PATH 33rd Street Station: The Complete Midtown-NJ Hub Guide
Most people traveling between New York and New Jersey think of Penn Station first — large, well-known, served by NJ Transit trains reaching every corner of the Garden State. But there's another option that's faster, cheaper, simpler, and far less crowded for a significant portion of New Jersey commuters. It sits right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan on 33rd Street.
The PATH 33rd Street Station is the northern terminus of the Port Authority Trans-Hudson rail system. For anyone traveling between Midtown Manhattan and Hoboken, Jersey City, or Newark, it's one of the most practical and underappreciated transit resources in the entire region. Trains run every few minutes during rush hours, fares are flat at $2.75, and the ride to Hoboken takes just 8 minutes underwater. For a complete view of NYC's transit network, see our WTC Oculus guide covering the southern PATH terminus.
33rd Street PATH at a Glance
- 📍 Address: 33rd St & 6th Ave, NYC 10001
- 🕐 Hours: Open 24/7
- 🚆 Operator: Port Authority (PATH)
- 🚇 Subway: 1, 2, 3, B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W, 6
- 🔄 PATH Lines: 33rd-Hoboken, 33rd-Journal Sq
- 💰 Fare: $2.75 flat (OMNY)
- 📅 Original Opening: 1908
- 🏙️ Neighborhood: Herald Square / Midtown
What's Inside This Guide
What Is the PATH 33rd Street Station?
The 33rd Street PATH Station is the northern terminus of the Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rail system in Manhattan. It sits beneath 33rd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, placing it squarely in the heart of Midtown Manhattan — within walking distance of the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Penn Station, Herald Square, and the Koreatown restaurant corridor.
PATH is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. It is entirely separate from both the NYC subway and NJ Transit, with its own rolling stock, fare system, and network. The system runs under the Hudson River, connecting Manhattan to Hoboken, Jersey City, and Newark.
Every weekday, tens of thousands of New Jersey residents arrive here in the morning and depart in the evening. Many work within walking distance — in the office towers of Midtown, in the tech companies clustered around 34th Street, in the media businesses of the West 30s. For these commuters, 33rd Street isn't just a transit node; it's the beginning and end of each working day.
History and Background
The history of the 33rd Street PATH station is inseparable from the history of the trans-Hudson rail tunnel itself — one of the great infrastructure achievements of the early 20th century. Before the tunnels existed, crossing the Hudson River required a ferry. The river is wide, the currents are strong, and in winter, ice made crossings dangerous and unreliable.
The project was undertaken by the Hudson & Manhattan Railroad Company, led by engineer William Gibbs McAdoo. Workers dug through the soft sediment beneath the Hudson using pressurized air chambers — cutting-edge but extremely dangerous technique. The first tunnel opened in 1908, and the 33rd Street terminal was one of the original stations.
Modernization Under the Port Authority
The railroad went bankrupt in 1954 and limped along until the Port Authority took over operations in 1962, renaming the system PATH. Under Port Authority management, the system was gradually modernized — new rolling stock, upgraded stations, improved signaling. The 33rd Street station today is functional and well-maintained, though utilitarian compared to landmark stations.
The Port Authority's stewardship has consistently prioritized reliability and service frequency over architectural grandeur — a philosophy that daily commuters tend to appreciate. An on-time train in a plain station is worth considerably more than a delayed train in a beautiful one.
Location, Address, and Entrances
The 33rd Street PATH Station is located beneath the intersection of 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue. The main entrance is on the southeast corner. The station is one of the most densely trafficked pedestrian areas of Manhattan — Herald Square is one block east, the Empire State Building is two blocks east, Penn Station and Madison Square Garden are two blocks west.
Surrounding Neighborhood
Within a 5-minute walk you have:
- Penn Station — Two blocks west, serving NJ Transit, Amtrak, and LIRR
- Madison Square Garden — Directly above Penn Station, events significantly affect 33rd Street PATH crowds
- Empire State Building — Two blocks east on 34th and Fifth
- Herald Square / Macy's — One block east, major retail hub
- Koreatown (K-Town) — 32nd Street between Fifth and Sixth, vibrant dining corridor
- Moynihan Train Hall — Three blocks west, expanded Amtrak facility
For travelers exploring this area, our Manhattan Travel Guide covers the surrounding neighborhoods in detail, including the best places to visit and stay.
Station Layout: Levels and Key Areas
The 33rd Street PATH station is a relatively compact facility compared to major NYC subway terminal stations. But compactness here is a feature — the station is easy to navigate, and the distance from street entrance to train platform is short enough that many commuters can be on a train within 2-3 minutes of descending.
Mezzanine Level
Descending from street level, you reach the mezzanine, where PATH fare gates, ticket vending machines, and customer service are located. This is where you tap in with OMNY contactless or SmartLink. The underground connection to the Herald Square subway complex is also accessible here — allowing fare-paid transfers to multiple subway lines.
