It was incorporated in 1855, and completed its line between Rahway and Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in 1864.

The Perth Amboy and Woodbridge Railroad was incorporated on March 9, 1855, and opened its 6.33-mile (10.19 km) line on October 11, 1864.

[1] The New Jersey Rail Road leased the company on completion; the Pennsylvania Railroad assumed the lease in 1871 when the New Jersey Rail Road, Camden and Amboy, and Delaware and Raritan Canal Company were consolidated to form the United New Jersey Railroad and Canal Company.

[5] On Penn Central Transportation's bankruptcy in 1976, the Perth Amboy and Woodbridge Branch was conveyed to Conrail.

[6] The New Jersey Department of Transportation acquired the line, along with most other properties hosting commuter rail, in 1978.