The Pascack Valley Line is a NJ Transit commuter rail route between Hoboken Terminal in New Jersey and Spring Valley, New York. Service in New York is operated under contract with Metro-North Railroad. The line is 31 miles (49.9 kilometers) long, serves 18 stations, and operates seven days a week as part of the regional public transport system.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Hoboken Terminal to Spring Valley, New York |
| Length | 31 miles (49.9 kilometers) |
| Stations | 18 active stations |
| Operator | NJ Transit Rail Operations; New York service under contract with Metro-North Railroad |
| Service | Runs seven days a week |
| Rail type | Single-track, standard-gauge, non-electrified commuter rail using diesel locomotives |
| System map color | Purple, with a pine tree symbol |
| Recent ridership | 4,450 daily riders in Q1 FY 2025; 495,890 annual riders in 2024 |
| History | Originally chartered in 1856 as the Hackensack and New York Railroad |
Pascack Valley Line Map
The Pascack Valley Line map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Pascack Valley Line map in PDF format.
Stations
The Pascack Valley Line stations connect Hoboken, Secaucus, Bergen County towns, and Rockland County communities. The route serves major transfer points as well as local stops, so the stations list is useful whether you are planning a daily commute, checking a stations map, or building a route plan for a weekend trip.
The line is owned by NJ Transit. Pearl River, Nanuet, and Spring Valley are leased to Metro-North Railroad.
Station List from Hoboken to Spring Valley
Below is the active Pascack Valley Line stations list in south-to-north order.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Hoboken | Southern terminal; connections to NJ Transit Rail, PATH train service, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, NJ Transit Bus, and NY Waterway ferry |
| Secaucus Junction | Major transfer station for New York Penn Station and other NJ Transit rail lines |
| Wood-Ridge | Local station in Wood-Ridge, New Jersey |
| Teterboro | Located in Hasbrouck Heights; formerly Williams Avenue |
| Essex Street | Hackensack station with NJ Transit Bus connections |
| Anderson Street | Hackensack station with NJ Transit Bus connections |
| New Bridge Landing | River Edge station with NJ Transit Bus and Rockland Coaches connections |
| River Edge | Station with NJ Transit Bus and Rockland Coaches connections |
| Oradell | Station with NJ Transit Bus and Rockland Coaches connections |
| Emerson | Station with NJ Transit Bus and Rockland Coaches connections |
| Westwood | Station with NJ Transit Bus and Rockland Coaches connections |
| Hillsdale | Station with Rockland Coaches connection |
| Woodcliff Lake | Local Pascack Valley station |
| Park Ridge | Local Pascack Valley station |
| Montvale | Station with Rockland Coaches connection |
| Pearl River | New York station in Orangetown; Transport of Rockland connection; leased to Metro-North Railroad |
| Nanuet | New York station leased to Metro-North Railroad |
| Spring Valley | Northern terminal; leased to Metro-North Railroad |
On weekdays, trains are scheduled to arrive at Hoboken or Penn Station-New York between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM, and return trips toward Spring Valley depart from Hoboken or Penn Station-New York between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Major Stations and Terminals
Hoboken Terminal, Secaucus Junction, and Spring Valley are the key stations on the Pascack Valley Line. Hoboken anchors the southern end of the route, Secaucus is the main interchange for Midtown Manhattan trips, and Spring Valley is the northern terminal in Rockland County.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Hoboken Terminal | Southern terminus and major hub for NJ Transit Rail, PATH, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, NJ Transit Bus, and ferry service |
| Secaucus Junction | Recommended transfer for New York Penn Station and connections to multiple NJ Transit rail lines |
| New Bridge Landing | Important Bergen County stop with bus and regional coach connections |
| River Edge | Local station with bus and coach links |
| Oradell | Pascack Valley community station with connecting bus options |
| Westwood | Frequently used local stop in Bergen County |
| Montvale | Last New Jersey station before the line enters New York |
| Pearl River | Rockland County station leased to Metro-North Railroad |
| Nanuet | Rockland County station leased to Metro-North Railroad |
| Spring Valley | Northern terminus in New York |
Schedule, Frequency, and Real-Time Updates
The Pascack Valley Line schedule runs seven days a week, with separate weekday, weekend, and holiday patterns. Because the line is largely single track, frequency and running time can depend on the time of day, direction of travel, and available passing sidings.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday morning peak | Trains arrive at Hoboken or Penn Station-New York between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM |
| Weekday evening peak | Trains depart for Spring Valley from Hoboken or Penn Station-New York between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM |
| Weekend service | Saturday and Sunday schedules operate separately from weekday service |
| Holiday service | Special holiday schedules may apply |
| Real-time updates | Use current train schedule tools or the Transit app for schedule today, timings today, last train, and closing time details |
For the most useful route timetable, check your exact station before you leave. Live tools can show real-time departures, train schedule changes, service alerts, and the train path on a map.
