If cutting your NYC door-to-desk time matters, Summit belongs on your shortlist. You want dependable trains, manageable parking, and clear costs before you commit to a move. In this guide, you’ll get a practical look at Summit’s Midtown-Direct service, typical door-to-door timing, parking options, and monthly budget math. Let’s dive in.
Midtown-Direct from Summit
Summit is a key stop on NJ TRANSIT’s Morris & Essex Lines with one-seat rides to New York Penn Station and service to Hoboken Terminal. You can confirm station details, platforms, and amenities on the official NJ TRANSIT Summit Station page.
Typical in-seat times
You can expect about 35 minutes on express trains and up to ~50 minutes on locals to New York Penn Station, with many direct trips in the high 40s. These ranges vary by time of day and stop pattern, as summarized in Summit’s transportation overview.
Frequency patterns
Weekday service is robust, with a significant share of trains running Midtown-Direct to Penn Station. Weekend service is lighter. For precise options on your target arrival, use current timetables; the Morristown Line service summary offers useful context on patterns.
Door-to-door timing
In-seat time is only part of the picture. When you add your walk, drop-off, or parking time plus the final leg from Penn Station, door-to-door by train commonly runs ~45 to 70 minutes depending on your routine. For a spot check, review sample routes and typical durations using a planner like Moovit’s Summit to New York Penn example, then test your commute during a weekday peak.
Hoboken-bound trains and Midtown links
Some Summit trains run to Hoboken Terminal. From there, you can connect to Midtown via PATH to 33rd Street or take an NY Waterway ferry to West 39th Street. For ferry routing and schedules, see the NY Waterway service overview in the Transit app. These options add a transfer but can be helpful during service changes or if your office is on the West Side.
Parking near the station
Summit’s station area offers a large municipal parking pool spread across multiple lots. NJ TRANSIT lists roughly 900+ municipal spaces spanning lots such as Lot 6 Broad & Summit (about 482 spaces), Lot 8 Elm & Broad (123), Lot 9 Summit & Morris (90), Lot 13 Broad & Summit (180), and Lot 14 Park & Rail (36). Review the current lot map and numbers on the NJ TRANSIT Summit Station page.
Resident and non-resident permits
Most commuter lots require a resident permit. Non-resident options exist but are limited, with some first-come/first-served rooftop spaces and ParkMobile reservations. Check the city’s rules and availability on the City of Summit Non-Resident Parking page and apply through the Summit permit portal. For questions, call Summit Parking Services at 908-522-5100.
Daily non-resident fees
Recent published examples include the Broad Street Garage rooftop at $14.95 per day, Park & Rail at $13 per 24 hours (max 5 days), and Park & Ride at $3 per day. Always verify the latest rates and reservation rules on the City of Summit Non-Resident Parking page.
Fares and monthly costs
Summit is in Zone 9. Recent figures show a one-way adult fare to New York Penn Station of about $11.50 and an adult monthly rail pass of $352. Confirm current pricing using NJ TRANSIT’s official fare chart PDF.
To estimate a monthly budget, add parking if you drive to the station. For example, Park & Rail at $13/day over about 22 workdays is roughly $286/month, which you would combine with a monthly rail pass. Prepayment discounts or different lot choices can change the math, so run the numbers for your exact scenario.
Service advisories to know
Large infrastructure projects can temporarily change Midtown-Direct patterns. During Portal Bridge and Portal North Bridge work, NJ TRANSIT has rerouted some trains to Hoboken and cross-honored with PATH and NY Waterway. Check the latest NJ TRANSIT advisories the week you plan to start commuting so you can adjust your route or departure time.
First and last mile options
Many Summit commuters walk or bike, since the station sits in the heart of downtown. Bus routes, including NJ TRANSIT 70 and local service 986, also serve the area, as noted in Summit’s transportation summary. For drop-offs, there is curbside access at the station. The city has previously piloted ride-hail support for permit holders when parking was constrained, as covered by News12 New Jersey. Verify any current programs with the city before relying on them.
Is Summit right for your commute?
If you want a Midtown-Direct town with strong weekday frequency and a realistic door-to-desk window under an hour on many days, Summit is a strong fit. You will want to confirm parking access early, choose specific trains that meet your arrival window, and keep an eye on planned work.
Here is a quick planning checklist:
- Define your target desk arrival and pick 2 to 3 trains that meet it.
- Time a real weekday trial, door to desk, including the final subway or walk from Penn Station.
- Confirm permit or daily parking availability for your target lot and rules for ParkMobile reservations.
- Add up your monthly costs: rail pass plus parking or rideshare.
- Re-check NJ TRANSIT advisories the week you start your routine.
When you are ready to pair commute fit with the right neighborhood and home, reach out to the boutique team that knows Midtown-Direct living inside and out. Start a conversation with Judith Daniels for local guidance and a focused plan for your move.
FAQs
How long is Summit to NYC Penn Station on the train?
- Typical in-seat time ranges from about 35 minutes on express trains to around 50 minutes on locals, with many trips in the high 40s depending on the schedule.
What is the realistic door-to-door commute from Summit?
- Plan for about 45 to 70 minutes door to desk, factoring in your walk or parking time, platform wait, in-seat time, and the final leg from Penn Station.
Is there parking at Summit station for non-residents?
- Yes, limited non-resident options exist, including Broad Street Garage rooftop spaces and Park & Rail daily parking; check current rules, fees, and availability with the City of Summit and the permit portal.
How much are NJ TRANSIT fares from Summit to New York?
- Recent figures show about $11.50 one way and $352 for an adult monthly pass from Zone 9; verify current prices in NJ TRANSIT’s fare chart PDF.
What if Midtown-Direct trains are diverted to Hoboken?
- During certain projects, NJ TRANSIT may reroute trains to Hoboken and cross-honor on PATH and ferries; check current advisories and allow extra time for the transfer.
