NJ Transit 160 Bus Schedule & Route Guide

Navigating your daily commute from New Jersey to Manhattan requires reliable transit information. If you travel from Elmwood Park, Garfield, or South Hackensack, the NJ Transit bus route is your primary lifeline into the city. Having a reliable 160 bus schedule port authority reference on hand helps you avoid unnecessary delays, whether you are heading to work, school, or a weekend outing.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the NJ Transit No. 160 bus line, including route highlights, schedule structures, peak commuting tips, and where to catch your ride.

Overview of the NJ Transit 160 Bus Route

The No. 160 bus is operated by NJ Transit and primarily serves commuters traveling from Bergen County, New Jersey, directly into midtown Manhattan. The line terminates at the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT), located at 8th Avenue and 42nd Street, making it exceptionally convenient for access to subways and midtown workplaces.

Depending on the specific run, the route generally connects:

• Elmwood Park (Broadway / Molnar Dr)
• Garfield
• South Hackensack
• Lodi
• Hackensack (limited runs or connections)
• Lincoln Tunnel XBL (Exclusive Bus Lane during morning peak)
• Port Authority Bus Terminal (New York City)

Understanding the 160 Bus Schedule Port Authority

NJ Transit operates the 160 route on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, though weekend frequency is significantly reduced compared to weekday rush hours. Because traffic conditions through the Lincoln Tunnel can vary wildly, looking at a static timetable is only half the battle.

Weekday Commuting Schedule

During Monday through Friday peak hours, buses run frequently to accommodate commuters heading into the city.

• Morning Rush Hour (Inbound to NYC): Buses begin rolling out before 6:00 AM, with departures often spaced every 10 to 20 minutes to handle heavy commuter volume.
• Evening Rush Hour (Outbound to NJ): Return trips from the Port Authority Bus Terminal pick up passengers starting in the mid-afternoon and run steadily through the evening peak until late night.

Weekend and Off-Peak Service

Off-peak and weekend schedules feature much wider gaps between departures—sometimes ranging from one to two hours. If you are planning a weekend trip into the city, always verify the latest timetable via the official NJ Transit app or website to ensure you do not miss the last inbound or outbound bus of the day.

Key Stops and Transfer Points

Knowing your boarding location and how to connect to other transit networks makes the journey much smoother.

Major Boarding Locations in New Jersey

Most passengers board along major commercial corridors in Elmwood Park and Garfield. Key access points include:

• Broadway and 5th Street (Garfield)
• Molnar Drive and Plaza Road (Elmwood Park)
• Local highway stops along Route 46 and Route 3, depending on the specific branch variation.

Arrival at Port Authority Bus Terminal

When your bus arrives in Manhattan, it pulls into the massive Port Authority Bus Terminal. From here, you have immediate indoor access to the NYC Subway system:

• A, C, E Lines: Accessible directly from the lower and upper concourses.
• 1, 2, 3, 7, N, Q, R, W Lines: A short walk through underground corridors to Times Square–42nd Street station.

Fares and Ticketing Options

NJ Transit utilizes a zone-based fare system. The cost of your ride on the 160 bus depends on how many zones you cross between your origin in New Jersey and your destination in New York City (typically Zone 4 or similar depending on the exact town).

How to Buy Tickets

• NJ Transit Mobile App: The most convenient way to purchase and activate one-way or monthly passes right on your smartphone. Simply show the activated ticket to the driver upon boarding.
• Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs): Available at the Port Authority Bus Terminal for return trips to New Jersey.
• Exact Cash: Drivers accept exact cash fare, but they do not make change. It is heavily recommended to use the mobile app or purchase tickets in advance to speed up boarding.

Tips for a Smooth Commute

Mastering the 160 bus line takes a little local knowledge. Keep these practical tips in mind:

1. Monitor Real-Time Data: Use third-party transit apps or the NJ Transit MyBus feature to track your bus in real time. Traffic delays on Route 3 and at the Lincoln Tunnel can throw off scheduled times.
2. Arrive Early: During morning rush hour, buses can sometimes run slightly ahead or behind schedule due to traffic. Arrive at your stop at least 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
3. Utilize the Lincoln Tunnel XBL: During morning peak hours, inbound buses utilize the Exclusive Bus Lane, which drastically cuts down commute times into Manhattan.

By checking the official 160 bus schedule port authority updates before you head out, you can ensure a reliable, stress-free trip between New Jersey and New York City.

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