Weekday, Weekend, and Holiday Service
Weekday service includes commuter-focused trips toward Hoboken and Penn Station-New York in the morning, then return service toward Spring Valley in the afternoon and evening. Weekend and holiday service runs on separate schedules, so opening times, operating hours, and exact timings should be checked for the day you travel.
Recommended transfers are available at Secaucus Junction for Penn Station-New York. For Hoboken or World Trade Center trips, PATH transfers at Grove Street or Journal Square may be used depending on the connecting service.
Peak tickets are required on weekday trains arriving at Hoboken or Penn Station-New York between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM, and on weekday trains departing for Spring Valley from Hoboken or Penn Station-New York between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Peak fares apply only for travel to or from Hoboken, Secaucus, Newark, and Penn Station-New York.
Peak and Off-Peak Travel
Peak and off-peak rules matter on this line. Off-peak round-trip tickets are valid on PM peak trains to stations north of Montvale. One-way reduced tickets are valid at all times for seniors, passengers with disabilities, and Medicare customers, with proper ID required.
Bicycles are not permitted on inbound AM peak trains, trains marked with the NO BIKE symbol, outbound PM peak trains, some holidays, or connecting trains between Penn Station-New York and Secaucus. If you are traveling with a bike, check the working hours and train restrictions before boarding.
Fares, Tickets, and Passes
Pascack Valley Line fare rules depend on your destination and whether you ride during peak or off-peak periods. Peak fares apply only for travel to or from Hoboken, Secaucus, Newark, and Penn Station-New York. Ticket price and total cost vary by trip, so check current fare information before you buy.
Senior customers age 65 and older, customers with disabilities, and Medicare customers are eligible for reduced fare travel and are not charged the onboard surcharge when buying a ticket on the train, as long as proper ID is presented.
Ticket Types and Where to Buy
Ticket options include one-way, reduced, weekly, monthly, and 10-trip tickets, depending on the fare type for your station and travel pattern. A pass can be convenient for frequent riders, while single tickets work better for occasional trips.
The easiest way to avoid the onboard surcharge is to buy your ticket before boarding. Tickets can be purchased from a ticket agent or a ticket vending machine where available. TVMs accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash, but not bills over $20 USD.
Train personnel sell tickets onboard for cash only and do not accept bills over $20 USD. A $5 USD surcharge applies if ticket vending machines were available or ticket offices were open at the time of boarding. NJ Transit 10-trip tickets and student monthly passes are not available from TVMs.
Monthly passes can be delivered automatically by U.S. Mail through Quik-Tik. This service has a non-refundable $3 USD monthly processing fee, and major credit cards and transit benefits are accepted. If you use a fare calculator, confirm that it matches your station pair and travel period.
Connections and Transfers
The Pascack Valley Line connects with a broad city transport network at Hoboken Terminal and Secaucus Junction. Hoboken offers NJ Transit Rail, PATH, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, NJ Transit Bus, and NY Waterway ferry service. Secaucus Junction is the main transfer for Penn Station-New York and several NJ Transit rail lines.
At Hoboken, riders can connect to rail services including the Bergen County Line, Meadowlands Rail Line, Gladstone Branch, Main Line, Montclair-Boonton Line, Morristown Line, and Raritan Valley Line. At Secaucus Junction, connections include the Northeast Corridor Line, North Jersey Coast Line, Raritan Valley Line, Bergen County Line, Meadowlands Rail Line, Main Line, and other NJ Transit services.
Secaucus Junction Connections to New York Penn Station
If you are riding the Pascack Valley Line toward Midtown Manhattan, transfer at Secaucus Junction for New York Penn Station. This is the recommended transfer for customers continuing to the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, or Raritan Valley Lines.
Secaucus Junction is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of New York Penn Station and about 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of Newark Penn Station. Upper-level trains serve the Northeast Corridor, while lower-level trains serve Hoboken Terminal routes, including the Pascack Valley Line.
- Recommended transfer: Secaucus Junction for New York Penn Station
- Service pattern: Spring Valley, New York, to Hoboken Terminal
- Useful for: Midtown Manhattan, Newark, and regional rail transfers
Hoboken Terminal Connections: PATH, Light Rail, Ferry, and Bus
Hoboken Terminal is the southern end of the Pascack Valley Line and one of the most useful transfer points in the NJ Transit system. Riders can switch to PATH train service for Manhattan, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail for local waterfront travel, NY Waterway ferry service, NJ Transit buses, and other commuter rail lines.
