NJ Transit Bus: Schedules, Fares, Tickets & NYC Routes 

NJ TRANSIT bus service operates over 200 routes across New Jersey, plus connections to New York City and Philadelphia. One-way fares range from $1.90 to $59.10 depending on zones traveled. Riders can buy tickets through the NJ TRANSIT app, Tap & Ride, ticket vending machines, or on board with exact cash fare.

NJ TRANSIT’s bus network is the backbone of daily travel for hundreds of thousands of New Jersey commuters, students, and visitors. Whether you’re heading from Bayonne to Journal Square or catching an express bus into Midtown Manhattan, understanding how the fare system, schedules, and ticketing tools work can save you real time and money.

What Is NJ TRANSIT Bus Service and Where Does It Operate?

NJ TRANSIT operates one of the largest statewide bus networks in the country, with more than 200 routes serving nearly every corner of New Jersey. Select routes extend into New York City (via the Port Authority Bus Terminal and George Washington Bridge Terminal) and Philadelphia, connecting commuters, students, and visitors across three states.

Bus service accounts for the majority of NJ TRANSIT’s overall ridership. According to reporting on NJ TRANSIT data, buses carried roughly 135 million passengers in 2024, representing about 64% of total system ridership. Routes are grouped loosely by region  North Jersey, South Jersey, and interstate corridors  and numbered accordingly (for example, Route 1 serves Newark, while Route 319 runs between New York, Atlantic City, and Cape May).

If you’re unsure whether a route serves your area, NJ TRANSIT’s “Service Near You” tool identifies the closest bus stops based on your address.

How Do I Find the NJ TRANSIT Bus Schedule for My Route?

Use NJ TRANSIT’s Bus Point-to-Point tool to search schedules between two locations, or select a specific route to download its PDF timetable. The trip planner also filters by accessibility needs, walk distance, and whether you want to minimize travel time, transfers, or walking.

Here’s how to check your schedule:

1. Search by trip: Go to the Bus Point-to-Point page, enter your origin and destination, and select “Depart At” or “Arrive By” to see matching trips.
2. Search by route: If you already know your route number, download its PDF timetable directly for a full list of stop times.
3. Use the Trip Planner: For more control, the Trip Planner lets you filter by travel mode (bus only), walk distance (up to 1 mile), and priority (fastest trip, fewest transfers, or least walking).
4. Check live arrivals with MyBus: Text your bus stop’s 5-digit ID number to 69287, or use the MyBus tool on NJ TRANSIT’s website, to get real-time arrival estimates rather than relying on the printed schedule alone.

One important detail competitors often skip: printed and PDF timetables only show key stops along a route. If your stop isn’t listed, use “Service Near You” to confirm it exists between two key stops.

Also check for holiday service changes before you travel  NJ TRANSIT publishes a separate observed holiday schedule, since bus frequency and timing can shift on major holidays.

What Is the NJ TRANSIT Bus Schedule to NYC?

Dozens of NJ TRANSIT routes run into New York City, arriving primarily at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, with some routes using the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal instead. Examples include Routes 108, 119, 126, and 190, among many others. Schedules vary by route, so check the specific route’s timetable for exact departure times.

A few things make NYC-bound trips different from regular intrastate routes:

• Pre-purchase required: Customers boarding at the Port Authority Bus Terminal or the George Washington Bridge Terminal must buy their ticket before boarding  you cannot pay cash on board at these terminals.
• Interstate fare rules apply: Trips crossing into New York use the North Jersey Interstate fare chart, and tickets must be marked “interstate.”
• Longer ticket validity: Interstate bus tickets stay active for 60 minutes after activation, compared to 30 minutes for intrastate trips.
• No standard transfers: Transfer tickets are not issued or accepted on interstate trips, so factor that into your fare if you need to connect between routes.

If you’re heading to the Port Authority Terminal or GWB Terminal and need accessible boarding information, NJ TRANSIT recommends calling (973) 275-5555 ahead of your trip to get the exact accessible gate location.