Platform Level
Below the mezzanine are the train platforms. As a terminal station, trains arrive, discharge and load passengers, then depart back toward New Jersey. You don't need to worry about boarding the wrong direction — all trains depart toward NJ.
Because 33rd Street is a terminal station, you can board the train before it officially departs and sit comfortably while the platform fills. You never have to sprint for this train the way you might for a through-station service.
PATH Lines Serving 33rd Street
Two PATH lines serve 33rd Street, both operating between Midtown Manhattan and New Jersey. Understanding the difference is foundational for using this station effectively.
1. The 33rd Street-Hoboken Line
Runs from 33rd Street southward through Manhattan, making stops at 23rd Street, 14th Street, 9th Street, and Christopher Street, before crossing under the Hudson to Hoboken Terminal. Full journey takes ~18-22 minutes.
Hoboken Terminal is itself a significant transit hub. NJ Transit trains from Hoboken serve Morris and Essex Lines (Morristown, Dover, Summit), Pascack Valley Line (Hackensack, Spring Valley), and Montclair-Boonton Line. Hoboken is also served by NY Waterway ferries to Midtown and Lower Manhattan.
2. The 33rd Street-Journal Square via Hoboken Line
Shares the Manhattan stations with Hoboken line, then continues beyond Hoboken into Jersey City — Newport, Grove Street, then Journal Square as terminus. Journal Square is the major transit hub of Jersey City. Travel time: ~25-30 minutes.
The 33rd Street PATH lines are distinct from the lines serving the WTC PATH station downtown. If you're in Midtown and need Newark or Newark Airport, the 33rd Street station is NOT your best option. For Newark, use the WTC PATH or NJ Transit from Penn Station.
For Newark connections and the southern PATH terminus — see the complete Oculus guide
Subway Connections at 33rd Street
One of the most significant advantages of 33rd Street PATH is its subway connectivity. The station sits at the intersection of multiple subway lines, making it a true multi-modal transit hub for Midtown Manhattan.
Herald Square Complex (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W)
The 34th Street-Herald Square subway station, one block east, is one of the most well-connected subway stations in Manhattan. The underground connection from the PATH mezzanine to Herald Square allows transfers without going to street level.
- B and D trains — Sixth Avenue through Midtown, Bryant Park, Rockefeller, Columbus Circle, Bronx (D), Brooklyn (B)
- F and M trains — Sixth Avenue, Lower East Side, East Village, Queens
- N, Q, R, W trains — Broadway line, Times Square (one stop north), 14th Street, Canal Street, Queens, Brooklyn
34th Street-Penn Station Subway (1, 2, 3, A, C, E)
Two blocks west, serving some of the most heavily used lines in NYC:
- 1, 2, 3 — West Side Broadway Line, Lower Manhattan to Upper West Side and Bronx
- A, C, E — Eighth Avenue Line, Far West Side, Upper West Side, Washington Heights, JFK Airport (A train)
33rd Street Subway Stop (6 train)
Short walk east on 33rd Street. The 6 train connects to Grand Central (one stop north), the Upper East Side, and the Bronx.
Penn Station, Buses, Airports & Ferries
Penn Station (2 Blocks West)
Penn Station is a 5-minute walk west along 34th Street. This proximity creates an effective multi-modal connection many commuters use strategically. You can take PATH from Hoboken to 33rd Street, then walk to Penn Station for an Amtrak train. The walk is genuine option, not last resort.
Port Authority Bus Terminal (3 Blocks North)
The largest bus terminal in the United States, at 42nd and Eighth Avenue. A 10-minute walk north or single subway stop on the A, C, or E. Serves extensive bus networks to New Jersey and beyond.
Getting to the Airports
| Airport | Best Route from 33rd St | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newark (EWR) | WTC PATH (use other station) or Penn Station | 40-50 min | ~$11 |
| JFK | A or E from 34th St-Penn → AirTrain | 55-70 min | ~$12 |
| LaGuardia | 7 train from Times Square → Q70 bus | 40-55 min | ~$5 |
For comprehensive flight planning tips and how to handle delays, see our NYC travel guides.
PATH Tickets, Fares & How to Pay
PATH uses a flat fare system — every trip costs the same regardless of distance. Whether you travel one stop to Christopher Street or the full length to Journal Square, the fare is identical.
Current PATH Fares (2026)
| Payment Method | Cost Per Trip | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| OMNY Contactless | $2.75 | Visitors and occasional riders |
| SmartLink Single | $2.75 | Those preferring dedicated card |
| SmartLink 10-trip | $24.75 ($2.475/trip) | Regular non-daily riders |
| SmartLink 20-trip | $46 ($2.30/trip) | Frequent commuters |
| SmartLink 40-trip | $88 ($2.20/trip) | Daily commuters — best value |
How to Pay
- OMNY Contactless — Tap any contactless Visa/Mastercard/Amex/Discover. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay also work. Simplest for visitors.