PATH can be used for Midtown Manhattan or World Trade Center trips, depending on the route chosen. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail connects Hoboken with waterfront communities including Bayonne, Jersey City, North Bergen, Union City, and Weehawken.
Bus and Park-and-Ride Connections
Bus and park-and-ride connections vary by station. Local transport links can be especially useful for riders who do not live within walking distance of the rail line.
- Anderson Street: NJ Transit Bus routes to PABT and GWB, plus local bus routes serving Hackensack
- Emerson: NJ Transit Bus routes and Coach USA Rockland Coaches service near Emerson Railroad Station
- Essex Street: NJ Transit Bus routes serving Hackensack
- Hillsdale: NJ Transit Bus routes and Coach USA Rockland Coaches service at Broadway and Hillsdale Railroad Station
- Hoboken: NJ Transit Bus, PATH, Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, and NY Waterway ferry service
- Montvale: NJ Transit Bus routes and Coach USA Rockland Coaches service at Railroad Avenue and Grand Avenue
- New Bridge Landing: NJ Transit Bus connections
- Spring Valley: NJ Transit Bus routes and Coach USA Rockland Coaches service at Spring Valley Terminal Park & Ride
Getting to Newark Airport and NYC Airports
Pascack Valley Line riders can reach Newark Liberty International Airport by transferring to NJ Transit service for Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, then using AirTrain Newark to Terminals A, B, and C. The train ticket includes the AirTrain fee, so no separate AirTrain ticket is needed.
From most North Jersey rail lines, transfer at Secaucus Junction to a southbound Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line train. From the Raritan Valley Line, transfer at Newark Penn Station. Departure boards use an airplane symbol for airport trains.
New York Penn Station is about 30 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport by NJ Transit train. From Penn Station, subway lines A/C/E, 1/2/3, B/D/F/M, and N/Q/R/W are directly accessible.
For the Financial District, use AirTrain Newark to Newark Airport Rail Station, take NJ Transit to Newark Penn Station, then transfer to PATH for World Trade Center service. Listed sample costs include an adult ticket to Newark Penn Station at $12.30 USD and a PATH fare of $3.00 USD.
Parking, Biking, and Station Access
Station parking, parking charges, and parking charges per day vary by station, so check current station details before you drive. Many riders also use park-and-ride and bus connections to reach the Pascack Valley Line.
Collapsible bicycles are permitted aboard trains at all times. Standard-frame bicycles are permitted except on weekday trains arriving in Hoboken between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM or departing Hoboken between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
Bicyclists can board or leave trains only at stations with high-level or mini-high-level platforms. For safety reasons, bicycles are not permitted at low-level platforms, including Hoboken Terminal. There is no additional charge for bicycles, and the bicycle policy also applies to Segways and electric bicycles.
Bicycles are not permitted on holidays, the day before a holiday, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, or the Friday after Thanksgiving. Conductors may make exceptions based on crowding and capacity. There is a limit of two bicycles per accessible car, and customers with disabilities always have priority.
How to Ride the Pascack Valley Line
To ride the Pascack Valley Line, choose the direction you need: south toward Hoboken and Secaucus, or north toward Spring Valley. On weekdays, schedules may show service to Hoboken, Secaucus, and Penn Station-New York in one direction and Spring Valley in the other. On weekends and holidays, check the posted timetable for the current destination pattern.
The route begins at Hoboken Terminal, passes through the Bergen Tunnels, and continues through diesel-powered commuter rail territory. Because the line is largely single track, sidings help trains pass and support two-way off-peak service.
- Check the schedule today before leaving for the station.
- Buy your ticket before boarding when a ticket office or vending machine is available.
- Use Secaucus Junction for New York Penn Station connections.
- Use Hoboken Terminal for PATH, light rail, ferry, bus, and rail transfers.
- Confirm peak fare rules if you ride during morning or evening commuter periods.
Accessibility and Passenger Amenities
The Pascack Valley Line includes accessibility features at select stations and onboard trains. Depending on the station, facilities may include ramps, tactile warning strips, audiovisual passenger information systems, elevators, and staircases. Stations marked with the accessibility symbol can be used by customers with mobility assist devices.
Passengers who need help boarding or leaving the train should inform the train crew. Customers traveling from Hoboken who need assistance should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure and notify an NJ Transit representative.
Reduced-fare travel is available for eligible passengers, including seniors and people with disabilities, with proper ID. Service animals, small pets in carry-on travel cages, and bicycles are allowed under specific rules. Quiet travel is encouraged through the Quiet Commute Program on selected trains.
Rules, Safety, and Service Policies
Basic onboard rules help keep the Pascack Valley Line safe and comfortable. Keep aisles clear, store larger items in overhead racks or under seats, and use electronic devices at a volume that does not disturb other passengers.
