Frank R. Lautenberg Secaucus Junction Station

I think it’s weird you need to swipe your ticket to LEAVE the station. Once I misplaced my ticket and I had to pay to leave. I kept the ticket secure after that but still, I don’t get it.
Also I asked someone how to get to ground level. He directed me to the elevator, where there was a huge line. After several minutes of nothing happening, I had to track someone down to ask where stairs were. One elevator down? Ugh.
There’s not a very big pick up area for cars and there’s only one parking lot who with the monopoly charges high. Basically, just be happy if your train sails through here or if you only have to change tracks.

Not a complex interchange for changing trains but service can be a little quicker. A tad bit efficient. Pretty cool that it offers different bars, eateries while you wait or transfer trains. Also add to the fact that it is the most direct point from Penn station. Customer service as well as the announcement can be better.
Grade: C

Pretty good Junction Station but not the best

One of the better things to ever happen with NJ transit. If you are coming outbound/​inbound you can reach your destination without having to go to NY Penn or Hoboken. It’s a slightly less depressing atmosphere than Penn or Hoboken. That being said the trains are all outside so at some point you have to brave the elements. Some better food choices would take it up a notch. Bathrooms quite clean.

Easy to park here and take the train into NYC when the traffic is heavy instead of taking the bus in. Parking after 4:00 is around $ 9.50. They also have vallet. Parking lot is an easy walk to the train. Quick ride to NY Penn station. You will need your train ticket to get in, ride the train and finally get out of the station so hold onto it.

I use this station at rush hr as a quick way to get in to the city. At 4 dollars a ticket is a good deal. Most trains stop at this station as last stop before n y penn. same on return trip. If I do the train from the shore it goes once an hour. And u don’t want to sit in penn for an hour. If u go after 4 or on weekends park at Edison park for $ 9.00. They have valet parking

This station was so obviously built by a NON-​commuter. I can hardly begin to explain everything that is wrong with this transportation hub, but I’ll try:
— Not pedestrian-​friendly because it’s in the middle of nowhere; no stores, ATMs, restaurants bus stops in the immediate area;
— The passenger drop-​off is not large enough or wide enough;
— The passenger drop-​off is clear on the other side of where the turnstiles are. You need to walk nearly the equivalent of a city block to get to them from there.
— There is a huge space in the middle of the station large enough to display several cars but there is nothing there but an ugly sculpture. Occasionally there is live entertainment in the summertime: a singer or small band but the acoustics are horrible;
— With all of that space, there are only two places to eat: Dunkin Donuts and Sbarro, but there is very little seating. There’s also a bar. I feel sorry for any families larger than three people traveling through here;
— Restroom signage could be larger;
— Track signage could be larger and more prominent. Track CHANGES as well.
Overall, poorly designed, poorly placed, poorly run.

Okay, let’s say you take a train to Secaucus and want to continue on to someplace else. You do have several alternatives although, with the exception of taking another train, you’ll either have to get wet or spend a bunch of money and maybe even die. For the vast majority of us, swimming across the Hudson, while economical, probably isn’t an option. And even if it was, you’re going to be all wet and need to dry both yourself and your clothing prior to continuing on to your ultimate destination. You also might just be too tired after having exerted so much effort and energy. You can always hitchhike, which is free but you would have to walk to the NJ Turnpike where the posted speed limit is 65 but people usually drive around 100. Might be hard for them to see you, let alone stop and give you a ride. Über and cabs are also an option but they’re not cheap and you might be delayed. After much experience at Secaucus Junction, I recommend simply boarding another train and continuing on. And yes, my friends, along with The Lincoln Tunnel and GWB, this was another thing that’s pointless to review. Have a lovely day.

It’s actually not that bad of a station! It’s big, it’s spacious, sort of clean, there’s a Dunkin and a bar (god bless). There’s some weird abstract tree looking sculpture that’s supposed to symbolize something for the Meadowlands but I don’t have an Art Degree so I have no idea what it’s about. Parking could be a little better with the prices, but with the $ 4 tickets for a one-​way trip to NYC, I can’t really complain much on that.
Although you want to know the best part about the Secaucus station? It doesn’t smell like pee or feet (talking to you NY Penn)!

As far as rail stations go, this one does it job. The Secaucus Junction is very clean and open, with a lot of seating in the upper area as well as benches on the lower level. The bathrooms are pretty well-​maintained. A Dunkin Donuts, convenience store, and pizza place ensure you won’t get hungry when you’re waiting for the next train. There’s also a bar on the premises called The Junction, which serves beer and well drinks at average prices.

A clean and nice train station. We purchased our round trip tickets at the ticket machine. It was only $ 5.00. It was my first time at this train station. The trains left on time and were very clean. The ride is smooth and relaxing.

This junction was a great addition to NJ transit but it can be extremely confusing the first few times you pass through here.
The other thing you will notice is the overwhelming stench of urine, apparently there are no bathrooms on the platform so everyone just wizze’s where they are.
I got stuck here on New year’s eve after some nut job decided to jump in front of my train, so i found the bar and was shocked at the cheap prices 4 $ beers and 5 $ mixed drinks! can’t beat that, it’s twice as much in Newark Penn.
Overall most people pass through here quickly switching trains not really a station you’ll be hanging out in…
Safe travels my fellow Unilocalers!

