The Montclair-Boonton Line is a New Jersey Transit commuter rail route in the Hoboken Division, serving northern New Jersey with trains to Hoboken Terminal and, on selected weekday trips, New York Penn Station. The modern line was created when the Montclair Connection opened on September 30, 2002, linking Bay Street in Montclair with the former Boonton Line. Today it crosses six counties, serves 28 active rail stations in New Jersey plus New York Penn Station, and appears in maroon on NJ TRANSIT system maps with a bird symbol for New Jersey’s state bird, the eastern goldfinch.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | NJ TRANSIT commuter rail, Hoboken Division |
| Route | Hackettstown, Mount Olive, Lake Hopatcong, Dover, or Montclair State University toward Hoboken Terminal or New York Penn Station, depending on the train |
| Stations | 28 active rail stations in New Jersey, plus New York Penn Station |
| Main terminals | Hoboken Terminal and New York Penn Station |
| Key transfers | Secaucus Junction, Newark Broad Street, Montclair State University, and Dover |
| Typical weekday operating hours | About 5:00 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. |
| Weekend service | Every two hours between Bay Street and Hoboken Terminal, making all local stops |
| Map color | Maroon, with a bird symbol |
Montclair-Boonton Line Map
The Montclair-Boonton Line map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Montclair-Boonton Line map in PDF format.
Montclair-Boonton Line Route and Stations
The Montclair-Boonton Line combines former rail segments from the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad’s Montclair Branch, the Erie Railroad’s Greenwood Lake Division, and the former Lackawanna Boonton Line. For riders, the route plan is straightforward in the east but more varied in the west: some trains start at Hackettstown, Mount Olive, Lake Hopatcong, Dover, or Montclair State University, then continue toward Hoboken Terminal or New York Penn Station.
From Hoboken, trains follow the Morristown Line alignment west through the Bergen Tunnels, cross the Hackensack River, continue through Kearny and Harrison, and enter Newark at Newark Broad Street. The line then turns north through East Orange, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, and Montclair before continuing west toward Little Falls, Boonton, Dover, and Hackettstown.
West of Montclair State University, electrified service is limited. Diesel or dual-mode trains handle service beyond that point, while Midtown Direct service to New York Penn Station uses electric equipment.
Station List
This stations list includes active stations, terminals, and several former or proposed stops mentioned in the source material. Use it with the stations map when checking the route and service pattern.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| New York Penn Station | New York terminal for selected weekday Midtown Direct trains |
| Hoboken Terminal | Main Hoboken terminal and weekend endpoint |
| Secaucus Junction | Major transfer station for other NJ TRANSIT rail lines |
| Newark Broad Street | Transfer point for Newark Light Rail and other rail services |
| Roseville Avenue | Former station on the Montclair Branch |
| Ampere | Former station in East Orange |
| Watsessing Avenue | Active station in Bloomfield |
| Bloomfield | Active station with bus connections |
| Glen Ridge | Active station |
| Bay Street | Active Montclair station and weekend northern terminal |
| Walnut Street | Active Montclair station |
| Watchung Avenue | Active Montclair station |
| Upper Montclair | Active Montclair station |
| Mountain Avenue | Active Montclair station |
| Montclair Heights | Active station near Montclair State University |
| Montclair State University | Active station, campus access, and key transfer point |
| Great Notch | Former station in Little Falls |
| Little Falls | Active station |
| Wayne-Route 23 | Proposed station in the source material |
| Mountain View | Active station in Wayne |
| Lincoln Park | Active station |
| Towaco | Active station in Montville |
| Montville | Former station |
| Boonton | Active station in Morris County |
| Mountain Lakes | Active station |
| Denville | Active station |
| Dover | Active station and transfer point |
| Mount Arlington | Listed in the source material as under construction |
| Lake Hopatcong | Active station in Roxbury |
| Port Morris | Diesel train storage yard and future Lackawanna Cutoff split mentioned in the source material |
| Netcong | Active station |
| Mount Olive | Active station |
| Hackettstown | Western terminal for some trains |
When the Montclair Connection opened in 2002, three former Boonton Line stations closed: Benson Street in Glen Ridge, Rowe Street in Bloomfield, and Arlington in Kearny.
