So, you're standing in Manhattan and looking across the Hudson. Maybe you've got a flight out of Newark Liberty—which, let’s be honest, is basically Elizabeth’s backyard—or maybe you’re heading to the Mills at Jersey Gardens to dodge the New York clothing tax. Getting from New York to Elizabeth New Jersey is one of those trips that looks like a breeze on a map but can turn into a nightmare if you hit the Holland Tunnel at 5:00 PM on a Friday. It’s only about 15 miles. You could bike it in an hour if you were an Olympian and there wasn't a giant body of water in the way. But for the rest of us, it’s a game of logistics.
The NJ Transit Secret
Most people instinctively look for a subway map. Bad move. The MTA doesn't cross the water. If you want the most reliable way to get from New York to Elizabeth New Jersey, you’re looking at NJ Transit. You head to Penn Station—the one on 31st Street, not the one in Newark—and look for the Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line.
The ride is quick. Like, really quick. Once the train actually leaves the tunnel, you’re looking at about 25 to 30 minutes of actual track time. You'll pass through Secaucus, which is just a giant transfer hub in the middle of a swamp, and then Newark Penn. Don't get off at Newark Penn. Wait for the Elizabeth stop. The station there is right in the heart of the historic district. It’s got that old-school brick aesthetic, and honestly, the walkability from the station to the local courthouse or the various Colombian bakeries nearby is actually decent.
One thing that trips people up is the ticket situation. Buy it on the app. Seriously. The lines at the physical kiosks in New York Penn Station are a special kind of hell, especially when tourists are trying to figure out the difference between a "one-way" and a "flex pass" while a commuter is breathing down their neck. If you board without a ticket, the conductor will charge you an extra fee that basically doubles the price. Don't be that person.
Buses, Port Authority, and the 112
Then there's the bus. Some people hate the bus. I get it. But the 112 bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal is a straight shot. It’s often cheaper than the train, though you are at the mercy of the Lincoln Tunnel. If there’s a fender bender in the tube, you’re going to be sitting there for a while.
The 112 drops you off along North Avenue or at the Jersey Gardens mall. This is the move if your goal is shopping. If you take the train to the Elizabeth station, you’re still a decent Uber ride away from the mall. If you take the bus, you’re right there. The mall is technically in Elizabeth, though everyone associates it with the airport. It’s one of the few places where you can see a giant IKEA, a Krispy Kreme, and a Boeing 747 taking off all at the same time.
Driving is a Bold Choice
Let’s talk about driving from New York to Elizabeth New Jersey. You have two main "gates" to New Jersey: the Holland Tunnel and the Lincoln Tunnel. If you’re coming from Lower Manhattan, the Holland is your best bet. You’ll pop out in Jersey City, hop on NJ-139, and eventually merge onto US-1/9 South.
1/9 is a legendary road. And by legendary, I mean it’s a chaotic mix of elevated highways, shipping containers, and some of the most aggressive driving in the tri-state area. You’ll drive past the Pulaski Skyway—which is a terrifyingly beautiful piece of engineering—and eventually hit the outskirts of Elizabeth.
- The Toll Factor: Be ready for the hit to your wallet. Between the tunnel toll (which only hits you coming into NY, but you still pay for it mentally) and the potential for NJ Turnpike tolls, it’s not cheap.
- The Gas Perk: Once you hit Elizabeth, gas is almost always cheaper than in the city. And in Jersey, they still pump it for you. It’s a weird luxury that feels illegal the first time you experience it.
The "Backdoor" Route via Staten Island
Hardly anyone mentions this, but if you’re already in Brooklyn or Queens, going through Manhattan to get to Elizabeth is a rookie mistake. Take the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Staten Island. Drive across the island on I-278 and take the Goethals Bridge.
The Goethals Bridge literally lands you in Elizabeth.
It was recently rebuilt, so it’s actually a smooth drive now. You bypass the Manhattan gridlock entirely. If you’re staying in Bay Ridge or Sunset Park, this route is a lifesaver. You’re essentially entering Elizabeth through the industrial side, right near the port. It’s gray, it’s industrial, and it smells like commerce (and maybe a little bit of salt water), but it’s fast.
What People Get Wrong About Elizabeth
Most people think Elizabeth is just a place you pass through to get to the airport. That’s a mistake. If you’re traveling from New York to Elizabeth New Jersey for more than just a flight, check out the food. The city has a massive Portuguese and South American population.
Go to Peterstown. It’s the old Italian neighborhood. It’s changed a lot over the years, but the food is still legit. There’s a place called Spirito’s—it’s old school. Cash only, probably. No-nonsense service. It’s the kind of place that reminds you Jersey isn't just a suburb of New York; it’s its own entire ecosystem.
Then there’s the history. Elizabeth was actually the first capital of New Jersey. Boxwood Hall is still standing. George Washington hung out there before his inauguration. Most New Yorkers have no clue that Elizabeth has a history that predates most of the buildings in Midtown.
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The Rideshare Reality
Uber and Lyft are options, obviously. But here’s the kicker: drivers often hate crossing the state line. If you call an Uber from Manhattan to Elizabeth, the driver has to pay the toll to get back into the city, and they don't always get a passenger on the return trip. Some might even ask you to cancel.
If you must use a car service, try Revel or a specialized car service, but honestly, if you’re looking to save money, the PATH train to Newark and then a quick $10 Uber into Elizabeth is the "pro" move. The PATH runs 24/7, which NJ Transit does not. If you’re stuck in the city at 3:00 AM and need to get to Elizabeth, you take the PATH from World Trade Center to Newark Penn and grab a cab from there.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Check the NJ Transit Schedule: Do not just show up at Penn Station. Trains to Elizabeth run frequently, but there are gaps in the mid-afternoon where you might be sitting on a bench for 40 minutes. Use the DepartureVision tool on their website or app.
- Mind the Rush Hour: Between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM, the trains are packed. If you have luggage, you’re going to be "that person" blocking the aisle. If you’re driving, add at least 45 minutes to whatever Google Maps tells you. The bottleneck at the Holland Tunnel is real and unforgiving.
- Download the NJ Transit App: I can't stress this enough. It allows you to buy tickets with Apple Pay or a credit card and activate them right as you see the train coming.
- Jersey Gardens Logistics: If you’re heading to the mall, look for the #111 or #112 bus from Port Authority. If you take the train, you’ll need a secondary transport to get to the mall area, as it's not walking distance from the train station.
- Validate the Terminal: If you are going to Elizabeth specifically for Newark Airport (EWR), remember that the "Newark Liberty Airport" train station is a separate stop from the "Elizabeth" station. They are right next to each other, but the airport stop requires an extra "AirTrain" fee that is baked into your ticket price. If you get off at Elizabeth to save money and try to walk to the airport, you're going to have a bad time—there are no pedestrian walkways and it's mostly highway interchanges.
The trip is straightforward once you pick a lane. Choose the train for speed, the bus for the mall, and the Goethals Bridge if you're coming from the outer boroughs. Elizabeth isn't just a transit stop; it's a hub that functions as the engine room of North Jersey. Treat the logistics with a bit of respect, and you'll get there without the typical cross-Hudson stress.