Thinking about living in River Vale and commuting to New York City? You are not alone. Many buyers love River Vale’s suburban feel and still need a reliable way into Manhattan. In this guide, you will learn the most practical routes, realistic time ranges, parking tips, and tools to keep your commute smooth. Let’s dive in.
River Vale commute at a glance
River Vale is a Bergen County township with local roads that feed into major highways toward the George Washington Bridge and Lincoln Tunnel. The town does not have its own rail station. Your main in‑town public transit is commuter bus service operated by Rockland Coaches to Midtown and the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Nearby NJ Transit rail stations on the Pascack Valley Line in Westwood, Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, and Montvale add strong options if you can drive or get dropped off. For background on the township and transit context, see the overview of River Vale, New Jersey.
Option 1: River Vale commuter buses to NYC
Rockland Coaches (Coach USA) runs peak‑oriented commuter routes that pick up in River Vale and go to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown and the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. Route numbers and stop locations can change, so check current schedules and maps before you ride. Learn more about the operator’s service history and patterns on the Rockland Coaches summary, and confirm fares on the Coach USA fares and ticketing page.
- Typical travel time: about 40 to 75 minutes to Midtown, depending on route, traffic, and whether your bus uses the GWB or Lincoln Tunnel corridors.
- Service pattern: strongest during weekday peaks. Off‑peak and weekend service may be limited.
- Boarding: common pick‑ups are along Westwood Avenue and Rivervale Road/Prospect Avenue areas. Always verify exact stops on the operator’s timetable or map.
Pros
- Direct to Midtown or the GWB Bus Station with no rail transfer.
- In‑town pickup, often walkable or a short drive.
Cons
- Subject to highway congestion on approach to Manhattan.
- Peak‑focused schedules and occasional operator adjustments.
Option 2: Nearby NJ Transit rail on the Pascack Valley Line
If you prefer trains, you can drive to the closest Pascack Valley Line stations, including Westwood, Hillsdale, Woodcliff Lake, Park Ridge, and Montvale. From there, trains run to Hoboken Terminal with connections to PATH or ferry services, and transfers at Secaucus Junction to reach New York Penn Station. For route structure and transfers, see the Pascack Valley Line overview.
- Typical rail time to Hoboken: about 35 to 55 minutes from nearby stations, plus transfer time to PATH, ferry, or another NJ Transit train if your destination is in Manhattan.
- Parking: many station lots are municipal and permit‑based, with some daily spaces where available. Review local station pages, such as Westwood Station, for parking rules and links to town programs.
Pros
- More predictable run times than highway‑based buses during heavy traffic.
- Flexible last‑mile options from Hoboken, including PATH to 33rd Street or ferries to Midtown and Downtown.
Cons
- Requires a drive or drop‑off to the station and attention to permit rules.
- Transfers add time, especially for Midtown West or Downtown destinations.
Option 3: Drive to the Port Imperial ferry
For a fast water crossing, drive to NY Waterway’s Port Imperial terminal in Weehawken. Ferries run frequently during peaks and the Midtown crossing can be as quick as about 8 minutes. Port Imperial has on‑site parking garages and free Midtown shuttle buses for last‑mile connections. Check schedules, parking, and fares on the NY Waterway Port Imperial page.
Pros
- Fast, comfortable ride that avoids tunnel backups.
- Smooth last‑mile with Midtown shuttles.
Cons
- Requires driving and paid parking, which adds cost.
- Peak schedules are best, so build in extra time off‑peak.
Option 4: Driving and park‑and‑ride
Many commuters drive via local roads toward Route 4 for the George Washington Bridge or toward Route 3 and I‑495 for the Lincoln Tunnel, depending on your Manhattan destination. Travel times vary widely by time of day and incidents, ranging from about 30 minutes in very light conditions to 60 minutes or more during heavy congestion. Some commuters use regional facilities like the Vince Lombardi Park & Ride to park and connect to express buses or carpools.
Tips
- Use live navigation apps to compare GWB versus Lincoln Tunnel approaches before you depart.
- Keep an eye on bridge and tunnel alerts during weather events and holidays.
Choose the best route by destination
- Midtown near Port Authority: the in‑town Rockland Coaches bus to PABT is often the simplest, with no transfers.
