Traveling from Hoboken to Manhattan can be stressful. There are other ways to go into the city like driving or taking the ferry, but the bus or path system is the most logical. Here’s everything you need to know. 

BUS

You only need to remember the straightforward NJ Transit 126 bus schedule—no need to juggle complicated backups or alternate options. The bus stop sits conveniently by Hoboken Terminal, near the PATH station. If the bus happens to be delayed, you can easily switch gears and opt for the PATH train.

The 126 bus route includes a stop at the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) in Midtown Manhattan, offering excellent connectivity throughout the city. PABT's proximity to the Times Square subway station, the central hub for many MTA subway lines, enhances your commuting options.

For regular commuters, the monthly pass is worth considering. While a single trip to PABT costs $3.50, the $107 monthly pass grants unlimited rides, saving you $33 monthly.

Operating seven days a week, the NJ Transit 126 bus usually arrives every ten minutes. It's suitable for both daily commuting and nighttime city adventures. Keep in mind that the last bus departs PABT at 2 a.m. If you miss it, you must wait until 5:35 a.m. for the next one.

The Port Authority Trans-Hudson, or PATH for short, is the MTA of New Jersey. It runs on a 24/7 schedule and will be your go-to for essential commuting. 

PATH

You'll need to get familiar with the Blue and Green lines, as these two trains will connect you to Lower Manhattan's PATH stations. Luckily, both lines depart from Hoboken's PATH station, so you won't have to travel to separate stops if you need a different line. 

The Blue Line includes five Manhattan stations: Christopher St., 9 St., 14 St., 23 St., and 33 St. The Green Line is a one-way trip from the Hoboken station to the World Trade Center stop. 

Even though the PATH is limited to Lower Manhattan, most NYC stations have convenient connections to express and local trains that will quickly link you to almost every other part of the city. 

Regardless of your chosen line, the longest commute should take at most 15 minutes, depending on planned work or delays.

The PATH train service fare is $2.75 per ride, which can add up if you commute daily. Luckily, PATH offers a variety of passes that can help you save, with the monthly SmartLink pass going for $110.25 and lasting 30 days.  

Ferry

Despite being the pricier choice, the ferry option remains highly favored and efficient due to its immunity to traffic concerns.

NY Waterway manages the connecting Hoboken and Manhattan ferry service, charging $9 for a single journey. While the standard monthly pass may appear steep at $272, it offers a hassle-free commuting experience.

Comfortable indoor seating, climate-controlled cabins, and the option to enjoy stunning outdoor views of NYC and the Statue of Liberty make the ferry experience enjoyable. Apart from the higher fare, one drawback is the fleeting nature of the scenery—usually taking just 10 minutes from Hoboken's 14th St. Pier to the 39th St. stop at Lincoln Harbor.

NY Waterway operates ferries daily, with the final departure from NYC at 9:30 p.m. Hence, alternative transportation like trains, buses, or cars is necessary for late stays.

Car

One might assume that closeness to NYC ensures a quick drive, but the infamous traffic in the tri-state region makes this one of the less popular commuting selections, especially during rush hours.

In theory, a car trip from Hoboken to Midtown should be a mere 20 minutes via the Lincoln Tunnel, and on fortunate days or holidays, this holds. However, the stream of vehicles entering the city from New Jersey can extend the commute to 45 minutes or even an hour.

Moreover, the trip isn't free, with the Lincoln Tunnel tolling $17.00 for all eastbound traffic.

Regardless, if avoiding public transportation is a top priority, driving into the city remains feasible, provided you allot a considerable amount of extra time.

Moving to New Jersey? Shoot us an email at jill@jillbiggsgroup.com or give us a call at (973) 495-6038!