How to Ride

If you need assistance, accommodation or reasonable modification with any of NJ TRANSIT's services, please see a NJ TRANSIT representative or simply contact us.

Plan & Pay

Plan Your Trip to see how transit can help you get wherever you need to go using buses, trains or light rail service. Enter your origin, destination, date and time you wish to travel, and you'll get point-to-point travel itinerary options with fares. If you don't know the exact street address, there are landmark options for popular destinations.

You can also download Train Schedules, Bus Schedules, and Light Rail Schedules, and check the Bus Guide for additional information.

Pay Your Fare

You must buy a ticket before boarding a train or light rail car. Tickets are also required before boarding buses at Port Authority Bus Terminal. At other bus stops, you can tell the driver where you are going and deposit the required bus fare. Most local buses require exact change in coins or $1 bills. NJ TRANSIT light rail systems utilize a "proof of payment" fare collection system. An activated ticket, monthly pass, transfer, or continuing trip ticket receipt is considered proof of payment.

You can buy all tickets for any mode of transit on the NJ TRANSIT App, at a Ticket Vending Machine, or at a staffed Ticket Office. 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). Station Information provides details, including station addresses, parking, Ticket Office hours and TVM locations.

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.

NJ TRANSIT App

Your phone is your key to transit! Plan your trip, buy and display passes and tickets, and get real-time bus and train status for your trip.

The NJ TRANSIT App is built for your iOS or Android device, with streamlined navigation, easy access to your tickets, passes, and favorites with Touch ID and Face ID support, and a streamlined design for system status that uses the same line icons as our website and social media for quick recognition.

Plan your trip with bus, train, and light rail schedules
Buy tickets and passes using a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal
Get real time train and bus status

Board & Ride

It's best to arrive at your station or stop at least five minutes before its arrival time. Station Information provides details, including station addresses, parking, Ticket Office hours and TVM locations.

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. On select buses, validators are installed to enable scanning of mobile and barcoded paper tickets and passes. It’s easy to scan your NJ TRANSIT ticket or pass as you board. Watch a short video to see an onboard scanner in use.

The tracks at your train or light rail 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.

While waiting for your train or bus to arrive, stand behind the yellow safety line at train stations, and off the street at bus stops. Please wait until the bus or train has come to a complete stop before attempting to board. Please watch your step. If you need assistance, please ask a crew member for help. On light rail, press the green button on the inside or outside door panel to open the door.

Before boarding light rail, be sure to activate your one-way ticket on the NJ TRANSIT App, or time-stamp your paper one-way ticket using validators located on platforms. 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.

Luggage

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.

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.

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.

Hoverboards

Due to safety concerns, hoverboards are not permitted on any trains, buses, light rail or Access Link vehicles, or at NJ TRANSIT stations or outlying property. Customers are not permitted to ride, charge, store or transport these devices anywhere on NJ TRANSIT's system.

Arrive & Connect

Arrive

Listen for station and stop announcements. Gather your personal items and wait for the train or bus to come to a complete stop before getting off.

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. Exit your bus 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.

When leaving light rail stations, 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

Transit Connections

NJ TRANSIT connects with other transportation providers at major locations throughout the system.