New Jersey Transit Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

NJ TRANSIT bus rider guide

New Jersey Transit Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

New Jersey Transit bus schedule searches usually mean one of three things: finding the right bus route, checking the next scheduled time, or confirming the exact stop and fare before boarding.

NJ TRANSIT buses serve New Jersey communities and some routes also connect to New York City and Philadelphia. This guide shows how to use the official NJ TRANSIT schedule tools, MyBus real-time arrivals, fare zones, ticket options, alerts, accessibility tools, and bus stop information without guessing from an old timetable.

Primary keyword new jersey transit bus schedule
Official schedule tool NJ TRANSIT Schedules & Fares
Live arrivals MyBus / stop ID
Fare method Zones + route type
Information checked
Quick answer

How to Find a New Jersey Transit Bus Schedule

To find the correct NJ TRANSIT bus schedule, use the official Bus Point-to-Point, Trip Planner, or Bus Schedules tools. Then confirm your route number, direction, stop ID, service day, fare zones, and MyBus real-time arrival before you leave.

1
Route

Search by route number or origin/destination.

2
Direction

Choose toward Newark, New York, mall, station, airport, or town.

3
Stop ID

Use the 5-digit stop number for exact live arrivals.

$
Zones

Count zones or let the trip planner price your trip.

GPS
MyBus

Recheck live times before boarding.

Do not rely only on a screenshot: NJ TRANSIT bus times can change by route, direction, weekday, weekend, holiday, stop, detour, traffic, and service advisory. Use the official schedule plus MyBus for the final check.

New Jersey Transit Bus Schedule Guide

Official schedule tools

Best Official Tools for NJ TRANSIT Bus Routes, Times and Stops

NJ TRANSIT offers several tools because a bus trip can be planned by route number, origin/destination, nearby stop, or live stop ID. For most riders, the fastest method is to use the trip planner first, then confirm the route PDF and MyBus.

Bus Point-to-Point

Use this when you already know where you are starting and where you want to go. It can help you find bus schedules between locations and route options.

Open Bus Point-to-Point

Trip Planner

Use this when you are not sure which bus route is best. Enter your origin, destination, date, and time to compare route choices and transfer points.

Open Trip Planner

MyBus

Use this at the stop or before leaving. Enter your route, direction, stop, or 5-digit bus stop ID to see real-time arrival information.

Open MyBus

Schedules & Fares

Use this official hub for bus, rail, and light rail timetable and fare information, including service near a location and holiday schedule resources.

Open Schedules & Fares
Common route searches

Popular NJ TRANSIT Bus Schedule Searches

New Jersey Transit bus routes are not one single timetable. Some routes are local, some are interstate commuter routes to New York or Philadelphia, and some serve airports, malls, campuses, rail stations, shore destinations, or major terminals.

Search type Common rider intent What to check before boarding
Local New Jersey bus route Daily local trips inside one city, county, or corridor. Route number, direction, exact stop, fare zones, and whether your stop appears between key timetable stops.
New Jersey to New York bus Commuting to Port Authority Bus Terminal, George Washington Bridge Bus Station, or Manhattan. Interstate fare, terminal gate, peak/off-peak pattern, return trip, and ticket-before-boarding rules.
Airport bus schedule Getting to Newark Liberty International Airport or connecting from rail/light rail/bus. Terminal stop, route direction, luggage time, live arrival, and service advisories.
Shore / long-distance bus Trips toward shore communities, Atlantic City, Cape May, Lakewood, or seasonal destinations. Weekend/holiday timetable, express pattern, stop restrictions, and return last bus.
Bus to rail or light rail Connecting to Newark Penn, Secaucus, Hoboken, PATH, River Line, HBLR, or Newark Light Rail. Transfer time, ticket type, light rail validation, and whether the rail pass includes bus zones.
Route examples: riders commonly search routes such as 1, 25, 39, 62, 108, 119, 126, 139, 156, 158, 159, 190, 319, 400, 551, and many more. Always use the exact official route page because the same route number may have branches, short turns, express trips, or different service days.
Timetable reading

How to Read a NJ TRANSIT Bus Timetable Without Missing Your Bus

NJ TRANSIT explains that bus schedules show key stops along a route. Many in-between stops may not appear in the printed timetable, so you should use Service Near You or MyBus for your closest stop.

Typical NJ TRANSIT timetable workflow
1Route number 2Direction 3Service day 4Key stop time 5Nearby stop ID 6MyBus check
First bus First departure depends on route, terminal, direction, weekday/weekend, and holiday. Do not assume one “first bus” applies to every stop.
Last bus Last bus is direction-specific. Check your return stop and direction before traveling late.
Frequency Some routes run often during peak commuting hours, while others are limited, irregular, weekend-only, or seasonal.
Fare and tickets

NJ TRANSIT Bus Fare: Zones, Tickets, Passes and Payment

NJ TRANSIT bus fares are priced by the number of zones traveled. The current official fare guide lists bus one-way fares from $1.90 to $59.10, depending on route, distance, and service type. For trips crossing state lines, make sure the ticket is valid for interstate travel.