Major Stations and Terminals
The two main endpoints are Hoboken Terminal and New York Penn Station. Hoboken handles all weekend service on this line, while New York Penn Station is served by selected weekday Midtown Direct trains.
Secaucus Junction, Newark Broad Street, Montclair State University, and Dover are the most important transfer points. They matter because not every train follows the same path train pattern, especially when comparing Hoboken trains with New York Penn Station trains.
In Montclair, the most useful local stations are Bay Street, Walnut Street, Watchung Avenue, Upper Montclair, Mountain Avenue, Montclair Heights, and Montclair State University. Farther west, Boonton, Denville, Dover, Lake Hopatcong, Mount Olive, and Hackettstown are key stops for riders coming from Morris County and beyond.
Schedule, Frequency, and Service Patterns
The Montclair-Boonton Line timetable changes by day, direction, and destination. Weekday service is built around commuter demand, with more inbound trains in the morning and more outbound trains in the afternoon and evening. For timings today, always check the current train schedule before leaving, because holidays, special events, and service work can change the route timetable.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Typical weekday opening hours and starting time | Service begins around 5:00 a.m. |
| Typical weekday closing time and last train window | Service runs until about 11:15 p.m. |
| Weekday train count in the source material | 31 inbound and 34 outbound daily trains |
| Midtown Direct weekday service in the source material | 21 inbound and 22 outbound trains in 2010 |
| Weekend frequency | Every two hours between Bay Street and Hoboken Terminal |
| Weekend running time pattern | All local stops between Bay Street and Hoboken Terminal |
| Holiday schedule | Major holiday service may differ, and some dates may include extra trains |
On weekdays, trains may serve either Hoboken Terminal or New York Penn Station. On weekends, service is limited to Hoboken and Bay Street, so riders traveling to New York usually need a transfer.
Weekday Service
Weekday working hours run from about 5:00 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. In the source material, the weekday schedule includes 31 inbound and 34 outbound trains, with many using Midtown Direct service through the Kearny Connection to Secaucus Junction and New York Penn Station.
Hoboken-bound trains are part of the weekday service pattern, but the source material notes that trains to Hoboken run only during rush hour. If your trip depends on Hoboken, check the schedule today rather than assuming every train goes there.
Transfers at Secaucus Junction, Newark Broad Street, Montclair State University, and Dover help riders continue when the direct train does not match their destination.
Weekend and Holiday Service
Weekend service began on November 8, 2009. It runs every two hours between Bay Street station in Montclair and Hoboken Terminal, making all local stops. Bay Street is the north end of regular weekend service, so stations west of Bay Street are not part of the standard weekend pattern.
Major holiday service may operate on New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Some holiday schedules may add trains, while New Year’s Eve may have modified late-night service.
Because weekend and holiday timings can change, check the timetable before you travel, especially if you need a transfer to New York Penn Station.
New York Penn Station vs. Hoboken Trains
New York Penn Station trains are the Midtown Direct option. These trains use electric equipment and serve New York on selected weekday trips.
Hoboken trains serve the rest of the pattern, including weekend service. Trains that operate west of Montclair State University are diesel or dual-mode, and the source material notes that New York Penn Station normally does not allow diesel trains to enter.
There is no direct service to or from New York between Mountain Lakes and Little Falls stations, and the same applies to stations between and including Hackettstown and Mount Arlington. If you are starting from those areas, plan for Hoboken service or a transfer.
Special Schedules and Service Changes
Special schedules can apply on holidays, during infrastructure work, or when NJ TRANSIT posts service notices. Extra trains may operate on certain dates, and late-night service may be modified on New Year’s Eve.
During disruptions, NJ TRANSIT may cross-honor fares with other transit services. Riders should allow extra travel time, confirm the current schedule, and check train status before heading to the station.
