Short answer: For train commuters, the best Morris County towns are on NJ Transit’s Morristown Line, which offers Midtown Direct one-seat rides to New York Penn Station. Chatham, Madison, Convent Station and Morristown are the most popular. The Montclair-Boonton Line serves Boonton, Mountain Lakes, Towaco and Lincoln Park at a lower price point, with most trips via Hoboken.
Train lines that serve Morris County
| Line | Morris County stops include | NYC access |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown Line | Chatham, Madison, Convent Station, Morristown, Morris Plains, Denville, Dover | Midtown Direct to NY Penn or Hoboken |
| Gladstone Branch | Millington, Stirling, Gillette (Long Hill) | Some Midtown Direct trips |
| Montclair-Boonton Line | Mountain Lakes, Boonton, Towaco, Lincoln Park | Mostly Hoboken, then PATH or ferry |
Sample travel times
- Madison to NY Penn: about 55 minutes on an express, about an hour local.
- Mountain Lakes to Hoboken: one morning train leaving at 6:30 a.m. arrives at 7:43 a.m., about 70 minutes.
- Summit (just over the line in Union County) is about 35 to 40 minutes, which is why prices there run high.
Schedules change, including temporary diversions during the Portal North Bridge work in fall 2026, so always check the current NJ Transit timetable before you buy.
Driving routes
Drivers typically use I-80, I-280, I-287 and Route 24. Driving into Manhattan below 60th Street also means the congestion pricing toll of about $9, which a federal judge allowed to continue in March 2026.
How to choose
- Price the commute, not just the house. Midtown Direct towns cost more but save time daily.
- Check walkability to the station and parking permit wait lists.
- Compare taxes and schools. See how property taxes work in Morris County and Morris County school districts compared.
Read our deep dive on buying near the Montclair-Boonton Line, living in Boonton and moving from NYC to Morris County.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Morris County town for commuting to NYC?
Towns on the Morristown Line with Midtown Direct service, such as Chatham, Madison and Morristown, offer the most direct train access to NY Penn.
How long is the train from Madison, NJ to NYC?
About 55 minutes on an express and about an hour on a local train to NY Penn Station.
Does the Montclair-Boonton Line go to Penn Station?
Most trips go to Hoboken, where riders continue by PATH or ferry; check the current timetable for direct trips.
Sources
- NJ Transit: Montclair-Boonton Line schedule
- NJ Transit printable timetables
- FOX 5: NJ Transit Portal Bridge schedule changes
- News 12: Congestion toll upheld
Talk to the MorrisAgent Team
Want help narrowing down commuter towns? Call (973) 200-4800, email [email protected], or stop by our office at 518 Main Street, Suite 102, Boonton. No pressure, and no surprises.