One-way bus fare $1.90+ Zone-based

Use the trip planner or fare guide because your fare depends on route and zones traveled.

NJ TRANSIT App MyTix Mobile tickets

Buy and show bus tickets or passes in the NJ TRANSIT mobile app where available.

Tap & Ride Tap Card or wallet

Tell the bus operator how many zones you need, then tap your card or mobile wallet where supported.

Cash fare Exact Many routes

Many routes require exact fare in coins or $1 bills. Drivers may not make change.

Terminal boarding rule: riders boarding at Port Authority Bus Terminal or George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal must purchase a ticket or pass before boarding.
Fare zones visual

How NJ TRANSIT Bus Fare Zones Work

A zone is a fare boundary used to price your bus trip. Your ticket must cover the number of zones you travel on that leg. If you travel farther than your ticket allows, an override fare may apply.

1Short local ride
2Longer local trip
3Cross-town or county trip
NYCInterstate ticket
PHLInterstate ticket
1
Open route

Find your bus schedule PDF or trip plan.

2
Find zones

Look for fare-zone boundaries or use the planner.

3
Count travel

Match zones from boarding to exit point.

4
Check type

Intrastate and interstate tickets are different.

5
Buy right

Use app, TVM, ticket office, agent, cash, or Tap & Ride.

Stops and stop IDs

How to Find NJ TRANSIT Bus Stops and 5-Digit Stop IDs

At the bus stop, check the NJ TRANSIT bus stop sign, route number, destination sign, and 5-digit stop ID. Many stops serve multiple routes and destinations, so the route number alone is not enough.

Stop sign Wait at a designated NJ TRANSIT bus stop sign or a place identified by NJ TRANSIT staff.
5-digit stop ID Use this number in MyBus or text it to 69287 for arrival information.
Destination sign Check the destination shown on the bus before boarding.
Key stops Timetables may show key stops only, not every stop on the route.
Stop-side tip: for two-way routes on the same road, your return stop may be across the street. Confirm the direction, destination sign, and stop ID before boarding.
Live bus tools

Scheduled Time vs MyBus Real-Time Arrival

Scheduled time is the planned timetable. MyBus real-time arrival is a same-day prediction for buses arriving at your selected stop. Traffic, detours, operator availability, weather, events, road work, or GPS/data issues can affect actual arrivals.

1
Open MyBus

Use the app, MyBus page, or text tool.

2
Enter stop ID

Use the 5-digit number on the stop sign.

3
Select route

Pick the correct route and direction.

4
Check destination

Match the bus headsign before boarding.

5
Refresh

Recheck shortly before the bus arrives.

Text option: riders can text the 5-digit stop ID to 69287 for MyBus information. Message and data rates may apply.
Alerts and service status

Check NJ TRANSIT Bus Alerts Before You Leave

Bus trips can be affected by detours, traffic, emergency road closures, terminal gate changes, stop relocations, construction, special events, severe weather, and major service disruptions. Always check travel alerts on the day of travel.

Detours Street work, parades, crashes, police activity, and road closures can change a bus path.
Stop changes Temporary stops or closed stops may affect where you board.
Terminal changes Gates and boarding locations may change at major terminals.
Cross-honoring During major disruptions, alternate travel options may be announced by NJ TRANSIT.
Alert status warning: this article cannot confirm that every route is normal right now. Use the official Travel Alerts page, NJ TRANSIT app, MyBus, and station/terminal monitors for same-day service.
Accessibility

NJ TRANSIT Bus Accessibility and Access Link

NJ TRANSIT states that its bus fleet is 100% accessible with lifts or ramps. Buses also have kneeling features, securement systems, priority seating, and stop announcements. For riders who cannot use local fixed-route bus or light rail service because of a disability, Access Link provides ADA paratransit service where eligible.

Accessible buses Buses include lifts or ramps and securement areas for mobility devices.
Kneeling feature Ask the operator if you need the bus to kneel for easier boarding.
Terminal help For Port Authority or George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal accessibility, call NJ TRANSIT before travel.
Access Link ADA paratransit is separate from fixed-route bus service and requires eligibility.
Google Map help

Map Example: Newark Penn Station Bus Connections

Newark Penn Station is a major NJ TRANSIT connection point for bus, rail, light rail, PATH, and airport-related travel. Use this map only for orientation; the official NJ TRANSIT route page and MyBus stop ID are still the final source for bus times.