- SmartLink Card — PATH's reloadable card from station vending machines. Useful for daily commuters tracking balance.
- Vending Machines — On the mezzanine. Accept cards and cash.
The NYC subway MetroCard does NOT work on PATH. These are completely separate fare systems. If you tap your MetroCard at a PATH gate, nothing happens. Use OMNY contactless or a SmartLink card. There's no free transfer between subway and PATH — separate fares required.
For comprehensive cost planning beyond just transit, see our complete NYC Daily Budget Guide.
New Jersey Destinations Complete Guide
Hoboken, NJ (Direct — ~18 minutes)
Once a working-class industrial waterfront city, Hoboken has transformed over 30 years into one of the most desirable residential communities in the NY metro area. Its mile-square footprint packs an extraordinary density of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, and brownstone streets — all with views of the Manhattan skyline. Hoboken Terminal is also the gateway to NJ Transit reaching much of New Jersey.
Jersey City, NJ (Direct — ~20-30 minutes)
Jersey City has undergone perhaps the most dramatic transformation of any city in the northeastern US over the past two decades. What was largely industrial waterfront is now dense, mixed-use urban environment with high residential density, thriving restaurant scene, and a financial sector around Exchange Place. Served at Exchange Place, Grove Street, and Journal Square.
Beyond PATH: NJ Transit from Hoboken
From Hoboken Terminal (~18 min via PATH), NJ Transit serves:
- Morris & Essex Lines — Morristown, Dover, Madison, Summit, Maplewood
- Montclair-Boonton Line — Montclair, Boonton, Mount Tabor
- Pascack Valley Line — Secaucus, Hackensack, Westwood
- Main/Bergen County Line — Rutherford, Lyndhurst, Ridgewood, Suffern (NY)
Combining 33rd Street PATH with NJ Transit from Hoboken lets you reach destinations throughout northern and central New Jersey — while avoiding Penn Station congestion during peak hours.
Peak Hours, Crowds & Best Times
Peak Hours
- Morning rush inbound (7:30-9:30 AM) — Inbound PATH trains at fullest. Outbound trains from 33rd Street at this time are uncrowded.
- Evening rush outbound (5:00-7:30 PM) — Reverse pattern. Trains fill quickly; may need to skip 1-2 trains for a comfortable seat.
Madison Square Garden Event Surges
The proximity of Madison Square Garden creates additional demand. After Knicks/Rangers games, concerts, or boxing matches, thousands descend on the 33rd/34th Street transit complex simultaneously. The PATH station can become dramatically more crowded for 30-60 minutes after events end.
Best Times for Smooth Journey
- Midmorning weekdays (9:30 AM-12 PM) — Rush cleared, frequent trains, seats available
- Early evening (4:00-5:00 PM) — Before full rush surge, often uncrowded outbound
- Weekends — Lower frequency but dramatically reduced crowds
- Late night (10 PM-5 AM) — Very low crowds, trains every 20-30 minutes. PATH's 24-hour service is genuinely useful
PATH 33rd Street vs Penn Station: Which to Use?
This is the most important practical question for anyone traveling between Midtown Manhattan and New Jersey. The answer depends on destination, time sensitivity, budget, and tolerance for crowds.
Choose PATH 33rd Street When:
- Destination is Hoboken — PATH is direct, fast (~18 min), far cheaper than NJ Transit
- Destination is Jersey City (Exchange Place, Grove Street, Journal Square)
- Traveling during off-peak hours — PATH runs 24/7
- You want to avoid Penn Station crowds — 33rd PATH entrance much less congested
- Connecting to NJ Transit from Hoboken for Morris & Essex, Montclair-Boonton, Pascack Valley
- Cost is priority — PATH $2.75 flat vs NJ Transit zone-based fares ($15+ for longer trips)
Choose Penn Station When:
- Destination is Newark — NJ Transit direct vs PATH transfer
- Destination is central or southern NJ — Trenton, Princeton, Atlantic City, Jersey Shore
- You need Amtrak — Penn Station only
- Destination served only by NJ Transit Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line
- Traveling with heavy luggage — Penn Station's larger platforms easier to manage
Bottom line: For northern New Jersey communities closest to Manhattan — Hoboken, Jersey City, and NJ Transit-from-Hoboken destinations — 33rd Street PATH is almost always faster, cheaper, and less stressful. For the rest of New Jersey, Penn Station remains primary.
Hidden Insights & Local Knowledge
The Station Empties Surprisingly Fast After 9:30 AM
Morning rush intensity is real but ends abruptly. By 9:30-10:00 AM, the rush is over and the station transitions to calmer operation. Trains run every 8-10 minutes during midday, platforms are minimal, seats readily available. Shifting commute by even 30-45 minutes transforms the experience.
