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It's easier than you think to ride NJ TRANSIT trains. Everything you need to know is here online. You can find your nearest station, plan your trip, find out where to buy tickets and print a copy of your schedule.

1. Plan your trip

Our Trip Planner gives you a step-by-step guide to planning your trip.

Not sure which stations are closest to your origin and destination? Go to Itinerary Planning. Just enter your origin, destination, date and time you wish to travel and the customized travel information and you'll get your point-to-point travel itinerary plus fares. If you don't know the exact street address, there are landmark options for popular destinations.

If you already know which two rail stations you will be traveling between, using Train Schedules (Station to Station) is a snap. Just select your two stations and request a weekday or weekend schedule. You'll get trip times and fare information.

Need more information about a rail station, such as the address, parking, and where to purchase your ticket? Just go to Station | Park & Ride Guide and choose Rail Stations then select the station you want to know more about.

Complete rail schedules are available at Printed Timetables (PDF). Just select your rail line. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the schedule.

2. Buy your ticket or pass

Most rail stations have Ticket Offices or Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) available. TVMs are easy to use. Simply follow the on-screen instructions. TVMs accept cash, debit cards and credit cards (American Express, Discover, MasterCard and VISA). The Station | Park & Ride Guide section provides details about Ticket Office hours and TVM locations. Just select the station you are planning to travel from. All that's left to do is buy your ticket and get ready to board the train.

Please note that if you purchase tickets on board your train when a Ticket Office is open, or a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) is available, you will pay a $5.00 surcharge.

3. Boarding your train

The tracks at your local station are marked with directional signs on the platforms. At larger stations, where trains board from several tracks, you may determine your train track by checking the departure board or TV monitors.

For your safety, while waiting for your train to arrive, stand behind the yellow safety line. Please wait until the train has come to a complete stop before attempting to board or detrain. Please watch your step, when boarding or detraining. There is a space between the train and the platform. If you need assistance, please ask for help a train crewmember.

Customer Service offices are located at Penn Station New York, Newark Penn Station, Secaucus Junction, Hoboken Terminal, and Trenton.

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1. Plan your trip

Check out our bus Rider Guide for detailed information about riding NJ TRANSIT. When you're ready to plan your trip, our online Trip Planner will show you a step by itinerary.

Not sure which bus travels closest to your origin and destination? Go to Itinerary Planning. Just enter your origin, destination, date and time you wish to travel and the customized travel information and you'll get your point-to-point travel itinerary plus fares. If you don't know the exact street address, there are landmark options for popular destinations.

Or, if you already know which bus you want to take, you can print out a bus schedule (PDF) to plan your trip.

2. Find your bus stop
It's best to arrive at your bus stop at least five minutes before your bus is due. A bus stop sign usually indicates bus stops. You should hail a bus at these locations along the designated route. To hail a bus, simply signal by waving to the driver as the bus approaches.

3. Boarding and riding the bus
When you board, tell the driver where you are going and deposit the required bus fare. Most local buses require exact change in coins or $1 bills. When the bus approaches your stop, alert the bus driver by pressing the signal tape above and between the side windows. An audible bell and sign at the front of the bus will indicate that a stop has been requested.

Gather your personal items and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting off. Exit through the rear door to allow room for passengers boarding at the front. Step away from the bus and wait until it leaves before crossing the street. Never cross in front of the bus unless it's stopped at a red light.

LUGGAGE ON NJ TRANSIT BUSES

• Luggage will not be checked and the company is not responsible for articles left behind.
• NJ TRANSIT is not responsible for damage to luggage placed in underfloor storage compartments.
• Bus passengers traveling on vehicles with underfloor storage may store up to two items of conventional size. No single piece may exceed 30 lbs. Passengers wishing to load/unload their luggage may do so at terminals and along routes. NJ TRANSIT reserves the right to deny permission to load/unload luggage at any location where it may jeopardize the safety of the passenger, bus operator, or bus.
• Passengers traveling on vehicles without underfloor storage will be permitted to bring up to two pieces of baggage aboard provided it can fit safely and securely in the overhead parcel racks or on the passenger's lap. Baggage may not block aisles or be placed on empty seats or cause inconvenience to other passengers.

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Planning Your Trip

There are three light rail lines in New Jersey: Newark Light Rail, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River LINE.

• The Trip Planner shows you step-by-step how to reach your destination using buses, trains or light rail service.
• If you know the stations you'd like to travel between, our station-to-station planner will provide you with an itinerary.
• Or, if you already know which light rail line you'll be traveling on, you may print out a copy of the light rail timetable.

Boarding and Riding Light Rail
It's best to arrive at your boarding station at least five minutes before its arrival time. Before boarding the light rail car, you must buy a ticket from a Ticket Vending Machine. NJ TRANSIT light rail systems utilize a "proof of payment" fare collection system. A time-stamped ticket, monthly pass, transfers, or continuing trip ticket receipt is considered proof of payment.

Before boarding the light rail car, be sure to time-stamp your one-way ticket! Violators are subject to a fine. Repeat offenders are subject to criminal charges. Monthly passes do not need to be time-stamped.

NJ TRANSIT Fare Enforcement Officers will make random inspections. Remember to keep your ticket handy as you may be asked to show your ticket more than once during your trip.

Please wait until the light rail car comes to a complete stop before attempting to board. Press the green button on the inside or outside door panel to open the door.

Arriving at your Destination and Light Rail Safety
When leaving the station area, always cross tracks where there are signals or traffic lights or a designated crossing. Always look both ways before crossing tracks. Light rail cars operate smoothly and quietly. Never walk near or stand on tracks, climb poles or throw objects at overhead wires. Never go near overhead wires. Learn more.