Fares, Tickets, and Passes
NJ TRANSIT fare options for the Montclair-Boonton Line include one-way tickets, 10-trip tickets, weekly passes, and monthly passes. The exact ticket price depends on the origin, destination, and fare zone, so check the current fare before riding. Fares are subject to change without notice.
If you buy a ticket on board when a ticket agent or Ticket Vending Machine is available, NJ TRANSIT applies a USD $5 surcharge. For Newark Liberty International Airport trips, one-way tickets with the airport as the destination include a USD $5.50 access fee and are encoded for the airport fare gates.
Ticket Types
- One-way tickets cover one continuous trip.
- 10-trip tickets include ten one-way trips.
- Weekly passes allow unlimited trips from 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 6:00 a.m. the following Saturday.
- Monthly passes allow unlimited trips within a calendar month. They can be purchased beginning at 5:00 p.m. on the 19th of the prior month and are valid until noon on the first commuting weekday of the following month.
If you extend your trip beyond the ticketed distance, you must pay the additional fare for the extra distance.
Where to Buy Tickets
Buy your ticket before boarding whenever a ticket agent or Ticket Vending Machine is available. Tickets can be purchased from a ticket agent, a Ticket Vending Machine, or through the MyTix app.
Ticket Vending Machines are available at Montclair State University and Montclair Heights, and the source material notes that TVMs are available at all stations. For fare and schedule help, NJ TRANSIT Information is available by phone at 973-275-5555, with automated schedules and fares available 24/7 and operators available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Reduced Fares, Student Passes, and FlexPass
Reduced one-way fares are available at all times for senior citizens, passengers with disabilities, military personnel, and their dependents. Children ages 5 to 11 save 50 percent, and up to three children ages 4 and under ride free with a passenger paying any valid fare.
Family SuperSaver Fares allow two children ages 5 to 11 to ride free with a passenger paying any valid fare from 7:00 p.m. Friday, or the day before a holiday, to 6:00 a.m. Monday, or the day after a holiday.
Student monthly passes are available to eligible students at participating schools and provide 25% off a monthly rail, bus, or light rail pass during regular fall and spring semesters. FLEXPASS provides 20 one-way adult tickets between one origin and one destination at a 15% discount and is valid for 30 days from purchase.
Major Connections and Transfers
The Montclair-Boonton Line connects with several public transport and local transport services, making it useful beyond a simple commuter rail trip. The most important transfer stations are Secaucus Junction, Hoboken Terminal, Newark Broad Street, Montclair State University, and Dover.
Hoboken Terminal links the line to PATH, ferry service, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and bus routes. Newark Broad Street connects with Newark Light Rail, while Secaucus Junction is a major rail transfer point for trips across the NJ TRANSIT system.
Secaucus Junction
Secaucus Junction is a key transfer point for riders heading to New York Penn Station or connecting to other NJ TRANSIT rail lines. Many weekday Midtown Direct trains use the Kearny Connection to reach Secaucus Junction and continue to New York.
The station connects 11 of NJ TRANSIT’s 12 commuter rail lines. For Montclair-Boonton riders, it is one of the best places to adjust a route when a direct train is not available.
Hoboken Terminal, PATH, Ferry, and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail
Hoboken Terminal is the main connection for PATH, NY Waterway ferry service, and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail. It is especially useful for Lower Manhattan, Midtown Manhattan via PATH, and waterfront destinations in Hudson County.
PATH service from Hoboken includes routes to 33rd Street and World Trade Center. Ferry service runs daily to Brookfield Place Terminal, with weekday service also available to Pier 11/Wall Street and West Midtown Ferry Terminal. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail connects Hoboken Terminal with nearby waterfront communities.
Newark Broad Street and Newark Light Rail
Newark Broad Street is the first active station after Secaucus Junction on the route and a practical transfer point for Newark Light Rail. The Broad Street Branch connects Newark Broad Street with Newark Penn Station and opened on July 17, 2006.
