Commute guide
Jersey Shore to NYC: train, ferry and bus
Amtrak does not stop in any of these shore towns. Rail here is NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line, which runs from Bay Head and Long Branch north to New York Penn Station and Hoboken.
Electric section (Long Branch north)
Long Branch, Little Silver, Red Bank, Middletown and Hazlet. One-seat electric service to NY Penn, some trips via Secaucus or Newark.
Diesel section (south of Long Branch)
Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach and Bay Head. Many trips need a transfer at Long Branch. Bay Head is about two hours from New York.
Amtrak and Acela
Connect at Newark Penn, Metropark (by car or bus) or NY Penn for DC, Philadelphia or Boston.
Seastreak ferry
Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Belford (near Red Bank and Rumson) to Manhattan in about 40 to 60 minutes. A premium option.
No rail station
Seaside Heights, Lavallette, Toms River and Brick. Drive to Point Pleasant, Bay Head or Aberdeen-Matawan, or take NJ Transit or Academy buses via the Garden State Parkway.
Nearest station by town
| Town | Nearest station | Line section | Rough time to NY Penn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Bank | Red Bank | Electric | About 1 hr 10 min to 1 hr 30 min |
| Little Silver, Rumson, Fair Haven | Little Silver | Electric | Ask Monica |
| Middletown | Middletown | Electric | Ask Monica |
| Long Branch | Long Branch | Electric (end of section) | Ask Monica |
| Elberon (Long Branch) | Elberon | Diesel | Ask Monica |
| Deal, Allenhurst | Allenhurst | Diesel | Ask Monica |
| Asbury Park, Ocean Grove | Asbury Park | Diesel | About 1 hr 30 min to 1 hr 45 min |
| Bradley Beach | Bradley Beach | Diesel | Ask Monica |
| Belmar | Belmar | Diesel | Ask Monica |
| Spring Lake, Sea Girt | Spring Lake | Diesel | Ask Monica |
| Manasquan, Sea Girt | Manasquan | Diesel | Ask Monica |
| Point Pleasant Beach and Borough | Point Pleasant Beach | Diesel | Ask Monica |
| Bay Head | Bay Head | Diesel | About 2 hours |
| Brick, Lavallette, Toms River, Seaside | Point Pleasant or Bay Head (drive) | Diesel, or bus | Longest trips |
Times are rough and vary by train. Check NJ Transit schedules before you plan a commute.
Commute FAQ
Does Amtrak stop at the Jersey Shore?
No. Amtrak does not stop in any of these shore towns. Rail here is NJ Transit's North Jersey Coast Line. To reach Amtrak or Acela, connect at Newark Penn, Metropark (by car or bus) or NY Penn.
Which shore towns have the fastest train to NYC?
Towns on the electric section of the North Jersey Coast Line: Long Branch, Little Silver, Red Bank, Middletown and Hazlet. They have one-seat electric service to NY Penn, with some trips via Secaucus or Newark. Red Bank is about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes to NY Penn.
Is there a ferry from the Jersey Shore to Manhattan?
Yes. Seastreak runs from Atlantic Highlands, Highlands and Belford, near Red Bank and Rumson, to Manhattan in about 40 to 60 minutes. It is a premium option.
How do you get to NYC from Toms River or Seaside Heights?
There is no rail station in Seaside Heights, Lavallette, Toms River or Brick. Drive to Point Pleasant, Bay Head or Aberdeen-Matawan for the train, or take NJ Transit or Academy buses via the Garden State Parkway.
Want a town that fits your commute?
Twelve easy questions. About two minutes. Your best-fit shore towns.