Route 109 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map
Route 109 is an NJ TRANSIT bus linking North Newark, Harrison, Kearny and the Lyndhurst / North Arlington area with New York City’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. The useful part is not just knowing the route number. You need the correct direction, the right stop, the exact trip pattern and a live check before you leave.
This guide puts those decisions in one place: current schedule examples, stop information, route-map guidance, fare rules, Port Authority boarding instructions, MyBus tracking steps, holiday service and a practical pre-trip checklist.
Route 109 at a Glance
Route 109 is easiest to understand as a New Jersey–New York commuter connection with two main direction choices in NJ TRANSIT MyBus: New York and North Newark/Harrison. The exact stop pattern and departure time depend on the trip.
Current weekday GTFS data shows early-morning departures from North Newark / Harrison-area stops heading to Port Authority.
Current weekday data shows Route 109 return departures from Port Authority beginning in the afternoon and continuing into the evening.
For the bus you are actually trying to catch, use NJ TRANSIT MyBus rather than relying on a saved timetable screenshot.
Route 109 Rider Guide
Route 109 Bus Schedule & Times
Route 109 does not operate on one simple “every X minutes” clock all day. Current timetable data shows a concentrated weekday commuter pattern. Some trips are short-pattern or branch-pattern services, so a time that appears at one stop may not apply to another stop.
New York-Bound Morning Examples
The current GTFS-derived weekday snapshot shows these example trips on the New York-bound pattern. They are useful for understanding the schedule shape, but your stop-specific time is the one that matters.
| Origin / Stop | Departure | Intermediate example | Port Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frank E. Rodgers Blvd at William St | 5:16 AM | Rutherford Ave at Polito Ave: 5:44 AM | 5:59 AM |
| Heller Pkwy at Clifton Ave | 6:21 AM | Rutherford Ave at Polito Ave: 6:51 AM | 7:12 AM |
| Heller Pkwy at Clifton Ave | 6:51 AM | Rutherford Ave at Polito Ave: 7:21 AM | 7:44 AM |
| Heller Pkwy at Clifton Ave | 7:16 AM | Rutherford Ave at Polito Ave: 7:47 AM | 8:11 AM |
| Heller Pkwy at Clifton Ave | 7:43 AM | Rutherford Ave at Polito Ave: 8:14 AM | 8:38 AM |
| Heller Pkwy at Clifton Ave | 8:34 AM | Rutherford Ave at Polito Ave: 9:05 AM | 9:26 AM |
Afternoon & Evening Return Pattern
Current weekday GTFS data shows Route 109 return departures from Port Authority Bus Terminal including the following examples:
| Port Authority departure | Service pattern | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 3:40 PM | 109K / Kearny-Harrison-Lyndhurst-North Arlington pattern | Destination and exact New Jersey stop |
| 4:15 PM | 109 return pattern | Displayed destination |
| 4:35 PM | 109K / Kearny-Harrison-Lyndhurst-North Arlington pattern | Whether your stop is served on this trip |
| 5:15 PM | 109 return pattern | Route display before boarding |
| 5:50 PM | 109K pattern | Kearny / Harrison coverage |
| 6:30 PM | 109K pattern | Exact stop sequence |
| 6:55 PM | 109 return pattern | Live MyBus status |
| 7:25 PM | 109K pattern | Final planned trip for your destination |
| 8:00 PM | 109 return pattern | Whether the trip serves your stop |
How to Find the Right Route 109 Departure
Route 109 Directions: New York or North Newark/Harrison
Use the New York direction when you are traveling toward Manhattan. Current NJ TRANSIT MyBus data shows stops including Heller Parkway, Mt Prospect Avenue, Kearny Avenue, Ridge Road, Rutherford Avenue and Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Use this direction for the return from Manhattan. Current NJ TRANSIT MyBus lists North Newark/Harrison as the reverse direction and provides a current stop selector for the route.
Route 109 Bus Stops
NJ TRANSIT’s current MyBus stop selector provides the Route 109 stop list by direction. The list includes stops on Kearny Avenue, Ridge Road, Mt Prospect Avenue, Union Avenue, Washington Avenue, Rutherford Avenue and Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard, along with the New York terminal.
