Millions of people visit New York City every year and never realize there’s a shopper’s paradise just 15 minutes away. The moment you cross into New Jersey, your shopping budget instantly goes further — zero tax on clothing, outlet prices up to 70% off, and more malls within a short drive than almost anywhere else in the US. Here’s exactly how to do the NYC-to-NJ outlet day trip, with insider tips on which malls to hit, how to get there, and how much you’ll actually save.
Why Cross the Hudson?
New York City charges a combined 8.875% sales tax on almost everything. New Jersey charges zero percent on all clothing and shoes — no exceptions, no minimum price threshold. That alone is reason enough to make the trip. Throw in outlet pricing and the numbers get genuinely exciting.
Picture this: you’re buying a $200 pair of sneakers. In NYC you’re handing over $17.75 in tax. In New Jersey? Not a cent. Now scale that up to a proper shopping day — a jacket, a few pairs of jeans, some shoes — and you’re easily looking at $50–$100 in pure tax savings before any outlet discount even kicks in. Add 30–70% off outlet prices and suddenly the Lincoln Tunnel toll looks like the best investment you’ll make all trip.
New Jersey also has something else going for it: sheer variety of malls within a very small area. You can realistically hit three different shopping destinations in a single day. That’s not possible in most cities.
The Best Malls to Hit From NYC
If You’re Taking Public Transit (No Car Needed)
The Mills at Jersey Gardens — Elizabeth, NJ is your best bet. It’s 200+ outlet stores in a single indoor mall, about 25–30 minutes from Midtown via NJ Transit bus from Port Authority (Bus Terminal at 42nd St & 8th Ave). There’s also a shuttle bus directly from Newark Airport, running every 30 minutes. If you’re coming straight from the airport, this is the move — grab the shuttle outside Terminal B, arrive at Jersey Gardens, and you’re shopping within the hour of landing.
When you walk in, stop at the information desk first. Ask for the coupon booklet — it’s $5, but international visitors get it free just by showing their passport. Inside are 20–30% discount vouchers for stores like Tommy Hilfiger, U.S. Polo, and more. Don’t skip this step.
If You Have a Car (Or Rent One for the Day)
This is where it gets really fun. With a car you can do a proper “mall circuit” in a single day. Our personal favorite route for a full day trip from NYC:
- Morning (9–11am): American Dream Mall in East Rutherford — 15 min from the Lincoln Tunnel. Best for: big brands, entertainment if you have kids, Saks Off 5th, Primark, and a food hall with actual good options.
- Midday (11am–2pm): Garden State Plaza in Paramus — 10 min from American Dream. One of the largest malls in the US. Great for mid-range to premium brands. Note: closed Sundays due to Bergen County blue laws.
- Afternoon (2–5pm): The Mall at Short Hills — 25 min south. Pure luxury: Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Hermès. Even if you’re not buying, it’s worth walking through.
Pro tip: if you’re going on a Sunday, skip Garden State Plaza (closed) and swap it for Palisades Center in West Nyack — just across the state line in NY, 15 min from the George Washington Bridge, and open 7 days a week.
The Tax Savings Math (Real Numbers)
Let’s put real numbers to this. A typical shopping day for a tourist in NYC might involve:
- 2 pairs of jeans at $60 each = $120
- 1 pair of sneakers at $150
- 2 tops at $40 each = $80
- 1 jacket at $200
Total: $550. NYC tax at 8.875% = $48.81 in tax. New Jersey tax = $0. That’s nearly $50 you keep just by crossing a river — and that’s before any outlet pricing. Round-trip bus from NYC to Jersey Gardens costs about $5. You’re ahead before you walk in the door.
Getting There: Your Options
By bus: NJ Transit buses run from Port Authority (42nd St) to multiple NJ malls. Check njtransit.com for schedules. For Jersey Gardens specifically, the #111 or #112 will get you there.
By PATH train: For Newport Centre in Jersey City, take the PATH from WTC or 33rd St to Newport station.
By car: Lincoln Tunnel (Midtown) → NJ-3 West connects to most North Jersey malls. Holland Tunnel (Downtown) → NJ Turnpike is great for American Dream and Jersey Gardens.
By tour bus: Multiple operators run organized shopping tours from NYC to NJ malls and Woodbury Commons. Check Viator or GetYourGuide — often includes a coupon booklet.
Insider Tips for the Day
- Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday if you can. Weekends at American Dream and Jersey Gardens get genuinely packed. Weekday mornings are a completely different experience.
- Bring a foldable duffel bag. You will buy more than you expect.
- Download the TangerClub app before you go if you’re visiting any Tanger outlet. Free coupons, no coupon book purchase needed.
- Eat before the food court rush — aim for lunch before noon or after 2pm. The Jersey Gardens food court gets chaotic between 12–2pm on busy days.
- Check what’s tax-free in NJ before you go. Clothing and shoes: always free. Electronics, cosmetics, home goods: not exempt. Plan your shopping list accordingly.
Combine Shopping with a Night Out
Some visitors turn this into a full evening. After shopping at Jersey Gardens or Newport Centre, take the PATH or Hudson-Bergen Light Rail up to Hoboken. The waterfront here has some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline you’ll find anywhere — and great restaurants. Grab dinner, walk the pier, and head back to NYC feeling like you made the most of the day.
Seriously, once you do this trip once, you’ll wonder why you ever spent full price in the city. See our full guide to the best malls and outlets in NJ.
