New Jersey is a densely diverse Mid-Atlantic state known for its 130-mile Atlantic coastline, Victorian shore towns, the famous Jersey Shore boardwalks, and a rich Revolutionary War heritage. From the glittering casinos of Atlantic City and the genteel beauty of Cape May to the cultural buzz of Hoboken and the forests of the Pine Barrens, New Jersey packs extraordinary variety into one of the nation's smallest states.
NJ Transit is the backbone of public transportation — use the MyTix app to purchase tickets. A car unlocks the best NJ experiences (Shore beaches, Pine Barrens, Highland parks). PATH train ($2.90) is the fastest NYC connection from Hudson County.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Items
- {'route': 'EWR → New York City (Penn Station)', 'options': 'AirTrain to Newark Airport Rail Station + NJ Transit NEC ($17.50, 50 min) OR cab/rideshare ($45–$80, 30–60 min)'}, {'route': 'EWR → Atlantic City', 'options': 'NJ Transit bus (2.5h, $9) OR rideshare (~$85–$110)'}, {'route': 'PHL → Cape May', 'options': 'NJ Transit bus 315+304 (3h, $13) OR rideshare ($75–$110)'}
Local transport
Getting around the city.
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Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
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Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
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- Route
- Newark → New York Penn Station (Amtrak/NJ Transit)
- Duration
- 20–30 min
- Cost
- $10–$35
- Notes
- Multiple trains per hour; buy NJ Transit tickets for cheapest fare
- Route
- Trenton → New York Penn Station (NJ Transit)
- Duration
- 70–90 min
- Cost
- $16
- Notes
- Northeast Corridor Line; frequent service; reserve seats not needed
- Route
- Newark → Atlantic City (NJ Transit Bus 315)
- Duration
- 2h–2h30
- Cost
- $9.25
- Notes
- Direct bus from Newark Penn Station Bus Terminal; inexpensive but slow
- Route
- New York → Atlantic City (NJ Transit Express Bus 319)
- Duration
- 2h–2.5h
- Cost
- $31.25 round-trip
- Notes
- Departs Port Authority Bus Terminal (625 Eighth Ave, NYC); fastest public option
- Route
- Princeton → New York Penn Station (NJ Transit)
- Duration
- 65–75 min
- Cost
- $15
- Notes
- Take Dinky shuttle to Princeton Junction, then NEC Line train
- Route
- Cape May → Philadelphia (NJ Transit Bus)
- Duration
- 2h30
- Cost
- $12.50
- Notes
- Bus 304/553 via Garden State Pkwy; change at Atlantic City bus terminal
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
New Jersey is served by one of the most comprehensive public transit networks in the United States, centered on NJ Transit — which operates 12 rail lines, 3 light rail lines, and 250+ bus routes. The state's position between New York City and Philadelphia means travelers have two major transit hubs at their disposal. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is NJ's primary air hub. A car is strongly recommended for the Jersey Shore, Pine Barrens, and rural highlands areas.
Airports
Newark Liberty International Airport
Atlantic City International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Purchase NJ Transit tickets via the MyTix app to avoid queues and locked-up ticket machines
EZPass saves time and money on NJ Turnpike and Garden State Pkwy; rent a car with EZPass included
NJ Transit rail lines stop carrying bikes during peak hours — check njt.njtransit.com before cycling to a train station
The AC Jitney ($3) is the cheapest way to get around the Atlantic City Boardwalk strip