Jersey City to NYC. If you want to take the subway, the PATH is the best option for cost and flexibility. It takes less than 10 minutes to get to the World Trade Center, and about 25-30 minutes to get to 33rd Street/Herald Square. Another option is to take the NYC Waterway Ferry. This ferry runs 7 days a week from different landings in NJ, with destinations all over Midtown Manhattan. However, please note that the ferry from NJ to Ellis Island is not currently available, so it’s best to take that ferry from Manhattan.
Q: How Far is Jersey City from New York City

A: Jersey City is 10 mins from Manhattan, or just across the Hudson River at a distance that is less than a mile. Driving from Jersey City to NYC can be accomplished using the Holland Tunnel. The tunnel has a toll. The PATH subway, NYC Waterway Ferry, or NJ Transit Buses are all public transpiration options that have about a 15-20 minute commute time.


Hoboken to NYC (Manhattan)


Q: How do I get from Hoboken, NJ to NYC (Manhattan)?

Answer: The most practical and popular way to get from Hoboken to NYC is to take the PATH subway which runs nearly 24/7. The PATH is $2.75 per ride and can drop you off as close as one block from the Empire State Building. It will take less than 20 minutes to get from Hoboken to NYC on the PATH. The other alternative is the Ferry which costs $9. Ferry hours are more limited, so if you plan on staying out late in NYC you may want to take the PATH back.
Q: Can I Park in Hoboken, NJ Near the PATH of Ferry?

Answer: There are no free on-street parking options in Hoboken, but you can park within a short walk of the PATH station or Ferry landing. Make sure to book your parking space ahead because spots will fill up quickly on popular weekends.

NJ to NYC FAQ


Q: How do I get a Train from Trenton, NJ to NYC

A: The NJ Transit trains are the best option for public transportation from Trenton NJ to NYC. The ride from Trenton to Penn Station in Manhattan will take about 1 hour, and the cost of the train fare is about $17 dollars. There are over 1,000 parking spots available next to the Trenton station at a daily rate of $18.
Q: How Do I Get a Bus from NJ to NYC?

A: There are express bus routes from the either the Secaucus Junction bus station, or the Irvington bus station in New Jersey. A bus will take between 35 and 45 minutes to get into NYC. Typically most people will use the PATH subway over express bus routes to commute from New Jersey to NYC because it is cheaper and faster. Katie is a NYC expert that can help you find out where to park outside of NYC and commute into Manhattan (NYC).

Image Attribution:


20210628 92 NY Waterway Ferry @ Hoboken by davidwilson1949, on Flickr
"20210628 92 NY Waterway Ferry @ Hoboken" (CC BY 2.0) by davidwilson1949

NY Waterway by pburka, on Flickr
"NY Waterway" (CC BY-SA 2.0) by pburka

Pier C Park by shinya, on Flickr
"Pier C Park" (CC BY-ND 2.0) by shinya

Pier C Park by shinya, on Flickr
"Pier C Park" (CC BY-ND 2.0) by shinya

Hoboken Station - PATH - The Port Author by @iamsdawson, on Flickr
"Hoboken Station – PATH – The Port Author" (CC BY 2.0) by @iamsdawson

Jersey City (NJ) Hudson River Commute Ap by Ron Cogswell, on Flickr
"Jersey City (NJ) Hudson River Commute Ap" (CC BY 2.0) by Ron Cogswell

coming down the line by frankieleon, on Flickr
"coming down the line" (CC BY 2.0) by frankieleon

Helicopter View of New York Skyline with by verchmarco, on Flickr
"Helicopter View of New York Skyline with" (CC BY 2.0) by verchmarco