The North Jersey Coast Line is an NJ TRANSIT commuter rail line serving Northern New Jersey, Central New Jersey, and the Jersey Shore. It runs on 81.5 miles (131.2 km) of standard-gauge track, uses light blue with a sailboat symbol on rail system maps, and operates with electric service to Long Branch plus diesel service toward Bay Head. Most trains run between New York Penn Station and Long Branch, while some weekday rush-hour trains continue through to Bay Head with dual-mode locomotives.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner | NJ Transit Corporation |
| Operator | NJ Transit Rail Operations |
| Type | Commuter rail and public transport |
| System | NJ TRANSIT Rail Operations |
| Stations | 20 listed for the line, with additional shared and seasonal stops appearing in service materials |
| Route length | 81.5 miles (131.2 km) |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
| Map color and symbol | Light blue with a sailboat symbol |
| Daily ridership | 15,300 in Q1 FY 2025 |
| Main route plan | New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station to Long Branch, with diesel shuttle service south to Bay Head |
North Jersey Coast Line Map
The North Jersey Coast Line map of Tokyo Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the North Jersey Coast Line map in PDF format.
Route and Stations
The North Jersey Coast Line route follows the former New York & Long Branch Railroad and links the Northeast Corridor with shore communities down to Bay Head. The line is generally double tracked, except for the bridge over the Manasquan River at Brielle.
Several stations are shared with Northeast Corridor trains, including Newark Airport, North Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Linden, and Rahway. After Rahway, trains leave Northeast Corridor trackage through a double-tracked crossunder and continue on their own right of way toward the shore.
For riders using a stations map or stations list, the main thing to know is simple: electric trains handle most service from New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station to Long Branch, while diesel trains usually cover the path train segment from Long Branch to Bay Head.
Full Station List
The stations list below combines the commonly shown through-service stops, shared Northeast Corridor stations, and shore-segment stops included in the source material.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| New York Penn Station | Main northern terminal for many North Jersey Coast Line trains; connections to MTA/LIRR, AMTRAK, PATH train service nearby, buses, and ferries. |
| Secaucus Junction | Major transfer point for riders coming from Passaic and Bergen Counties. |
| Newark Penn Station | Key NJ TRANSIT rail hub with bus, Newark Light Rail, AMTRAK, and PATH connections. |
| Newark Liberty International Airport | Shared station with Northeast Corridor service; connects to AirTrain Newark. |
| North Elizabeth | Shared Northeast Corridor station. |
| Elizabeth | Shared Northeast Corridor station with multiple local bus links. |
| Linden | Shared Northeast Corridor station with bus connections. |
| Rahway | Shared Northeast Corridor station where North Jersey Coast Line trains branch toward the shore. |
| Avenel | North Jersey Coast Line stop with high side platforms noted in the source material. |
| Woodbridge | Served on the coastal route south of Rahway. |
| Perth Amboy | Served on the coastal route; nearby bus and ferry access options are listed in service materials. |
| South Amboy | Some electric trains terminate here during rush hours; station parking is listed as available. |
| Aberdeen-Matawan | Direct electric service from New York and Newark; bus and ferry access options nearby. |
| Hazlet | Direct electric service from New York and Newark; bus links nearby. |
| Middletown | Direct electric service from New York and Newark; bus and ferry access options nearby. |
| Red Bank | Direct electric service; downtown stop with local restaurants, shops, and evening-trip appeal. |
| Little Silver | Direct electric service; mixed or lower-platform arrangements are noted in source material. |
| Monmouth Park | Served on race days only. |
| Long Branch | End of regular electrified territory and the main transfer point for Bay Head shuttle trains. |
| Elberon | Shore-segment stop usually reached by transferring at Long Branch. |
| Allenhurst | Shore-segment stop usually reached by diesel shuttle. |
| Asbury Park | Popular shore and downtown stop, usually reached with a Long Branch transfer. |
| Bradley Beach | Walkable shore stop south of Long Branch. |
| Belmar | Well-known beach destination on the diesel segment. |
| Spring Lake | Quiet shore stop with a boardwalk and Victorian character. |
| Manasquan | Shore and downtown stop with restaurants and a nearby theater area noted in the source. |
| Point Pleasant Beach | Boardwalk destination, walking distance from the station. |
| Bay Head | Southern end of the line; passenger yard and balloon track are located here. |
Passenger yards are located at Long Branch and Bay Head. Long Branch Yard is fully electrified, while Bay Head has a balloon track that allows full trains to turn without backing up or uncoupling.
