New Jersey Transit is offering extended hours and special fares for holiday travel through January 5, 2026, including free rides for children 11 and under with a paying adult.
Jump ahead:
- Christmas Eve Service
- Christmas Day Service
- December 26-30, 2025
- New Year’s Eve Service
- New Year’s Day Service
Key Promotions
Free Kids’ Fares: Two children aged 11 and under ride free with each paying adult through January 5 at 2 a.m.
Buy-One-Get-One Trains: Use code SLEIGH25 in the mobile app when purchasing four one-way tickets. Details here
Regional Discounts: Get 40% off roundtrip tickets to Atlantic City (code SLEIGHAC25) or
Philadelphia (code SLEIGHPHILLY25).
Travel Tips
- Check schedules online before you go—some routes operate on “Web Special” schedules
- Travel before 9 a.m. on Dec 26, 29, 30, and Jan 2 for lighter ridership
- Buy tickets in advance via the NJ Transit app to avoid surcharges
- Pack light and use overhead racks on trains
- Get alerts: Download the NJ Transit app and follow @NJTRANSIT on social media
For more information, visit njtransit.com or call 973-275-5555.
Christmas Eve Service (December 24, 2025)
Train Service:
NJ Transit is offering early getaway service for train riders leaving Hoboken Terminal, New York Penn Station, and Newark Penn Station. Most lines operate on a weekday or special holiday schedule.
Bus Service:
Most bus lines are operating on a mix of weekday and Sunday schedules. Key routes serving Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth maintain weekday service levels, while many suburban and express routes transition to Sunday schedules or require customers to consult online schedules for specific departure times. Check the complete Christmas Eve bus schedule.
Christmas Day Service (December 25, 2025)
Important: Christmas Day has the most limited service across the NJ Transit system.
Train Service:
Trains will run on weekend and major holiday schedules. Most rail services operate with reduced frequency.
Bus Service:
Most bus routes will operate on a Sunday or modified Sunday schedule, while express routes and suburban services will not be running.
Routes Operating Sunday Service:
- Local connectors in Newark (routes 1, 11, 13)
- Jersey City routes (routes 2, 10, 81)
- Elizabeth routes (routes 24, 26, 62)
Suspended Express Services:
Nearly all express services to New York City and most long-distance suburban routes are suspended on Christmas Day, including popular commuter lines.
Light Rail & Additional Service:
Newark Light Rail, River LINE, and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) will operate on Sunday/Holiday schedules. Check the complete Christmas Day bus schedule
December 26-30, 2025: Post-Christmas Service
Train Service:
Trains will run on modified weekday schedules for some Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line morning peak times. However, certain peak period trains are canceled to reduce congestion.
Special Event: The Meadowlands Rail Line will operate on December 28 to provide service for the Jets vs. New England Patriots game at MetLife Stadium.
Bus Service on December 26:
Certain bus routes will run on holiday or special schedules:
- Routes 58, 59, 65, 66, 102, 109, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, and 116
Bus Service on December 26, 29, and 30:
Buses and light rail lines will operate on a weekday schedule, per NJ Transit. Select Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) routes will have more frequent inbound service during late morning hours and outbound service during early and late evening hours. Check the Day After Christmas bus schedule
Travel Recommendation:
The agency recommends traveling before 9 a.m. on these dates when ridership is lighter.
New Year’s Eve Service (December 31, 2025)
Train Service:
New Year’s Eve operates on a hybrid schedule combining weekday service with extensive late-night options. After midnight, the agency is adding significant overnight service from New York City and Hoboken terminals, with extra trains operating on all rail lines except the Atlantic City Line through the early morning hours of January 1.
Modified Weekday Service:
Most lines operate on a weekday schedule during daytime hours, though some morning peak trains and midday service may be adjusted.
Enhanced Overnight Service:
Additional late-night trains will operate on all rail lines except Atlantic City Line. Extra trains will depart Penn Station New York, Hoboken, and Trenton, with connecting trains from Newark Broad Street, Summit, and Long Branch through the early morning hours.
Bus Service:
Most bus routes maintain weekday schedules during daytime hours. Bus routes serving Port Authority Bus Terminal will have:
- More frequent inbound service during late morning hours
- Enhanced outbound service during early and late evening hours
- Alternate operating areas within the terminal between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. to manage increased passenger volumes
Check the New Year’s Eve bus schedule.
Light Rail:
Newark Light Rail will operate on a regular weekday schedule on New Year’s Eve.
Police Presence & Beverage Policy:
NJ Transit will increase police presence across the entire system. A strict beverage prohibition will be enforced: no beverages of any kind, in any container (open or closed), are permitted on trains, buses, or light rail vehicles from December 31 through early morning January 1.
New Year’s Day Service (January 1, 2026)
After 6:30 a.m.:
Most services operate on weekend schedules. Express services to New York City are limited, with most routes operating on reduced weekend frequencies.
Local services in major cities including Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth maintain connectivity. However, customers should expect longer wait times and reduced frequency compared to regular weekdays.
Light Rail Service:
Newark Light Rail will operate on Saturday/Holiday schedule. Hudson-Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) and River LINE will operate on Sunday/holiday schedules.
Schedule Variations:
The agency advises checking specific schedules online, as some routes that appear to have Sunday service may have modified routing or reduced trip frequency.
Check the New Year’s Day bus schedule