The extension is 1 mile (1.6 km) long, and all stations on that extension are in Newark. From Newark Penn Station, riders can connect to other NJ TRANSIT rail lines, PATH, and bus service.
NJ Transit Bus and Local Shuttle Connections
Several Montclair-Boonton Line stations connect with NJ TRANSIT bus routes, local shuttles, and nearby light rail service. Bay Street, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Montclair State University, Montclair Heights, Little Falls, and Hackettstown all have bus or shuttle connections noted in the source material.
Montclair State University is served by NJ TRANSIT Bus 11/28, 191, and 705. Hackettstown connects with NJ TRANSIT Bus 973 and the WHEELS Shuttle. These bus links make the line more useful for first- and last-mile transportation in northern New Jersey.
Getting to Newark Liberty International Airport
To reach Newark Liberty International Airport from the Montclair-Boonton Line, transfer to a train that serves Newark Airport Rail Station, then use AirTrain Newark to reach Terminals A, B, or C. The usual route for many North Jersey rail riders is to travel to Secaucus Junction and transfer to a southbound Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line train showing EWR.
If your NJ TRANSIT ticket is issued to or from the airport, the AirTrain access fee is included. If you do not have an NJ TRANSIT or Amtrak ticket, a separate AirTrain fee applies.
- Take the Montclair-Boonton Line to a transfer point such as Secaucus Junction.
- Transfer to a train serving Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station.
- Follow signs to AirTrain Newark and ride to your terminal.
Best Transfer Options
Secaucus Junction is the most practical transfer point for many Montclair-Boonton Line airport trips because it connects with trains serving Newark Airport Rail Station. Newark Broad Street and Newark Penn can also be useful when planning trips through Newark.
On weekends, service generally runs between Bay Street and Hoboken, so airport trips usually require more planning and at least one transfer.
Parking, Bikes, and First/Last-Mile Access
Station parking is available at many Montclair-Boonton Line stations and park-and-ride locations. The source material notes free parking capacity for more than 3,000 personal vehicles at stations and park-and-rides, though parking charges per day can depend on the specific station parking facility.
Bike racks are located at about 90 percent of train stations in New Jersey, at several bus park-and-ride lots, bus terminals, and at most Hudson-Bergen Light Rail and River LINE stations. Bike lockers are available for long-term rental at locations including Denville and Dover, and secure storage is also mentioned for Bloomfield and Montclair Bay Street through the Bike Depot Program.
Collapsible bicycles are permitted aboard trains at all times. Standard-frame bicycles and segways are restricted on weekday peak trains arriving in Newark, Hoboken, or New York between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., and departing New York, Hoboken, or Newark between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
On weekends, up to 12 bicycles and/or segways are permitted on Montclair-Boonton Line trains to and from Hoboken, subject to capacity and crew instructions.
How to Ride the Montclair-Boonton Line
Start by checking the current schedule, destination, and stopping pattern. Some weekday trains go to New York Penn Station, others go to Hoboken Terminal, and weekend service is limited to Bay Street and Hoboken.
Buy your ticket before boarding when a ticket agent, Ticket Vending Machine, or the MyTix app is available. Then confirm your platform, listen for announcements, and board only when the train has fully stopped.
If your trip needs a transfer, plan it around Secaucus Junction, Newark Broad Street, Montclair State University, or Dover. Riders heading to Lower Manhattan often use Hoboken Terminal for PATH or ferry connections, while Midtown riders may prefer direct New York Penn Station service when available.
For a smoother ride, arrive early, especially at Hoboken if you need assistance. Keep your ticket ready, watch the gap, and verify the destination sign before boarding.
Accessibility and Rider Assistance
Accessible stations are marked with the accessible station symbol and serve customers using mobility assist devices. If you need help getting on or off the train, inform the train crew.
Customers traveling from Hoboken should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled train departure and notify an NJ TRANSIT representative for assistance. If an elevator outage affects Montclair State University Station, nearby accessible stations noted in the source material include Montclair Heights and Wayne Rt. 23.
