New York is a beautiful city, full of skyscrapers, shopping centers, restaurants, famous landmarks, and much more.
When you visit New York, whether for business, family, friends, or sightseeing, you need to be able to get there quickly and cheaply. Fortunately, this is easy, especially if you’re coming from New Jersey.
All you need to do is know the transportation options available, which I’ll share with you in this guide- and how to access them.
Is New Jersey And New York City The Same State?
No.
Most people are often confused about the difference between New Jersey and New York because of the state line.
However, New Jersey is a different state in the United States. It borders the state of New York, and in particular, New York City, which is about 70 miles away and separated only by the Hudson River from NJ.
Boroughs of nyc
Despite their distance, New Jersey and New York City share common agencies, such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
One of the New York City Airports, Newark International Airport in New Jersey is also considered part of the New York City airport complex.
Many bridges and tunnels connect the two regions as well.
In addition, there’s a region called “West New York” in the state of New Jersey. However, East New York is part of New York City, in the Borough of Queens, which shouldn’t be confused with the Borough of Manhattan in New York County.
What Is The Distance From New Jersey To New York?
New York and New Jersey are pretty close: the total distance from NJ to New York is about 181 miles (291 km).
However, as the crow flies, the distance between the two areas is only 50 miles (80 km).
Best Way To Travel From New Jersey To New York
Traveling from New Jersey to New York may seem pretty simple. But with all the different transportation options available, deciding which one to use and when can be challenging.
Below, we’ll introduce you to the different options so you can figure out which route to take next when traveling between NJ and NYC.
Travel From New Jersey To New York By Train
The train is the most popular transportation between NJ and NY.
Depending on your location and schedule, you can choose between the NJ Transit Train and the PATH Train.
NJ Transit Train
The NJ Transit system is arguable the second-largest transit system in the United States. Its 11NJ Transit train lines cover much of northern New Jersey, making it an ideal option for those traveling from the NJ suburbs.
These train lines provide access to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, where you can quickly reach your final destination in NYC.
NJ Transit trains are comfortable, reliable, regular, easy, and inexpensive. Fares average $5-$16+, depending on the stop.
PATH Train
PATH trains are also popular with commuters, especially those who want to reach Midtown Manhattan and the One World Trade Center in the shortest possible time. These high-speed subways connect cities like Jersey, Newark, and Harrison to Manhattan, NY.
The best thing about these trains is that they’re affordable. It costs $2.75 to ride between NJ and NY.
If you regularly travel from NJ to New York via PATH, you can buy multiple trips at once and save cash.
There are five main PATH stops in New Jersey:
1 Raymond Plaza West, Newark, NJ 07102
325 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
1 Hudson Place, Hoboken, NJ 07030
913 Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South, Harrison, NJ 07029
68 Christopher Columbus Dr., Jersey City, NJ 07302
Authorities have taken steps to elevate PATH trains, making them more modern and convenient for travelers in and out of NJ.
PATH trains take 10-30 minutes from New Jersey to New York. The exact travel time is dependent upon your location.
Travel From New Jersey To New York By Bus
Taking the bus is one of the best options for people who want to be dropped off in the middle of New York City at Port Authority Terminal.
Many bus lines run between stops in New Jersey and New York. Riding a bus gives you the flexibility and convenience of reaching different destinations between NJ and NYC, which is limited when you take the train.
Also, bus transport is cheaper compared to the train. Bus fare from NJ to NYC ranges from $1 to $10 (depending on the stop), although the ride can be a bit slower.
The good thing about traveling by bus from New Jersey to New York is that you’ve time to get some work done, catch up on the latest gossip on social media or read a book while waiting for your stop.
Plus, you can take in the sights while you ride.
The NJ bus system gives you access to 240 stops and routes; the trip from NJ to NYC takes about 35 to 45 minutes.
There are also express bus lines from Jersey to New York. You can find them either at Secaucus Junction station or Irvington bus station in NJ.
If you take the bus, take it at low-traffic times (off-peak hours). Otherwise, you can easily get stuck in heavy Jersey and NYC traffic.
Check NJ Transit’s website for bus and train routes – or use the built-in trip planner to find the best way.
Ride A Ferry From New Jersey To New York City
If you’re near the Hudson in New Jersey, it’s best to take a ferry to New York City.
There are two ferry options from NJ to NYC:
- NY Waterway
- Liberty Landing City Ferry
These ferries offer trips from Weehawken, Jersey City, Edgewater, and Hoboken in NJ to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, three of the five boroughs in NYC.
Remember that ferry rides are the second most expensive transportation from Jersey to New York, costing between $9 and $20 per adult each way.
Still, the ferry ride is comfortable and relaxing and offers breathtaking views of New Jersey and the iconic New York skyline.
A ferry trip from NJ to NY takes about 8 minutes, which are leaps and bounds faster than traveling by car or bus!
The NY water ferry offers free bus service from the NYC ferry terminal to 34th St, 42nd St, 49th St, 57th St, and downtown Manhattan.
If you live farther from the Hudson, you can take the high-speed Seastreak Ferry.
The ferry runs from Highlands and Atlantic Highlands, NJ, to various ports in New York City.
