Getting from Newark Airport to Manhattan can seem confusing when you’re not familiar with the New York area. After all, it’s not often you arrive in an entirely different state from your final destination!
This detailed (written-by-a-local) guide will help you decide the best way to get from Newark to Manhattan with all the step-by-step info you need so you can compare all the ways to get from Newark to New York City and choose the one that makes the most sense for you, your travel companions, and budget.
So whether you want the fastest way to get from Newark to New York City or the cheapest, keep reading! All the details you need are below.
And if not, be sure to leave a comment. We’re happy to help take the stress out of transferring from Newark to Manhattan. 🙂
How to Get from Newark Airport to Manhattan
Just for some clarity and context, Newark Airport (EWR) is about 17 miles from midtown Manhattan. While Laguardia is the closest airport to Manhattan mileage-wise, it doesn’t always translate to quicker transfer times into Manhattan or to your NYC hotel.
Depending on the day and time you arrive and the way you choose to travel from EWR to Manhattan, the trip can take about half an hour or well over an hour.
Choosing the right means of transportation for your situation, travel style, and travel budget can make all the difference between arriving at your hotel frazzled or not.
Newark Airport to NYC by Taxi or Private Car
If it’s your first trip to New York City, a taxi or private car is undoubtedly the easiest way to transfer from Newark Airport into the city.
Newark Airport has taxi stands at every terminal and posted signs to show you the way. Depending on where you’re going, a taxi from Newark to Manhattan can cost between $50-$75, not including tolls and possible surcharges for oversized luggage. The local taxi commission will also add a surcharge of $5.50 for credit card payments.
An Uber taxi from EWR to Manhattan, as well as other taxi app services, are also available from Newark Airport. Prices fluctuate depending on the time of day, demand, and the type of ride you select.
You can also pre-arrange a car service which can be helpful in avoiding long lines at the taxi queue. In particular, this could be a good way to go if you’re traveling with a family or group of more than 4 people and need a bigger vehicle.
A cab from Newark to Manhattan is undoubtedly the most expensive New York airport transfer. If you’re looking to keep costs down, keep reading because one of the options below will be a better fit.
Newark Airport to New York City by NYC Airport Shuttle
Update – Shared shuttle service is suspended until further notice. You can pre-arrange a private car service with our trusted partners, Go Airlink & Carmel.
Go Airlink NYC is an official partner with the New York and New Jersey Port Authorities and has earned a reputation among NYC hotels as the most trusted New York airport shuttle.
An NYC airport shuttle is a cost-friendly and environmentally-friendly way to transfer between EWR and NYC because you’re sharing the ride with other travelers.
Shuttles can be booked in advance and your driver will track your flight and wait should there be any delays. You’ll get door-to-door shuttle service to and from your Manhattan hotel no matter when you arrive because transportation from Newark Airport to Manhattan is available 24/7.
If you’re looking to save some money but don’t want the hassle of figuring out the bus or train, the best way to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan is the Go Airlink NYC shuttle.
Pro Tip: Go Airlink Groups & Charters is also great for bigger parties needing an entire SUV or van. Not only can everyone travel together, but the cost can also be split.
Newark Airport to New York City via Express Bus Service
There’s also express bus service available from Newark Airport to 3 different locations in Manhattan,
- Grand Central Station (41st Street between Park & Lexington Avenues)
- Bryant Park (42nd Street & 5th Avenue), and
- Port Authority Bus Terminal (41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues).
The bus from Newark Airport to NYC is available from all 3 terminals with departures running every 15-20 minutes. Service is available from 4 am to 1 am.
If your hotel is not near one of the above drop-off locations, you can access the subway from any of the stops listed above. You can also get a taxi or walk to your destination.
The express bus service and overall experience can definitely be hit or miss! There are no reservations for the express bus so you’re at the mercy of the amount of space the bus has for the number of people waiting to board. And as with all city buses, they tend to run late so plan accordingly and have a plan B, just in case.
With a one-way express bus ticket costing $17 and a one-way Go Airlink NYC shuttle reservation costing $20, I’d book the shuttle. The reserved seat in a more reliable transport is worth the few extra dollars.