Key 109 Stop Areas
North Newark
- Heller Pkwy at Clifton Ave
- Mt Prospect Ave at Grafton Ave
- Mt Prospect Ave at Heller Pkwy
- Mt Prospect Ave at Sylvan Ave
- Mt Prospect Ave at Verona Ave
Kearny
- Kearny Ave at Johnston Ave
- Kearny Ave at Woodland Ave
- Kearny Ave at Wilson Ave
- Kearny Ave at Boyd St
- Kearny Ave at Midland Ave
Ridge Road / Lyndhurst Area
- Ridge Rd at Fifth Ave
- Ridge Rd at Third Ave
- Ridge Rd at Page Ave
- Ridge Rd at Valley Brook Ave
- Rutherford Ave at Polito Ave
Harrison / NYC
- Frank E. Rodgers Blvd at Central Ave
- Frank E. Rodgers Blvd at Cleveland Ave
- Frank E. Rodgers Blvd at William St
- Port Authority Bus Terminal
More Stops You May See in MyBus
Seeley, Bennett, Stewart, Magnolia, Laurel, Columbia, Locust, Midland, New Lawn Terrace, Oakwood, Pavonia, Quincy, Grove, Liberty, Halstead, Afton, Bergen, Boyd, Wilson, Paterson, Rose, Woodland and Johnston.
Garden Terrace, Inman Place, Abbott Place, Arlington Boulevard, Astor Avenue, Crystal Street, Freeman Street, Kingsland Avenue, New York Avenue, Noel Drive, Page Avenue, Ridge Park Drive, Summer Avenue, Tene(y)ck-area stops and Valley Brook Avenue appear in current stop data.
Current MyBus data also includes Union Avenue, Washington Avenue, Rutgers Street, Belleville Avenue, Mt Prospect Avenue and Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard stops.
Route 109 Bus Map
Route 109’s network can be understood as a corridor between North Newark / Harrison / Kearny / Lyndhurst-area stops and New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. The route uses several local streets, so this schematic is designed for orientation rather than turn-by-turn navigation.
How to Track Route 109 in Real Time
NJ TRANSIT’s MyBus service is the best official tool when your question is “Where is my 109 bus right now?” rather than “What does the timetable say?” The agency says MyBus can provide real-time information when a bus is approaching and can also show the next scheduled buses.
Go to NJ TRANSIT MyBus from your phone or computer.
Open MyBus →Choose Route 109 rather than relying on a generic nearby-bus search.
Select New York or North Newark/Harrison, then select your exact stop.
Use the current arrival information as your departure decision point.
How to Read the Route 109 Timetable
Route 109 Bus Fare & Tickets
There is no single Route 109 fare that applies to every rider. NJ TRANSIT buses use a zone-based fare system, and a trip crossing the New Jersey–New York state line requires the appropriate interstate fare.
NJ TRANSIT’s current fare guide publishes a system-wide one-way range. Your actual Route 109 fare depends on the number of zones traveled.
Trips to New York use the North Jersey interstate fare structure. Use the Trip Planner or fare guide for the exact origin and destination.
NJ TRANSIT states that passengers boarding at Port Authority Bus Terminal must purchase a ticket or pass before boarding.
Current Ways to Pay
Buy the bus ticket for your origin and destination, then activate the ticket before boarding.
NJ TRANSIT says riders can tap a credit/debit card or phone on the bus payment scanner and tell the operator how many zones they plan to travel.
TVMs and ticket offices are available at major terminals and connecting locations. Port Authority riders must have a ticket or pass before boarding.
NJ TRANSIT allows cash payment on buses. Carry the exact amount unless the applicable schedule indicates that change is provided.
NJ TRANSIT’s FARE-PAY contactless card is accepted systemwide on buses and can carry tickets, passes and cash value.
For frequent commuting, NJ TRANSIT offers monthly bus passes. Interstate passes can be used for New Jersey–New York travel within the applicable zone rules.
Taking Route 109 From Port Authority Bus Terminal
Port Authority is the New York terminal for Route 109. For a return trip from Manhattan, the boarding process is different from simply waiting at a neighborhood curbside stop because NJ TRANSIT requires passengers departing from Port Authority to have a ticket or pass before boarding.
How to Ride Route 109 Step by Step
Route 109 Holiday & Special Service
Route 109 can have a different holiday service level from a normal weekday. NJ TRANSIT publishes a separate holiday guide and says riders should check it before traveling on a major holiday.
