Overview
New Jersey is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Delaware River to the west. The US state may be small, but it still has a lot of beautiful countryside and natural parks surrounded by mountains, lakes and forests. Tourists from all over the world flock to New Jersey, which is much more than just the gateway the US is. Rather, it’s a miniature version of the whole of America, with plenty of attractions to suit all tastes. These include beautiful beaches, a lively nightlife and many award-winning attractions. Although certain parts of New Jersey like Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore are world famous.
- Travelationary: Covers basic information about New Jersey geography and economy.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Direct flights to Newark are offered by – United (UA) and Lufthansa (LH) from Frankfurt/M., Munich, Hamburg (LH only) and Berlin; – United (UA) and Swiss (LX) from Zurich and Geneva; – United (UA) and Austrian Airlines (OS) from Vienna.
Note on arrival by plane
Connections to New York City: The Newark Airport Express runs to Manhattan every 30 minutes from 7:30am-6am. The AirTrain runs around the clock to car parks P1, P3 and P4 and runs between the terminals from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. every 3 minutes. The AirTrain also goes to Newark Penn Station with its numerous connections to Manhattan. New Jersey Transit bus routes run regularly to Penn Station in Newark, which connects to the PATH bullet train network. Connections to New Jersey: Bus terminals, taxi ranks and car rental companies are located in the basements of Terminals A, B and C; information about timetables and fares is also available here. New Jersey Transit airport buses and the AirTrain run regularly to Newark’s Penn Station, the CBD and Broad Street Station. Express buses connect Newark Liberty Airport to New York City. Buses run 24 hours a day from Terminals A, B, or C with stops at Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Inter-Airport Connections: To New York JFK: Princeton Airporters operate regular bus services between 8am-10pm (journey time 90 minutes). The Airtrain connects EWR with the Subway and Airtrain JKF 24 hours a day. There are also connections with the Newark Airport Express and the Express Bus. to New York LaGuardia (LGA): ETS Airport Shuttle (journey time 45-60 minutes). The AirTrain connects to the New York Airport Service Express bus. The Newark Airport Express goes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue, which has connections to the LGA. Taxi, van and limousine services are available at both airports. Connections to other destinations: Limousines, buses (Trans-Bridge-Lines, Newark Liberty Airport Express) and trains (AirTrain) travel to destinations in Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New York State.
airpasses
The Jet Blue Airpass lets you book 3 or more flights across the entire Jet Blue network in the US at once. The Jet Blue Airpass is valid for 90 days, can be changed flexibly, and luggage is included. For more information on the availability of limited contingents, contact STA Travel on +49-69-255 150 000. Jet Blue flies to Newark, New Jersey.
Arrival by car
From New York City to New Jersey, one travels either over the George Washington Bridge or through the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel. The Walt Whitman and Benjamin Franklin Bridges connect New Jersey to Pennsylvania, and the Delaware Memorial Bridge to Delaware. The New Jersey Turnpike (freeway) runs north-south through the state, and the Garden State Parkway, also a freeway, leads to the coast. Bus: City and intercity buses stop at Penn Station (Raymond Plaza/Market Street, Newark). Greyhound is one of the main providers. Tolls: There are numerous toll roads in New Jersey. The toll fee can be paid in cash. For longer stays it is advisable to equip the car with a transponder,
Note on arrival by car
Average car travel times: Newark – Philadelphia: 1 hour 30 minutes; Newark – Hartford: 2 hrs 30 mins; Newark – Albany and Baltimore: 3 hrs 30 mins each; Newark – Boston and Washington DC: 4 hrs 30 mins each; Newark – Portland (Maine): 6 hrs 30 mins; Newark – Montreal: 7 hours 30 minutes; Newark – Buffalo: 7 hrs; Newark – Pittsburgh 6 hours; Newark – Toronto 8 hrs; Newark – Cleveland: 9 hours; Newark – Indianapolis: 14 hours; Newark – Chicago: 15 hrs; Newark – Miami: 26 hrs 30 mins; Newark – Dallas: 32 hrs 30 mins; Newark – Los Angeles: 57 hours; Newark – San Francisco and Seattle: 60 hours each. Average bus travel times: New Jersey – Philadelphia: 1 hour 40 minutes; New Jersey – Albany: 3 hours; New Jersey – Washington DC: 4 hrs 40 mins; New Jersey – Boston: 4 hrs 45 mins; New Jersey – Montreal: 8 hours 30 minutes; New Jersey – Buffalo and Pittsburgh: 9 hours each; New Jersey – Cleveland: 9 hrs 30 mins
Arrival by train
Penn Station in Newark is where Amtrak’s Acela Express (Boston-Washington, DC) and Cardinal (New York-Chicago) trains and New Jersey Transit trains stop.
rail passes
The Amtrak USA Rail Pass is valid on the entire Amtrak network. Detailed information under Arrival USA.
Note on arrival by ship
The Port of New York and New Jersey includes seven current and some historic docks and the natural harbor at the Hudson Estuary. The term Port of New York and New Jersey is therefore not limited to the urban area of New York, but describes the region.
Cruise ships
Various shipping companies call at the port of New York and New Jersey (see Arrival New York).