How to Take the Train from Newark Airport to NYC
AirTrain combined with New Jersey Transit trains are the most budget-friendly way to travel from Newark Airport to Manhattan. Not only that, you’ll stay off the roads and avoid traffic (A.K.A. saving your sanity!) which can be a major timesaver.
The train from Newark Airport to Manhattan begins with the AirTrain, which is available from each of the three Newark Airport terminals, A, B, & C.
AirTrain runs 24/7 365 days a year and arrives and departs every 3 minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight and approximately every 15 minutes between midnight and 5 a.m.
From your terminal, follow the signs to the AirTrain, stopping at the orange and blue NJ Transit ticket machines at the AirTrain entrance to purchase tickets. If you plan to use the train for your return trip, you can buy a round trip now. The ticket you buy is for your complete journey on both the AirTrain and the NJ Transit train.
Pro Tip: Save time and download the NJ Transit app to buy your tickets on the go.
You’ll need to purchase a ticket to go to New York Penn Station, NOT Newark Penn Station, for everyone ages 11 and up. At the time of writing this, the cost of tickets was $15.25.
Head up to the AirTrain platform and take the train going to the Newark Liberty International Airport AirTrain station.
The ride is not long, taking anywhere from 7-10 minutes depending on the airport terminal from where you started.
At the Newark Liberty Airport Station, get off the AirTrain and connect with the NJ Transit train going to New York Penn Station. Look for signs and screens directing you to the right platform.
Most mistakes happen here!
- Make sure you get on the train bound for New York Penn Station, not Newark Penn Station. The ride to New York Penn will be about 30 minutes. Newark Penn takes about half that time.
- The train you’re looking for is an NJ Transit train, not an Amtrak train.
Expect a train conductor to check tickets onboard the NJ Transit train. The train is also likely to make a couple of stops but don’t get off the train until you reach New York Penn Station.
Once you arrive at Penn Sation in New York City, access the NYC subway system or get to a taxi line for a cab to your final destination, whether you’re staying in Greenwich Village or the Upper West Side. Use the signs in the train station to navigate to the subway entrance or above ground to the taxi queue.
Lastly, when considering travel from Newark to Manhattan by train, think about your luggage. The steps above are easily managed with a rolling suitcase or a single bag. But traveling with oversized bags or too many bags can make the above steps more of a challenge than they need to be.
Getting from Manhattan to Newark Airport
All of the above transportation options can also get you from NYC to Newark Airport at the end of your trip. It’s worth it to compare one-way and round-trip ticket prices to see if there’s a benefit to buying one over the other.
Yellow taxis will take passengers to Newark Airport. Some will try to set a flat rate similar to the flat rate price set by NYC for rides to JFK. Don’t accept.
Per NYC taxi guidelines, trips to Newark Airport from New York City are metered fares. You’ll have to also pay for the round trip tolls, a $17.50 surcharge, and tip your driver for good service.
Remember, any transportation relying on the roads is at the mercy of the traffic. Depending on your flight time, be prepared and allow for plenty of extra time so you don’t miss your flight sitting in traffic.
So, how do you get from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
That all depends on your travel budget and your travel style.
Going from Newark Airport to Manhattan by taxi or private car service comes with its perks, like not having to struggle with heavy luggage on public transportation. But, it’s also the most expensive. Taxis also have a limit to the number of people they can fit which may not work for big families.
Public transportation from Newark to Manhattan is a great way to cut costs. The train also helps to bypass traffic which could be considerable depending on the time of day you arrive. If I had to choose between the train and the bus from Newark to NYC, I’d go with the train. You beat the traffic and, in my experience, the train is more reliable.
The Go Airlink shuttle is a really great compromise for getting from Newark to Manhattan. If you’re not comfortable with the steps for taking the train or your luggage makes this too difficult, you can save yourself the stress and hassle but also not spend the amount of money you would on a taxi or private car. It’s a great way to kick off your New York itinerary!
Update – Shared shuttle service is suspended until further notice. You can pre-arrange a private car service with our trusted partners, Go Airlink & Carmel.
So, what’s your plan for getting from Newark Airport to NYC?
