How’s the Commute from Wayne NJ to New York City? A Guide for Home Buyers and Families
If you’re looking to buy a home in Wayne New Jersey or nearby towns like Kinnelon, Riverdale, Montville, Pompton Plains, or Pequannock, you probably have a lot on your mind. One of the most common questions I get from families moving to this area is about the commute to New York City. Whether you or a family member are heading to the city every day for work or balancing a hybrid schedule, knowing your options and what to expect can make a big difference.
Working in the Wayne real estate market and also handling mortgages, I see firsthand how important the commute is for buyers. Many people ask me how long it takes to get into the city, what transportation choices they have, and how flexible those options are for remote or hybrid work schedules. This guide breaks down the most practical ways to get to NYC from Wayne and surrounding towns, helping you plan your move with confidence.
Daily Commuters: What to Expect
For those commuting full time into New York City, time and convenience are key. Wayne is located about 25 miles from Manhattan, and most commuters rely on New Jersey Transit trains or buses. The Wayne Train Station on the Montclair-Boonton Line offers a direct ride to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. The train ride usually takes between 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the schedule and stops.
If you work a traditional 9-to-5 job, the trains during peak hours can be crowded but generally reliable. Some families I work with choose Wayne specifically because of this direct train line and reasonable commute time. For those living in Kinnelon, Riverdale, Montville, Pompton Plains, or Pequannock, it’s a similar situation. These towns are just a bit farther out, but most still have access to train stations or park-and-ride options that connect to NJ Transit.
Driving is also an option, especially if your job is flexible with start times or you prefer to avoid crowded trains. The drive can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour during rush hour, depending on traffic. For many, it means taking Route 23 south toward the Lincoln Tunnel or George Washington Bridge. Keep in mind that tolls, parking fees, and gas costs add up, so weigh your options carefully.
Hybrid Work Schedules: Flexibility Matters
Hybrid work has become more common, and many families moving to Wayne and the surrounding towns want to know how this impacts their commute. For people commuting only a few days a week, flexibility is a big plus. NJ Transit offers off-peak train tickets which are cheaper and less crowded. This means you can avoid the busiest times and still get a comfortable ride into the city.
Buses and carpools are other alternatives for hybrid workers. NJ Transit buses serve routes into Manhattan and may offer routes that fit better with a part-time schedule. Carpooling with coworkers or neighbors can also cut down on travel stress and costs.
In my experience working with families new to the area, I often hear that the ability to choose when and how to commute is a major selling point for homes in Wayne and the nearby towns. The region offers a nice balance of suburban living with access to city jobs, especially for those who don’t need to go in every day.
Additional Tips for Your Commute
Parking: If you drive or use the train, parking near the station or your home can be a challenge. Many train stations have parking lots but they fill quickly. Arriving early is a good idea, or consider monthly parking permits if available.
Timing: If possible, plan your commute times to avoid peak rush hour. This can reduce travel time and make your daily ride less stressful.
Public Transit Apps: Use NJ Transit’s app or other transit apps to check real-time schedules and service alerts. This helps you avoid surprises and plan ahead.
Biking and Ride-Sharing: For last-mile connections, many people bike to the station or use ride-share apps like Uber or Lyft. This can save time and make your commute smoother.
Why Families Choose Wayne and Nearby Towns
Wayne and surrounding towns like Kinnelon NJ, Riverdale NJ, Montville NJ, Pompton Plains NJ, and Pequannock NJ offer great schools, parks, and community amenities that families look for. While the commute to NYC is important, the lifestyle these towns provide is often the main draw.
I work closely with many buyers who want a home in a safe neighborhood with plenty of green space, but who also want to be able to get into the city when needed. The commuting options here make it possible to have the best of both worlds.
If you’re thinking about buying your first home or making a move to this area, I’m happy to talk through your commute options and help you find the right fit for your family’s schedule and lifestyle.
Three Core Ways to Reach Manhattan from Wayne, NJ
Wayne sits about 25 miles from Midtown Manhattan, but the distance is less important than the variety of reliable commute options available. When I talk with my clients — especially families moving to Wayne or nearby towns like Kinnelon, Riverdale, Montville, Pompton Plains, and Pequannock — they want practical, clear info about getting to NYC quickly and easily. Here are the three routes most commonly used:
1. Train – NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line
You can board the train at either the Wayne-Route 23 Transit Center or Mountain View Station. Most riders transfer at Secaucus Junction for Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, or continue on to Hoboken and then take the PATH train.
Typical travel time: 50 to 60 minutes seat-to-station.
Peak service offers express trains that shave several minutes off the trip.
NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line schedules and ticket info can be found here: NJ Transit Montclair-Boonton Line.
2. Express Bus – NJ Transit Routes 194 and 324
The express bus departs from the Route 23 Park-and-Ride Transit Center, traveling directly to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
Weekday buses run every 20 to 30 minutes.
Off-peak travel time ranges from 35 to 45 minutes.
Expect 15 to 20 extra minutes during peak morning (7:00 – 8:00 a.m.) and evening (5:00 – 6:30 p.m.) rush hours.
Check schedules here: NJ Transit Bus Routes 194 & 324.
3. Driving – Route 23 to I-80 or Route 3
Many hybrid or flexible workers prefer driving on lighter traffic days.
Off-peak drives can take as little as 35 minutes to the Lincoln Tunnel or George Washington Bridge.
Heavy traffic, especially Friday evenings or bad weather, can push travel times past 70 minutes.
Parking and toll costs should be factored in when choosing this option.
These commute times and options are very similar for nearby towns like Kinnelon, Riverdale, Montville, Pompton Plains, and Pequannock, since all feed into the same highways and transit hubs, usually adding just 5 to 6 minutes to travel time.
Why Work with 1-Stop-Steve?
Homes in desirable towns like Wayne, Kinnelon, Riverdale, Montville, Pompton Plains, and Pequannock are selling quickly. Being prepared is key if you want to take advantage of this fast-paced market.
Working with an experienced realtor is the best way to stay ahead. With years of experience in New Jersey’s real estate market, I know what it takes to buy or sell a home here. I can guide you through the process and make sure you’re ready to act when the right opportunity comes up.
Whether you’re just starting or ready to make a move, I’m here to help with expert advice and personalized service.
Your Next Step
Ready to get started? Whether you’re listing and selling your home or looking to buy your dream home here in Wayne NJ, Kinnelon NJ, Riverdale NJ, Montville NJ, Pompton Plains NJ, or Pequannock NJ, I’m here to help. Let’s make your real estate goals a reality—call or text me at (973) 476-1728.
About Stephen Tinney
Stephen Tinney, Owner of 1-Stop-Steve and Coldwell Banker Sales Agent
I help my clients sell homes in Wayne NJ, Kinnelon NJ, Riverdale NJ, Montville NJ, Pompton Plains NJ, or Pequannock NJ and surrounding areas. My goal is to make the real estate process simple and successful.
I’m both a licensed Real Estate Agent and Mortgage Broker. This allows me to guide clients through every step of buying or selling a home.