Flying into Newark International Airport? Driving from Atlantic City? Staying with friends in Hoboken? No matter your starting point, a trip from New Jersey to New York is quick, direct, and definitely a great idea!
From the iconic New York City to the beautiful Upstate area, New York is full of possibilities that will entertain everyone in your group. There are multiple ways to get there, but if you want our expert advice, the most logical and comfortable mode of transportation is a rental van. It saves you time, gives you freedom, and ensures your trip is a smooth one.
Read on to discover how to get to New York from New Jersey and ultimately choose the method best for you (though if you’ve already decided that a specious, comfortable vehicle best serves your needs, find out how to rent a van to get to New York or get one delivered to New Jersey)!
New Jersey to New York by train
The NJ Transit train line offers multiple routes that connect New Jersey to New York. Below, we break down some of the most common routes.
NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line
This line provides frequent service from Trenton, NJ to New York Penn Station and is a central hub for travel throughout the state. Popular routes include:
- Trenton Transit Center to New York Penn Station
- Travel time: One hour and 20 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $16.75 to $32.75
- Princeton Junction to New York Penn Station
- Travel time: One hour and 10 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $16.75 to $32.75
- Newark Penn Station to New York Penn Station
- Travel time: 20 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $5.25 to $10.50
- Secaucus Junction to New York Penn Station
- Travel time: 20 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $5.25 to $10.50
NJ Transit’s North Jersey Coast Line
Running from Bay Head to New York Penn Station, this line has stops in various cities along the New Jersey coastline. Popular routes include:
- Point Pleasant to New York Penn Station
- Travel Time: One hour and 40 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $16.75 to $32.75
- Asbury Park to New York Penn Station
- Travel Time: One hour and 30 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $16.75 to $32.75
- Woodbridge to New York Penn Station
- Travel Time: 45 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $9.25 to $18.50
NJ Transit’s Pascack Valley Line
This line is ideal for travelers not interested in stopping in New York City. From Hoboken Terminal, riders can go directly to suburban towns like Nanuet and Spring Valley. Popular routes include:
- Hoboken Terminal to Nanuet
- Travel time: One hour
- Ticket cost: One-way from $4.75 to $9.75
- Hoboken Terminal to Spring Valley
- Travel time: One hour and 20 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $4.75 to $9.75
AmTrak’s Northeast Regional
AmTrak is an easy way to travel between New Jersey and New York City, with several stations in New Jersey including Newark Penn Station and Trenton. Popular routes include:
- Trenton Transit Center to New York Penn Station
- Travel time: One hour and 20 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $16.75 to $32.75
- Newark Penn Station to New York Penn Station
- Travel time: 20 minutes
- Ticket cost: One-way from $5.25 to $10.50
How long is a train ride from NY to NJ?
There’s nothing quite like people-watching on a train running to and from one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Considering a train ride from NY to NJ can take anywhere from 20 minutes to one hour and 40 minutes, it’s definitely worth the investment for anyone wanting to avoid navigating the city traffic.
New Jersey to New York by plane
Newark Liberty International Airport is the only major public-use airport in New Jersey that serves New York state. From EWR, you can easily fly to the following cities:
Albany
Albany is the capital of New York State and serves as a hub for business and government activities. Visit the oldest museum in the state before heading out for a hike in the Adirondacks or a cruise along the Hudson River.
- Flight time: One hour and 30 minutes
- Ticket cost: Round trip from $235
Buffalo
Explore art galleries and indulge in an eclectic culinary adventure. Don’t miss your chance to visit Niagara Falls, just 20 miles away.
- Flight time: One hour and 42 minutes
- Ticket cost: Round trip from $209
Rochester
Rochester is a hip and cultured University town with a fascinating history. Enjoy scenic views of Lake Ontario and activities such as boating, fishing, and beachcombing.
- Flight time: One hour and 40 minutes
- Ticket cost: Round trip from $204
Syracuse
Syracuse is home to several universities and colleges and is known for year-round festivals as well as its proximity to picturesque lakes and vineyards.
- Flight time: One hour and 33 minutes
- Ticket cost: Round trip from $199
Additionally, private jet charters through companies like Vincent Jets, evoJets, and New Jersey Jet Charter are available.
New Jersey to New York by car
How far is New Jersey to New York by car? From Cape May, the southernmost point in NJ, it’s 157 miles or two-and-a-half hours driving. That is, when traffic is low. Plan your trip to avoid peak rush hour so you can enjoy a smooth and pleasant drive from the quaint South to the bustling North!
The average cost to rent a car in New Jersey ranges from $75 — $250 per day, excluding unforeseen fees, taxes, gas, and parking. Below is a list of four starting points in New Jersey and their distances to New York City and Buffalo.