What Do NJ TRANSIT Bus Tickets Cost? (NJ Transit Ticket Prices)

NJ TRANSIT bus fares range from $1.90 to $59.10 for a one-way trip, priced according to the number of fare zones traveled. Pricing differs by region (North Jersey vs. South Jersey) and by whether the trip crosses state lines, so the same number of zones can cost different amounts depending on your route.

Because pricing depends on exact origin and destination, NJ TRANSIT recommends checking the fare chart for your specific corridor  North Jersey Intrastate, South Jersey Intrastate, North Jersey Interstate, or South Jersey Interstate  rather than assuming a flat per-zone rate. Discounted fares apply for children ages 5–11 and adults 62 and older.

Example scenario: A rider transferring between two North Jersey bus routes can either buy two separate tickets or pay $0.85 for a transfer ticket on board  a small savings, but only valid if the second leg stays within one additional zone. Traveling further after transferring triggers an “override fee,” calculated by subtracting $1.80 (or $0.85 for discounted fares) from the standalone ticket price for that leg.

How Do I Buy NJ TRANSIT Bus Tickets? (NJ Transit Bus Tickets)

NJ TRANSIT bus tickets can be purchased through the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, by tapping a credit or debit card directly on board (Tap & Ride), at ticket vending machines in major terminals, at staffed ticket offices, or from third-party Commissioned Ticket Agents. Exact cash fare is also accepted on board most routes, except at Port Authority and GWB terminals.

For most riders, the app is the simplest option: create an account, tap Buy Tickets, select Bus, enter your origin and destination, then activate the ticket right before boarding and show it to the driver. If your route or stop doesn’t appear in the app, check that your account’s zip code matches the correct region (North vs. South Jersey)  this is a common, easily fixed snag riders run into.

Are There Free NJ TRANSIT Tickets Online? (NJ Transit Tickets Online Free)

NJ TRANSIT does not offer free bus tickets to the general public online. However, several groups genuinely ride free or at reduced cost: children under 5 (up to three per paying adult), children ages 5–11 on weekend Family SuperSaver fares, and riders who redeem NJT Rewards points earned from prior purchases.

It’s worth clarifying this because searches for “free tickets” often lead to confusion. Here’s what’s actually available at no cost or reduced cost:

• Children under 5: Always ride free, up to three per paying customer.
• Family SuperSaver: On weekends and holidays (Friday 7 p.m. through Monday 6 a.m.), up to two children ages 5–11 ride free with a paying adult.
• NJT Rewards: A free loyalty program that earns points on every ticket purchased through the app, redeemable for partner discounts  not free rides directly, but a way to offset future costs.
• Military and veteran discounts: Not free, but active duty, reserve, National Guard, retired military, and veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for reduced one-way fares with valid ID.
• Student passes: College students at participating schools save 25% on monthly passes through the University Partnership Program.

If a third-party website advertises “free NJ Transit tickets,” treat it cautiously and verify any offer directly through njtransit.com before entering payment or personal information.

What Ticket Types Does NJ TRANSIT Offer?

Quick answer: NJ TRANSIT bus riders can choose from One-Way, Round-Trip, Ten-Trip, FLEXPASS, and Monthly Pass tickets, each suited to different travel frequency. FLEXPASS offers 20 one-way tickets at a 15% discount, making it a strong option for riders who commute a few days a week rather than daily.

NJ TRANSIT also offers FARE-PAY, a reloadable tap-to-pay card that works across bus and light rail without needing paper tickets, and Tap & Ride, which lets riders simply tap a personal contactless credit or debit card.

How Do I Board and Ride an NJ TRANSIT Bus?

Locate your stop’s 5-digit ID number, confirm the route number displayed on the bus matches your planned trip, have your ticket activated and ready before boarding, and scan or show it to the operator. Buses are equipped with kneeling features, ramps, and lifts for accessibility.

A typical boarding sequence looks like this:

1. Check MyBus or the app for real-time arrival estimates using your stop’s ID number.
2. Wait at the marked stop, away from the curb, with your ticket ready.
3. Confirm the route number and destination shown on the bus before boarding.
4. Let passengers exit first, and allow those with mobility devices or strollers to board ahead of you.
5. Scan your paper ticket at the validator, show your activated mobile ticket to the driver, or tap your card for Tap & Ride.
6. Request your stop in advance by pressing the signal strip or stop button.