Main Service Pattern: New York, Newark, and Long Branch
Most trains run between New York Penn Station and Long Branch. This is the strongest part of the route, with frequent rush-hour service and hourly local off-peak service.
Direct electric trains from New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station typically serve Aberdeen-Matawan, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, Little Silver, Monmouth Park on race days, and Long Branch. NJ TRANSIT also runs short-turn trains between New York and South Amboy during weekday rush hours.
Equipment varies by segment. New York to Long Branch service is usually operated with ALP-46 electric locomotives and Comet or MultiLevel coaches. Weekday One Seat Ride trains between New York and Bay Head use ALP-45DP dual-power locomotives.
Long Branch to Bay Head Shore Segment
Long Branch is the last regular station in electrified territory. South of Long Branch, most riders transfer to diesel shuttle trains for Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, and Bay Head.
Diesel shuttle trains between Long Branch and Bay Head typically use PL42AC or GP40PH-2B locomotives with four to six Comet cars, often with a Comet V cab car or MultiLevel coaches. A limited number of weekday rush-hour trains run through between Bay Head and New York Penn Station using dual-mode engines.
Electrification reached Long Branch in 1988. In 2002, the voltage from Matawan to Long Branch changed from 12.5 kV to 25 kV, while north of Matawan the line remains electrified at 12 kV 25 Hz AC.
Major Transfer Stations
Newark Penn Station is a major transfer point for NJ TRANSIT rail, bus, Newark Light Rail, AMTRAK, and PATH connections. Secaucus Junction is especially useful for riders connecting from Passaic and Bergen Counties.
Long Branch is the key transfer station for southbound shore travel. If your destination is south of Long Branch, expect to change there unless you are on one of the limited through trains.
Other useful transfer points include Newark Liberty International Airport, Elizabeth, Linden, North Elizabeth, and Rahway, all shared with Northeast Corridor services. South Amboy also matters during rush hours because some electric trains terminate there and provide local service.
Schedule, Frequency, and Travel Times
The North Jersey Coast Line schedule changes by weekday, weekend, season, station, and direction. For schedule today, timings today, opening times, closing time, last train, and exact train schedule details, riders should check the NJ TRANSIT app, Trip Planner, DepartureVision, or the current timetable before boarding.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday main service | Most trains operate between New York Penn Station and Long Branch, with frequent rush-hour service and hourly local off-peak service. |
| Weekend main service | Hourly service operates between New York and Long Branch. |
| Long Branch to Bay Head shuttle | Diesel shuttle service generally runs every two hours on weekends, with extra trains and fuller hourly service during the peak summer season. |
| Weekday through service to Bay Head | A limited number of rush-hour through trains operate between Bay Head and New York Penn Station using dual-mode engines. |
| Example running time | A listed trip leaves Long Branch at 11:52 AM and arrives at New York Penn Station at 1:33 PM, a running time of 101 minutes. |
| South Amboy short-turn service | Some electric trains terminate at South Amboy during weekday rush hours and serve local Northeast Corridor stops. |
| World Cup service restriction noted in source | On FIFA World Cup 26 match days, rail service from Penn Station New York was noted as reserved for World Cup travel starting time 12:29 PM during the stated service window. |
Because working hours and operating hours vary by station and date, do not rely on a generic timetable for the last train. Check the route timetable for your exact origin and destination, especially for late-night trips, airport trips, and summer beach travel.
