By Kenya Atkinson
January 7, 2026 • 2:15 PM
Top North Jersey Neighborhoods for NYC Commuters
As a commuter, one of the first questions you'll naturally ask is, 'How fast can I get to NYC?' The good news is that living in New Jersey truly feels like a hop, skip, and a jump from Manhattan. Popular towns offer commute times that often rival, or even outperform, the typical subway ride between NYC boroughs.
As a commuter, one of the first questions you'll naturally ask is, "How fast can I get to NYC?" The good news is that living in New Jersey truly feels like a hop, skip, and a jump from Manhattan. Popular towns like Montclair, Jersey City, Bloomfield, South Orange, and Hackensack offer commute times that often rival, or even outperform, the typical subway ride between NYC boroughs.
Depending on your location and the time of day, most NJ residents can make it into the city in just 25 to 45 minutes without sacrificing access to work, entertainment, or culture.
Transportation Options That Make Commuting Easy
What makes the commute even easier is the variety of reliable transportation options available across North Jersey. Whether you prefer hopping on NJ Transit Rail, taking the PATH Train, riding one of the many direct buses to Port Authority, or using a convenient drive + park-and-ride setup, you have multiple ways to reach Manhattan comfortably and efficiently.
This flexibility makes commuting from New Jersey not only doable, but often smoother and more predictable than navigating the NYC subway system.
Direct NJ Transit Buses to Port Authority
Fast bus routes connect North Jersey directly to Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal:
- Route 168: Teaneck to NYC express service
- Route 107: South Orange/Maplewood direct route
- Routes 113/114: Union County express service
PATH Train Service
The PATH Train runs 24/7 with constant trains offering access to both Midtown and Downtown NYC. Key PATH routes include:
- Journal Square: Direct connection to 33rd Street and World Trade Center
- Grove Street: Popular stop for Jersey City residents
- Hoboken: Major hub with connections to multiple NYC destinations
- Newport: Convenient for downtown Jersey City
- Newark: Gateway to Western NJ destinations
NJ Transit Rail Lines
NJ Transit trains offer direct trips to Penn Station in NYC. Popular lines for North Jersey commuters include:
- Montclair-Boonton Line: Direct service from Montclair, Bloomfield, and other Essex County towns
- Morris-Essex Line: Connects towns like Chatham, Madison, and Morristown
- Main-Bergen Line: Serves Hackensack, Ridgewood, and other Bergen County locations
Why NJ Commuting Works
The beauty of New Jersey commuting is the predictability and comfort. You'll often find yourself with a seat, reliable schedules, and multiple backup options if one service experiences delays. Plus, you get to return home to a peaceful neighborhood instead of another crowded borough.
At Keys With Kenya, we specialize in helping NYC professionals find the perfect New Jersey home that balances career convenience with quality of life. Let us show you how easy the transition can be.