October 4, 2026 | By John Apicella, Cynthia Apicella Group at Keller Williams Midtown Direct Realty
Springfield doesn’t have its own train station, but that hasn’t stopped it from being one of the best towns in Union County for commuting from Springfield, NJ to NYC. Residents have four solid ways to get into Manhattan: a direct NJ Transit bus, express commuter buses, the town’s own jitney to the train, and a short drive to three Midtown Direct train stations. Here’s how each one works, so you can pick the commute that fits your life.
Option 1: The NJ Transit 114 Bus
The 114 is the simplest way to get from Springfield to Midtown. It picks up right in town along Morris Avenue and Mountain Avenue and runs straight to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Many Springfield homes are a short walk from a stop.
The route runs seven days a week, and all trips use wheelchair-accessible buses. Depending on traffic, the ride typically takes about an hour. Heading home, the 114 leaves Port Authority from Gate 222 between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
Best for: Commuters who work near Times Square or the west side of Midtown and want to walk to their bus stop.
Option 2: Express Commuter Buses From Summit
If you want a faster, more comfortable bus ride, two express options are just over the Summit border.
Lakeland Bus Route 78 picks up at the Summit Park & Ride on Springfield Avenue, right next to Briant Park, and runs to Port Authority. As of July 2026, a one-way ticket from Summit costs $16.00, with discounted ten-trip tickets available.
Parking at the Summit Park & Ride (Summit’s Lot 15) is easy:
- No permit required. Parking is $3 per day.
- Pay at the lot with dollar coins, exact-change bills, or a credit card, or through the ParkMobile app.
- Save by prepaying. Regular riders can prepay monthly, quarterly, or annually through the City of Summit’s online permit system and save $20 a month.
Boxcar is a premium option. Its Ridgeliner route picks up on Broad Street in downtown Summit, across from the train station. Seats are reserved, and buses offer Wi-Fi, power outlets, and restrooms. Instead of ending at a terminal, Boxcar drops riders curbside at several points across Midtown.
Best for: Commuters who want a guaranteed seat and fewer stops.
Option 3: The Springfield Jitney to Short Hills
This is one of Springfield’s best-kept commuter perks. The township runs a Park & Ride Jitney from the Springfield Community Pool lot at 44 Morrison Road to the Short Hills train station. You can drive to the pool lot and park, or walk if you live nearby. The shuttle drops you at the train, and in the evening it picks you up at the station and brings you back.
- Cost: $3.00 per one-way ride, or $50 per month for a monthly pass. Payment is by cash or check made out to “Township of Springfield.”
- Morning departures: from the pool lot, starting at 5:30 a.m., with the last shuttle at 8:31 a.m.
- Evening returns: from Short Hills, between 4:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
- Schedule: weekdays only. The jitney doesn’t run on weekends or major holidays.
Riders need to fill out a Jitney Rider Form, available on the Township of Springfield website.
The jitney matters because parking at the Short Hills and Millburn stations is tightly controlled for Millburn residents. The jitney gives Springfield commuters reliable access to the train without fighting for a spot.
Best for: Train commuters who want a one-seat ride to Penn Station without worrying about station parking.
Option 4: Drive to a Midtown Direct Train Station
Springfield sits minutes from three NJ Transit stations on the Morris & Essex Line: Short Hills, Millburn, and Summit. All three offer Midtown Direct service, a one-seat ride straight into New York Penn Station with no transfer.
From Summit, the ride to Penn Station typically takes 35 to 40 minutes, and Millburn and Short Hills are similar. During rush hour, trains run about every 20 minutes, with hourly service off-peak. Summit is also the junction for the Gladstone Branch, which adds even more train options.
Best for: Commuters who work near Penn Station or want the fastest, most predictable ride.
Which Commute Is Right for You?
The best option usually depends on where in Springfield you live and where in Manhattan you work:
- Live near Morris or Mountain Avenue? The 114 bus may be a short walk from your door.
- Live near the pool on Morrison Road? The jitney to Short Hills is hard to beat.
- Work near Penn Station or on the east side? Midtown Direct trains or Boxcar will likely save you time.
Having this many choices is a big part of why Springfield appeals to buyers relocating from New York City. You can find a commute that works without paying Short Hills or Summit prices for your home.
Thinking About Moving to Springfield?
If commuting is part of your home search, we’re happy to help you find a home that fits your route, whether that’s walking distance to the 114, near the jitney lot, or a quick drive to the train.
Schedules, fares, and routes change. Check with NJ Transit, Lakeland Bus Lines, Boxcar, the City of Summit, and the Township of Springfield for the latest information before you travel.