NJ Transit AM Train on weekdays from Maplewood to NY Penn Station

I am wondering what the 8 AM train from Maplewood to NY Penn Station is like on weekdays.

Is it possible to get a seat at that time?

Thanks!

This train originates in Maplewood so the seat should be no problem. However, know that this train consistently arrives late into NYP. I switched to commuting through Hoboken for that reason, so someone else should have a better idea of how late it is getting in these days.

No problem getting a seat. But if you need to be someplace by 9, take the 7:27 or the 7:43 to Millburn and switch to an express. Also, be aware that the 8 am train arrives on the center track.

Ugh, late is not okay.

What about the earlier train - at 7:30 or so?  Are there seats available on that train?

If you take the 7:26 you'll be fine. It's packed but 90% of the time you get a seat. 

Shoshana said:

Ugh, late is not okay.

What about the earlier train - at 7:30 or so?  Are there seats available on that train?

I take the 7am a few days a week. Maplewood is the last stop so it tends to be crowded but I can normally find a seat.  

I'm usually in the last or second to last car on the 7.27 and have never had an issue with getting a seat.

The 7:27am train is a bit more crowded than the 8:00am, but not so much that you can't find a seat. I take the 7:27 every day and I can't remember a time I haven't had a seat (except of course if a breakdown or foul weather has caused NJT to combine trains).

Thanks!

There were many times last year I couldn't get a seat on the 7:27. I'm usually on 1st or 2nd car. It's gotten much better since the fall.