What Bus Goes from Fort Lee, NJ to New York City?
What bus goes from Fort Lee, NJ to New York City?
NJ Transit routes 158, 159, and 182 serve the Fort Lee corridor and connect to Manhattan via the George Washington Bridge, with rides to Port Authority Bus Terminal taking approximately 35 minutes.
Most people who live in Fort Lee already know the commute into Manhattan is one of the best in New Jersey. What they do not always know is exactly which bus to take, where to catch it, and how far the walk is from their front door.
If you are on or near Linwood Avenue, the answer is closer than you think.
Here is a clear breakdown of your bus options from Fort Lee to New York City.
Your Closest Bus Stop
If you live near Linwood Avenue in Fort Lee, your closest stop is Linwood Ave at West St — roughly a one-minute walk. From there, you have direct access to three NJ Transit bus routes: 158, 159, and 182. All three serve the Linwood Avenue corridor and connect you into the city over the George Washington Bridge.
That is about as convenient as bus access gets in Bergen County.
The Three Routes: What You Need to Know
Route 159
The 159 is the workhorse of the Fort Lee commute. It runs frequently, with service as early as 3:46 AM and as late as 2:03 AM. This route heads through Fort Lee, crosses the GWB, and terminates at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The trip takes roughly 35 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run approximately every 10 minutes during peak hours.
Routes 158 and 182
Both routes also stop on Linwood Avenue and offer additional coverage into the city. If you are traveling at off-peak hours or heading to a different part of Manhattan, checking the NJ Transit app for real-time departures across all three routes gives you the most flexibility.
A Note on Bridge Plaza
The Fort Lee Bridge Plaza is the main hub for most NJ Transit routes crossing into New York. If you walk to Bridge Plaza — about six minutes from Linwood and Main Street — you unlock additional express routes and more frequency during the morning and evening rush.
How Long Is the Commute?
Door to Port Authority, plan for 35 to 45 minutes on a normal day. During peak traffic on the GWB, that can stretch. The bridge has a dedicated bus lane during rush hour, which helps keep the schedule consistent.
For real-time departure information, NJ Transit's trip planner and the Moovit app are the most reliable tools. Both show live bus tracking so you are not guessing at the stop.
Ferry Option: Worth Knowing About
Fort Lee also has a free shuttle bus to the NY Waterway ferry at Edgewater during commute hours. If you prefer arriving in lower or midtown Manhattan via water rather than through tunnel or bridge traffic, this is a legitimate alternative. Check NY Waterway's Fort Lee shuttle schedule for current times.
Why This Matters for Fort Lee Residents
Fort Lee's walkability to transit is a real asset — and an underappreciated one. When buyers ask about the commute, the answer is concrete: multiple bus routes, frequent service, and a direct shot into Midtown in under 40 minutes. That kind of access is not common across Bergen County.
It is one of the reasons Fort Lee continues to attract buyers who work in the city but want the space, value, and quality of life that northern New Jersey offers.
FAQ: Buses from Fort Lee to New York City
What is the closest bus stop to Linwood Avenue in Fort Lee?
The closest stop is Linwood Ave at West St, approximately a one-minute walk. NJ Transit routes 158, 159, and 182 all serve this stop.
How long does it take to get from Fort Lee to Manhattan by bus?
On average, the trip from Fort Lee to Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan takes about 35 minutes. Traffic on the George Washington Bridge can add time during peak hours.
Is there a direct bus from Fort Lee to Midtown Manhattan?
Yes. NJ Transit Route 159 runs directly from the Fort Lee area to the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 42nd Street and 8th Avenue in Midtown, with no transfers required.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Fort Lee?
Transit access like this is part of what makes Fort Lee one of the most commuter-friendly communities in Bergen County. If you are thinking about buying in the area — or if you own here and are curious what your home is worth in today's market — reach out.
Scott Selleck, REALTOR® with The Selleck Group at KW City Views Realty, has served Fort Lee and the surrounding Bergen and Hudson County communities for 34 years. Whether you are buying your first home near the bus line or selling a property you have owned for decades, the strategy matters.
Schedule a conversation or explore the market at SelleckSellsNJ.com, call or text 201-970-3960, or connect with Scott's AI assistant at delphi.ai/scottselleck.
Sources
- NJ Transit — Bus Routes and Schedules
- Moovit — Linwood Avenue Fort Lee Transit Guide
- NY Waterway — Fort Lee Palisades Ave Shuttle Bus
- Rome2Rio — Fort Lee to Port Authority Bus Terminal
- Moovit — Public Transit in Fort Lee, NJ
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