Short answer: Montville commuters to New York City have three main options: NJ Transit’s Montclair-Boonton Line from Towaco station, Lakeland express buses along Route 46 to the Port Authority Bus Terminal, or driving via I-80, I-287 and Route 46. Towaco’s weekday schedule is limited, so many commuters plan around a handful of morning and evening trains.
Montville sits where I-287 and I-80 meet the Route 202 and Route 46 corridors, which is a big reason buyers look here. But the best commute depends on which part of town you live in and where in Manhattan you work. Here is how each option works. For more on the township itself, see our guide to living in Montville.
Commute Options at a Glance
| Option | Where you board | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Transit train | Towaco station (Montclair-Boonton Line) | Towaco and north-side homes; rush-hour schedules | Five weekday morning trains toward Hoboken and New York |
| Train via park-and-ride | Montclair State University station, Little Falls | Commuters who want Midtown Direct trains to New York Penn | A drive east on Route 46 to a 1,500-plus-space parking deck |
| Express bus | Lakeland Route 46 stops in Montville and Pine Brook | Pine Brook and south-side homes; Midtown West offices | Arrives at the Port Authority Bus Terminal |
| Driving | I-287 Exit 47, I-80, Route 46 | Flexible hours, reverse commutes, jobs in North Jersey | Peak-hour traffic and Manhattan parking costs |
Taking the Train From Towaco Station
Towaco station sits between U.S. Route 202 and Whitehall Road in the Towaco section of Montville. It has a single platform, a brick shelter and two free parking lots with about 220 spaces, which is a real advantage over stations with permit waiting lists. It is in NJ Transit fare zone 11.
The catch is frequency. NJ Transit’s Montclair-Boonton Line timetable, effective March 15, 2026, lists these weekday trains at Towaco:
| Weekday direction | Towaco times |
|---|---|
| Toward Hoboken and New York (morning) | 5:56, 6:39, 7:15, 7:52 and 9:19 a.m. |
| Arriving from Hoboken and New York (afternoon and evening) | 3:08, 4:39, 5:39, 6:09, 6:51, 7:39, 8:31, 10:06 and 11:13 p.m. |
Morning trains reach Montclair State University station in about 22 to 23 minutes. Depending on the train, the trip continues to New York Penn Station or Hoboken, and some trips involve a transfer, for example at Newark Broad Street or Secaucus Junction. Check the current timetable for each train’s route before you count on it, because schedules change several times a year.
If train access is high on your list, our guide to buying near the Montclair-Boonton Line compares the stations along the route.
The Montclair State University Park-and-Ride
Montclair State University station, on Clove Road near Route 46 in Little Falls, is where Midtown Direct trains to New York Penn Station begin and end, because the line west of the station is not electrified. It has a large parking deck, cited at about 1,530 spaces. For Montville residents, especially in Pine Brook and the southern half of town, driving east on Route 46 to this station gives far more train choices than Towaco does. It is not served on weekends.
Express Buses to Port Authority
Lakeland Bus Lines, based in Dover, runs daily express service along Route 46 from Montville and Pine Brook to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. Buses are a good fit if you live near Route 46 and work within walking distance of the bus terminal. Lakeland also runs a separate peak-hour I-80 line from farther west in Morris and Sussex counties, but NJDOT’s Route 46 corridor guide does not list Montville or Pine Brook as stops on that route. Check Lakeland’s current schedule for stop locations and times.
For local trips, NJ Transit bus routes connect at Towaco station, and the Morris County Metro MCM 1 local bus serves Montville on weekdays and Saturdays, running toward Willowbrook Mall.
Driving From Montville
- I-287: Exit 47 (U.S. 202) serves Montville and Lincoln Park on the north side. I-287 connects north toward Bergen County and the New York Thruway and south toward Morristown and Somerset County.
- I-80: Runs through the south end of Montville near Pine Brook and heads east toward Paterson, Hackensack and the George Washington Bridge.
- Route 46: Parallels I-80 through Pine Brook and links local shopping, the Montclair State park-and-ride and points east.
Driving makes the most sense for reverse commutes to North Jersey employers, for hybrid schedules and for anyone who needs to leave work at irregular hours. For Manhattan, factor in tolls and parking, which often tip daily commuters toward rail or bus.
How Long Is the Typical Commute?
Census figures for 2020–2024 put the mean travel time to work for Montville residents at 32.6 minutes. That average includes people working in Morris, Essex, Passaic and Bergen counties, so a Manhattan commute will run longer. If you are relocating from the city, our guide to moving from NYC to Morris County and our list of Morris County towns for NYC commuters can help you compare Montville with towns on the Morris & Essex Line.
Choosing a Home With the Commute in Mind
Within Montville, a home near Towaco puts you close to the station and Route 202, while a home in Pine Brook puts you closer to I-80, Route 46 and the bus. Before you make an offer, test the trip at the hour you will actually travel. It is also worth comparing the tax bills on the homes you are considering; our post on Montville property taxes explains how.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a train from Montville, NJ to New York City?
Yes. Towaco station in Montville is on NJ Transit’s Montclair-Boonton Line, with weekday trains toward Hoboken and New York. Service is limited, with five morning trains toward the city on the March 2026 timetable.
Where do Montville commuters park for the train?
Towaco station has two free lots with about 220 spaces. Many commuters also drive to Montclair State University station in Little Falls, which has a large parking deck and Midtown Direct trains to New York Penn Station.
Is there a bus from Montville to Port Authority?
Yes. Lakeland Bus Lines runs daily express service along Route 46 from Montville and Pine Brook to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.
Which highways serve Montville, NJ?
I-287 has an interchange at Exit 47 (U.S. 202) on the north side of Montville, and I-80 and Route 46 run through Pine Brook on the south side.
Sources
- NJ Transit: Montclair-Boonton Line timetable (effective March 15, 2026)
- NJDOT: Route 46 Corridor Public Transit
- U.S. Census Bureau: QuickFacts, Montville township
- Towaco station (location, parking and fare zone)
- Montclair State University station (parking and Midtown Direct service)
- Interstate 287 (New Jersey exit list)
- Lakeland Bus Lines (routes and headquarters)
Talk to the MorrisAgent Team
Want to see Montville homes that fit your commute? Call (973) 200-4800, email [email protected], or stop by our office at 518 Main Street, Suite 102, Boonton. No pressure, and no surprises.