Commute From Westwood: Train vs. 165 Bus to NYC

Which gets you to Midtown faster most days from Westwood: the Pascack Valley Line train or NJ TRANSIT’s 165 bus? When you are choosing a home, the commute can make or break your daily rhythm. In this guide, you will see how both options stack up on time, cost, reliability, and comfort, plus simple steps to plan the best route for your schedule. Let’s dive in.

Westwood commute options at a glance

Westwood’s rail stop on Broadway sits on the Pascack Valley Line, with trains running to Hoboken Terminal and transfer options to Midtown. You can review the station details and location on the Westwood station page on Wikipedia (use it to confirm parking basics and platform layout). See the Westwood station overview.

Route 165 runs from Westwood to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown. Variants like 165P and 165T change stops and speed during peak hours. You will board along Kinderkamack Road or the Broadway area. For real-time arrivals, check the NJ TRANSIT MyBus page for Westwood stops. View live 165 arrivals for Westwood.

Travel time and frequency

Train timing and transfers

Typical in-vehicle time from Westwood to Hoboken is about 45 to 60 minutes in the schedules. If you are heading to Midtown, add a transfer at Secaucus for Penn Station or from Hoboken to PATH or ferry. That extra step usually adds 10 to 30 minutes, which puts many Midtown trips around 60 to 90 minutes door to door. You can scan example timetables and headways here. Check a PVL timetable example.

Service is often hourly outside peaks, with more trains during rush windows. Because the line is single-track in several stretches, missing one train can mean a longer wait than you might expect on other commuter lines.

Bus timing and traffic

A 165 bus to Port Authority ranges widely because of traffic. Fast runs can be about 50 to 60 minutes. During heavy congestion, expect 80 to 90 minutes or more. Aggregated trip planners show many rides averaging roughly 70 to 85 minutes. See typical 165 travel times to Port Authority.

Frequency is a major advantage of the bus. In peak periods you will often see multiple departures per hour, including express variants that use limited-access highways. NJ TRANSIT has also updated schedules to reduce overcrowding and improve on-time performance. Read NJ TRANSIT’s schedule update for reliability.

Cost and passes

Fares vary by mode, zones, and ticket type. Before you compare costs, check NJ TRANSIT’s Fare Guide to price your specific trip and to see one-way, 10-trip, weekly, and monthly options. Use the NJ TRANSIT Fare Guide.

For daily commuters, monthly rail passes on the Pascack Valley Line can be cost-effective and are often accepted on buses and light rail up to the zones shown on the pass. You can review NJ TRANSIT’s policy on monthly tickets here. Learn about monthly tickets and cross-acceptance.

Buying is simple on the MyTix app, and NJ TRANSIT supports contactless payment options that make boarding smoother on both buses and trains. See NJ TRANSIT FarePay options.

Reliability and comfort

Trains are insulated from highway traffic, which helps with predictability. That said, the Pascack Valley Line’s single-track sections can create delays when there are equipment issues or operational constraints, and there can be midday or weekend maintenance periods with substitute service.

Buses are vulnerable to road congestion and Port Authority gate delays. Express variants often help, but travel time can still swing based on incidents or weather. NJ TRANSIT has added peak trips and adjusted schedules to manage reliability where possible.

Onboard, trains usually offer more room to work or read and a smoother ride. Buses can deliver a direct Midtown arrival, but crowding and road conditions make working onboard less comfortable during peak times.

Door-to-door examples from downtown Westwood

These examples assume a short walk from central Westwood near Broadway and Kinderkamack. Always check live departures before you go.

• Example 1: Midtown west job near Port Authority (good traffic)

  • Bus 165 express: 5-minute walk to stop, about 5-minute wait, 50 to 60 minutes in vehicle, 5-minute walk inside the terminal area. Total about 65 to 75 minutes.
  • Train to Hoboken then PATH to 33rd Street: 6-minute walk to station, about 10-minute wait, 50 to 60 minutes to Hoboken, 10 to 15 minutes transfer, 12 minutes on PATH, short walk to your office. Total about 90 to 105 minutes.

• Example 2: Midtown west job on a heavy traffic day

  • Bus 165: 5-minute walk to stop, about 5-minute wait, 80 to 95+ minutes in vehicle, 5-minute walk inside the terminal area. Total about 95 to 110+ minutes.
  • Train to Midtown via Secaucus: 6-minute walk to station, about 10-minute wait, 50 to 60 minutes to Secaucus connection, 10 to 20 minutes transfer to a Midtown train, short ride to Penn Station, then walk to your office. Total about 75 to 100+ minutes.

When to choose which

• Choose the 165 bus if you want a single-seat ride to Midtown west near Port Authority and value frequent departures.
• Choose the Pascack Valley Line train if you prefer more predictable timing than highway traffic, you are headed to Hoboken or Jersey City, or you are comfortable with a transfer to reach Midtown.
• Mix and match. Many commuters take the bus inbound and the train home, using real-time apps to pick the best option each day.

How to check times and fares fast

• See live Route 165 arrivals for Westwood stops. Open NJ TRANSIT MyBus for Westwood.
• Review current Pascack Valley Line timetables and example departures. Scan a PVL schedule view.
• Price your exact trip and compare bus vs rail passes. Use the NJ TRANSIT Fare Guide.
• Set up MyTix and contactless payments before you go. Check FarePay options.

Ready for a local perspective on your move?

If commute time is a key part of your Bergen County search, you deserve advice tailored to your day-to-day. For neighborhood insight, routes that fit your schedule, and a smooth home process from offer to closing, connect with Keren Abraham.

FAQs

What is the fastest option from Westwood to Midtown on a typical day?

• In light traffic the 165 bus can be about 50 to 60 minutes to Port Authority, while the train plus a transfer to Midtown usually runs about 60 to 90 minutes door to door.

How often do Pascack Valley Line trains run from Westwood?

• Service is roughly hourly outside peak times, with additional trains during the morning and evening rush windows.

Does the 165 bus go to Penn Station in Manhattan?

• No. The 165 goes to the Port Authority Bus Terminal. To reach Penn Station you would walk, take a subway, or consider the train via Secaucus.

Which mode is usually more reliable?

• The train avoids highway traffic, which often makes it more predictable. The bus is more frequent but can be delayed by congestion and Port Authority gate operations.

Can one pass cover both bus and train?

• Monthly rail passes often include cross-acceptance on buses up to the zones printed on the pass. Always confirm current policy and pricing in the NJ TRANSIT Fare Guide.