Carteret is roughly 30 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan, and the commute is more manageable than most people expect. From 29 Washington Apartments, you have multiple options for getting into the city - NJ Transit trains from nearby stations, express bus routes, and direct highway access. The tradeoff is straightforward: a slightly longer commute in exchange for a significantly lower rent and a brand-new luxury apartment.
Here is a detailed breakdown of every commute option from Carteret to NYC, plus the math on how much you save by choosing 29 Washington over apartments closer to Manhattan.
You have three primary options, and each works well depending on where you work in Manhattan, your schedule, and your preference for driving versus public transit.
Distance from 29 Washington: About 10 minutes by car, 4 miles Train time to Penn Station: Approximately 45-55 minutes on the Northeast Corridor Line Frequency: Trains run every 15-30 minutes during peak hours
Rahway station is the closest NJ Transit rail stop to Carteret and connects directly to New York Penn Station on the Northeast Corridor Line. This is one of the busiest and most reliable NJ Transit lines, with frequent service during morning and evening rush hours.
A monthly NJ Transit pass from Rahway to New York Penn Station costs around $300-$350. You can also use the NJ Transit app to buy individual tickets on days you commute. Rahway station has a parking lot, though spots fill up early during the week.
Distance from 29 Washington: About 12 minutes by car, 5 miles Train time to Penn Station: Approximately 50-60 minutes on the North Jersey Coast Line Frequency: Regular service during commute hours
Woodbridge station is another nearby option on the North Jersey Coast Line. The commute time is slightly longer than Rahway, but some residents prefer it depending on their work schedule and parking availability. Monthly pass pricing is comparable to the Rahway route.
NJ Transit Bus 115 runs from the Carteret area toward Newark and connects to PATH trains at Newark Penn Station. From there, you can reach the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan in about 20 minutes. Total commute time via bus and PATH is roughly 75-90 minutes depending on traffic and connections.
For commuters heading to Midtown, the train from Rahway is typically faster and more direct. But if you work in Lower Manhattan or the Financial District, the bus-to-PATH route can be competitive, especially if you factor in the lower cost.
Distance to Midtown Manhattan: Approximately 30-35 miles Typical commute time: 40-75 minutes depending on traffic and time of day Key routes: NJ Turnpike to Lincoln Tunnel, or Goethals Bridge to Staten Island Expressway to Verrazzano Bridge
Driving gives you the most flexibility, especially if your work hours do not align with peak transit schedules. From 29 Washington, you have quick access to the NJ Turnpike (Exit 12), Route 1, and the Garden State Parkway. During off-peak hours, you can reach Midtown in around 40 minutes. During rush hour, expect 60-75 minutes.
Keep in mind that bridge and tunnel tolls add up. The Lincoln Tunnel and Holland Tunnel tolls are approximately $16 per crossing (off-peak) with E-ZPass. The Goethals Bridge and Outerbridge Crossing are around $13-$16 with E-ZPass. Manhattan parking adds another $30-$60 per day if your employer does not provide it.
Carteret is approximately 30-35 miles from Midtown Manhattan, depending on your exact route. In practical terms, the commute is comparable to what many people already experience from places like Morristown, New Brunswick, or even parts of Long Island and Westchester County.
The difference is cost. Residents in those areas pay similar or higher rents without the new construction finishes and amenities available at 29 Washington.
Rahway station on the NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line is the closest, about 4 miles and a 10-minute drive from the building. Woodbridge station is slightly farther at roughly 5 miles. Both stations offer direct service to New York Penn Station.
If you prefer not to drive to the station, rideshare from 29 Washington to Rahway station typically costs $8-$12 each way.
Yes. NJ Transit Bus 115 serves the Carteret area and connects to Newark Penn Station, where you can transfer to PATH trains for direct service to the World Trade Center and Hoboken. The total trip takes approximately 75-90 minutes to Lower Manhattan.
For a faster connection to Midtown, most 29 Washington residents prefer the train from Rahway, which gets you to Penn Station in under an hour.
The commute savings are real and measurable. Here is what the numbers look like when you compare 29 Washington to apartments in Jersey City, Hoboken, and Manhattan.
|
Location |
Typical Rent (New Construction) |
Difference vs. 29 Washington |
|---|---|---|
|
29 Washington, Carteret |
From $2,150/mo |
- |
|
Jersey City |
$2,800-$3,500/mo |
Save $650-$1,350/mo |
|
Hoboken |
$3,000-$3,800/mo |
Save $850-$1,650/mo |
|
Manhattan (Midtown) |
$3,500-$5,000+/mo |
Save $1,350-$2,850+/mo |
Even after factoring in a monthly NJ Transit pass ($300-$350/mo), a Carteret commuter leasing a one-bedroom at 29 Washington saves approximately:
$4,200-$12,000 per year compared to Jersey City
$6,000-$15,600 per year compared to Hoboken
$12,600-$30,000+ per year compared to Manhattan
Those savings come while living in a brand-new building with granite countertops, in-unit laundry, a rooftop terrace, covered parking, and a fitness center. Many of the more expensive apartments in those closer markets do not include parking or in-unit laundry.
29 Washington's location in downtown Carteret puts you within minutes of major highway connections:
NJ Turnpike (I-95): Exit 12 is approximately 5 minutes away
Route 1/9: Direct access heading north toward Newark or south toward New Brunswick
Garden State Parkway: Accessible via Route 1 or local connectors
Goethals Bridge: Connects to Staten Island and Brooklyn via I-278
Outerbridge Crossing: Connects to Staten Island's south shore
Whether you commute by car, take the train from Rahway, or combine methods depending on the day, the highway access from 29 Washington keeps your options open.
The best way to evaluate the commute is to drive it yourself - or better yet, take the train from Rahway during your normal commute hours and time the trip. Most people find it is shorter and easier than they expected.
View available floor plans to see pricing and layouts, or schedule an in-person tour by calling (908) 461-5091 or reaching out online. We are happy to talk through commute logistics and help you figure out which transit option works best for your schedule.Compare our studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments to find the layout that fits your commute. Link each of the three words studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom to its page