Traffic

The Elizabeth Commute Guide: Parkway patience and train rides

Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: what getting around Elizabeth really takes.

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Diane Briante
Elizabeth Local Expert

Diane, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move

Diane has been rooted in New Jersey since day one and has lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before landing in Fanwood. When she and her family moved into their current place, she was very pregnant and still refused to stop lifting boxes or scrubbing things because she wanted it done right. She is the kind of New Jerseyan who can talk about Revolutionary War history, walk you through Duke Gardens, or recommend the best apple picking without checking a map. Her food loyalties are fierce, especially when it comes to pork roll on a hard roll with melted cheese, though she will happily join any naming debate. She is a lifelong reader who once tried to leave the library with more books than her card allowed. She even crossed paths with Sinatra during an honorary degree event at Stevens. At Snappy Scout she brings sharp local insight with a Jersey wink.

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Written with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts

How Do You Get Around Elizabeth?

Commutes, congestion, transit, and parking: the daily logistics nobody puts on the listing.

The time I spend getting to/from work every day is

NJ Transit 30ish minutes (if it's on time!), latte intact

Traffic congestion areas to avoid

NJ Turnpike 13A near Ikea and airport, rush hours and Saturdays

Ability to get around without a car

Trains, buses and jitneys handle life. Jersey Gardens and Ikea runs demand wheels

Locals dream of driving around in a

pearl white BMW X5, third row for weekend Six Flags raids

The reality is that most locals drive

a faithful Altima, check engine glow, trunk full of Ikea

Quirky local driving habit

double parking for empanadas on Elmora, hazards flashing politely

The likelihood of finding parking

Downtown near Broad Street station scarce. Side streets fair after nine

#1 driving tip

Keep EZ Pass ready near 13A and Goethals

Local's Q&AReal answers from someone who lives here

Where I Go for a Quiet Escape

A stroll through the Westminster section in spring. Sprawling homes in a range of styles and sense of peace and calm not far from downtown.

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— Diane Briante

New Jersey Local Expert

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Ready to See If Elizabeth Fits You?

Compare neighborhoods, check the routes, or head back to the full Elizabeth guide for the bigger picture.