- Herald Square, Penn Station, or East Midtown: Pascack Valley Line to Secaucus, transfer to an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station, or Pascack to Hoboken and PATH to 33rd Street.
- Downtown or World Trade Center: Pascack Valley Line to Hoboken, then PATH to WTC, or take the Hoboken or Port Imperial ferry to Downtown.
- Upper Manhattan or Washington Heights: a bus to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station can be efficient.
Sample morning itineraries
- Bus, River Vale to Midtown: walk or drive to your closest River Vale stop, ride Rockland Coaches to Port Authority. Plan for about 40 to 75 minutes depending on traffic and route. Confirm exact stops and times with the operator.
- Rail plus PATH, Westwood to Midtown: drive to Westwood Station, take the Pascack Valley Line to Hoboken, transfer to PATH for 33rd Street. Plan about 35 to 55 minutes to Hoboken, plus PATH wait and ride time. Review current Pascack Valley timetables here.
- Drive plus ferry, Port Imperial to Midtown: drive to Port Imperial, park, take NY Waterway to Midtown. The ferry ride is about 8 minutes, with free Midtown shuttles for last‑mile connections. Check schedules and parking on the Port Imperial page.
Schedules and parking info last checked October 16, 2025. Always confirm operator pages before you travel.
Parking, permits, and helpful apps
- Station parking: many Pascack Valley Line stations use municipal permit systems with limited daily spaces. Start with the Westwood Station page and your specific town’s parking info.
- Tickets and schedules: use operator apps and timetables. For trains, reference NJ Transit timetables such as the Pascack Valley Line PDF linked above. For buses, review Coach USA’s current routes and fares on the Coach USA page. For ferries, use the NY Waterway Port Imperial page.
- Real‑time tools: Google Maps or Waze for driving, NJ Transit app for trains, Coach USA app or site for bus tickets, and NY Waterway app for ferries. Subscribe to service alerts for the lines you plan to use.
Your Plan B checklist
- If the bus is delayed, check alternate Rockland routes or head to a nearby Pascack Valley Line station.
- If rail has a disruption, consider the Port Imperial ferry or driving to a park‑and‑ride. Regional operators have adjusted schedules in recent years, so stay flexible and monitor alerts. See the operator background on Rockland Coaches and general disruption notes like this transit advisory roundup.
- Keep a small buffer in your schedule on weather days or before important meetings.
Ready to test the commute from River Vale?
Choosing the right route depends on where you live in River Vale, where you work in the city, and how you balance time, cost, and convenience. If you want a local perspective on neighborhoods near bus stops, station parking access, or drive times, reach out. I will help you weigh options and find a home that fits your commute and lifestyle.
Connect with Jacqueline Vasquez to compare routes and neighborhoods that match your goals.
FAQs
Is River Vale workable for daily NYC commuting?
- Yes. River Vale has direct commuter buses to Midtown and the GWB Bus Station, plus nearby Pascack Valley Line rail stations with transfers to PATH, ferries, or Secaucus for New York Penn Station. See the River Vale overview and Pascack Valley Line.
How long does it take to commute from River Vale to Midtown?
- Plan a range. Buses are typically about 40 to 75 minutes to Port Authority depending on traffic. Rail from nearby stations is about 35 to 55 minutes to Hoboken, plus transfer time to PATH or a connecting NJ Transit train. Ferry crossings from Port Imperial are about 8 minutes, plus your drive and parking time. See operator details on Rockland Coaches, Pascack Valley Line, and NY Waterway.
Where can I park for train or ferry commutes near River Vale?
- Use municipal lots at Pascack Valley Line stations like Westwood Station for permit or daily parking where available, or park at Port Imperial’s garages for ferry service. Policies and fees change, so confirm before you go.
What if service changes or there is a delay?
- Have a backup. Try a different nearby station, head to Port Imperial for the ferry, or adjust to a bus route with availability. Stay tuned to operator alerts and regional advisories like this transit disruption roundup.
Which option is most cost‑effective from River Vale?
- Costs vary by pass type, parking, and frequency of travel. Compare bus fares on the Coach USA page, rail fares on NJ Transit timetables such as the Pascack Valley Line, and ferry pricing on NY Waterway to find your best fit.