Weekday and Weekend Service
On weekdays, service frequency is strongest during rush hours between New York Penn Station and Long Branch. Off-peak local trains generally run hourly, and the diesel shuttle continues beyond Long Branch toward Bay Head.
On weekends, hourly trains run between New York and Long Branch. The Long Branch to Bay Head shuttle generally runs every two hours, with extra trains and expanded summer service when beach demand rises.
Some weekend and holiday shore express service has operated between New York Penn Station and Bay Head. Weekend express trains between New York Penn Station and Long Branch have also been added in the source material, with morning and evening express trips on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Peak, Off-Peak, and Seasonal Shore Service
Peak, off-peak, and seasonal patterns are central to this line. Rush-hour trains focus on commuter travel, off-peak trains keep the core route moving, and summer service adds capacity for the Jersey Shore.
Seasonal bus service supplements rail travel. Route 137 provides seasonal direct service to Seaside Heights and Seaside Park from the Port Authority Bus Terminal beginning June 20, 2026. Express Bus Route 316 operates daily seasonal summer service between Philadelphia, Wildwood, and Cape May beginning June 20, 2026.
- Rush-hour frequency is strongest between New York Penn Station and Long Branch.
- Diesel shuttles connect Long Branch and Bay Head, with some weekday peak through trains.
- Weekend off-peak service is hourly to Long Branch and less frequent south of there.
- Summer schedules add more shore service and seasonal bus options.
Fares, Tickets, and Passes
North Jersey Coast Line fare and ticket price depend on your origin, destination, ticket type, and any applicable discount. For an exact price, use NJ TRANSIT fare tools, the Trip Planner, or the fare calculator in the app.
Tickets and passes can be purchased through the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, web tickets, ticket vending machines, or ticket offices at major stations and terminals. Buy before boarding when possible: if a ticket agent or ticket vending machine was available at your boarding station, buying on board adds a $5 surcharge (USD).
One-way tickets cover one continuous trip between the stations printed on the ticket. Beginning July 1, 2024, one-way tickets have a 30-day expiration and are non-refundable.
Monthly passes allow unlimited trips between two rail stations during a calendar month and remain valid until noon on the first business day of the following month. Weekly passes allow unlimited trips between two rail stations from 12:01 AM Saturday through 6:00 AM the following Saturday.
Rail monthly passes valued at $67 or more (USD) can also be used on NJ TRANSIT light rail lines, and the number of bus zones allowed is printed on the pass based on its value. Weekly rail passes valued at $20.50 or more (USD) are valid for one-zone bus trips and may be used on any light rail line.
Ten-trip tickets include ten one-way trips and are valid for 30 days. 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. On weekends and holidays, the Family SuperSaver offer lets up to two children ages 5 to 11 ride free with a passenger paying any valid fare.
Senior citizens age 62 and older, and customers with disabilities, can ride NJ TRANSIT trains, buses, and light rail vehicles at half the regular one-way fare or less at all times. Military personnel and dependents may use the one-way reduced ticket with valid military or military-dependent ID cards.
A change-in-terminal fee of $3.45 (USD) applies on board trains when presenting a ticket or pass printed with Hoboken Terminal for travel to or from New York or points in New Jersey. Fares are subject to change.
How Fares Are Calculated
For rail trips on the North Jersey Coast Line, the cost is based on the origin and destination shown on the ticket, along with the ticket type and any discount category. The easiest approach is to enter your stations in NJ TRANSIT fare tools and check the listed fare before you travel.
For bus travel that connects with the rail line, fares are priced by the number of zones traveled. Your ticket must match the number of zones on that leg of the trip, and it must be interstate for trips crossing state lines.
- By bus schedule: open the route schedule and count the dashed zone boundaries on the route diagram.
- By Trip Planner: enter your origin, destination, and travel time, then review the itinerary for zone details on each leg.
- By app: use Rider Tools and MyTix to check fare options, buy a ticket, or manage a pass.