Bikes are permitted on most buses via front-mounted racks, and larger bikes or luggage may fit in under-floor compartments on cruiser-style buses, where available.

What Discounts Are Available on NJ TRANSIT Bus Fares?

NJ TRANSIT offers reduced fares for seniors (62+), people with disabilities, children ages 5–11, active and retired military members, and college students enrolled through the University Partnership Program. Discounts apply automatically when the correct fare type is selected during purchase.

Because eligibility documentation (ID cards, proof of enrollment) varies by program, confirm requirements on NJ TRANSIT’s official Reduced Fare Program and Student Pass pages before your trip.

What Should I Know About Delays, Missed Buses, or Cancellations?

NJ TRANSIT does not guarantee refunds for missed buses or activated tickets, since bus tickets become time-limited once activated. Riders should monitor real-time alerts through the app or MyBus, and sign up for personalized “My Transit Alerts” on frequently used routes to get advance notice of delays.

A common real-world scenario: a rider activates a bus ticket, then the bus arrives late or doesn’t come at all. Because activated tickets can’t be paused or reused after expiration, it’s worth waiting to activate your ticket until the bus is confirmed approaching, rather than activating it the moment you arrive at the stop. For recurring commutes, setting up My Transit Alerts on your specific route flags disruptions before you leave home.

If you leave an item on board, NJ TRANSIT’s Lost & Found inquiry form is available online, though recovery isn’t guaranteed. For safety concerns or suspicious activity, riders can text NJ TRANSIT Police at 65873 or call 888-847-7658.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NJ TRANSIT bus fare change on holidays?
Bus fares themselves don’t change on holidays, but schedules often do. NJ TRANSIT publishes a separate holiday service guide, so check it before traveling on or around a major holiday to confirm your bus is running on its usual timetable.

Can I use a train ticket on an NJ TRANSIT bus?
Monthly rail passes (not flex passes) are valid for bus or light rail travel up to the number of zones printed on the ticket. Standard one-way or round-trip rail tickets are not automatically interchangeable with bus fares.

What happens if my phone dies and I can’t show my mobile ticket?
You’re responsible for having a charged device to display your ticket. Without a valid ticket to show, you may need to purchase a new one from the driver or a ticket agent, and an on-board surcharge may apply.

Is there a time limit on how long an activated bus ticket lasts?
Yes. Intrastate bus tickets remain valid for 30 minutes after activation, while interstate tickets (crossing into New York) remain valid for 60 minutes.

Can I bring a bike on an NJ TRANSIT bus?
Most NJ TRANSIT buses have front-mounted bike racks, and some cruiser buses offer under-floor storage compartments. Availability and space can vary by bus and route.

Do NJ TRANSIT buses have Wi-Fi?
NJ TRANSIT has introduced complimentary onboard Wi-Fi alongside upgraded real-time bus tracking technology, though availability may still be expanding across the full fleet.

What’s the difference between a FLEXPASS and a Ten-Trip ticket?
A FLEXPASS provides 20 one-way tickets at a 15% discount for a specific origin and destination, while a Ten-Trip ticket covers 10 rides. FLEXPASS suits riders traveling the same route regularly but not daily.

Can I transfer between two NJ TRANSIT buses without paying twice?
Yes, for intrastate trips. Ask the driver for a transfer ticket when boarding your first bus and pay $0.85 (North Jersey) or $0.80 (South Jersey) in cash. Transfers are not available for interstate trips.

How do I check real-time bus arrivals without the app?
Text your bus stop’s 5-digit stop ID number to 69287 (MyBus) to receive real-time arrival information by text message, no app download required.

Do I need to buy my ticket before boarding at Port Authority?
Yes. Customers boarding at the Port Authority Bus Terminal or the George Washington Bridge Bus Terminal must purchase their ticket before boarding  cash payment on board is not available at these locations.