Ferry provider
Statue Cruises offers ferry service to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (departing from Liberty State Park, Jersey City) every 35 minutes. SeaStreak and Port Imperial Ferry operate ferries to and from New York City. The Cape May-Lewes Ferry travels from Cape May to the state of Delaware.
Passport and visa regulations
Entry with children
Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
Attractions
- Usaers: Provides a full list of major rivers and mountains in New Jersey.
Trenton
Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, was also the capital of the United States in 1794. The city is in the heart of the beautiful and historic Delaware River Region. Trips to Trenton, Princeton (Princeton University) and Washington Crossing State Park tell a great deal about New Jersey’s important role in the history of the United States of America. Numerous museums and theaters ensure a varied range of art and culture. In front of the Old Barracks Museum
a famous battle was fought on Barracks Street during the War of Independence against the British colonial power (the day after Christmas). The old soldiers’ quarters, antiques and original rooms from the 18th century are open to the public today. The William Trent House and the State House are also worth a visit. Historical exhibits on display at the New Jersey State Planetarium and Museum date back to 500 BC. back.
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is also called the queen of vacation spots. There are 12 hotels with attached casinos, entertainment programs, all kinds of sports championships, gourmet restaurants, elegant shops, beautiful beaches and a world-class boardwalk. The city is very popular as a vacation spot. The Atlantic City Boardwalk has casinos, roller coasters, carousels, arcades and shops on one side and miles of sandy beach on the other. Here is the huge Trump Plaza Hotel and the Trump Taj Mahal Casino. The Convention Hall is an architectural composition in Art Deco style, in which the largest organ in the world can be visited. The Atlantic City Art Center and Historic Museum is dedicated to the city’s 150-year history as a seaside resort and entertainment center. Photos and memorabilia from the annual Miss America Pageant are also on display. The Shops on Ocean One is a modern shopping center shaped like an ocean liner. Excursions: The area around Atlantic City also has a tranquil side. The authentic 18th-century village of Towne of Historic Smithville is well worth a visit. North of Atlantic City, in Brigandine, is that
Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge and the Sea Life Museum (open Sat & Sun 12pm-4pm). Entry is free. In Egg Harbor, the Renault Winery and Glass Museum is housed in a winery that is quite old by American standards.
Newark
Newark is a fairly old city by American standards and is the largest city in New Jersey. It is a transport hub and a metropolis of art and culture. The atmosphere is extremely lively. The New Newark Museum has an extensive art collection with 66 galleries for ancient and modern art, a planetarium and a small zoo. Branch Brook Park is filled with cherry blossoms in the spring and hosts a Cherry Blossom Festival each year.
Excursions:
Just east of Newark is Ellis Island and another tiny island that is home to the world-renowned Statue of Liberty. Circle Line ferries depart from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to these historic sites. North of Newark is the 1,000 hectare Palisades Interstate Park. Several roads and trails lead through this scenic area with great views, picnic areas, a historical museum and a nature reserve. In winter you can ski. The huge amusement park is particularly popular with children. In East Rutherford, northwest of Newark lies the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Professional football, basketball and ice hockey teams train here; the racecourse is world famous.
Princeton
Princeton, home of the renowned Princeton University, is 11 miles north of Trenton. The pretty university town has excellent art exhibitions and great performing arts shows. Also not to be missed are the Einstein House (Einstein taught at Princeton University), Princeton University Art Museum, Bainbridge House, Clarke House at Princeton Battlefield and Drumthwacket. The palace, built in the Greek neo-Gothic style, is reminiscent of the mansions of the southern states and is the official residence of the governor.
Excursions:
In Camden, 43 km south of Trenton, you can visit Walt Whitman’s House, the Campbell Soup Museum and the New Jersey Aquarium. The historic town of Salem is 33 miles (53 km) south of Camden on Route 45. Market Street is home to 60 18th-century houses, several museums and the 500-year-old Salem Oak near the courthouse. Camping, canoeing, swimming, fishing, horseback riding and hiking are available at Pine Barrens Conservation Area.
Shopping
Overview
New Jersey is a shopper’s paradise for every taste and budget. Upscale shopping arcades feature department stores from well-known chain stores such as Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Amazing specials on branded goods are offered at Secaucus’ Secaucus Outlet Center and Flemington branch stores (Liberty Village and Turntable Junction). There are numerous antique shops in the small towns. Outdoor flea markets sell jewelry, clothing, housewares, furniture and more. Clothing is not taxed in New Jersey.
Nightlife
Introduction
Works by Shakespeare as well as modern dramas are performed in the numerous theaters. The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra gives concerts of all kinds throughout the year. Examples include the Brendan Byrne Arena at the Meadowlands Sports Complex and the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel. The Paper Mill Playhouse, New Jersey’s official state theater and the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick, perform musicals and plays year-round. Atlantic City’s nightclubs and casinos stay open until the early hours. Many clubs and entertainment centers in Ocean City and other seaside resorts also close very late.
Culinary
Overview
New Jersey offers a rich variety of local dishes and international specialties.
Climate
Best travel time
The climate is changeable with occasional rainfall. In summer there are often heat waves, temperatures around 40°C are not uncommon and can last for a few days.
Country data
Area (sq km)
21274
Population
8,882,190
Population density (per square km)
421
Population statistics year
2019
