Elizabeth city center, in Midtown Elizabeth, brings historic sites, local restaurants and shops along Broad Street together with a major NJ TRANSIT station. You can get your bearings around the station and follow a self-guided walking route past several historic landmarks.
- Historic Midtown: More than a dozen historical sites, with restaurants and shopping on Broad Street.
- Rail: Elizabeth Station serves the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines.
- Walking tour: The Historic Heartline is a self-guided 3.5-mile route.
- Starting point: The City’s suggested Midtown walk begins at Elizabeth Public Library.
Getting oriented in Elizabeth city center
Broad Street is the main reference point for exploring Historic Midtown Elizabeth. The City describes the area as having more than a dozen historical sites, alongside local restaurants and shopping.
For a simple start, make your way to Elizabeth Public Library, beside the Union County Courthouse. The City’s suggested walking tour continues along Broad Street to First Presbyterian Church, with St. John’s Episcopal Church farther north on the same street.
Murals painted by Elizabeth community members appear throughout Midtown, adding another feature to look for as you walk between the historic sites.
How do you get around Elizabeth Station?
Elizabeth Station sits on West Grand Avenue, one block west of Broad Street, and serves NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast commuter rail lines.
The station plaza, on West Grand Street, includes Elizabeth’s 9/11 Monument. NJ TRANSIT’s station-area map shows local bus routes 26, 48, 52, 56, 57, 58, 59, 62 and 112. Check NJ TRANSIT’s official schedules and service-status tools for current service and departure information.
The station has ticket vending machines on both the eastbound and westbound platforms. NJ TRANSIT also marks the station as accessible and lists bike racks or lockers as available.
Walking and getting around
The Historic Heartline is a self-guided 3.5-mile walking tour that links several historic and outdoor stops in Elizabeth. Its route includes Elizabeth Public Library, First Presbyterian Church, Snyder Academy, Elizabeth River Trail, Belcher-Ogden Mansion and Bonnell House.
For a shorter Midtown-focused walk, use the City’s suggested sequence from Elizabeth Public Library along Broad Street to First Presbyterian Church, then continue farther north to St. John’s Episcopal Church if that fits your plans.
Nearby cultural and historic stops
Elizabeth’s historic stops include religious buildings, a mansion, and a theater. The Ritz Theatre stands on East Jersey Street; the Art Deco building dates to 1926 and has 2,772 seats.
Boxwood Hall is a mansion built around 1750 and is open to the public every weekday. For a visit centered on another historic home, how to plan a visit to Liberty Hall Museum covers that Elizabeth attraction.
For a recurring opportunity to visit historic sites across the county, Four Centuries in a Weekend takes place every October.
Practical planning for a short visit
Start with the station area if you are arriving by rail, then head one block east to Broad Street to begin exploring Midtown.
From there, you can follow the City’s shorter suggested walk or use the Historic Heartline route to connect a wider set of sites. If you are flying into Newark Liberty International Airport, travel options between the airport and Elizabeth can help you plan your arrival.
For rail travel, NJ TRANSIT provides station-to-station schedules and service alerts. Ticket office hours, parking rates and other station details can change, so check the official site before you go.
The Elizabeth Station ticket office is at 11 West Grand Street and is open 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Monday–Friday and 6:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Newark Liberty International Airport is about 18 minutes by car from Rest Inn - Elizabeth.
FAQs
Where is Elizabeth Station?
Elizabeth Station is at West Grand Avenue, one block west of Broad Street, in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Which rail lines serve Elizabeth Station?
NJ TRANSIT’s Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast commuter rail lines serve the station.
How long is the Historic Heartline walking tour?
The self-guided route is 3.5 miles and includes historic sites, the Elizabeth River Trail, and two named houses.
When does Four Centuries in a Weekend take place?
The countywide event takes place every October and invites visitors to explore historic sites.