Be aware, however, that the ferry is more expensive because of the distance: a one-way ticket costs over $46.
But for some, it’s also a relaxing ride with comfortable seats, a spacious interior, and a TV.
Not to mention the scenic view of Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Manhattan skyline – so the price is worth it.
A ride on the Seastreak from NJ to NY takes 6-50 minutes, depending on the starting and ending points.
Traveling From New Jersey To New York By Car
When you travel by car, you have the freedom to stop whenever you want to explore the scenery, take a photo, or visit a restaurant.
You’re traveling on your own time and convenience. Plus, you save yourself the stress and hustle of public transportation.
But there are downsides, such as the $12 mandatory bridge toll and heavy traffic in Jersey City and NYC.
Before traveling by car, it’s best to research peak hours to avoid traffic. This way, you can make your journey easier and faster.
There are four main driving routes from New Jersey to New York City.
If you’re coming from northern New Jersey, you can use the Tappan Zee Bridge or the George Washington Bridge.
If you’re coming from the south, you can use the Lincoln Tunnel (from Jersey City to Lower Manhattan) and the Holland Tunnel (from Weehawken to Mid-Town Manhattan).
You can also take an Uber or Lyft, as a regular cab will cost $50+.
Some commuters choose to carpool from NJ and NY, which is a great way to save on driving costs and parking.
Speaking of parking, many people don’t like to drive to New York because of strict NYC parking rules and regulations and the high cost of tolls and parking garages.
Therefore, some drive to a park-and-ride station near NYC and carpool with other visitors who’ve got the same destination in NYC.
What Is There To Do In New York?
New York is considered one of the busiest places in the world. Aside from the thriving businesses and stunning skyscrapers, there are many other things to do (see) in New York.
You can explore places of interest such as the lively Chinatown– a famous site for films, Downtown, Central Park, and the East Side.
There is also Little Italy (teeming with Sicilian culture and known for its sausage, which is shipped all over the world), Greenwich Village (which speaks the bohemian language through its artwork), and the West Side.
A visit to NYC isn’t complete without visiting the famous Statue of Liberty. This monument, marked among the world’s wonders, has been one of the country’s landmarks since 1866.
Moreover, you can explore the 16-mile-long East River, which connects to the Hudson via the Harlem River. You can charter a cruise on the river to take you across the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn as you admire the areas in Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan.
Top off your trip with a bus tour of the city.
This way, you can see what the bustling Central Business District offers, including the famous Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Go to Coney Island and mingle with the locals, learn a few local terms, and enjoy local delicacies.
A visit to Yankee Stadium is also among the top things to do in The Bronx. Opened in 1923, the stadium, affectionately known as “The House That Ruth Built,” is a must-see for any baseball fan.
New York’s nightlife is as diverse as the city itself. There are so many hot spots that you’ll never get bored!
You can opt for a laid-back jazz club to enjoy a drink or dance to the hottest sounds in one of the hip clubs in NYC.
If you go to a comedy show, you’ll be spoilt for choice, as you can have a hearty laugh every night!
FAQs
What is the commute like between New Jersey and New York?
An upgrade to the transport industry has made commuting from New Jersey to New York more manageable and faster.
However, if you are a daily commuter, you must consider the added cost of moving between the two areas daily.
For instance, you need to consider the cost of additional transport from the train, bus, or ferry stop in New York to get to your location.
You must also consider all transport modes’ changing schedules and fares and weigh them against commuting benefits.
Can you park and ride a ferry to NYC?
Yes, it’s possible to park your car and take a ferry to NYC.
Use the parking garage at Weehawken Landing, Port Imperial, or a parking lot near the Newport PATH station.
However, parking near the PATH station may be more expensive.
Be sure to reserve a spot in advance. That way, you can catch the ferry in the morning and the PATH train in the evening.
What is the close place in New Jersey to New York?
Weehawken, Hoboken, and Jersey City are the cities closest to New York.
They offer easy access to NYC, beautiful views, and attractive hotel/real estate prices. But you can also live comfortably in towns like Hudson, Bergen, Essex, Union, and Passaic.
How can one get from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to NYC?
The airport’s Air Train service is the best transport solution from the Newark Airport.
It is quicker and cheaper than taking a cab or shuttle transfer.
The Air Train will take you from EWR to New Jersey Transit and Amtrak stations, where you can go directly to Manhattan. You’ll pay about $12, and the entire trip will take about one hour.
If you prefer not to take public transportation, you can take a shuttle to NYC from Newark Airport. You’ll pay about $21 for it, and it’s convenient.
Alternatively, you can take a cab from EWR.
Cab rides to Manhattan from the airport cost $50 to $75 after tolls. Cabs are parked outside each terminal on cab stands. It is possible, however, that you will have to wait in line.
Additional charges apply to luggage larger than 24 inches. Prices are per car, and up to four people can ride.
If you value convenience, you can also arrange for a car service to pick you up at the airport (when you arrive), either before departure or after arrival.
This option helps cab lines and works incredibly well for groups of four or more, as it’s cheaper to share a van or limo.
Liked this article?
Visit our blog to discover more tips on New York sights, neighborhoods, bars, restaurants, parking, events, and shopping!
