Labor Day Trip to Popular New Jersey Spots – New Yorkers Can Also Enjoy Free Metro.

New Jersey Transit Offers Free Rides Continues Until September 2

New Jersey Transit’s free week continues until September 2, encompassing the Labor Day holiday, providing an opportunity for interested citizens to enjoy a day trip in New Jersey.

Here are suggested routes to six popular attractions in New Jersey. While all buses and trains on New Jersey Transit do not require a ticket, certain segments as mentioned will require a separate ticket purchase.

1. American Dream Mall

Located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the massive entertainment-themed shopping center “American Dream Mall” is not only the second largest mall in the United States but also houses multiple amusement parks and indoor entertainment venues, suitable for family outings.

Transportation: Depart from Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd Street in Manhattan, take the 161 Paterson bus, alight at Road A at Washington Avenue and walk for about 20 minutes. The journey takes approximately 1 hour one way.

2. Liberty State Park

Situated in Jersey City, Liberty State Park is one of the popular tourist destinations, offering a unique vantage point to admire the majestic Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. The park also features walking and cycling paths.

Transportation: Take the PATH train from 33rd Street in Manhattan (ticket required) to Hoboken Terminal, then transfer to HBLR Side/8th light rail to Liberty State Park station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour one way.

3. Asbury Park

Located in Asbury Park, known for its historic boardwalks and music venues, Asbury Park is a great place for seaside leisure activities and live music performances.

Transportation: Take the 3363 Bay Head train from Penn Station in Manhattan to Asbury Park station. The journey takes around 1.5 hours one way.

4. Hoboken

In Hoboken, New Jersey, boasting beautiful views of the Manhattan skyline, numerous restaurants, bars, and charming waterfront parks, it is also a must-visit tourist spot in New Jersey.

Transportation: Board the 126 bus (Hoboken Path) from Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to Washington Street and 6th Street. The journey takes about 40 minutes one way.

5. Morristown National Historical Park

Located in Morristown, Morristown National Historical Park houses the winter headquarters established by George Washington during the American Revolutionary War, making it a great place to learn about American revolutionary history.

Transportation: Take the 193 bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to Willowbrook Mall Shoppers and transfer to the 874 bus to Rail Station Parking Lot Off Morris St. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes one way.

6. Princeton University

Princeton University, situated in Princeton, offers views of its beautiful campus and historic buildings, as well as the Princeton University Art Museum.

Transportation: Take the NEC 3949 Trenton Station train from Penn Station in Manhattan to Princeton Junction, then transfer to the Princeton Shuttle to reach Princeton University or walk to Princeton station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours one way.

In addition to the aforementioned attractions, the New Jersey shoreline routes are also popular tourist destinations, such as the famous casino resorts in Atlantic City. However, this route is longer, making it more challenging for a round trip solely reliant on public transportation.

While New Jersey Transit is fare-free this week, delays may still occur. Before traveling, passengers should check the NJ Transit App and news platforms for real-time information. A passenger reported to this publication that her Monday train was delayed by over 30 minutes, advising those with urgent travel plans to allocate ample time.