Other NJ TRANSIT fare systems may apply on connecting services. For example, the River LINE base fare is $1.90 (USD), and the Senior/Child/Disabled fare is $0.85 (USD); tickets remain active for 75 minutes after purchase unless transferring.
Connections with Other Transit Systems
The North Jersey Coast Line is part of a broader city transport and regional transportation network. It connects with NJ TRANSIT rail, NJ TRANSIT bus routes, PATH, Newark Light Rail, ferries, AMTRAK, and airport transport at key stations.
At Newark Penn Station and Secaucus Junction, riders can transfer across the NJ TRANSIT system. At Newark Liberty International Airport, passengers connect to AirTrain Newark and airport services. South of Long Branch, the diesel shuttle extends local transport access to Bay Head.
Some trains also run through to Hoboken via the Waterfront Connection, and one daily round trip terminates at Newark Penn Station. Conrail Shared Assets Operations also uses the North Jersey Coast Line for interchange movements with the Delaware and Raritan River Railroad in Red Bank.
NJ TRANSIT Rail Connections
Rail transfers are strongest at Newark Penn Station, Secaucus Junction, Rahway, and Long Branch. These stations help riders connect between Northeast Corridor service, other NJ TRANSIT lines, and the shore route.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Newark Penn Station | Connections to NJ TRANSIT rail, buses, Newark Light Rail, AMTRAK, and PATH. |
| Secaucus Junction | Transfer point for riders coming from northern New Jersey lines toward North Jersey Coast Line trains. |
| Rahway | Shared station with the Northeast Corridor before North Jersey Coast Line trains branch toward the shore. |
| Newark Liberty International Airport | Shared with Northeast Corridor service and AMTRAK; connects to AirTrain Newark. |
| Long Branch | Main transfer between electric trains and diesel shuttle trains to Bay Head. |
| South Amboy | Some weekday rush-hour electric trains terminate here. |
| Bay Head and shore stations south of Long Branch | Usually reached by transferring at Long Branch, except for limited weekday peak through trains. |
Buses, PATH, Light Rail, and Ferries
Bus, PATH, light rail, and ferry connections help extend trips beyond the train. Newark Penn Station offers NJ TRANSIT buses, Newark Light Rail, AMTRAK, and PATH. New York Penn Station connects with PABT, MTA/LIRR, AMTRAK, PATH at 6th Ave and 33rd St, and ferry service to New Jersey terminals.
Hoboken Terminal, when used by through service, connects with local buses, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, PATH, and ferries to Manhattan. South Amboy has NY Waterway ferry access, while nearby ferry terminals for stations such as Aberdeen-Matawan, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, Long Branch, Little Silver, and Perth Amboy include South Amboy, Belford, Highlands, and Atlantic Highlands.
Newark Light Rail functions as local rail transport in Newark; riders may think of it as a modern tramway-style service rather than a commuter rail line. The North Jersey Coast Line itself is not a tram or trams system.
Last-Mile Options from Shore Stations
From Aberdeen-Matawan to Long Branch, many trains run directly from New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station. South of Long Branch, most riders transfer to the diesel shuttle for the final stretch to beach towns.
Several shore stations are walkable to downtowns, beaches, or local bus stops. Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, and Bay Head are all commonly used for last-mile shore travel.
- Aberdeen-Matawan and Hazlet: bus links and ferry access via nearby terminals.
- Elizabeth: multiple NJ TRANSIT bus routes and nearby rail connections.
- Asbury Park, Belmar, and Bradley Beach: local and regional bus service, including seasonal options.
- Bay Head: bus service from Brick Township and Dorado park-and-ride locations is listed in the source material.
Connection to Newark Liberty International Airport
The North Jersey Coast Line serves Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station on many trains. From there, AirTrain Newark provides the connection to airport terminals, parking, rental cars, and hotel services.
Your NJ TRANSIT ticket includes the AirTrain fee, so no separate airport ticket is needed. Keep your ticket handy because you may need it at the airport station.
