PNC Bank Arts Center - With NJ TRANSIT, No One Has to Draw Straws

Take NJ TRANSIT to the show. Everyone gets to have a good time.

PNC Bank Arts Center is one of New Jersey's best summer concert experiences — and the only thing standing between you and a perfect night is figuring out who draws the short straw. Skip that conversation entirely. Ride the North Jersey Coast Line to Aberdeen-Matawan or Hazlet Station, grab a quick rideshare to the venue, and let the whole group enjoy the show the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

Plan Your Trip Download the NJ TRANSIT App

Summer 2026 at PNC Bank Arts Center

A full season of live music, from June through October. Buy tickets at Ticketmaster or through the Live Nation app.

PNC Bank Arts Schedule, June 5 - July 25PNC Bank Arts Schedule, July 26 - September 9

Full schedule and additional dates at pncbankartscenter.com/shows. Tickets at Ticketmaster.

Win Big This Concert Season!

Fill out the form below for your chance to win 2 tickets, VIP club access, and 2 NJ TRANSIT tickets to any show this summer at PNC Bank Arts Center.

Let NJ TRANSIT Be the Reason Everyone Has Fun at the Concert

What You Get
  • The whole group gets to enjoy the night — no straws drawn, no one stuck on soda all evening.
  • Avoid post-show lot gridlock — PNC's parking lots are notoriously slow to clear after a show. Your rideshare from Lot 10 gets you moving while everyone else is still waiting to exit.
  • Skip the Premier Parking upcharge — Premier and VIP Parking aren't cheap. The NJ TRANSIT fare is typically far less, with no parking stress on either end.
  • Frequent service — The North Jersey Coast Line runs from New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station, and stations across North Jersey. Connections available at Secaucus Junction.
The Journey
  1. Board or transfer to the North Jersey Coast Line.
  2. Arrive at Aberdeen-Matawan Station (~9 min to PNC by rideshare) or Hazlet Station (~8 min to PNC by rideshare).
  3. Grab a rideshare or taxi directly to PNC Bank Arts Center.
  4. After the show, rideshare back to your station from Lot 10 — PNC's designated rideshare and taxi pickup area.
  5. Board your return train. 
    1. Last trains toward New York and Newark: Aberdeen-Matawan 12:40am, Hazlet 12:36am. 
    2. Last trains toward Long Branch and the Shore: Aberdeen-Matawan 2:07am, Hazlet 2:11am (weekdays and weekends, as of 5/31/26).

⚠ Confirm your return train before the show — especially for late-night events. Use the Trip Planner or the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App for live departure times. View current NJCL timetable (PDF).

Getting to PNC Bank Arts Center

Two North Jersey Coast Line stations put you within a short rideshare of the venue. Pick whichever is most convenient from your starting point.

From New York & Newark (Direct)

The North Jersey Coast Line runs directly to both stations from:

  • New York Penn Station — direct, no transfer needed.
  • Newark Penn Station — direct, no transfer needed.

From either station, request a rideshare or taxi to PNC Bank Arts Center. Rideshare pickups work well at both stations — see the lot maps at Aberdeen-Matawan Station and Hazlet Station to plan your pickup spot. After the show, rideshare back from Lot 10 at the venue.

Station

Distance to PNC

Rideshare time (approx.)

Aberdeen-Matawan

~4 miles

~9 minutes

Hazlet

~3.6 miles

~8 minutes

From the Rest of New Jersey (Via Connection)

Most NJ TRANSIT rail lines connect to the North Jersey Coast Line with one easy transfer:

  • Main-Bergen County Lines & Pascack Valley Line: Transfer at Secaucus Junction to any southbound NJCL train.
  • Morris & Essex Line & Montclair-Boonton Line: Transfer at Secaucus Junction to the North Jersey Coast Line.
  • Raritan Valley Line: Transfer at Newark Penn Station to the North Jersey Coast Line.

