Getting to American Dream Mall From Manhattan: Bus & Secaucus Rail

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NYC Hotel & Travel Guide Β· 2026 Edition

Getting to American Dream Mall From Manhattan: Bus & Secaucus Rail

Getting to American Dream Mall From Manhattan: addresses, subway lines, walking distance and 2026 NYC nightly rates with tax math.

By Matthew S Crawford Β· Updated October 2026 Β· Verified NYC Rates & Tax Math

Quick answer

Visitors planning an american dream mall from nyc bus trip usually start at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The mall is in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near the Meadowlands. Routes, schedules and fares change, so confirm each detail with NJ Transit before you leave.

American Dream Mall From NYC Bus: Reaching East Rutherford From Midtown Manhattan

Visitors planning an american dream mall from nyc bus trip usually start at the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The mall is in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near the Meadowlands. Routes, schedules and fares change, so confirm each detail with NJ Transit before you leave.

Treat the outing as a half-day or full-day excursion from New York City. Entertainment venues, shops and dining change over time, so check the mall website for hours and openings. Build a buffer for traffic, which can slow buses on game and concert days.

Bus From Port Authority at Eighth Avenue and 42nd Street to the Meadowlands

The terminal sits at Eighth Avenue and West 42nd Street. Buses toward the Meadowlands are commonly described as running from there, including a route numbered 351, but confirm the number, gate and schedule with NJ Transit. Gates and signage can change, especially during terminal construction.

A rough estimate for the ride is 30 to 50 minutes without heavy traffic, and longer at peak times. Check live schedules, note the last return bus and keep your payment ready. Event days can change service, so verify before relying on a particular departure.

The white steel wings of the Oculus at the World Trade Center, with One World Trade Center behind
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

Rail Option: Secaucus Junction and Connecting Service to American Dream Mall From NYC

Some visitors use NJ Transit rail to Secaucus Junction, then transfer to a bus or event service toward the Meadowlands. Which trains and connections operate varies by day, so confirm the route, fares and timing on the NJ Transit site or app before choosing this option.

From New York Penn Station, rail trips may need a transfer. Add transfer time to your estimate, and check platform changes on the departure board. If a game or concert is scheduled nearby, expect crowds and ask NJ Transit about special service.

Subway Lines to Port Authority: A, C, E and the Times Square Hub

The A, C and E trains stop at 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal, with passages toward Times Square-42 St for the 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, S and 7. Confirm service with the MTA. Many Midtown Manhattan hotels sit within a short subway ride of this hub.

The subway fare is $3 with OMNY tap-to-pay at last report; confirm with the MTA. Allow extra time to walk through the terminal and check weekend changes. Riding the subway to Port Authority from outside Midtown adds time, so build that into your morning.

Midtown Manhattan Hotel Rooms Within Walking Distance of Port Authority

A hotel room near Eighth Avenue and 42nd Street shortens an early departure. Examples to research, with status to confirm, include the New Yorker at 481 Eighth Avenue and the Paramount at 235 West 46th Street. No amenity is promised here for any property.

Walk times from the West 40s are often 5 to 15 minutes, an estimate. Ask about luggage storage and a 24-hour front desk for late returns. The area is busy at all hours, so choose routes you are comfortable with and keep belongings secure.

Aerial view of downtown Newark, New Jersey, with rail lines along the right side
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

What to Plan at the Mall: Shopping, Entertainment and Dining Notes

The complex has historically combined retail, dining and indoor entertainment, but offerings change, so confirm what is open before you travel. Tickets for attractions may be sold separately, and hours vary by day. Pick two or three priorities instead of trying to see everything.

Bring comfortable shoes and plan breaks. Weekends and school holidays can be crowded, and some attractions may have timed entry. Check the mall’s official site before the trip, and keep your return bus time in mind when you begin your last activity.

Boutique Hotel and Luxury Hotel Choices in Manhattan for a Mall Day Trip

A boutique hotel in the Theater District or Hell’s Kitchen keeps the return easy, with the bus arriving near Eighth Avenue. A luxury hotel near Central Park South or Fifth Avenue may add a subway or taxi ride after the bus. Confirm each property’s status and policies.

Ask whether the hotel can hold shopping bags and what it charges for package handling. Policies differ by property. Request details in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions About American Dream Mall From NYC Bus Trips

Visitors comparing an american dream mall from nyc bus ride with rail options usually ask about routes, timing and lodging. The answers below stay general because schedules, fares and tenant lists change. Confirm each detail with NJ Transit, the mall and your hotel.

Keep written replies from the hotel with your reservation. On travel day, rely on live apps and official alerts, since service changes can affect the bus, the rail transfer and the subway connection back in Manhattan.

Is there a direct bus from Manhattan?

Buses toward the Meadowlands are commonly described as leaving from Port Authority, including a route numbered 351. Confirm the route and schedule with NJ Transit.

How long does the trip take?

A rough estimate is 30 to 50 minutes in light traffic, longer at peak times. Check live schedules and add a buffer for the return.

Can I use rail instead?

Some riders use NJ Transit rail to Secaucus Junction and then connect by bus or special service. Confirm options before traveling.

Is a Midtown hotel a good base?

It can be, since the terminal is a short walk or subway ride away. Ask about luggage storage and confirm the room rate and taxes.

Keep reading

Getting Around NYC Β· The Mills at Jersey Gardens From NYC Β· Hotels Near American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ Β· Weehawken & Lincoln Harbor Hotels Β· Best Hotels for Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne NJ & Lower Manhattan Β· Where to stay in NYC Β· NYCHotelss 20 Best Picks Β· Cheap hotels in NYC Β· All NYC guides

About the author. Matthew S Crawford grew up on Long Island, in Massapequa and then Deer Park. He runs NYCHotelss, an independent NYC hotel guide. Details change. Check rates, hours and policies before you book.