South Jersey
- Atlantic City to New York City
- Distance: 125 miles
- Travel Time: Two hours and 30 minutes
- Atlantic City to Buffalo
- Distance: 442 miles
- Travel Time: Seven hours and 10 minutes
Central Jersey
- Trenton to New York City
- Distance: 60 miles
- Travel Time: One hour and 15 minutes
- Trenton to Buffalo
- Distance: 363 miles
- Travel Time: Five hours and 55 minutes
North Jersey
- Newark to New York City
- Distance: 16 miles
- Travel Time: 30 minutes to one hour
- Newark to Buffalo
- Distance: 371 miles
- Travel Time: Six hours and five minutes
- Hoboken to New York City
- Distance: Two miles
- Travel Time: 15 minutes
- Hoboken to Buffalo
- Distance: 371 miles
- Travel Time: Six hours and 15 minutes
How far is New Jersey from New York by car?
New Jersey to New York by car is, from the southern tip of Cape May, 157 miles, and from the northern tip of Hoboken, only two miles.
How to plan the best road trip
Not sure how to go about planning the best road trip from New Jersey to New York? Let us help you. Believe it or not, the planning stage can be loads of fun, as long as you know what to expect. Here are the questions the road trip experts at Greenvans ask themselves before embarking on a driving adventure.
- The vehicle you will rent: Do you want a compact car or a spacious van from Greenvans with 24/7 on-call support?
- The places you will go: Where are you starting from? What destinations are non-negotiables, and which do you prefer to skip? Sit down with your travel mates to discuss what’s a must-see, and what’s not.
- The things you will bring: Including the material items you will pack and the people you plan to travel with!
Where to stop on your road trip
Make the trek from New Jersey to New York fun by first defining where your starting point will be and which route you plan to take.
- From South Jersey, stop in coastal towns like Atlantic City, Long Beach Island, and Asbury Park.
- From Central Jersey, stop in historic hubs like Trenton, Princeton, and Morristown.
- From North Jersey, stop in urban gems like Newark, Jersey City, and Hoboken.
Decide your next steps upon arrival to New York. Do you prefer to spend all your time in the city, or would you also like to discover Upstate, Niagara Falls, and small towns with big personalities like Rochester and Syracuse?
You’ll also need to think about season-appropriate activities. Summer is an excellent time to visit the Finger Lakes or Niagara Falls., while New York City is a dream in the spring. Or, you can make your way Upstate in the fall to catch the changing leaves. If you’re traveling during Christmas, make sure to check out these NY Christmas spots.
What to pack for your road trip
If you’re including visits to the city, the mountains, the lakes, and the small towns of New York State, be sure to pack the following:
- Hiking clothes and boots or ski gear for the mountains
- Elegant evening wear for Broadway shows and upscale dinners
- A light jacket for spring and fall, a heavy jacket and gloves for winter, t-shirts, swimsuits, and sun protection for summer
- Picnic blankets, a cooler, drinks, and snacks
- Books and games for the road
- Electronics and chargers
- A first-aid kit
If this feels like a lot to pack, don’t fret! Greenvans passenger vans are spacious enough to bring along all of those “just-in-case” items, and more!
Other transportation options to get from NJ to NY
Now that you know exactly how connected the two states are, you won’t be surprised to hear that there are still more transportation options. Buses, subways, and rideshares like Uber or Lyft link the two states and are abundant.
Here are a few examples of the cost and travel time to expect when taking the bus or PATH train to New York City:
NJ Transit Bus System to Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC
From Atlantic City
- Travel Time: Two and a half to three hours
- Ticket Cost: $19 per person
From Trenton
- Travel Time: One and a half to two hours
- Ticket Cost: $17 per person
From Newark
- Travel Time: 30 minutes to one hour
- Ticket Cost: $7.75 per person
From Hoboken
- Travel Time: 15 — 30 minutes
- Ticket Cost: $1.60 per person
PATH Train to Midtown Manhattan
From Newark
- Travel Time: 25 minutes
- Ticket Cost: $2.75 per person
From Hoboken
- Travel Time: 12 minutes
- Ticket Cost: $2.75 per person
When traveling within New York City, trips on MTA buses or subways start at $2.75 per person. The average cost per mile using Uber within New York City is $1.62, which does not include factors like tolls, surge pricing, tips, or class of vehicle.
How to determine which transportation is right for you
Determining the right transportation for you depends on the following factors:
- Number of people traveling
- Amount of time available to explore
- Activities needing equipment such as skiing, picnicking, hiking, or beaching
- Budget that can be allotted to transportation
- Comfort, amenities, and whether you prefer the availability of on-call assistance
For small groups with plenty of time to get lost in the city, public transportation might be a fun adventure. It will save money, but will also require significant planning to maximize your time.
Renting a car allows you the freedom to move around at your leisure. Cars are easy to park and valet when needed, so you can arrive directly at your destination and walk right in without losing time. However, a car rental may not be spacious enough. In this case, we recommend a Greenvans passenger van with lots of room, up-to-date technology, and on-call assistance.
Bring a cooler, bring fishing poles, bring beach chairs — you won’t be limited in a passenger van. What’s more, when time is of the essence, you won’t waste any of it on the road.
Travel the East Coast with plenty of legroom
Whether you’re hitting up the East Coast for Memorial Day or just spending a long weekend in Atlantic City, a van rental with Greenvans will get you there safely. All you need to do is choose your route, pack your things, and hit the road. Contact us about a van rental in NY and make your way, comfortably, from New York to New Jersey or from New Jersey to New York!
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