Woodbury Common Transportation: Best Options to the Outlets

Planning your trip to Woodbury Common Premium Outlets starts with one key question: how will you get there? Located about an hour north of New York City, the outlets are easily accessible, but choosing the right transportation can make all the difference for a stress-free shopping day.

This guide provides a complete, up-to-date comparison of every travel option. We cover driving directions with insider parking tips, explain the scenic train route, and break down the costs of using a taxi or rideshare service.

Quick Comparison: Which Option Is Best?

Method	Cost (Round Trip)	Time from NYC	Best For
Bus	$40-70	90 min	Most visitors (easy, affordable)
Drive	$20-30*	60-90 min	Flexibility, buying lots of items
Train + Shuttle	$30-40	2-3 hours	Weekend only, scenic route
Uber/Lyft	$350-450	60 min	Large groups splitting cost

*Gas + tolls (approx.)

Bottom line: Take the bus unless you’re buying furniture or have 4+ people splitting an Uber.

Quick Reference: Address & GPS

You can visit the Woodbury Outlet at the following address:

498 Red Apple Court
Central Valley, NY 10917
Call (845) 928-4000

You can also provide your GPS system with the coordinates to directly arrive at the entrance of the parking space.
41.319325, -74.125497

Traveling by Bus?

Taking the bus is by far the most popular and convenient way to travel from New York City to Woodbury Common. With multiple operators, departure times, and ticket options, it’s the go-to choice for most visitors. Because this is such a popular topic, we’ve created a separate, in-depth guide to cover every detail.

For a full comparison of bus companies, schedules, prices, and insider tips, please see our complete guide on how to take the Woodbury Commons Bus.

Option 1: By Car (The Most Flexible Option)

Driving to Woodbury Common gives you the ultimate freedom to set your own schedule. The trip is straightforward, but be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends and major sale holidays.  

Driving Directions

• Main Route from NYC: The most direct route is via the New York State Thruway (I-87 North). You will take this to Harriman, Exit 16. The drive is about 50 miles and takes around an hour in optimal conditions.  
• Alternate Route (to avoid traffic): Take the George Washington Bridge to the Palisades Interstate Parkway (North). Then, continue to Route 6 West (Exit 18) toward Central Valley. Finally, take the exit for Route 32 North; the outlet entrance will be on your right.  

Parking Strategy: Tips for a Stress-Free Arrival

Parking at Woodbury Common is free, but the lots are vast. A smart parking strategy can save you a lot of walking.

• EV Charging: The first floor of the parking garage has charging stations for electric vehicles, including DC Fast Chargers from EVgo and Electrify America, as well as Tesla Superchargers.
• Insider Tip: Arrive early! To avoid the worst traffic and get the best parking spots, plan to get to the outlets at or before they open at 10:00 AM, especially on weekends. Weekdays, particularly Wednesday mornings, are generally much less crowded.
• The Parking Garage: A modern, four-level parking garage offers over 2,200 spaces. It features a smart guidance system with red and green LED lights above each stall, showing you exactly where the open spots are from a distance.  

RV & Trailer Parking

Traveling with an RV, camper, or trailer? Woodbury Common welcomes oversized vehicles with designated parking in the Green 51 area (Adirondacks District parking). This accommodates motorhomes, RVs, and vehicles with trailers, making it convenient for road-trippers and those bringing extra cargo space for shopping hauls. The designated area ensures you won’t struggle to find appropriate parking for larger vehicles.

Parking Strategy: by Time of Arrival

Early Bird (Before 10:30 AM):

• Where to park: Parking garage (covered, closest to stores)
• What to expect: Plenty of spots available
• Pro tip: Ground floor near elevators = quickest access

Mid-Morning (10:30 AM – 12 PM):

• Where to park: Garage likely full, try Red/Brown district lots
• What to expect: Moderate availability, 5-10 min walk to stores
• Pro tip: Park near your first priority district

Afternoon (After 12 PM):

• Where to park: Outer lots (be prepared to walk)
• What to expect: 10-15 minute walk from car to stores
• Pro tip: Take photo of parking spot & section marker

Leaving:

• Better timing: Leave by 3 PM or after 7 PM
• Avoid 5-7 PM: Peak exit traffic, long waits

When Driving Makes Sense

• You’re buying bulky items (luggage, cookware, lots of bags)
• You have 3+ people (split gas/tolls makes it cheaper than bus)
• You want flexibility (leave when you want, not bus schedule)
• You’re combining with Hudson Valley trip, check out the multi-day planning guide.

Skip Driving If

• Don’t want to deal with NYC/NJ traffic
• Going alone (bus is easier and cheaper)
• Weekend in November-December (parking nightmare)

Option 2: By Train & Shuttle (The Scenic Route)

For a more scenic journey that avoids road traffic, you can take the train. However, this is a two-step process that requires a shuttle connection and is best suited for weekend trips.

• Step 1: Take the Train: From Penn Station in Manhattan, take an NJ Transit train to Secaucus Junction. There, you will transfer to the Metro-North Port Jervis Line and ride it to the Harriman station. The train portion of the trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.  
• Step 2: Take the Shuttle Bus: From the Harriman station, a Shortline Bus shuttle runs directly to Woodbury Common. The ride is very short (5-10 minutes) and costs between $1-$7.

Important Planning Note: The shuttle from Harriman Station to the outlets has a very limited schedule. It typically operates only on Saturdays and Sundays with just a few departures per day. Therefore, this option is not recommended for weekday travel.

Other Transportation Options

Private Car Service: For groups or those seeking a luxury experience, private van and car services offer direct transportation from your hotel. This is a premium option that requires advance booking.

Taxi or Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft): While this is the most direct door-to-door option, it is also by far the most expensive. A one-way trip from Manhattan in a standard UberX can cost an estimated $168, and a traditional taxi can be over $220. This option is generally only practical if the cost is split among a large group.

One-way costs from Manhattan (2025):

• UberX/Lyft: $150-200
• Uber XL (6 passengers): $180-250
• Black car service: $250-350

Pro tip: If you’re considering Uber, check if a private car service offers flat-rate pricing—sometimes cheaper than surge-priced Uber.