NJ TRANSIT’s current Labor Day 2026 guide lists Route 109 — North Newark – Kearny – New York — as No Service.
NJ TRANSIT’s published Independence Day 2026 guide also listed Route 109 as No Service.
Open the current NJ TRANSIT Holiday Service Guide for the exact date. Holiday rules can change by route and date, so a normal weekday schedule is not enough.
What About Route 109 Detours or Stop Changes?
Route 109 has had temporary routing changes in the Newark portion of the route. For example, an NJ TRANSIT service advisory in February 2026 temporarily diverted the Mt Prospect service because of a road closure. The agency instructed New York-bound buses to use Broadway and Mill Street, and said stops could be lost during the detour.
Look for current service advisories, detours, road closures and stop changes.
Use the selected stop and direction to see whether the expected bus is actually showing service.
Temporary routing can add time even if your bus still appears on the schedule.
Practical Route 109 Tips
Route 109 can move through several local streets and timepoints quickly. Your exact stop is what matters.
Many bus stops serve more than one route or destination. Verify the bus display before boarding.
The five-digit stop ID is the fastest way to retrieve real-time information through MyBus.
Always check your travel date. Route 109 is commuter-oriented, and holiday service can be suspended.
For a time-sensitive day, check the Route 109 return options while you still have a reliable internet connection.
Static articles are useful for understanding the route; the agency’s live tools are better for today’s departure.
Route 109 Pre-Trip Checklist
- Confirm Route 109 is the correct route.
- Confirm New York or North Newark/Harrison direction.
- Find your exact designated bus stop.
- Record the five-digit stop ID.
- Check the timetable for your date.
- Check MyBus shortly before leaving.
- Confirm the fare and ticket method.
- Arrive a few minutes before the scheduled time.
- Check the route number and destination on the bus.
- Check holiday or detour alerts when applicable.
A Better Way to Plan a Daily 109 Commute
Daily commuters can save time by separating their routine into two checks: a planned schedule check and a live departure check. The first tells you which trip you want. The second tells you whether it is behaving normally today.
Save the New York-bound stop page you actually use, then check MyBus before leaving home.
Before leaving Manhattan, confirm your Route 109 return departure and destination rather than boarding the first 109 you see.
Know one alternative NJ TRANSIT option near your normal boarding area in case a delay or detour affects the 109.
Accessibility on NJ TRANSIT Route 109
NJ TRANSIT says all of its buses are equipped with a “kneeling” feature and are accessible with lifts and ramps. Riders who need assistance can ask the bus operator to lower the bus or deploy the ramp.
The front of the bus can be lowered closer to the curb to make boarding easier.
Ask the operator when you need the ramp or other accessibility equipment.
NJ TRANSIT provides designated seating areas and says mobility devices should be secured as required by the operator.
Read NJ TRANSIT’s official bus accessibility and boarding guidance →
Can You Bring a Bike on Route 109?
NJ TRANSIT says bike racks are found on the front of most buses in its fleet. Bicycle availability can depend on the individual bus and rack capacity, so a bike should not be treated as a guaranteed boarding option on a particular departure.
Front bike racks are common, but equipment and capacity can vary.
Tell the operator before loading or unloading and use the rack according to NJ TRANSIT’s instructions.
If your trip depends on bike storage, allow more time at the stop and have a backup plan for a full rack.
What to Do If the 109 Bus Is Late, Missing or Detoured
Route 109 Official Links
These are the pages worth bookmarking. Use the timetable to plan and MyBus / alerts to make the final real-world decision.
Route 109 Bus Schedule FAQ
What is the Route 109 bus schedule?
Route 109 is an NJ TRANSIT commuter-oriented bus connecting North Newark, Harrison, Kearny and the Lyndhurst / North Arlington area with New York City. Current weekday data shows early-morning New York-bound service and afternoon/evening return service. Exact times depend on your stop and the individual trip, so use the current NJ TRANSIT schedule and MyBus for the final departure check.
What time does Route 109 start in the morning?
Current GTFS-derived weekday data shows an example New York-bound trip leaving the Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard / William Street area at about 5:16 AM and reaching Port Authority at about 5:59 AM. Your first bus may be later or earlier depending on the stop you use.