NJ TRANSIT buses serve areas near most rail stations. For customer service, language assistance, schedules, and fares, call 973-275-5555 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Rules and Rider Etiquette
Stay behind the safety line while waiting, watch the gap when boarding or exiting, and never get on or off a moving train. In rain or snow, take extra care on platforms and stairs.
Keep aisles clear, store larger items in overhead racks or under seats, and listen for announcements. Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is not allowed on trains, in stations, or on platforms.
Pets are limited to service animals, police dogs, and small pets in carry-on travel cages. Bicycle and segway riders must walk their equipment on platforms and inside station buildings, let passengers exit before boarding, secure the equipment onboard, and stay with it for the full trip. Riders under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Quiet Commute cars are available on weekday trains arriving at or departing from terminal stations between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. On Hoboken trains, the first open car traveling to Hoboken and the last open car traveling from Hoboken are designated Quiet Commute cars.
Best Stations and Travel Tips
The best station depends on where you are starting, whether you need New York Penn Station or Hoboken, and whether you are traveling on a weekday or weekend. Montclair riders often choose among Bay Street, Walnut Street, Watchung Avenue, Upper Montclair, Mountain Avenue, Montclair Heights, and Montclair State University.
For longer west-end trips, check whether your train serves Boonton, Denville, Dover, Lake Hopatcong, Mount Olive, or Hackettstown directly. Weekend service is much more limited, so do not assume every station has service on Saturday or Sunday.
Best Stations for Commuting to New York City
For New York City commuting, look for weekday Midtown Direct trains to New York Penn Station. Montclair-area stations such as Watchung Avenue, Walnut Street, Bay Street, and Montclair Heights are useful depending on your location and the train schedule.
Denville and Dover are also noted in the source material for Midtown Direct service on the Morristown Line. If you are west of the electrified section, you may need a Hoboken train or a transfer.
Best Stations for Hoboken and Lower Manhattan
Hoboken Terminal is the best endpoint for PATH, ferry, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and Lower Manhattan connections. On weekends, all Montclair-Boonton Line service runs to and from Hoboken Terminal.
If your destination is Midtown Manhattan, New York Penn Station is usually more direct when a weekday Midtown Direct train is available. For Lower Manhattan, Hoboken Terminal works well because PATH and ferry connections are in the same terminal complex.
Best Stations for Montclair and Montclair State University
For Montclair, the most convenient stations are Bay Street, Walnut Street, Watchung Avenue, Upper Montclair, Mountain Avenue, and Montclair Heights. Each serves a different part of town, so the closest stop depends on your final destination.
For Montclair State University, use Montclair State University Station on Clove Road or Montclair Heights Station on Normal Avenue at Carlisle Road. Montclair State University Station is the key campus station and transfer point; Montclair Heights is also useful for the south end of campus.
Tips for Weekend Travel
Weekend service runs every two hours between Bay Street and Hoboken Terminal, making all local stops. If you need New York Penn Station, plan for a transfer and check the schedule carefully before leaving.
If you are traveling with a bicycle or segway, remember the weekend limit of up to 12 bicycles and/or segways on Montclair-Boonton Line trains to and from Hoboken. Space can still be limited, and crews may restrict bikes during crowding or unsafe conditions.
Brief History
The history of the Montclair-Boonton Line reaches back to a proposed rail link through Montclair in 1929. The modern project did not move forward until the 1990s, when New Jersey Transit studied the connection and later reached an agreement with the Township of Montclair in 1998.
Construction began in 1999, and the Montclair Connection opened on September 30, 2002. That change created the current line, allowed Montclair trains to reach New York Penn Station directly for the first time, and shifted passenger service away from the former Boonton Line east of the new connection.
Roseville Avenue closed in 1984, Ampere closed in 1991, and Great Notch closed in 2010. Weekend service began on November 8, 2009, with two-hourly trains between Bay Street and Hoboken. Some former rail corridor segments have been repurposed for trail use, while other expansion ideas have not advanced.
