It’s no secret that living in the Mile Square has its perks — one of them being its proximity to NYC. In fact, Hoboken has the highest percentage of transit ridership in the nation, according to Forbes. The city provides the option to live car-free by offering several means of public transportation. One of the most convenient, affordable, and efficient forms of travel are the NJ Transit buses that depart from the Hoboken Terminal and take passengers all over New Jersey {albeit sometimes the most frustrating, we know}. But if you’re new to town, you’ll want to bookmark this — consider it your official guide to buses and routes in Hoboken.
COVID-19 Updates to NJ Transit Bus Schedule
It’s important to note that all buses are still running on schedule, however, there are new policies in place for employees and customers due to the pandemic.
As stated on the NJ Transit website, “Executive Order 125 requires all staff and customers on NJ TRANSIT vehicles to wear face coverings. Customers should be using NJT services for essential travel only. Extra bus trips have been added to certain routes, creating a modified service level to enhance social distancing. NJT bus tickets and passes are being cross-honored on all NJT rail lines.”
As an added measure to reduce personal contact through manual transactions, tickets will no longer be available for sale at NJ TRANSIT ticket windows until further notice. During this time, many ticket agents will remain at locations throughout the system to serve as information agents to assist customers.
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There is also a limit to capacity on all trains, buses, Light Rail vehicles, and paratransit vehicles to 50% of their maximum. The 50% limit includes capacity with standees on buses. This applies to Private Carrier bus operators as well.
Also, here is a message from the CEO of NJ Transit in response to COVID-19: “NJ TRANSIT will continue to take all necessary precautions and actions to protect the health and safety of our employees and customers. NJ TRANSIT is urging the public to limit the use of our transit system for essential travel only. This will minimize crowding on our vehicles, increasing social space onboard and protecting our employees and customers from the spread of the virus. We have enhanced cleaning procedures systemwide to include disinfection regimens onboard vehicles every 24 hours, and at major stations and terminals on each shift throughout the day.”
Fares for Trips via Bus
For NJ Transit buses, fares are as low as $1.25 and increase depending on trip distance.
Your fare is based on the number of zones you travel through, and each time you pass another zone boundary, you pay for another zone.
For exact fares per zone boundary, refer to the route map. Transfer tickets cost $ 0.75 and must be purchased when you first board the bus.
Exact Payment = Necessity
This is an important one: Riders must have the exact payment for the bus fare, the drivers do not carry change. Senior citizens {62 and older} and children {ages five to 10} are eligible for discounted fares. All details are available here.
Regular NJ Transit Bus Routes
Local NJ Transit Bus routes are Route 22, Route 85, Route 87, Route 89, and Route 126. These bus routes are an all-day service, seven days a week. Saturdays and Sundays have separate schedules for all routes.
Route 22/22X departs from the Hoboken Terminal and ends in North Bergen.
On weekdays, the first bus leaves the terminal at 5:30AM and the last bus leaves the terminal at 11:10PM. This is an eight-stop bus route that drives through Hoboken, Jersey City, Union City, West New York, and ends in North Bergen on Bergenline Avenue at JFK Boulevard. The Route 22X trip operates express between Hoboken Terminal and Union City on Bergenline Avenue at 49th Street.
The fare is $3.15 from Hoboken Terminal to the last stop. All trips depart from lane 5.
Route 85 departs from the Hoboken Terminal and ends in East Rutherford.
On weekdays, the first bus leaves the terminal at 6:00AM and the last bus leaves the terminal at 1:10AM. This is a six-stop bus route that drives through Hoboken, Jersey City, Union City, Secaucus, and ends in East Rutherford at the American Dream Mall.
The fare is $3.15 from Hoboken Terminal to the last stop. All trips depart from lane 4.
Route 87 departs from the Hoboken Terminal and ends in Jersey City.
On weekdays, the first bus leaves the terminal at 5:45AM and the last bus leaves the terminal at 12:25AM. This is a five-stop bus route that drives through Hoboken to Jersey City and ends on Old Bergen Road at Gates Avenue.
The fare is $2.55 from the Hoboken Terminal to the last stop. All trips depart from lane 1.
Route 89 departs from the Hoboken Terminal and ends in North Bergen.
On weekdays, the first bus leaves the terminal at 6:00AM and the last bus leaves the terminal at 12:25AM. This is a six-stop bus route that drives through Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, West New York, and ends in North Bergen on Bergenline Avenue at JFK Boulevard.
The fare is $2.55 from the Hoboken Terminal to the last stop. All trips depart from lane 4.
Route 126 departs from the Hoboken Terminal and ends in New York. Riders must buy a ticket prior to boarding.
On weekdays, the first bus leaves the terminal at 5:10AM and the last bus leaves the terminal at 1:30AM. This is a six-stop bus route that drives through Hoboken, Weehawken, and ends in New York City at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
The fare is $4.50 from the Hoboken Terminal to the last stop. All trips depart from lane 2 or 3.
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Express Routes
For commuters who need a faster route, the express buses are Route 23, Route 63/64, and Route 68. These routes only run on weekdays.
Route 23 departs from the Hoboken Terminal and ends in North Bergen.
On weekdays, the first bus leaves the terminal at 5:38PM and the last bus leaves the terminal at 6:38PM. This is a seven-stop bus route that drives through Hoboken, Weehawken, West New York, and ends in North Bergen on Fairview Avenue Dottino Lane.
The fare is $2.55 from the Hoboken Terminal to the last stop. All trips depart from lane 5.
Route 63X/64 departs from Hoboken Terminal and ends in Lakewood. This route is categorized into four different trip schedules, [H, J, X and (]. For specific route times, refer to the map.
On weekdays, the first bus leaves the terminal at 5:38PM and the last bus leaves the terminal at 6:38PM. This is a 14-stop bus route that drives through Hoboken, Jersey City, Old Bridge, Marlboro Township, Manalapan Township, Freehold Boro, Freehold Township, Howell Township, and ends in Lakewood at the Lakewood Bus Terminal. The Route 63X trip operates express between the Jersey City Grove Street PATH Station and the Marlboro Township Union Hill Road Park and Ride.
The fare is $15.75 from the Hoboken Terminal to the last stop. This bus route is temporarily not running due to COVID-19.
Route 68 departs from the Hoboken Terminal and ends in Old Bridge. This route is categorized in two different trip schedules {L represents estimated time arrival and R represents that the trip will be extended to the stop at Route 9 Southbound Service Road at Throckmorton Lane upon passenger request when boarding}. For specific route times, refer to the map.
On weekdays, the first bus leaves the terminal at 4:02PM and the last bus leaves the terminal at 6:08PM. This is a ten-stop bus route that drives through Hoboken, Jersey City, East Brunswick, and ends in Old Bridge on Route 516 at Bushnell Road.
The fare is $10.75 from Hoboken Terminal to the last stop. All trips depart from lane 6.
The NJ Transit App
The free NJ Transit Mobile App makes it easier for riders to buy and display tickets, plan trips, receive ticket alerts, suggested travel options, and view real-time status. The app is available for iOS and Android phones.
Riders can also call the “my bus” customer service line for the arrival time at your bus stop. Call 973-275-5555 or text the five-digit bus stop ID number {located on a sign at every stop} to “mybus.” Lastly, riders can visit NJ Transit website for all information regarding the buses.
The metropolitan area is known for its extensive public transportation options and Hoboken is no exception. Ditch your car, save some money, and take one of the many buses that start and end in Hoboken.
What public transportation route will you be taking? Let us know in the comments!
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