How to Ride - Light Rail

We have three separate light rail systems in Essex County, Hudson County, and from Trenton to Camden. You can use the Service Near You tab to find your closest rail stations. You can also use any of the other tabs immediately below to assist you in planning your trip!

Service Near You   Trip Planner   Light Rail Schedules   Light Rail Maps

After you find your light rail station, grab a timetable brochure to see the scheduled time for your light rail. We carry timetables on our website HERE and you can also find timetables (and purchase light rail tickets) in the NJ TRANSIT App.

Know your origin/destination, and the date and time of your travel. If you are traveling on the weekend, or on a major holiday, be sure to double-check the schedule for varied times.  

Be sure to read the Travel Flexibility, Connections, and different policies provided on each timetable brochure!   

The next step is to buy your light rail ticket which can be done with any of the following methods:

Mobile App

Tap & Ride

Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)

Ticket Office

Download the free NJ TRANSIT App to purchase tickets and receive real-time service updates. Video tutorial coming soon!

Simply tap your payment card or phone on the payment scanner at each station, and you'll receive a validated one-way adult ticket. Video tutorial coming soon!

TVMs are available at every light rail station. Cash, credit cards, and debit cards from all major service providers are accepted. Video tutorial coming soon!

Ticket offices can be found at most major connecting hubs. Click HERE to check ticket office hours and availability.

We want you to save as much money as you can so be sure to check out our discounts that may apply to you or someone in your travel party. We offer many options such as Children’s Tickets (ages 5-11), Family SuperSaver, and Senior/Disabled/Military Tickets. Click HERE for a complete list of ticket options and discounts. 

IMPORTANT: Be sure to validate your ticket prior to boarding. You can do this by using the ticket validators found adjacent to the TVM or at the time of purchase on the TVM. Failure to provide proof of ticket purchase prior to boarding will result in a serious fine. 

• Parking: Plan to arrive early for your light rail, as parking availability varies by station, day, and time. Some stations may not have parking or may require a permit. Please visit Station Information for parking information and rates. 
• Alerts and Information: Visit our NJ TRANSIT Travel Alerts and Advisories page, download the NJ TRANSIT App, sign up for email alerts, or follow our light rail line accounts on X for up-to-date alerts. Always listen for station announcements. 
• Station Amenities: Some stations have bathrooms available for public use. Most stations will have bike racks; in addition, foldable personal vehicles can be taken aboard our light rail trains at any time. 
• Accessibility: All light rail stations are fully accessible except four stations on the Newark Light Rail: Military Park, Warren Street, Norfolk Street, and Park Avenue. 

• Now that you have arrived at the station, check the station signs to be sure which platform your train is arriving on. Double-check the direction of your travel so you board the right train. 
• If you're in a hurry and need to catch a light rail, we also offer Tap & Ride, which allows customers to tap their payment card or mobile wallet on the ticket validators found at all light rail stations. Once you've tapped, your ticket will be valid for a one-way fare. It's that easy!
• While waiting for your train, please stay behind the yellow line until the train comes to a complete stop.  
• Allow people to exit the train before boarding to ensure an efficient flow. 
• Find any available seats since they aren’t assigned. We also have accessible priority seating available for those who need it.  
• Hold onto any personal belongings and keep the aisles clear and seats available for other riders.  
• Our light rail systems have fare inspectors who perform random ticket inspections. Have your ticket available upon request to avoid a fine.  

• For electronic tickets, be sure to activate your ticket a few minutes before boarding to avoid the possibility of poor cell service.  
• Do not lean on the doors. 
• Do not play loud music while on board.  
• Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on all NJ TRANSIT vehicles, stations, and platforms.  
• Eating and drinking, of any kind, is prohibited on board NJ TRANSIT light rail cars. 
• Be sure to listen to all onboard announcements for your station stop and any potential delays. 
• If there is an emergency while riding on the light rail, follow the operator’s instructions. It is important that you listen and do as they say. 
• Safety is everybody’s responsibility. Report anything suspicious by sending a text message to the number 65873 or calling NJ TRANSIT Police at 888-847-7658 to speak with someone. 

• Before you leave your seat, please check for any items left behind, and if you happen to leave something behind, fill out our Lost & Found inquiry form HERE.  
• Do not leave trash on the light rail. 
• Many of our stations have pedestrian crossings on each end of the platform. Look both ways before crossing to ensure that no other light rail vehicles are approaching. 
• Local taxi and rideshare services are available at some of our light rail stations.  
• Congratulations, you successfully completed your journey! Check the wayfinding signs if making connections with other NJ TRANSIT rail, bus, and light rail services or connecting to other transit systems. 

We ask that our customers remain respectful and understanding to each other and our staff at all times. Please remember to “Ride Kind”!