Last Updated: March 20th, 2026
NJ Transit covers the basics — but there are better options if you want a more comfortable, more curated trip. A ferry across the Hudson, a private van with VIP coupons, or a complimentary personal stylist waiting at the mall: these services are real, they’re well-reviewed, and most people have no idea they exist. Here’s what’s available.
NY Waterway Ferry + Shuttle to American Dream
This is the most scenic way to reach American Dream from Manhattan. NY Waterway runs a ferry from West 39th Street (Midtown) across the Hudson to Port Imperial in Weehawken — an 8-minute crossing. Dedicated shuttle buses then run directly to American Dream, completing the trip in about 20 more minutes.
Shuttles to American Dream run every 20 minutes on weekends, with regular weekday service as well. The combined ferry + shuttle ticket costs around $16 each way from NYC. If you’re already on the NJ side, a shuttle-only ticket is approximately $7.
Ferries depart West 39th Street every 10 minutes during rush hour and every 20 minutes off-peak, so you’re rarely waiting long. Exchange your e-ticket at the Midtown Terminal ticket window before boarding. The full details and latest schedules are at nywaterway.com or call 1-800-533-3779.
Pro tip: on a clear day, the Hudson crossing itself is worth it — the views of the Manhattan skyline from the ferry deck are genuinely great.
Organized Shopping Bus Tours: Woodbury Common & Jersey Gardens
Several operators run dedicated shopping excursions to the region’s top outlet destinations — including stops that NJ Transit doesn’t directly serve, like Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, NY.
Woodbury Bus (operated by Silver Star Transportation)
The best-known shopping bus service in the region, Woodbury Bus runs daily departures from Times Square (in front of Carnegie Diner, 828 8th Avenue) to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets in Central Valley, NY — about 60–75 minutes north of the city. Adult tickets are approximately $42 round trip (children 5–11 around $21). You get 5–8 hours at the outlets depending on your departure time, plus a VIP Discount Coupon Book valid at 200+ stores.
Woodbury Bus is highly rated on Tripadvisor, with reviewers consistently praising on-time departures and easy booking. The service is operated by Silver Star Transportation, which has been running ground transport in the NY metro area for over 30 years. Reservations are recommended — book at woodburybus.com or call +1 (212) 901-3013 (8 AM–8 PM daily).
Private Shopping Tours to Woodbury Common
Silver Star Transportation also offers private shopping tours via Sprinter van or executive SUV — ideal for groups, families, or anyone who wants to set their own departure time and skip the shared coach. Your driver picks you up at your hotel or preferred location, waits while you shop (up to 8 hours), and brings you back. Each passenger receives a VIP coupon book and a store map on arrival.
Private tours are bookable at silverstartransportation.com. Customer reviews on Tripadvisor describe drivers as professional, punctual, and knowledgeable about the outlets. Pricing varies by vehicle — contact them directly for a quote.
Jersey Gardens Shopping Day Trips from NYC
Tour operators including TakeTours and others via Viator and GetYourGuide offer organized day trips to Jersey Gardens in Elizabeth. These are a solid option for visitors staying in NYC who want guided logistics rather than figuring out the NJ Transit 111 bus on their own. Most include a shopping guide and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Browse current options and read reviews on Viator or GetYourGuide before booking — prices and availability vary seasonally.
Personal Shopping Services at NJ Malls
Several major NJ malls offer complimentary personal styling services — a genuinely useful perk that most shoppers never use. Here’s where to look.
Short Hills Mall: Styled at Short Hills
The Mall at Short Hills runs a personal shopping program called “Styled at Short Hills.” The service offers free, one-on-one appointments with professional stylists who guide you through the mall’s 140+ stores — from everyday wardrobe refreshes to full occasion styling. Appointments are complimentary and available through the official Short Hills Mall website at shopshorthills.com.
It’s a smart way to approach a luxury mall with a lot of ground to cover — a stylist who knows the tenant mix can save you hours of wandering. Neiman Marcus at Short Hills also has its own in-store personal shopping team, accessible through the department store directly.
American Dream: VIP Experiences
American Dream has built out a range of VIP and group experiences available through americandream.com/vip-experiences. The luxury wing, The Avenue, also offers valet parking at the entrance — a good option if you’re driving specifically for a luxury shopping session rather than a full family day.
The mall originally launched with an ambitious concierge program including on-call Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and even a helipad on the Saks Fifth Avenue rooftop for VIP arrivals from Manhattan and the Hamptons. Check the VIP page for the latest offerings, as the programme has continued to evolve since the mall’s opening.
Planning Your Trip: Which Option Is Right for You?
The best transport option depends on what kind of shopping day you’re planning. If you’re heading to American Dream from NYC for a mix of entertainment and retail, the NJ Transit 355 bus is fast, cheap, and requires no planning beyond checking the schedule. If you want something more comfortable and scenic, the NY Waterway ferry is a genuine upgrade for only a few dollars more.
For a serious outlet haul at Woodbury Common, the Woodbury Bus is the easiest and most reliable option — with good reviews and a decades-long track record. Groups or shoppers who want flexibility should look at Silver Star’s private van service. And if you’re planning a luxury trip to Short Hills, booking a free Styled at Short Hills appointment before you go will make the visit far more efficient and enjoyable.