Closer to Penn Station Than Google Maps Suggests
Many apps route the walk at 6-8 minutes. In practice, brisk walking gets you there in 4-5 minutes. This matters for tight Amtrak/NJ Transit connections. Exit PATH onto Sixth Avenue, head west on 33rd, Penn Station entrance on right at Eighth Avenue.
Hoboken Is More Than a Transfer Point
Many think of Hoboken purely as transit node. It's also genuinely enjoyable destination. Waterfront park has best views of Manhattan from NJ. Washington Street has dozens of excellent restaurants. The PATH journey is just 18 minutes — making Hoboken accessible day trip or dining destination.
Weekend Service Changes Are Significant
On weekends, the 33rd Street-Journal Square service does not run — passengers traveling beyond Hoboken must transfer at Hoboken. Posted on departure boards but easy to miss. Always check the destination board on weekends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using MetroCard at PATH gates — won't work, use OMNY or SmartLink
- Expecting 33rd Street to reach Newark directly — it doesn't
- Not checking weekend service changes — Journal Square through-service doesn't operate weekends
- Forgetting MSG event schedule — station gets dramatically more crowded after events
- Walking to wrong entrance — PATH is on 33rd and Sixth Avenue, NOT Seventh
The official PATH app provides real-time train arrival, service alerts, and system status. Knowing the next Hoboken train is 4 minutes vs 12 minutes away changes when to leave your desk. Free, reliable, real-time.
FAQ — PATH 33rd Street Station
Where exactly is the 33rd Street PATH Station?
Beneath 33rd Street and Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Primary entrance on the southeast corner. One block west of Herald Square, two blocks west of Empire State Building, two blocks east of Penn Station and Madison Square Garden.
What lines does the 33rd Street PATH station serve?
Two lines: 33rd Street-Hoboken (to Hoboken NJ via Christopher St, 9th St, 14th St, 23rd St) and 33rd Street-Journal Square via Hoboken (continues through Jersey City to Journal Square). On weekends, the Journal Square through-service doesn't operate — transfer at Hoboken for Jersey City.
How much does PATH cost from 33rd Street?
Flat fare — every trip costs $2.75 with OMNY contactless, regardless of distance. Multi-trip SmartLink: 10-trip $24.75 ($2.475/trip), 20-trip $46 ($2.30/trip), 40-trip $88 ($2.20/trip).
How long does PATH take from 33rd Street to Hoboken?
18-22 minutes including stops at 23rd, 14th, 9th, and Christopher Street in Manhattan before crossing under the Hudson. Time under the river is 3-4 minutes.
Can I use my MetroCard on PATH at 33rd Street?
No. PATH and the NYC subway are completely separate fare systems. Use OMNY contactless (tap any contactless card or mobile wallet) or buy a SmartLink card at vending machines.
Does the 33rd Street PATH go to Newark?
No. The 33rd Street PATH serves Hoboken and Jersey City only. To reach Newark via PATH, use the WTC PATH station downtown for direct service. Alternatively, NJ Transit from Penn Station (two blocks west) runs directly to Newark in ~20 minutes.
Is the 33rd Street PATH station open 24 hours?
Yes. PATH operates 24/7. Late-night service (midnight to 5 AM) runs every 20-30 minutes vs 3-5 minutes during peak. This 24-hour operation is one of PATH's biggest advantages over NJ Transit and Metro-North.
What subway lines are near the 33rd Street PATH station?
Direct underground connection to Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W). The 1, 2, 3, A, C, E are 5-minute walk west at Penn Station. The 6 train at 33rd/Lexington is 5-minute walk east.
What's the difference between PATH 33rd Street and WTC PATH?
Both PATH stations in Manhattan but serve different lines and are miles apart. 33rd Street is in Midtown serving Hoboken/Journal Square. WTC is in Lower Manhattan serving Newark/Hoboken directly. For Newark, use WTC. For Midtown to Hoboken/Jersey City, use 33rd Street.
How do I get from 33rd Street PATH to Penn Station?
Exit onto Sixth Avenue, walk west on 33rd Street. Penn Station entrance is approximately two blocks west at 33rd and Eighth Avenue. Walk takes 4-5 minutes briskly. No underground connection — walk is above ground.
The Quiet Efficiency of 33rd Street PATH
There's something almost deliberately modest about the 33rd Street PATH station. It doesn't have a famous ceiling or soaring atrium. What it has is a train that leaves every few minutes, crosses the Hudson in under four minutes, and arrives in New Jersey with reliability that makes daily commuting genuinely easy.
For first-time New York-New Jersey travelers, the 33rd Street PATH is a revelation. For veterans, it's simply how life works — a fast, affordable, 24-hour bridge between two of the most dynamic urban environments in the world.