- Smoking is not allowed on trains, in stations, or on platforms.
- Only service animals, police dogs, and small pets in carry-on travel cages are allowed onboard.
- Purchase your ticket before boarding when a ticket agent or TVM is available.
- Train personnel accept cash only, with no bills over $20 USD.
- A $5 USD surcharge applies if ticket machines were available or ticket offices were open at boarding.
- Watch the gap between the platform and train.
- Stand behind the safety line while waiting.
- Never board or leave a moving train.
- Cross tracks only at designated locations.
- Never go around lowered gates at a grade crossing.
- In an emergency, listen for announcements and follow crew instructions.
- Report suspicious activity or packages using Text Tips NJTPD at 65873.
Brief History
The Pascack Valley Line traces its history to the Hackensack and New York Railroad, chartered in 1856. It later became the New Jersey and New York Railroad and was purchased by the Erie Railroad in 1896. The line remained an Erie subsidiary until the Erie Lackawanna merger in 1960, then became part of Conrail in 1976.
The railroad expanded north in stages during the late 1860s and early 1870s. Tracks reached Hillsdale by the end of 1869, and public service began the next day after the lower line officially opened on March 4, 1870. Construction later continued through Emerson, Westwood, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, and Montvale before connecting with the existing railway in Nanuet.
Passenger service changed many times. Some sections were once double-tracked, but much of that infrastructure was later removed. The line also once continued beyond Spring Valley toward Haverstraw, New York, but that portion was abandoned and most of the right-of-way was sold.
In 1983, after several years under Conrail, service transferred to NJ Transit Rail Operations. Today the line runs between Hoboken Terminal and Spring Valley, with New York service operated under contract with Metro-North Railroad. The northernmost 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) are in New York State.
Future Service Changes and Improvements
The Pascack Valley Line has already gained important service improvements, including off-peak, weekend, and bi-directional service made possible by passing sidings. These changes expanded the timetable and made the route more useful beyond traditional commute hours.
Future improvement is tied mainly to infrastructure and operating capacity. Since the line remains single track, additional sidings have been discussed as a way to improve reliability and allow more trains to pass in opposite directions. A planned siding in Oradell was intended to support better service, but the project was halted after local opposition.
In 2020, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority warned that Rockland County service could be shut down if federal bailout money was not available during the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For riders, the main long-term opportunity remains further expansion of two-way service and more frequent off-peak trains if more infrastructure is built.
Popular Trips and Nearby Destinations
The Pascack Valley Line is useful for trips to Hoboken, Secaucus, Midtown Manhattan connections, Jersey City, Lower Manhattan, and Rockland County towns. Since service runs seven days a week, it works for weekday commutes as well as weekend local transport trips.
Popular station areas along the route include New Bridge Landing, River Edge, Oradell, Emerson, Westwood, Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, Montvale, Pearl River, Nanuet, and Spring Valley.
To Hoboken, Jersey City, and Lower Manhattan
For Hoboken, stay on the Pascack Valley Line to Hoboken Terminal. For Jersey City and Lower Manhattan, use PATH connections from Hoboken, Grove Street, or Journal Square, depending on your route and destination.
- Grove Street: transfer for Hoboken or World Trade Center service
- Journal Square: transfer for Hoboken or World Trade Center service
- Secaucus Junction: transfer for Penn Station-New York
PATH weekend schedules vary, so check the latest train schedule before you travel.
To Midtown Manhattan
To reach Midtown Manhattan, transfer at Secaucus Junction and continue to Penn Station-New York. This is the recommended route for Pascack Valley Line riders heading into Midtown.
Peak tickets are required on weekday trains arriving at Hoboken or Penn Station-New York between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM, and on weekday trains departing for Spring Valley from Hoboken or Penn Station-New York between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
To Rockland County and Pascack Valley Towns
Northbound trains serve the Pascack Valley towns of Emerson, Westwood, Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, and Montvale before crossing into New York. In Rockland County, the line stops at Pearl River, Nanuet, and Spring Valley.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Emerson | Pascack Valley town stop with bus and coach connections |
| Westwood | Local Bergen County station |
| Hillsdale | Station with Rockland Coaches connection |
| Woodcliff Lake | Pascack Valley local station |
| Park Ridge | Local station before Montvale |
| Montvale | Last New Jersey stop before the New York section |
| Pearl River | Rockland County station in Orangetown |
| Nanuet | Rockland County station in Clarkstown |
| Spring Valley | Northern terminal of the Pascack Valley Line |
The line is named for the Pascack Valley region and follows the Pascack Brook for part of its route, making it an important corridor for local travel between northern New Jersey and Rockland County.