Many NJ TRANSIT monthly rail passes include connecting bus service within your fare zone. Check the Trip Planner for your specific connection and transfer details.

From the Shore (Northbound)

Live near a North Jersey Coast Line station? You don’t need to drive. Board heading north from your shore station and ride to Aberdeen-Matawan or Hazlet — both are within a short rideshare of PNC Bank Arts Center.

  • Board northbound at Long Branch, Asbury Park, Spring Lake, Red Bank, or any NJCL shore station.
  • Arrive at Aberdeen-Matawan or Hazlet, then rideshare to PNC — approximately 8–9 minutes from either station. See the station lot maps at Aberdeen-Matawan Station and Hazlet Station.
  • After the show, rideshare back from Lot 10 at PNC to your station, then board a southbound train home.

Last southbound trains depart Aberdeen-Matawan at 2:07am and Hazlet at 2:11am (weekdays and weekends, as of 5/31/26). Not all late trains continue south of Long Branch — use the Trip Planner to confirm your specific shore connection.

About PNC Bank Arts Center

Here's what to know before you go. For the full list of show-specific details, check pncbankartscenter.com/know-before-you-go and your event page on Ticketmaster or the Live Nation app.

Tickets & Entry
  • Mobile tickets only. Download your tickets to your phone on the Live Nation app before you leave home. Your phone is your ticket — do not plan to print.
  • Contactless payments only. PNC Bank Arts Center is a cash-free venue. Bring a debit or credit card. If you arrive without one, information booths can exchange cash for card free of charge.
  • Buy tickets at ticketmaster.com or via the Live Nation app.
  • Box office hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 12pm–6pm, and show days 12pm–9pm.
Bag Policy
  • All bags are subject to search upon entry.
  • Clear bags required: Clear plastic, clear vinyl, or clear PVC bag with a maximum size of 12” × 6” × 12”.
  • Small clutch bags with a maximum size of 6" x 9" are also permitted. They do not have to be clear. 
  • If your bag doesn’t comply, it won’t get in. Check the policy before you leave home and save yourself the hassle at the gate.
Know Before You Go
  • Rain or shine — shows go on whatever the weather, unless conditions are extreme. Check PNC's social media on show day for any changes.
  • Gates open approximately 60–90 minutes before showtime. Check your specific event page for exact times.
  • Tailgating is permitted in the parking lots — one spot per group, mindful of neighbors. You’ll be asked to head inside once gates open.
  • No outside lawn chairs. Lawn chairs are available for rental at the top of the lawn seating area. Blankets are permitted and available for purchase — or bring your own.
  • Metal detectors and bag checks are in use at entry gates. Allow extra time.
  • Full FAQ at pncbankartscenter.com/visit#faq
After the Show — Getting Your Rideshare

Rideshare and taxi pickup after the show is at Lot 10 at PNC Bank Arts Center. Set your pickup location to Lot 10 before the show ends to avoid confusion in the post-show rush.

Your driver will get you back to Aberdeen-Matawan or Hazlet Station in approximately 8–9 minutes.

Last trains toward New York and Newark:

  • Aberdeen-Matawan: 12:40am (weekdays and weekends)
  • Hazlet: 12:36am (weekdays and weekends)

Last trains toward Long Branch and the Shore:

  • Aberdeen-Matawan: 2:07am (weekdays and weekends)
  • Hazlet: 2:11am (weekdays and weekends)

⚠ Not all late trains continue south of Long Branch. If you’re heading to Asbury Park, Spring Lake, or Bay Head, use the Trip Planner to confirm your specific connection. Timetable current as of 5/31/26.

Who Are You? Find Your Best Way to Ride.

The Friend Group

Nobody wants to draw straws. Take the train together, rideshare to the lot, tailgate before gates open, and get home safely without anyone playing chauffeur. NJ TRANSIT is the only option where everyone gets to have a good night.

