Depends on what part of Manhattan you're going to. My wife worked in FiDi and took the ferry. It was pretty reliable. Always on time. Packed some days but she was always able to get a seat. She said if she was working in midtown, the train would've been the better choice because Penn Station is right there. Commute times on paper look longer on the train, but it's all a matter of where you want to go. Keep in mind the ferry is way more expensive than the train, even with the multi-trip book. Oh, and the ferry does go to midtown, but again, it's all about where your final destination is and how much time and money you're willing to pay.

Definitely depends on your final destination in the city. Keep in mind the ferry is much more expensive than the train, but you can’t beat it as a commuting method (unless you get sea sick!)

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If you can deal with the cost, the ferry is a good option.

Otherwise, the NJCL train to Penn Station Newark and PATH to WTC combination works as well.

Ferry would be first choice because it drops you off right near Wall St. But the train to Penn then Path to WTC is another option. Longer commute time but less expensive.

Middletown and red bank both have stations for NJ Transit. And if you catch an express 3300 train it's not that bad if a commute honestly. Much cheaper than driving or the ferry too. But it depends where in Manhattan you want to go, it'll just take you to midtown at Penn. You can always transfer at Penn for the subway or path. But still.

I lived in Shrewsbury for a few years. I used to take the Academy Bus from the Red Bank/Lincroft park and ride right next to 109 exit of the GSP. I worked in midtown, and started at 8am. I’d have to catch a bus between 6am and 6:20. Any bus later then 6:20 I feel like you’re risking being late. To be clear the buses between 6 and 6:20 would an hour into Port Authority. Also, I worked in midtown. If you work downtown, the bus ride is a guaranteed hour and a half. I feel like it’s doable. That area is an awesome part of NJ that’s worth the commute.

That commute would be a living hell.

How often do you have to go in? A day or two a week is a wholly different thing than four or five days a week.

Ehhh. Been doing longer for 20+ years. You get used to it. It’s definitely not for everyone though.

Definitely second on the ferry, if you can afford it. Otherwise, NJT NJCL is your next best bet.

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drive to holmdel and take the ferry. or drive to edison and park there and the train and then subway or path. or drive to newark and PATH from there

Yeah my friends’ dads did it for their entire careers before retiring, on the Ferry though. There’s a reason Middletown lost the second highest of residents to 9/11 after NYC, huge commuter town.

I remember finally getting on a train out of Penn and coming down the line and the cars already taped off from the people they knew weren’t coming home.

My husband takes the ferry in twice a week and LOVES it. It's clean, safe and easy.

If I was further up the line, I’d take it. But I’m not, so I suffer the train.