Questions about PennAhead

Short answers about how PennAhead estimates NJ Transit tracks at New York Penn Station, and what to expect from it.

What is PennAhead?

PennAhead is a free web app that estimates which track your NJ Transit train will leave from at New York Penn Station before NJ TRANSIT announces it. Every estimate shows its chance of being right and the reasoning behind it.

How does PennAhead estimate the track?

When the train's own equipment is already on a platform, on its way to one, or at the far end of a platform track, PennAhead estimates that track first. Otherwise it uses past track assignments for the train and its line, and rules out tracks already announced for, held by, or more likely for other trains, including Amtrak and LIRR trains.

How accurate is it?

It depends on the evidence. In early testing, estimates made when the train's equipment was already on or near a platform matched the announced track almost every time; these show as HIGH. Estimates from past track assignments alone are right much less often, and their lower percentages say so. NJ TRANSIT can change a track at any time, so always check the station displays before boarding.

When does NJ TRANSIT announce the track at Penn Station?

Usually shortly before departure. In PennAhead's own log for September 28 to 30, 2026, the median was about 10 minutes before the scheduled departure. That gap is why an earlier estimate helps.

Which NJ Transit lines does PennAhead cover?

All NJ Transit rail lines that leave from New York Penn Station: the Northeast Corridor (NEC), North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL), Morris & Essex Lines (M&E), Raritan Valley Line (RARV), and Montclair-Boonton Line (MOBO). You can filter the board by line, and by trains that stop at Secaucus or Newark Airport.

Does it cover Amtrak or LIRR trains?

No, only NJ Transit departures. PennAhead uses the tracks posted for Amtrak trains and the tracks the MTA reports for LIRR trains only to rule those tracks out for NJ Transit trains.

Is PennAhead an official NJ TRANSIT service?

No. PennAhead is an independent service, not affiliated with or endorsed by NJ TRANSIT, Amtrak, the MTA or the Port Authority. Its data is obtained from NJ TRANSIT and served by PennAhead, and it may not be real time.

Can I get a notification when my track is announced?

Yes. Tap the bell on a train to get a notification when its track is likely (90%+) and when NJ TRANSIT announces it. You're also notified if NJ TRANSIT reports the train delayed or canceled. On iPhone, notifications work after you add PennAhead to your Home Screen.

Is it free?

Yes. There are no ads, no logins and no subscription. How PennAhead stays free explains what it runs on and what it costs.

More: Terms and Privacy. Or open the departure board.