  • North Jersey Coast Line to Aberdeen-Matawan or Hazlet — then rideshare to the venue together.
  • Rideshare back from Lot 10 after the show. Everyone goes home.
  • Cheaper than Premier Parking when you split the train fare.
DINKs & Empty-Nesters

A summer concert is a date night. It shouldn’t end with one of you navigating the Garden State Parkway in the dark after a two-hour show. Take the train from your station, rideshare to the door, and make the whole evening part of the experience.

  • Direct service from New York Penn Station and most North Jersey stations.
  • Connections from Morris & Essex, Montclair-Boonton, and Raritan Valley Lines via Newark Penn or Secaucus.
Families & Groups Without a Car

Don’t have access to a car? The train and rideshare combination is a straightforward way to make it work. The North Jersey Coast Line puts you within a short rideshare of the gate, and the return trip is just as simple.

  • Children ages 5–11 travel at half price; up to three children 4 and under ride free with a paying adult.
  • On weekends and holidays, up to two kids (5–11) ride free with a fare-paying adult.
  • Group travel options for groups of 8 or more.
Shore Residents — A Night Out Without the Parkway

If you live near a North Jersey Coast Line station, PNC Bank Arts Center is just as easy to reach heading north as it is from New York. Board at your local shore station, ride to Aberdeen-Matawan or Hazlet, rideshare to the venue, and take the late train home. Last trains toward Long Branch and the Shore depart Aberdeen-Matawan at 2:07am and Hazlet at 2:11am — later than the northbound service, giving you all the time you need after the encore.

  • Board at Long Branch, Asbury Park, Spring Lake, Red Bank, or any NJCL shore station heading north toward Aberdeen-Matawan or Hazlet.
  • Rideshare to PNC from either station — 8 to 9 minutes.
  • Head home on the late southbound service. Use the Trip Planner to confirm your specific shore connection — not all late trains run south of Long Branch.
Riders from New York City

PNC Bank Arts Center is a direct North Jersey Coast Line ride from New York Penn Station — no car rental, no tolls, no parking. Board the train, arrive at Hazlet or Aberdeen-Matawan, and rideshare in.

  • Direct NJCL service from New York Penn Station. No transfer needed.
  • Round-trip ticket recommended — buy before boarding to avoid the $5.00 surcharge.
Seniors & Riders with Disabilities
  • Reduced fares available at all times on NJ TRANSIT.
  • North Jersey Coast Line trains are fully ADA accessible.
  • Aberdeen-Matawan and Hazlet Stations are ADA accessible.
  • For accessibility details inside PNC Bank Arts Center, visit pncbankartscenter.com/accessibility.
  • Learn more about Reduced Fares and Access Link.

Safety & Security on NJ TRANSIT

Your safety is our top priority — every trip, every time.

  • Transit Police Presence — NJ TRANSIT Police patrol trains, stations, and platforms 24/7, with enhanced presence during major events.
  • See Something, Say Something — Report suspicious activity through the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App or by texting NJTPD to 65873.
  • Well-Lit Stations & Security Cameras — Major stations feature lighting, surveillance, and emergency call boxes throughout.
  • Real-Time Alerts — Stay informed with live service updates via the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App.

NJ TRANSIT Ticketing & Fares

NJ TRANSIT Mobile App

The most secure way to buy NJ TRANSIT tickets and passes. Available free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Buy, store, and scan your ticket before you board.

Web Tickets

Purchase train tickets in advance at webtickets.njtransit.com.

Ticket Vending Machines & Ticket Offices

Available at major stations for cash and card purchases before you board.

⚠ Buy before you board. Train tickets purchased on board add a $5.00 surcharge to your fare. For a late-night return after a show, buying your round-trip ticket on the way there is the easiest option.

The show starts the moment you step on the train.

Leave the driving to us. Ride the North Jersey Coast Line to Aberdeen-Matawan or Hazlet Station, rideshare to the gate, and make sure everyone in the group gets home safely after the encore.

Plan Your Trip Download the NJ TRANSIT App