Trains to Newark Airport Rail Station
Most North Jersey Coast Line trains provide direct service to Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, though not every train stops there. Check departure boards for the airplane symbol or EWR before boarding.
Riders coming from other North Jersey rail lines usually transfer at Secaucus Junction to a southbound Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line train. Riders on the Raritan Valley Line generally transfer at Newark Penn Station for one stop to Newark Airport Rail Station.
Transfer to AirTrain Newark
After arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, transfer to AirTrain Newark for Terminals A, B, and C. Terminal A is a short walk from the AirTrain stop.
Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the transfer from the rail station to your terminal. During busy travel periods, give yourself extra time and confirm the airport stop before boarding.
How to Ride the North Jersey Coast Line
Start by choosing your origin and destination in the NJ TRANSIT app, Trip Planner, or current timetable. Then check whether your train goes directly to your station or requires a Long Branch transfer.
If you are traveling from New York Penn Station, Newark Penn Station, or Secaucus Junction to Long Branch or stations north of it, you may have direct electric service. If you are going to Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, or Bay Head, plan for the diesel shuttle from Long Branch on most trips.
Buy your ticket before boarding. You can use the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, ticket vending machines, ticket offices where available, or web tickets. If a vending machine or agent was available and you buy on board, the $5 surcharge (USD) may apply.
- Check the final destination and intermediate stops before boarding.
- Do not confuse New York Penn Station with Newark Penn Station.
- For airport trips, look for the airplane symbol or EWR.
- For beach trips, confirm the Long Branch transfer and the last train back.
- Use current timings rather than relying on an old saved schedule.
Tips for First-Time Riders
If you are new to the line, arrive a few minutes early and watch the departure boards closely. Track changes can happen, especially at larger stations.
Focus on the full station name, the final destination, and the stops listed for your train. Once you understand how the route plan works, the system becomes much easier to read.
For your first ride, keep a backup train in mind in case of cancellation or delay. A low-pressure practice trip can also help if you expect to use the line often.
Rules, Safety, and Rider Etiquette
The North Jersey Coast Line operates under railroad rules, speed restrictions, cab signals, wayside block signals, and dispatching instructions. Riders do not need to know every operating rule, but they should follow crew directions at all times.
At Secaucus Station and in the North River Tunnels, train movements are managed by dispatchers and signal systems. If a crew member gives boarding, platform, or onboard instructions, follow them promptly.
For safety, report suspicious activity, packages, or vehicles with as many details as possible, and dial 911 in an emergency. On board, let passengers exit first, keep aisles clear, avoid blocking doors, and stay alert for announcements.
The line is considered safe when riders use normal station and train awareness: stand behind platform edges, wait for trains to stop fully, and do not cross tracks except where permitted.
Station Facilities, Accessibility, and Parking
Station facilities vary across the North Jersey Coast Line. Some stops have station houses, waiting rooms, ticket windows, canopies, bus shelters, crossovers, parking, or street access, while smaller stops may offer fewer amenities.
Accessibility also varies by station. Avenel has high side platforms, Red Bank includes mini-high platforms for disabled access, and South Amboy has a fully ADA-accessible high-level island platform. Perth Amboy and Little Silver are described with lower-platform or mixed-platform arrangements.
Station parking is available at several stops. Aberdeen-Matawan has a large parking lot on the north side of the tracks and a smaller lot on the south side. Asbury Park has a small parking lot east of the station. Long Branch includes a crossunder to parking and street access, and South Amboy parking is also listed.
Parking charges can change. Effective January 15, 2026, select station and park-ride rates were scheduled for updates, with South Amboy, Hazlet, Red Bank, and Long Branch daily parking charges per day rising to $6 (USD) and monthly parking passes to $84 (USD). Check posted rules before leaving your car, especially in permit areas.
Brief History
The North Jersey Coast Line grew out of the former New York & Long Branch Railroad, a shared passenger route once jointly owned by the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Central Railroad of New Jersey. It has long served the Jersey Shore corridor, especially the former joint route between Perth Amboy and Bay Head.
