Navigating New Jersey with Public Transportation: Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free Travel
Getting around New Jersey offers visitors plentiful transportation options to match their interests and budgets. Scenic train lines traverse leafy suburbs, tranquil forests and glistening wetlands for those desiring memorable views. Budget-conscious travellers can link cities and shoreside attractions using Newark metro, light rail and NJ Transit buses. International visitors arriving at Newark Liberty Airport can hop onto the train or grab rental cars to freely explore New Jersey’s diverse landscapes at their own pace.
Rideshares, local subways and dedicated bike lanes provide on-demand flexibility across the state.
By understanding the range of choices, visitors unlock their ability to fully experience all corners of New Jersey.
Buses and Trains
For budget travellers, New Jersey Transit and Suburban Transit regional buses efficiently link major cities like Newark, Atlantic City and towns across the Jersey Shore. One-way fares cost under $10. For those travelling from out of town, booking an Amtrak train to New Jersey is cost-effective. Light rail systems also operate locally in Hudson and Essex counties, connecting urban centres through an affordable public transit network.
Visitors can purchase one-day light rail passes in cities like Newark, Jersey City and Hoboken for hopping on and off trains. Monthly transit passes allow longer-term visitors to ride unlimited trains and buses at reduced bulk rates.
New Jersey has some great options when it comes to taking trains down the shore!
Here are a few of the most popular options:
- The North Jersey Coast Line is a popular option for beachgoers, with stops at popular destinations like Bradley Beach, Belmar, and Spring Lake.
- The Atlantic City Line offers direct service from Philadelphia to Atlantic City, making it an easy option for those looking to hit the boardwalk and beaches.
- The NJ Transit trains run from New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station to popular shore destinations like Asbury Park, Long Branch, and Point Pleasant Beach.
No matter which train you take, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the beautiful New Jersey shoreline!
Metro and Subway
Within Newark and Jersey City, metro and subway lines allow visitors to avoid above-ground traffic congestion. The Newark Light Rail brings travellers to Newark Penn Station to connect to interstate train lines.
In Jersey City, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail takes in scenic waterside views on routes through bayfront communities. Both metro systems have station stops at key tourist sites like performance venues, museums and historic districts. Contactless payment methods make single rides a breeze for infrequent system users.
Ridesharing and Bicycles
Through rideshare services like Uber and Lyft available statewide, travellers can arrange rides on demand via mobile app. This means more flexible routing than public transit. Cyclists also find options on New Jersey’s bikeways extending over 1,800 miles. Bike paths connect shoreline towns and route through preserved open spaces and parks. Casual peddlers can access Citi Bike rental stations in Jersey City and Hoboken to pick up bikes by the hour or day. Serious cyclists bringing their own bikes will find bike route maps online.
Rental Cars and Highways
New Jersey’s highway infrastructure includes renowned routes like the Garden State Parkway and New Jersey Turnpike, making driving between key sites fairly straightforward. Those looking for freedom and independence can access rental cars from airports and cities across the state. Scenic byways down the shore or through pine forests cater to leisurely driving as well. Major rental companies provide car pickup depots across New Jersey for visitor convenience. Careful drivers will find the highways efficient but busy in congested parts.
Limo Tours
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to explore the Jersey Shore, consider booking a limo tour! Jersey Shore Limo Tours offers bar crawls and sightseeing tours in popular shore towns like Asbury Park, Seaside Heights and Long Beach Island (pictured above). You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride while taking in all the sights and sounds of the shore. It’s a great way to experience the best of the Jersey Shore without the stress of driving.
Air Travel
While trains provide scenic traversing through New Jersey, airplanes excel at fast access into the state from across America. Newark Liberty International Airport operates as one of the country’s busiest airports with routes coming from worldwide destinations. Domestic travellers heading to New Jersey will find regular nonstop flights. Regional airports like Atlantic City International Airport also welcome domestic carriers with discount fare deals. Savvy travellers can snag airfare sales flying into the state.
So, whether visitors desire beautiful vistas of New Jersey from a train window or the flexibility to offer by riding in a rental car or Lyft, the state furnishes diverse transportation modes to encounter all it has to offer.