  • Check the exact bus route and direction.
  • Use the official stop ID where available.
  • Confirm whether your route boards on street, terminal, or bus lane.
  • Allow extra transfer time during peak commuting hours.
Rider tips

Practical Tips for NJ TRANSIT Bus Riders

Arrive early Be at the stop a few minutes before the scheduled time. Use extra time for terminals, park-and-rides, transfers, and unfamiliar stops.
Signal the operator NJ TRANSIT advises riders to wave to the operator as the bus approaches when waiting at the stop.
Do not chase the bus Never run after a bus or step into traffic to catch it. Wait for the next safe boarding opportunity.
  • Know your origin, destination, date, and time before searching.
  • Use the official NJ TRANSIT route schedule or trip planner.
  • Check whether your route is local, interstate, express, seasonal, or limited-stop.
  • Confirm weekday, Saturday, Sunday, and holiday service separately.
  • Use MyBus with the 5-digit stop ID before leaving.
  • Buy a ticket before boarding at PABT or GWB Bus Terminal.
  • Have exact fare, mobile ticket, pass, or Tap & Ride ready.
  • Check alerts for detours, stop closures, or terminal changes.
Official sources

Official NJ TRANSIT Bus Schedule Sources

Use these official NJ TRANSIT pages to confirm schedules, bus stops, fare zones, tickets, live arrivals, alerts, accessibility, and paratransit. Third-party pages can help with discovery, but NJ TRANSIT controls the current operating information.

Schedules & Fares

Official hub for bus, rail, light rail, route schedules, fare information, service near a location, and holidays.

Open Schedules & Fares
Bus Point-to-Point

Use this page to search bus schedule options between locations and access route-specific timetable information.

Open Bus Point-to-Point
Trip Planner

Best for riders who do not already know the right route number or transfer path.

Open Trip Planner
MyBus

Real-time bus arrival information by route, direction, stop, or 5-digit bus stop ID.

Open MyBus
Fare Guide

Official zone-based bus fare guide with payment instructions, app ticketing, transfers, and fare-zone guidance.

Open Fare Guide
Bus Tickets

Ticket types, transfers, exact-fare notes, children, student, senior, disability, military, and monthly pass details.

Open Bus Tickets
Travel Alerts

Official alerts and advisories for system status, detours, disruptions, and service updates.

Open Travel Alerts
Bus Accessibility

Accessibility features, kneeling buses, lifts, ramps, securement systems, and terminal-access guidance.

Open Bus Accessibility
Access Link ADA Paratransit

Eligibility and service information for riders unable to use local fixed-route bus or light rail service due to disability.

Open Access Link
Bus Stops & Shelters

Official guidance on bus stop signs, stop IDs, shelters, missing signs, and how bus stops are designated.

Open Bus Stops FAQ
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Schema Included Without Yoast Conflict

This HTML intentionally avoids WebPage, Organization, BreadcrumbList, and Article schema because WordPress, GeneratePress, and Yoast commonly manage those. The page-specific schema below uses FAQPage, HowTo, and ItemList only.

FAQs

New Jersey Transit Bus Schedule FAQs

How do I find a New Jersey Transit bus schedule?

Use NJ TRANSIT’s official Schedules & Fares page, Bus Point-to-Point tool, Trip Planner, or MyBus. Confirm the route number, direction, service day, stop ID, and fare zones before boarding.

Does NJ TRANSIT show every bus stop on the printed schedule?

No. NJ TRANSIT bus schedules show key stops along the route, and additional stops may exist between those timepoints. Use Service Near You or MyBus to find your exact stop.

What is MyBus for NJ TRANSIT?

MyBus is NJ TRANSIT’s real-time bus arrival tool. Riders can select a route, direction, and stop, or enter the 5-digit stop ID to see arrival information.

Can I text NJ TRANSIT for bus arrival times?

Yes. Riders can text the 5-digit bus stop ID number to 69287, also known as MYBUS, to get bus arrival information. Message and data rates may apply.

How much is a NJ TRANSIT bus fare?

NJ TRANSIT bus fares are zone-based. The official fare guide lists bus one-way fares from $1.90 to $59.10 depending on route, distance, and service type.

Can I pay cash on a NJ TRANSIT bus?

Cash is accepted on many NJ TRANSIT buses, but many routes require exact fare in coins or $1 bills because drivers may not make change. At Port Authority and George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal, riders must buy a ticket or pass before boarding.

Can I use a card or mobile wallet on NJ TRANSIT buses?

NJ TRANSIT offers Tap & Ride on buses. Tell the operator how many zones you plan to travel, then tap your payment card or mobile wallet where supported.

Do NJ TRANSIT buses go to New York City and Philadelphia?

Yes. NJ TRANSIT buses serve the entire State of New Jersey, and some routes also serve New York City and Philadelphia. Interstate bus trips require the correct interstate fare.

Are NJ TRANSIT buses accessible?

Yes. NJ TRANSIT states that its bus fleet is 100% accessible with lifts or ramps. Buses also include kneeling features, securement systems, priority seating, and announcements.

What should I check before boarding a NJ TRANSIT bus?

Check the official schedule, route number, direction, destination sign, service day, stop ID, fare zones, payment method, MyBus live arrival, and travel alerts before boarding.

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