New Jersey Borders: States, Map & Complete Guide
Fact-checked • Updated January 11, 2026
New Jersey borders three states: New York to the north and northeast, Pennsylvania to the west, and Delaware to the southwest. The state also meets the Atlantic Ocean along its eastern and southern coasts. The Delaware River forms New Jersey's entire western border with Pennsylvania and Delaware.
New Jersey Border Map
Map showing New Jersey's boundaries with three states, the Atlantic Ocean, and major rivers.
Border Details
Explore each of New Jersey's borders in detail. Click any card to learn more.
New York
New York borders New Jersey across the Hudson River and along a land border.
Pennsylvania
The Delaware River forms the entire border with Pennsylvania.
Delaware
The Delaware River and Delaware Bay create the border with Delaware.
Atlantic Ocean
New Jersey has about 130 miles of Atlantic coastline.
Which States Border New Jersey?
New Jersey shares its borders with three U.S. states: New York to the north and northeast, Pennsylvania to the west, and Delaware to the southwest. Rivers and bays form most of New Jersey's state borders, making it one of the most water-defined states on the East Coast.
North & North-East: New York
New York and New Jersey are separated by borders on New Jersey's northern and northeastern edges. The Hudson River forms the northeastern border, while a land border exists in the northwest.
The New Jersey-New York border extends for about 50 miles of land border in the north and about 15 miles along the Hudson River. The land border runs from Pennsylvania eastward through the Kittatinny Mountains. New Jersey counties along the New York border include Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, and Hudson. Major cities on opposite sides of the Hudson River include Jersey City and Hoboken in New Jersey, and Manhattan (New York City) across the river. The George Washington Bridge, Lincoln Tunnel, and Holland Tunnel connect the states.
- About 50 miles land border in northwest
- About 15 miles along Hudson River
- New Jersey counties: Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Hudson
West: Pennsylvania (Delaware River Border)
Pennsylvania and New Jersey are separated entirely by the Delaware River along New Jersey's western edge. The river creates a natural boundary running roughly north-south.
The New Jersey-Pennsylvania border extends for about 140 miles along the Delaware River from New York in the north to Delaware in the south. New Jersey counties along this border include Warren, Hunterdon, Mercer, Burlington, and Camden. Major cities on this border include Trenton (New Jersey's capital) and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Multiple bridges connect the states, including the Delaware Water Gap Bridge in the north and several bridges in the Philadelphia area.
- About 140 miles along Delaware River
- Entire border formed by river
- Major cities: Trenton (NJ), Philadelphia (PA)
South-West: Delaware (Delaware River and Bay)
Delaware and New Jersey are separated by water boundaries in New Jersey's southwestern region. The Delaware River in the north transitions into Delaware Bay in the south.
The New Jersey-Delaware border extends for about 50 miles. The border follows the Delaware River and then Delaware Bay. New Jersey counties along this border include Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May. The border runs through the middle of the Delaware River and Bay. The Delaware Memorial Bridge connects the states near Wilmington, Delaware and Pennsville, New Jersey.
- About 50 miles through river and bay
- Delaware River transitions to Delaware Bay
- New Jersey counties: Salem, Cumberland, Cape May
Atlantic Ocean: New Jersey's Eastern Shore
The Atlantic Ocean borders New Jersey's eastern and southeastern coasts for about 130 miles of general coastline. Including all the bays and inlets, New Jersey has about 1,792 miles of tidal shoreline, making it one of the most extensive coastlines on the East Coast.
East & South: Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean forms New Jersey's eastern and southeastern boundaries, creating one of the most developed and densely populated coastlines in the United States. The coastline stretches from New York in the north to Delaware Bay in the south.
New Jersey's Atlantic coastline measures about 130 miles along the general shore, but the tidal shoreline (including bays, inlets, and barrier islands) extends for approximately 1,792 miles. The coast features long barrier islands, sandy beaches, and numerous resorts. New Jersey counties with Atlantic coastline include Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May. Major coastal cities and resort towns include Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Cape May, and the barrier islands of Long Beach Island and the Jersey Shore.
- About 130 miles of general coastline
- About 1,792 miles of tidal shoreline
- Famous Jersey Shore beaches and resorts
Delaware River: New Jersey's Entire Western Border
The Delaware River forms New Jersey's entire western border with Pennsylvania and Delaware, running for approximately 190 miles total. The river begins at the confluence of its East and West branches in New York, flows past New Jersey's northwestern corner, then runs south along the entire western edge before widening into Delaware Bay. The Delaware River has been crucial to New Jersey's history and economy, serving as a major transportation route and water source. George Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware in 1776 occurred on this river near Trenton. Today, the river provides drinking water for millions of people and supports commerce, recreation, and wildlife.
The Jersey Shore: Iconic Coastline
The Jersey Shore refers to New Jersey's Atlantic coastline and the coastal region, which has become one of the most iconic beach destinations on the East Coast. The Shore features over 40 distinct beach towns and resorts, each with its own character, from the Victorian architecture of Cape May to the boardwalk entertainment of Atlantic City and Wildwood. The coastline includes long barrier islands like Long Beach Island and the Barnegat Peninsula. The Jersey Shore has been central to New Jersey's identity and economy, attracting millions of visitors each summer. The region was significantly impacted by Hurricane Sandy in 2012 but has largely rebuilt.
Key Facts & Statistics
This table shows every border New Jersey shares, organized by direction and type.
New Jersey borders exactly three U.S. states
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Geographic features, river boundaries, and topographic data
State coastal and water resource information