Westfield, NJ is a popular choice for those who work in New York City but want to enjoy a suburban lifestyle. It offers a charming downtown setting, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community while still providing easy access to NYC and all its amenities.
However, if you are trading a Manhattan condo for a colonial on North Euclid, you need to know the math. Commuting is not just about distance; it's about predictability. Unlike nearby Summit (which has the "Midtown Direct"), Westfield requires a savvy approach to navigation.
The Westfield Commuter Matrix
Don't guess your arrival time. Here is the breakdown of the three primary routes into Manhattan.
| Method | Route | Avg Time | Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Train | Raritan Valley Line | 55-70 Mins | Consistent |
| The Bus | NJT 113X / Boxcar | 45-60 Mins | One-Seat Ride |
| The "Hack" | Drive to Harrison PATH | 50 Mins | Control |
Taking the Train: The Raritan Valley Line
One of the most popular ways to commute from Westfield to New York City is by train. The New Jersey Transit Raritan Valley Line (RVL) serves Westfield and provides a convenient route to New York Penn Station.
The "Newark Shuffle": It is important to note that unlike the direct trains from Short Hills, most Westfield trains require a transfer at Newark Penn Station. However, during off-peak hours, NJ Transit occasionally runs a "one-seat ride" directly into the city.
The Westfield train station is conveniently located in the heart of downtown at Summit Avenue between North and South Avenue, making it easy to grab a coffee or breakfast before your ride. The trip typically takes about an hour, depending on the transfer connection.
Parking Permits: Parking is a premium commodity. While there are daily spots, the waitlist for a resident permit can be lengthy. Many savvy commuters look at homes within walking distance of the station to bypass the parking lottery entirely.
Monthly passes are available for regular commuters who frequently travel between two rail stations, offering savings compared to daily ticket prices. If you plan to take the train frequently, exploring these options is essential to cut down on costs.
The "Newark Shuffle": It is important to note that unlike the direct trains from Short Hills, most Westfield trains require a transfer at Newark Penn Station. However, during off-peak hours, NJ Transit occasionally runs a "one-seat ride" directly into the city.
The Westfield train station is conveniently located in the heart of downtown at Summit Avenue between North and South Avenue, making it easy to grab a coffee or breakfast before your ride. The trip typically takes about an hour, depending on the transfer connection.
Parking Permits: Parking is a premium commodity. While there are daily spots, the waitlist for a resident permit can be lengthy. Many savvy commuters look at homes within walking distance of the station to bypass the parking lottery entirely.
Monthly passes are available for regular commuters who frequently travel between two rail stations, offering savings compared to daily ticket prices. If you plan to take the train frequently, exploring these options is essential to cut down on costs.
The Bus: NJ Transit & The "Boxcar" Option
For many Westfield residents, the bus is actually the preferred method over the train because it offers a true one-seat ride into the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT).
NJ Transit 113X: This is the express bus. It picks up right downtown and takes the HOV lane into the Lincoln Tunnel, often beating the train door-to-door.
The Luxury Option (Boxcar): For those looking for a guaranteed seat and Wi-Fi, the private commuter service Boxcar has gained massive popularity. It offers reserved seating buses from Westfield directly to Midtown, appealing to high-level executives who need to work en route. This service is also popular in neighboring Scotch Plains and Berkeley Heights.
NJ Transit 113X: This is the express bus. It picks up right downtown and takes the HOV lane into the Lincoln Tunnel, often beating the train door-to-door.
The Luxury Option (Boxcar): For those looking for a guaranteed seat and Wi-Fi, the private commuter service Boxcar has gained massive popularity. It offers reserved seating buses from Westfield directly to Midtown, appealing to high-level executives who need to work en route. This service is also popular in neighboring Scotch Plains and Berkeley Heights.
Driving & The Harrison PATH Hack
Driving into New York City is another option, but it comes with challenges if you tackle this trip on a daily basis. The distance from Westfield to Midtown Manhattan is roughly only 25 miles, but traffic can significantly impact your travel time. During rush hour, the drive can take over an hour.
The Harrison Hack: Many Westfield residents prefer to drive 20 minutes to the Harrison PATH station. From there, it is a quick 15-minute train ride to World Trade Center or 33rd Street. This avoids the expensive city parking and the unpredictable tunnel traffic, offering a nice middle ground between driving and public transit.
Carpooling is another effective way to cut down on costs and make the drive more efficient. If you work in a location that isn't easily accessible by train or bus, sharing the ride with coworkers or neighbors can make the commute much more manageable.
The Harrison Hack: Many Westfield residents prefer to drive 20 minutes to the Harrison PATH station. From there, it is a quick 15-minute train ride to World Trade Center or 33rd Street. This avoids the expensive city parking and the unpredictable tunnel traffic, offering a nice middle ground between driving and public transit.
Carpooling is another effective way to cut down on costs and make the drive more efficient. If you work in a location that isn't easily accessible by train or bus, sharing the ride with coworkers or neighbors can make the commute much more manageable.
How to Handle Unexpected Delays
Even the most well-thought-out commuting plans can sometimes be disrupted by delays. Train service interruptions, road closures, and inclement weather can all affect your travel time. So, having a backup plan in place can make these situations much easier to manage.
Keeping an eye on NJ Transit alerts and traffic reports before leaving home can help you adjust your plans if needed. If a major delay is expected, working remotely for the day (if possible) can be a helpful alternative as well. Flexibility is key when commuting from Westfield to NYC.
Keeping an eye on NJ Transit alerts and traffic reports before leaving home can help you adjust your plans if needed. If a major delay is expected, working remotely for the day (if possible) can be a helpful alternative as well. Flexibility is key when commuting from Westfield to NYC.
Many people find the commute from Westfield to NYC to be well worth it. The town offers a welcoming atmosphere, great dining and shopping options, and a peaceful environment away from the city’s hustle and stress. If you’re looking for a balance between work in NYC and life in a charming suburban setting, Westfield real estate is an excellent choice.
In the end, commuting does require adequate planning, but with the right approach, it can become a part of your routine without overwhelming your day. By choosing the proper travel methods, optimizing your schedule, and using your time effectively, you can make the most of your commute while enjoying everything Westfield has to offer.
If you’re ready to explore Westfield, NJ, real estate and become a new homeowner in this incredible community, reach out to the Michelle Pais Group for trusted guidance.
The Michelle Pais Group also specializes in nearby New Jersey neighborhoods like Summit, Scotch Plains, Short Hills, Mountainside, Harding, Berkeley Heights, Springfield, and more.
