Your Complete Commute Guide: Palisades Park to NYC

One of the first questions buyers ask about any Bergen County town is: how do I get to the city? For Palisades Park, the answer is straightforward — you're roughly 5 miles from Manhattan as the crow flies, with the George Washington Bridge about 4.5 road miles away. Here are the main commute options.

Option 1: Bus (Most Popular)

The NJ Transit bus is the most common commute method from Palisades Park. Bus stops along Bergen Blvd are a short walk from most of the borough — including from 201 12th St — and run directly to the GWB Bus Station in Fort Lee.

• Route: Bergen Blvd → GWB Bus Station
• Travel time: ~15 minutes to the GWB Bus Station
• From there: Transfer to the A train (175th St station) or take the NJ Transit bus to Port Authority
• Total door-to-door: ~45–60 minutes to Midtown Manhattan
• Frequency: Buses run every 10–20 minutes during peak hours

Option 2: Drive

If you prefer to drive, the GWB is typically 5–10 minutes from Palisades Park off-peak. You can take local roads through Fort Lee or hop on the Palisades Interstate Parkway (PIP) for a faster route south.

• To GWB: 5–10 minutes off-peak, 15–25 minutes during rush hour
• Tolls: E-ZPass required; congestion pricing may apply on the Manhattan side
• Parking: This unit includes one garage parking space — a significant perk if you're driving back and forth
• Tip: The PIP entrance near Fort Lee is the fastest route to I-95 and the bridge

Option 3: Rail (Nearby Stations)

Palisades Park doesn't have its own NJ Transit rail station, but nearby stations are accessible by car or bus:

• Englewood Station: ~10 minutes by car, Pascack Valley Line to Hoboken/Secaucus
• Fort Lee / Ridgefield: Bus connections to rail hubs
• Secaucus Junction: Transfer point for trains to Penn Station, ~35–45 minutes total

Which Option Is Best?

For daily commuters, the bus is the most popular and cost-effective choice — no tolls, no parking headaches, and a direct route to the GWB transit hub. Drivers appreciate the short distance to the bridge and the included garage parking at this building. Rail works well for those who prefer a sit-down commute and don't mind a transfer.