I thought it was pretty clean for a train station so that got my attention right away. I wish there was food on the inside where you actually have to wait for the trains… so if you are going make sure you take advantage of that high quality Sbarro pizza or Dunkin Doughnuts BEFORE you buy your ticket and head beyond the gates… as once you get beyond those gates there isn’t anything but benches to sit and pass the time with.

I take use this station daily and am not quite sure what the good reviews are about. I will say on the inside lower and upper level its clean, a bit sterile, and vastly unused portions of the station upstairs but its clean. However, once you step onto the platform it wreaks of urine, swamp and whatever else is foul. It’s a consistent smell every day. Not really interested in the pub but I do go to Dunkin whenever I have the time. Now the convenience store next to Dunkin is a rip off. Not quite sure why they have prices as if we’re at the airport. Some agency needs to look into that. Something’s not right there.
Timing of the train is a crap shoot. Some days it comes on time, other days it doesn’t. What’s bothersome about it is there’s no explanation given. You can never count on the precision of the time board at all. You just have to get there extra early and hope it runs smoothly. Or just drive to where you have to go.
Perhaps NJ Transit can look into the overall operations and efficiency of this station and how to improve service to its customers.

NJ Transit is possibly the worst service in any category in all of America. I wish I could get my money back or monthly pass discounted for all of the times it has been delayed and I’ve been stuck wasting my life time sitting around waaaaiitttinnggg for the next train.
Speaking of sitting and waiting, is it possible to maybe have more comfortable seating if we are all going to get stuck here? Like, those metal green benches get super cold in winter and they are just awful to sit on in summer unless you want some striped legs and butt from the gaps. Oh yeah, and how about WiFi!!! I don’t think I’m asking a lot, but if I’m waiting 30 min for a train it’d be nice to have some comfort and distraction. It’s not like I’m asking for TV screens like Hoboken has. STEP UP YOUR GAME SECAUCUS!
I think this station has potential, but it needs some serious updates. Why have the escalators been closed for months and months on end?!? Mornings would be more enjoyable without having to be herded like cattle up and down the stairs every day during the rush.
It would also be nice if they could update the monitors with real time. The train times in the morning going to Penn Station are never right. Or better yet just do it in the NJ Transit app. If I could find my track number and arrival time right in the MyTix app, that would make my life… and that goes for NY Penn too. Get on it.

Good clean station. So convenient to NYC. I like very much. Not noisy and well organized. Impressive especially for NJ Transit.
I’m surprised at all the negative reviews on here. Comparing to some other stations in NY like Port Authority or Penn Station this station is pristine and a dream in comparison. It’s also not leaking water and does not have the stench that some other stations have. It really is one of the better transit stops. Also decent compared to some of the other NJ transit stations.

What kind of a fucking massive train station runs out of parking!!!
Nothing like racing there for your train and being told «lot full — you have to go to Newark Penn»
Say what?

When I reviewed Hoboken Terminal, I said that it was a train station, therefore if it did what I needed it to do, I’m happy.
Well, the beautiful Secaucus Junction station has changed my tune. It’s nice looking on the inside. I’ll give it that. At worst, I’d call it a bit sterile.
The issue however, occurs when going to the lower level tracks. Many folks have mentioned urine scents and weird clientele. I second both of these motions. I’m not a fan of either of those things… therefore dock a star for each.
Five stars for getting me where I need to go… minus two for urine and creepiness for a total of 3.

This is a testament to NJTransit’ lack of good engineering. Apparently Secaucus Junction doesn’t have the capacity for the high volume of train activity is currently has. So my question is, you didn’t think about that in the planning stage?!
The platforms always smell of urine, day or night. There are often delays, and when they occur they are not announced in a timely matter if at all. The schedule on the screens is ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ typically they donnot have the most current or accurate information available.
To visitors, this station is a maze. It has terrible signage and not so helpful staff, if you can find them. The ticket machines during the beginning of the month are a disaster and other times they just suck. Would advise purchasing passes and tickets online or at another station.
The park and ride outside is ridiculous. The taxi take it upon themselves to block off sections of the waiting area which btw is for public use. There is, however, a designated area for taxis but its limited with due cause. Then there’s the bus area which also reeks of urine, who’s bus drivers are clueless about directions & stops and again lack of quality signage and organization.
Lastly, the only accommodations available is a bar — that’s never open — Dunkin Donuts, extremely overpriced convenient store, and Sharros pizza shop.
Overall its a cluster f*@#$. If I xould I would avoid at all costs. Or prepare for doom.

How can you wrong with a station that takes you where you need to go all throughout New Jersey to Penn Station in New York?!
You just can’t!
It’s fast, reliable, convenient & clean. I frequent this station a lot being that I’m in New Jersey practically every other weekend.
If you don’t want to drive or don’t drive, this is the perfect transportation to get around. The tickets are inexpensive, there’s a pub, Dunkin Donuts and a Sbarros Pizzeria while you wait.