North of Perth Amboy, today’s trains use former Pennsylvania Railroad tracks and connect to the Northeast Corridor at Rahway before continuing toward New York Penn Station. Electrified operation began between Rahway and South Amboy in 1936, reached Matawan in the early 1980s, and extended to Long Branch in 1988.
The Waterfront Connection opened in 1991, allowing weekday diesel trains from Bay Head to reach Hoboken Terminal. In 2015, NJ TRANSIT added direct weekday Bay Head service to and from New York Penn Station using dual-mode trains.
Hurricane Sandy caused major disruption in October 2012, washing out track south of Perth Amboy and damaging bridges and infrastructure. Service was restored in stages. The line remains a core commuter and shore route, with electric service north of Long Branch and diesel shuttle connections farther south.
Current and Future Service Updates
The source material states that there are no current alerts or advisories for the North Jersey Coast Line. Still, riders should check the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App, DepartureVision, or official alerts before traveling, since service can change quickly.
Recent updates included June 29, 2026 train cancellations and delays tied to equipment availability and a mechanical issue. NJCL train 3515, the 6:29 PM departure from Penn Station New York, was canceled, and customers were directed to train 3275. NJCL train 3516, the 8:06 PM departure from South Amboy, was also canceled, with riders directed to train 3276. NJCL train 3288, the 12:02 AM arrival into Penn Station New York, was up to 20 minutes late after an earlier mechanical issue.
During FIFA World Cup 26 match days at NYNJ Stadium, NJ TRANSIT announced adjusted rail schedules. Beginning at 12:29 PM, rail service from Penn Station New York was noted as reserved for World Cup travel only during the stated period, and some travelers were directed to use PATH from 33rd Street for trips to Newark Penn Station or Hoboken Terminal.
Station advisories can also affect travel, especially for riders who need elevators, waiting rooms, or accessible routes. Always check before boarding if station facilities matter for your trip.
Beach Destinations and Nearby Attractions
The North Jersey Coast Line is one of the most useful public transport routes for Jersey Shore trips. It connects New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station with Long Branch and, through the shuttle connection, beach towns farther south.
Attractions along and near the route include Long Branch’s Pier Village, Asbury Park’s boardwalk, music and arts scene, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Point Pleasant Beach and Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, plus quieter shore towns such as Bay Head. Sandy Hook has wide beaches, Manhattan and Brooklyn views, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Fort Hancock, and a 7-mile (11.3 km) multi-use pathway, though it is listed as a nearby shore destination rather than a direct station stop.
Other destinations in the source material include Sea Bright, Ocean Grove, Deal, Sea Girt, Seaside Heights, Wildwood, Cape May, Ocean City, and cultural or family stops such as the Museum of New Jersey Maritime History, the Wetlands Institute, Springer’s Homemade Ice Cream, and Salt Spa. Ocean City is described with a 2.5-mile (4 km) boardwalk.
Popular Jersey Shore Stops
For many riders, the most practical beach stops are the ones directly on the line or reached by the Long Branch shuttle. Long Branch is the main transfer point, while Asbury Park, Belmar, Spring Lake, Point Pleasant Beach, and Bay Head are popular shore destinations south of electrified territory.
- Long Branch: main transfer point and major beach stop.
- Asbury Park: boardwalk, restaurants, music, arts, arcades, mini-golf, and Silverball Retro Arcade.
- Belmar: classic family beach town with a boardwalk and summer entertainment.
- Spring Lake: quieter setting, boardwalk, Victorian architecture, and a freshwater lake.
- Point Pleasant Beach: boardwalk, rides, games, food, aquarium, and nearby antique shops.
- Bay Head: southern end of the line and a mostly residential shore community with beach access.
Walking from Stations to Beaches and Downtowns
Several stations put you close enough to walk to downtowns, beaches, restaurants, or boardwalks. That can save time, avoid parking charges, and make a beach day easier.
