My girlfriend and I and a couple friends are going into NYC this coming weekend and train fares from Philadelphia to NYC are astronomical (I think I could fly to florida for less) so I am thinking we will drive up the turnpike to somewhere in Jersey and take a train into Penn Station from there. Question is, where would you guys recommend to get the train in Jersey? I considered Elizabeth only because I recognized the name and location (I went to ikea there once), but I realize it might not be the best part of town. But I am looking for something around that area because it's easy to get to, just hop off the freeway and you're there. The stipulation is that we will be parking our car there and coming back over at night after dark, and I don't want to get mugged or anything LOL. Can you NY / Jersey guys recommend a good train station to use? Thanks!

 

Thats not a far commute.. I used to do it all the time.

I would personally take the one in New Brunswick - #1 choice, Long Branch (if you want to go the shore) or Penn Station in Newark if you feel like parking and trusting the gangsta parking lots and attendants.

 

metropark station, they have a parking deck

 

Too bad you don't live near Toms River, you can take the bus and its like round trip 36 dollars or something to that effect..

 

either metropark station or matawan station. both are very trusting and safe. i take either one for hockey games and such every year.

 

Several choices:

1. Drive to Hamilton station and take NJT. Advantage: large parking lot in nice area. Disadvantage: moderately long drive on 295, long train ride.

2. Take Riverline to Trenton, change for NJT. Advantage: most cost-effective. Disadvantage: 2 trains.

3. Drive to Newark Penn Station and take PATH or NJT. Advantage: least time on trains. Disadvantage: long drive on Turnpike, most expensive option (when figuring in gas and tolls).

 

My advice.... STAY HOME. New York is very dangerous!!!

 

Thanks for the advice you guys. Two people have suggested Metropark and it seems to be a decent place, so I'll give that a try.

 

New Brunswick Train Station is cool. 1 Railroad Plaza

 

look,, i you're gonna drive up to north nj,, then just go most of the way to the ferry over by the lincoln tunnel (anyone remember which dock is right there?? IDK the name).... The new one actually seems to be a pretty secure parking lot; when i go up there,, I always see some old fully restored muscle car and at least 2 -3 worked Supras...