Help an ignorant Virginian if you can! Just realized that there is a difference between the PATH system and the NJ rail system. For someone commuting to New York for work (Time Square) everyday from Hudson County area, which system is better?--Better as in easier to manage, quicker, etc. Also, I hate the ferry, but should I just take the ferry across and catch the subway. Any advice?

You should be able to take NJ Transit directly into Penn Station. No need to take the PATH or a ferry. From Penn Station, you can either walk to Times Square or jump on the subway. If you can tell us what town you'll be commuting from, perhaps posters can provide you with more information.

NJ commuters that take the PATH/Ferries are typically either commuting via NJ Transit into Hoboken and then to lower Manhattan (financial district), or they live near a PATH station in one of the towns directly across the river from New York (Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark).

As lizziea06 says, "better" depends on where you're coming/going. Here's a page from the NJ Transit website that will tell you what transportation is nearest your location.

http://atisweb.njtransit.com/cgi-bin....pl?resptype=U

Depending on where you're coming from, there are also private buses and minivans from the area around Weehawken and West New York that run regularly into Port Authority.

I don't know why you hate the ferry. While I haven't used it for a daily commute, apart from the expense, it's fabulous. I've taken the ones to/from Weehawken and also to/from Highlands.

Thanks lizzie. I will be living right across from Manhattan in downtown Jersey City, not far from the water. There is a PATH station within walking distance (Grove Station). It looks like it goes directly to Penn Station. I will be working in Time Square. Looking at the schedules, I have a few options. Go directly to Penn and walk or ride the subway. Or, I could go right across to the financial district and subway up to Time Square. Both seem to be fairly straightforward.

I've stayed in Jersey City near the Grove St. station (at the marina). PATH is quick and cheap, runs frequently like most other subway systems, with stops right up to 34th.

If you are within walking distance of the PATH, then that's certainly going to be the cheapest way to get into the city. NJ Transit is at least twice (and perhaps three times) the cost of the PATH. Ferries are also convenient but much more expensive (at least $5 per ride), while the PATH is just $1.50 per ride). On most days, you can walk very easily from Penn Station to Times Square in about 10 minutes.