If you’re thinking of taking the train from Iselin to Westwood, you’re not alone. Lots of people commute between Middlesex County and Bergen County every day for work, school, to see family and for weekend trips. Once you know the route, it’s not that hard to take the train, but because the two stations are on different rail lines, it can be confusing for first-time travelers with transfers, platforms and tickets.
This guide will answer all of your questions. But if you would like to speak to someone directly, you can call us at [YOUR PHONE NUMBER], and we would be happy to assist you.
Quick Overview: Iselin to Westwood by Train
| Detail | Information |
| Starting station | Iselin, NJ (Northeast Corridor Line) |
| Destination station | Westwood, NJ (Pascack Valley Line) |
| Direct train? | Usually no; a transfer is required |
| Common transfer point | Secaucus Junction |
| Operator | NJ Transit |
| Ticket options | One-way, round trip, multi-trip and monthly passes |
How to Get from Iselin to Westwood by Train
Step 1: Start at Iselin Station
Iselin Station is on the Northeast Corridor Line, serviced by NJ Transit between New York’s Penn Station and Trenton. Use the departure board to make sure your train is headed for New York. Once on board, confirm the train stops where you are planning to transfer.
Step 2: Transfer at Secaucus Junction
Secaucus Junction is the Northeast Corridor’s main connection to northern New Jersey, including the Pascack Valley Line. Follow the signs to the platform for your next train. During rush hour and/or if you are carrying luggage, give yourself extra time to make the connection.
Step 3: Take the Pascack Valley Line
After you’ve made the connection at Secaucus, take the Pascack Valley Line, which is headed toward Spring Valley. Westwood is one of the stops on this line.
Step 4: Get Off at Westwood
Listen for station announcements and/or check your app to let you know when to get off. Westwood is a small, easy-to-navigate station, and most of the local stops are within walking distance.
Things to Know About the Pascack Valley Line
Service on the Pascack Valley Line is less frequent than the other lines, especially on weekends and late evenings. This can affect you when making connections at Secaucus because a missed connection can result in a long wait. To maximize your chances of making connections, do the following:
- Consult the Passaic Valley timetable and work backwards to Iselin to choose your connection.
- Choose a connection with a comfortable gap rather than the tightest connection.
- Weekend and holiday schedules often vary from weekday schedules. You should look at them separately as well.
How Long Does the Trip Take?
Total travel time is made up of three parts.
1. The type of train you take from Iselin. Some make more stops than others.
2. The wait time at Secaucus Junction. Again, this can vary and is train schedule-dependent.
3. The time of day. Trains run on a better schedule during off-peak, so travel times can actually be better during non-work days.
Because of the transfer, travel times can be longer than a non-transfer trip. To get the most up-to-date travel times, check the schedule on the day of travel.
Ticket Options for Iselin to Westwood
Choosing the right ticket can mean saving money and time.
One-way tickets work best for trips with no return, or for travel that doesn’t happen often.
Round-trip tickets work best if you’re returning the same day, or within a short time frame.
Multi-trip tickets are great for those who travel a lot, but not often.
Monthly passes are great for daily commuting, especially if the commute is long.
Tip: The best way to save money is to purchase your ticket before boarding. Ticket machines and Agents are available at stations, and buying your ticket on the train may cost more. The NJ Transit app makes ticket buying and displaying easy and convenient.
Why Travellers Call Us
We know that transfers can be stressful. Here is how we can help:
- Clear Route Info: no complicated maps or unusable flight codes
- Fare Type Help: we can help you determine which fare type is right for you
- Time Saver: we can help you in a short call rather than spending time comparing many websites
- Perfect for first-time fliers: especially useful for Internationals (i.e. students and visitors)
- Supportive Service: talk to an agent rather than a machine
Who Is This Route Useful For?
- Daily commuters between central and northern New Jersey
- Students en route to schools, colleges and training programs
- Families visiting relatives in Bergen County
- Visitors and tourists interested in the area and wanting to get around without their own car
- Shoppers and those wanting to get around stress-free on weekends
- Those wanting to avoid the hassle of traffic and parking on busy days
- Avoid traffic and parking hassle
- Comfortable transportation at an affordable price
Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Check the schedule on the day you travel. There can be service changes, delays, etc.
- You should plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to find your platform.
- When it is your stop, have your digital ticket ready to board.
- Put your phone on charge before your trip, as you may need it for your ticket and to get updates.
- Allow extra time at Secaucus Junction during peak hour, as there may be delays.
- Aim to travel light if you can, as transfers may involve lots of stairs.
- Have a backup plan if you miss a connection, e.g. book the next train.
Iselin Station: What to Expect
Iselin Station is a commuter stop along the Northeast Corridor. Parking is available nearby and tends to fill up, so come early if you’d like to drive and park. The rules, costs and facilities at the parking lots and at the station are subject to change. Check recent info to get the latest information.
Westwood Station: What to Expect
Westwood is in Bergen County and is quiet and suburban. Visitors may enjoy the town center shopping and restaurants, which are nearby. If you want to go somewhere farther, check the local taxis or rideshare before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from Iselin to Westwood?
Usually not. There are transfers at Secaucus Junction.
What line gets me to Westwood?
Westwood is on the NJ Transit Pascack Valley Line.
How much are the tickets?
The prices depend on the zones and the type of ticket. For the latest fare information visit the NJ Transit website or app or contact us for assistance.
Can I purchase the ticket on the train?
You can do this in some situations, however, there may be an additional fee if you could purchase it at the station, and it’s safer to buy the ticket beforehand.
Are there trains on the weekend?
Yes, however, there may be less service. Be sure to check the weekend schedule.
What do I do if I miss my connection at Secaucus?
Check the app or station boards for the next available Pascack Valley departure and take that one. One way to mitigate this is to check departure times for connections and pick one with a longer layover.
Can you help me with my itinerary over the phone?
Yes. Call [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] and we’ll go over your itinerary and explain the route and your ticket options.