pubic transportation from NJ to NY (Newark: hotels, train, commuting)

[SamNC]

I want to visit NYC in the summer, primarily for photography. I am thinking about staying in Jersey and taking the train into NYC. Is this practical? Does the train well on a constant basis during weekends? Would the NJ side be easier to travel into NYC than say north of NYC or on long island?

I think there is a "red" line (train?) connecting NJ to NYC, and I guess this line feeds right into a metro station, or right next to one. Is this correct?

What about staying at a hotel by an airport? Are those cheaper (and easier access) than the hotels in NJ? My goal is to pay under 150/night if possible.

[009]

Originally Posted by SamNC

I want to visit NYC in the summer, primarily for photography. I am thinking about staying in Jersey and taking the train into NYC. Is this practical?

You won't be the only one doing so.

Originally Posted by SamNC

Does the train well on a constant basis during weekends?

That depends where in Jersey you will stay. If you plan to stay closer to NYC, there will be multiple lines going into NYC. That farther out you are, the more widespread the routes will become and less alternatives you will have, meaning more wait times.

Originally Posted by SamNC

Would the NJ side be easier to travel into NYC than say north of NYC or on long island?

Again, it depends how far you'll be from NYC. The closer you are, the more transportation alternatives will be available for you.

Originally Posted by SamNC

I think there is a "red" line (train?) connecting NJ to NYC, and I guess this line feeds right into a metro station, or right next to one. Is this correct?

There's no "red" line. Routes go by name in Jersey. Refer to this map: http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/Rail_System_Map.pdf

And check out this out for more info: New Jersey Transit - Home

[Carbro]

Originally Posted by SamNC

Does the train well on a constant basis during weekends? Would the NJ side be easier to travel into NYC than say north of NYC or on long island?

In my experience, NJTransit, Long Island RR and MetroNorth (W'chester and Ct.) offer roughly equivalent service in terms of frequency, with a slight advantage to LIRR and MetroNorth. However, if you stay in Newark, Hoboken or Jersey City, you'll have access to the PATH train, which is not part of NJTransit and is cheap and quick and frequent.

http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/html/http://www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/path/html/map.html (broken link)