Nearby Places and Attractions
The Montclair-Boonton Line connects downtowns, campuses, residential neighborhoods, and transit hubs. It works well for local errands, cultural outings, university trips, and day travel across northern New Jersey.
Montclair offers several attractions near the line, including Watchung Plaza, Edgemont Park, Montclair Art Museum, Wellmont Theater, Crane House and YWCA Museum, and Van Vleck House & Gardens. Farther west, Bloomfield, Boonton, Denville, and Hackettstown offer local streets, shopping areas, and commuter-friendly town centers.
Montclair
Montclair is one of the strongest destination clusters on the line, with six stations in the township. Bay Street, Walnut Street, Watchung Avenue, Upper Montclair, Mountain Avenue, and Montclair Heights give riders access to different neighborhoods.
Weekend service ends at Bay Street, making it the key Montclair station for Saturday and Sunday trips. For weekday riders, several Montclair stops may offer service toward Hoboken or New York Penn Station depending on the train.
Montclair State University
Montclair State University station is located on Clove Road near U.S. Route 46 and the university campus in Little Falls. It opened in 2004 and serves as an important transfer point on the line.
The station has two tracks and a sheltered high-level island platform, with an elevated walkway to the parking deck and campus. Bus routes 28, 191, and 705 serve the university area.
Hoboken and Lower Manhattan
Hoboken Terminal is the main gateway from the Montclair-Boonton Line to PATH, ferry service, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and nearby bus routes. It is especially useful for trips to Lower Manhattan and Hudson County waterfront destinations.
Weekend trains run between Bay Street and Hoboken Terminal, while weekday service may also include New York Penn Station trains. If you are heading to Lower Manhattan, Hoboken’s PATH and ferry options are often the simplest connection.
Boonton and Morris County
Boonton station is in Boonton, Morris County, on Main Street near Myrtle Avenue and I-287. The source material notes connections with NJ TRANSIT’s 871 bus and Lakeland Bus Lines 46 service.
Boonton is part of the western section of the Montclair-Boonton Line, where service patterns are more limited than in the Montclair-Newark-Hoboken corridor. The source material also notes that Boonton station does not have weekend service except during holidays.
FAQ
Is the Montclair-Boonton Line a commuter rail line?
Yes. The Montclair-Boonton Line is a commuter rail line operated by New Jersey Transit Rail Operations. It is part of the Hoboken Division and serves northern New Jersey with trains toward Hoboken and, on selected weekdays, New York Penn Station.
Does the Montclair-Boonton Line go to New York Penn Station?
Yes. Selected weekday Midtown Direct trains on the Montclair-Boonton Line serve New York Penn Station. However, not every train goes to New York, and there is no direct New York service to or from several western stations because diesel trains are used beyond the electrified territory.
Does the Montclair-Boonton Line run on weekends?
Yes, but weekend service is limited. Trains run every two hours between Bay Street station in Montclair and Hoboken Terminal, making all local stops. Stations west of Bay Street are not part of regular weekend service.
How do I transfer to PATH or the ferry?
Use Hoboken Terminal. Montclair-Boonton Line trains serving Hoboken connect directly with PATH, NY Waterway ferries, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and other transport options in the terminal complex. PATH requires a separate fare.
Can I bring a bike on the Montclair-Boonton Line?
Yes. Collapsible bikes are allowed at all times. Standard-frame bicycles and segways are allowed on many trains but are restricted during weekday peak periods and on certain holiday-related dates. On weekend Montclair-Boonton Line trains to and from Hoboken, up to 12 bicycles and/or segways are permitted, subject to available space and crew instructions.
Which station should I use for Montclair State University?
Use Montclair State University Station on Clove Road for the main campus access and transfer point. Montclair Heights Station on Normal Avenue at Carlisle Road is another campus option, especially for the south end of the university. Weekend service ends at Bay Street, so Montclair State University is not served by the regular weekend pattern.