What time is the last Route 109 bus from New York?
The current weekday schedule snapshot includes evening departures from Port Authority, including a 7:25 PM trip and an 8:00 PM trip. The correct “last bus” depends on the particular trip pattern and destination, so verify your stop in MyBus before relying on the final departure.
Where does Route 109 go?
Route 109 is the North Newark – Kearny – New York service. It serves locations in North Newark, Harrison, Kearny and the Lyndhurst / North Arlington corridor before reaching Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York.
Does the 109 bus go to New York City?
Yes. NJ TRANSIT’s current MyBus system lists New York as one of Route 109’s two directions, and Port Authority Bus Terminal is the New York terminal shown in the route data.
How do I track Route 109 in real time?
Open NJ TRANSIT MyBus, select Route 109, select the direction, and then select your stop. NJ TRANSIT also says you can text the five-digit stop ID to 69287 for arrival information.
How many stops are on Route 109?
The exact stop list varies by direction and trip pattern. NJ TRANSIT’s current MyBus selector provides the active Route 109 stops, including Kearny Avenue, Ridge Road, Mt Prospect Avenue, Rutherford Avenue and Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard locations. Use MyBus for the current complete stop list rather than relying on an older fixed stop count.
What are the main Route 109 bus stops?
Important stops include Heller Pkwy at Clifton Ave, Mt Prospect Ave locations, numerous Kearny Ave stops, Ridge Rd stops, Rutherford Ave at Polito Ave, Frank E. Rodgers Blvd stops and Port Authority Bus Terminal.
How much is the Route 109 bus?
NJ TRANSIT uses a zone-based bus fare system. A trip between New Jersey and New York requires the appropriate interstate fare. The exact Route 109 fare depends on where you get on and off, so use the NJ TRANSIT Fare Guide or Trip Planner for the current price.
Do I need a ticket before boarding Route 109 at Port Authority?
Yes. NJ TRANSIT states that passengers departing from Port Authority Bus Terminal must purchase a ticket or pass before boarding.
Can I pay for Route 109 with a credit card?
Yes. NJ TRANSIT says Tap & Ride is available on all buses, allowing riders to tap a credit/debit card or phone on the payment scanner. You tell the bus operator how many zones you plan to travel.
Can I use the NJ TRANSIT app for Route 109?
Yes. NJ TRANSIT’s mobile app provides schedule information, trip planning, real-time service updates and bus ticket purchasing.
Does Route 109 run on weekends?
Do not assume that Route 109’s weekday commuter pattern continues on Saturday or Sunday. Check the current NJ TRANSIT schedule for the exact date you are traveling.
Does Route 109 run on Labor Day 2026?
No. NJ TRANSIT’s official Labor Day 2026 holiday guide lists Route 109 — North Newark – Kearny – New York — as No Service for Monday, September 7, 2026.
Does Route 109 run on Independence Day?
NJ TRANSIT’s published Independence Day 2026 holiday guide listed Route 109 as No Service on July 4, 2026.
What is Route 109K?
Some NJ TRANSIT timetable data labels trips operating through the Kearny / Harrison / Lyndhurst / North Arlington portion as 109K. The practical rule is to read the destination and trip notes rather than relying only on the route number.
How early should I arrive for Route 109?
NJ TRANSIT recommends being at your designated bus stop a few minutes before the scheduled arrival. Traffic, construction and weather can affect actual arrival times.
What should I do if Route 109 is late?
First check MyBus for the selected stop, then check NJ TRANSIT Travel Alerts for a delay, detour or stop change. If your trip is time-sensitive, use the NJ TRANSIT Trip Planner to evaluate a backup option.
Where can I find the official Route 109 map?
Use NJ TRANSIT’s current schedule and route tools. MyBus is best for the current stop and live-service view, while the official timetable provides the route diagram and schedule information.
How This Route 109 Guide Should Be Used
This page is designed as a practical rider guide, not as a replacement for the agency’s live tools. Schedule times, stop patterns, fares, holiday service and temporary routing can change.
Use the current NJ TRANSIT timetable and route diagram to understand the scheduled service.
Use MyBus and Travel Alerts shortly before leaving for the most useful real-world check.
Use NJ TRANSIT’s current Fare Guide or Trip Planner because prices are based on zones and change over time.