Asbury Park station lets riders walk through downtown toward the beach and boardwalk, with scooter-sharing also noted in the source material. Bradley Beach station is close to Main Street, local restaurants, and the beach. Point Pleasant Beach station is walking distance from the boardwalk, rides, restaurants, and aquarium.
Red Bank is more of a downtown stop than a beach stop, with restaurants, bars, shops, and local nightlife. Manasquan works well for a mixed beach-and-town visit, with downtown just west of the station and restaurants nearby. Belmar, Spring Lake, and Allenhurst are also manageable on foot for many riders.
Seasonal Travel Tips for Beach Trips
For summer shore trips, confirm your train before leaving. Direct electric trains reach Long Branch and stations north of it, while most trips to Asbury Park, Belmar, Spring Lake, Point Pleasant Beach, and Bay Head require a Long Branch transfer.
Buy tickets before boarding to avoid the $5 surcharge (USD), check the return timetable, and confirm the last train if you plan to stay late. Round-trip planning is especially helpful on weekends and holidays.
Seasonal bus routes can help when rail is not the best fit. Route 137 provides direct seasonal service from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to Seaside Heights and Seaside Park beginning June 20, 2026. Express Bus Route 316 runs daily seasonal summer service between Philadelphia, Wildwood, and Cape May beginning June 20, 2026.
- Use the Trip Planner for your exact departure and destination.
- Check whether your station requires a Long Branch transfer.
- Review seasonal bus schedules before travel.
- Travel midweek when possible to avoid the heaviest beach crowds.
- Plan parking only after checking station rules and rates.
FAQ
Is the North Jersey Coast Line a commuter rail line?
Yes. The North Jersey Coast Line is a commuter rail line operated by NJ Transit Rail Operations. It serves Northern New Jersey, Central New Jersey, and the Jersey Shore.
It is part of the NJ TRANSIT rail system, with electric service to Long Branch and diesel service south to Bay Head.
Does the North Jersey Coast Line go to New York Penn Station?
Yes. Most North Jersey Coast Line trains operate between New York Penn Station and Long Branch, and direct service from Long Branch to Penn Station New York is available at all times.
Service south of Long Branch to Bay Head usually requires a shuttle transfer, although some weekday peak trains run through using dual-mode locomotives.
Do all trains continue to Bay Head?
No. Most trains terminate at Long Branch, where riders transfer to a diesel shuttle for Bay Head and other shore stations south of Long Branch.
A limited number of weekday rush-hour trains run directly between Bay Head and New York Penn Station.
Does the line stop at Newark Liberty International Airport?
Yes, many North Jersey Coast Line trains stop at Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, but not every train does. Check for the airplane symbol or EWR before boarding.
At the airport rail station, transfer to AirTrain Newark for Terminals A, B, and C.
Where do I transfer for shore towns south of Long Branch?
For most trips to Elberon, Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Bradley Beach, Belmar, Spring Lake, Manasquan, Point Pleasant Beach, and Bay Head, transfer at Long Branch to the diesel shuttle.
The transfer is generally straightforward, but you should still confirm the route timetable before traveling.
Can I buy North Jersey Coast Line tickets in the NJ TRANSIT app?
Yes. The NJ TRANSIT Mobile App includes MyTix for buying and displaying rail tickets and passes. You can also buy tickets at vending machines and ticket offices where available.
If you buy on board when a ticket agent or vending machine was available at your boarding station, a $5 surcharge (USD) applies.
Is parking available at North Jersey Coast Line stations?
Yes, parking is available at several North Jersey Coast Line stations, but availability, rules, permits, and parking charges vary by location.
Aberdeen-Matawan, Asbury Park, Long Branch, and South Amboy are examples where parking is noted in the source material. South Amboy, Hazlet, Red Bank, and Long Branch were also listed for parking rate increases to $6 per day (USD) and $84 per month (USD) effective January 15, 2026.