87 Bus to Journal Square Schedule & Transit Guide

Navigating Hudson County on public transit requires reliable local routes, and few lines are as essential as New Jersey Transit's Route 87. Whether you commute daily from Jersey City Heights, transfer from the train at Hoboken Terminal, or head north from Greenville, having an accurate look at the 87 bus to Journal Square schedule ensures you reach your destination without unnecessary waiting. This guide covers timetable expectations, key boarding locations, peak vs. off-peak frequencies, fares, and real-time tracking tools.

Overview of the NJ Transit Route 87

NJ Transit Bus Route 87 runs between Hoboken Terminal and Gates Avenue (Curries Woods) in Jersey City, cutting directly through the heart of the city via the Journal Square Transportation Center (JSQ). Because Journal Square acts as a central mid-route hub, buses arrive from two opposite directions:

• Southbound / Westbound (from Hoboken): Originates at Hoboken Terminal, climbs into Jersey City Heights via Paterson Plank Road, traverses Central Avenue, and descends south into Journal Square.
• Northbound / Eastbound (from Gates Ave): Travels northward along Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Monticello Avenue, terminating or continuing onward through Journal Square.

For most commuters heading into Journal Square, the bus serves as a vital connector to the PATH train system, regional coach lines, and local businesses in central Jersey City.

87 Bus to Journal Square Schedule and Frequency

NJ Transit schedules vary depending on the day of the week, peak traffic patterns, and whether you are traveling toward Journal Square from Hoboken Terminal or south from Gates Avenue. Below is a breakdown of what to expect across different travel windows.

Weekday Timetable Overview

Weekday service is frequent, catering heavily to commuters connecting with the PATH system at Journal Square for travel into Lower and Midtown Manhattan.

• Morning Rush (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Buses generally arrive every 8 to 12 minutes along the Central Avenue corridor heading into Journal Square. Service from Gates Avenue operates on a similar 10 to 15-minute cadence.
• Midday (9:00 AM – 3:30 PM): Service steadies to every 15 to 20 minutes in both directions.
• Evening Rush (3:30 PM – 7:00 PM): Frequency increases to every 10 to 12 minutes to accommodate return commuter traffic.
• Late Night (after 9:00 PM): Buses taper to every 30 to 45 minutes, with the final trips generally concluding between midnight and 1:00 AM.

Saturday Schedule

Weekend demand remains strong along the Central Avenue shopping district and transfer corridors. On Saturdays, service begins around 5:30 AM and runs until past midnight.

• Daytime (8:00 AM – 7:00 PM): Buses typically run every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Early Morning and Late Evening: Departures run roughly every 30 minutes.

Sunday and Holiday Schedule

Sunday schedules reflect reduced frequency, though service remains consistent throughout the day. Holidays (such as New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) generally follow the Sunday timetable.

• Daytime (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM): Buses operate approximately every 20 to 30 minutes.
• Early Morning and Evening: Departures spread out to every 30 to 45 minutes.

Key Stops Along Route 87 Toward Journal Square

Video: Gady J Rides the 87 to JSQ from Hoboken

Depending on your starting point, knowing where the 87 makes its major stops can help you time your walk to the platform or street corner:

1. Hoboken Terminal (Lane 1): The northern terminus connects riders to NJ Transit rail, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail, NY Waterway ferries, and the PATH train.
2. Congress St & Central Ave: Serves the northern end of Jersey City Heights, near the 9th Street/Congress Street Light Rail elevator.
3. Central Ave & South St / Bowers St / North St: Primary commercial boarding zones across the Heights neighborhood.
4. Journal Square Transportation Center: The central station hub. Buses pull directly into the multi-level bus facility, allowing an indoor connection to the PATH platform.
5. MLK Jr. Drive & Communipaw Ave: Critical transfer stop south of Journal Square for those riding northbound from the Jackson Hill and Bergen-Lafayette areas.
6. Gates Ave / Ocean Ave: The southern terminus near Curries Woods.

Fares and Payment Options

NJ Transit bus fares depend on the number of zones crossed. Most localized trips on the 87 within Jersey City or between Hoboken and Journal Square cover one or two zones.

• One-Zone Local Fare: As of the recent NJ Transit fare adjustment, a basic 1-zone adult local bus fare is $1.80.
• Two-Zone Fare: If your trip spans across specific regional zone boundaries along the line, a 2-zone fare ($2.95) may apply.
• Payment Methods: You can pay using exact change aboard the bus (drivers do not carry cash), purchase a paper ticket at station vending machines (available inside Hoboken Terminal and Journal Square), or tap an electronic ticket using the NJ Transit Mobile App. Contactless debit/credit card tap-to-pay is also increasingly available on NJ Transit buses.
• Discounts: Senior citizens (62+), passengers with disabilities, and children aged 5–11 travel at reduced rates. Children 4 and under ride free with a paying adult.

Tips for Managing Delays and Real-Time Tracking

Traffic along Central Avenue and Paterson Plank Road can become heavily congested during peak rush hours, school dismissals, and inclement weather. Because of this, printed timetables should serve as an estimate rather than a guarantee.

To ensure you do not miss your ride:

• Use NJ Transit MyBus: Text the 5-digit bus stop number found on any NJ Transit bus stop sign to 69287. You will receive an immediate text back showing the estimated arrival times of the next few buses.
• Monitor the NJ Transit App: The interactive map allows you to view live GPS tracking for individual Route 87 coaches, giving you visibility into real-time road delays.
• Plan for Elevation Delays: Trips originating in Hoboken must climb the Palisades toward Jersey City Heights. Slippery conditions in winter or roadwork along Paterson Plank Road can cause minor bunching of buses heading up toward Journal Square.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the 87 bus pick up at Journal Square?

The 87 departs from the designated bus platforms inside the Journal Square Transportation Center. Check the departure monitors near the terminal concourse, as platform assignments (typically within the C or D bays) can adjust based on construction or operational needs.

How long does the 87 bus take from Hoboken to Journal Square?

Under standard traffic conditions, the trip takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes. During heavy morning or afternoon rush hours, travel time can stretch to 40 or 45 minutes.

Does the 87 bus run 24 hours a day?

No. Route 87 is not a 24-hour service. The earliest weekday runs leave around 5:00 AM, and the last buses generally complete their routes slightly after midnight. Commuters needing late-night options between Hoboken and Journal Square outside these hours should consider the PATH train (via Newport or Grove Street transfers) or local rideshares.

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