You know that feeling. You're staring at the Garden State Parkway traffic on a Tuesday morning, gripping the steering wheel, and wondering why on earth you didn't just take the bus. If you live anywhere near Ocean County, the Toms River Park and Ride bus terminal is probably a place you’ve driven past a thousand times without really thinking about how much of a lifesaver it is for commuters and day-trippers alike.
It's located right off Exit 81. Basically, it’s the heartbeat of transit for this part of the Jersey Shore.
Most people assume bus travel is a headache, but honestly, when you factor in the cost of parking in Lower Manhattan or the absolute nightmare of finding a spot near Port Authority, the math starts to lean heavily toward the "let someone else drive" category. The terminal, situated on Highland Parkway, isn't just a slab of asphalt. It’s a massive hub that connects the quiet suburban life of Toms River to the chaotic energy of New York City and Philadelphia.
What’s the Deal with Parking at the Toms River Park and Ride Bus Terminal?
Let’s be real for a second. Parking is the make-or-break factor. You can have the fanciest bus in the world, but if you can’t find a spot for your car at 6:30 AM, the whole plan falls apart.
The Toms River Park and Ride bus terminal has a decent amount of space, but it fills up fast. Like, really fast. If you’re rolling in at 8:45 AM expecting a front-row spot, you're going to be disappointed. Locals know the drill: get there early or prepare for a walk. The lot is managed by the township, and they’ve kept the pricing relatively reasonable compared to what you’d pay for a garage in a major city.
There’s a small indoor waiting area too. It’s not a five-star hotel lounge, obviously. It’s a functional space with some seating and a ticket window. It gets the job done when it’s ten degrees outside and the wind is whipping off the Barnegat Bay.
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The NJ Transit and Greyhound Connection
Most of the traffic here comes from NJ Transit. Specifically, the 137 route is the big one. That’s the express to New York City. It’s a straight shot up the Parkway, usually taking about 90 minutes to two hours depending on how much of a mess the Lincoln Tunnel is that day.
Then you have the 67 route, which is a bit of a marathon. It goes through Lakewood and eventually hits Jersey City and Newark. It’s slower. Way slower. But if you need to get to Newark Penn Station for a flight or a PATH train, it’s the reliable workhorse of the region.
Greyhound stops here too. That’s your ticket to the rest of the country. If you’re heading south toward Atlantic City or Philly, or even making a long-haul trip down to DC, you’ll see those blue buses pulling in and out throughout the day.
Survival Tips for the Daily Commute
If you're new to this, don't just show up and wing it.
First, get the NJ Transit app. Just do it. Buying a physical ticket at the window is fine, but the window isn't always open, and the ticket machines can be finicky. Having the QR code on your phone saves you that awkward moment of fumbling for your wallet while a line of grumpy commuters huffs behind you.
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Also, the "Park and Ride" part of the name is literal. You can't just leave your car there for a week-long vacation to Florida. It’s for daily commuters. If you leave your car overnight without the proper permit or checking the current local ordinances, you’re basically asking for a ticket or a tow. Toms River parking enforcement doesn't mess around.
Dealing with the "Parkway Factor"
The Parkway is unpredictable. We all know this. A fender bender in Sayreville can add 45 minutes to your trip instantly. The bus drivers are pros—they’ve seen it all—but they aren't magicians.
Checking a traffic app before you leave your house is smart. If the Parkway is a sea of red, the bus is going to be stuck in it just like everyone else. However, the 137 often uses the express lanes and the bus-only shoulders when permitted, which can sometimes give you a slight edge over the poor souls in their private SUVs.
Why People Choose This Over the Train
Look, the North Jersey Coast Line is great if you live in Point Pleasant or Bay Head. But if you’re in the heart of Toms River, driving to a train station means heading east first, then sitting on a train that stops at every single town on the way up.
The Toms River Park and Ride bus terminal offers a more direct route.
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It's about efficiency. For many, sitting in a reclining bus seat with a pair of noise-canceling headphones is a much better way to start the day than navigating the transfers at Rahway or Newark. Plus, the buses usually have Wi-Fi now. It’s hit or miss—sometimes it’s great, sometimes it’s non-existent—but it’s a nice perk when it works.
A Few Realities About the Terminal Facility
It’s important to manage expectations. This is a transit hub, not a shopping mall. You aren't going to find a Starbucks inside. There are vending machines, and usually, a few local coffee shops are a short drive away before you pull into the lot.
The security presence is generally visible, which is a plus. It feels safe, even late at night when the last buses are rolling in from the city. Lighting in the parking lot has been improved over the years, but it's still a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Pro Tip: If the main lot is full, there are sometimes overflow options, but they change based on local construction or township policy. Always check the posted signs.
- Weather Warning: The terminal area can get flooded during particularly nasty storms or heavy snow. If Ocean County is under a weather alert, check the NJ Transit website before you leave your house.
Making the Most of Your Trip
The Toms River Park and Ride bus terminal serves as a vital bridge. Without it, the commute from southern Ocean County would be almost unbearable for thousands of people.
If you're planning a trip to the city for a Broadway show or a Yankees game, using the bus from here is a solid choice. You save on gas. You save on tolls (which are getting ridiculous). You save on the stress of driving in Manhattan.
When you get to the terminal, make sure you're in the right line. It sounds simple, but during the morning rush, there are multiple buses heading to different destinations. Always ask the driver, "Is this the 137 to Port Authority?" just to be sure. Nobody wants to end up in Jersey City when they’re supposed to be at a meeting on 42nd Street.
Actionable Steps for New Users
- Download the NJ Transit Mobile App: Set up your payment method in advance so you aren't stuck at the terminal trying to enter credit card numbers while the bus is pulling away.
- Scout the Lot: If you have a big trip planned for a Monday morning, maybe drive by on a Sunday just to see the layout. It helps to know exactly where the entrance is.
- Arrive 20 Minutes Early: Especially if you need to buy a ticket or find a parking spot during peak hours (6 AM to 8:30 AM).
- Check the Schedule Daily: NJ Transit is notorious for "holiday schedules" or "emergency service adjustments." Don't assume the bus is coming at 7:05 AM just because it did yesterday.
- Keep a Backup Plan: Have a ride-share app ready or know where the nearest alternative station is (like Lakewood or Brick) just in case the Toms River lot is at capacity.
The Toms River Park and Ride bus terminal isn't fancy, but it is essential. By understanding the parking situation, mastering the app, and knowing which routes serve your needs, you can turn a potentially stressful travel day into a manageable, even productive, experience. It's the smart way to bridge the gap between the Shore and the City.