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Thank you, this was super helpful, and it was ranked #1 on the google search. I’m arriving @ 4, so traffic could be bad. My past experience with the train is that it’s somewhat a pain, with all the transfers & walking. A fun adventure, but time consuming.
Thanks for reading, Jennifer. Arriving at 4pm is tough…lots of traffic. I’d highly recommend giving the train another try if you want to avoid rush hour. Enjoy NYC!
Hi, so if you are renting a car in the Princeton area and driving in to NYC is there one way that is better than another in terms of tunnels? Thanks in advance.
Thanks for reading, Francesca. The Holland Tunnel will bring you downtown to lower Manhattan. The Lincoln Tunnel will bring you into Midtown, near the theater district and Times Square. Depending on where you’re staying or visiting, one might make more sense. However, I recommend using an app like Waze to determine traffic and your best driving route. Waze will be able to detect if one tunnel is jammed or has an accident or something and try to reroute you. Enjoy your time in NYC!
Hi Jackie,
first of all: thank you for this clear post, really very helpfull!
We are coming to NYC for the first time of our lives this May,
We are arriving on a sunday coming in from Amsterdam and landing at 11:35 AM
and we are still looking for the best way to get to manhattan (Amsterdam Court Hotel on 50th street).
We first thought about booking the shuttle service, but the reviews online are really bad…
The express busses also don’t come out very good on tripadvisor etc.
For first-time visitors… would you recomend the Airtrain and NJ transit to New York Penn and then take subway 1 up to 50th street?
We both will have a small backpack and a suitcase on wheels, so that would be manageable,
but how crowded are the trains / subways on a random sunday afternoon?
We fly back on thursday at 5:35 PM and expect to head back to EWR also around midday.
Hope to hear from you, and thank you in advance!
Thanks for reading, Rene, and congrats on your first trip to NYC! The public transportation option via NJ Transit to Penn Station is really straightforward. You’ll be able to connect underground to the 1 subway easily underground from Penn Station to 50th St. Your luggage seems very manageable for the subway, just remember there will be some stairs to climb from the trains at Penn Station to the subway. It’s hard to say about how crowded the trains will be but weekends can be busy because tourists replace weekday commuters. It shouldn’t be so much though that you can’t get on the subway with your bags. Good luck and have a great trip to NYC. 🙂
Hi great article, I have a 6 hour stop over in Newark on Friday arriving at 16:30 and departing at 22:30, as I have never been NYC can you recommend a way to get a quick look around thanks.
Thanks for reading, Danny. In all honesty, it’s really not enough time to safely get in and out and make it back through security at EWR. If you decide to give it a try anyways, public transportation all the way. At 16:30, you will hit the evening rush hour and easily spend over an hour in a taxi or vehicle.
Hi,
Two senior adults flying into Newark International on May 30, arriving at 6pm; staying at the Hyatt Place on W. 36th; flying out of Newark on June 4 at 7pm. Suggestions for transportation to/from airport/hotel.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Thanks for reading, Shirley. Depending on how comfortable you feel and your luggage, the public transportation option could be worth it because you’re arriving and departing within the 4-7pm window of the evening commute for people. Otherwise, I’d recommend booking a shuttle. It’ll help you avoid any possible stress with taking public transportation and will cost less than a taxi which could add up if you’re sitting in traffic.
Thanks for the very helpful article. Will follow your direction to take the train to Manhattan. Keep up the great worl
Thanks for reading, Sachwani. Enjoy NYC! 🙂
Great article thank you!
I’ve been to NYC a few times but never into Newark. Coming from the UK and arriving at 2pm in November with a 7 year old and my partner do you think the train or Go link shuttle would be best? We will have 3 cases likely as well.
Thanks !
Thanks for reading, Dave. The train should be easy enough with a 7-year-old. I’d just consider the size of those 3 cases as there will be some stairs to navigate and station corridors to walk through. Also, depending on the location of your hotel, you’ll need to get a taxi from NYC’s Penn Station. The taxi line is at street level and the station is below ground. Go Airlink is door-to-door so it eliminates this need for a taxi altogether. I hope that helps and you have a great trip to NYC! 🙂
Thank you so much – one of the most useful and concise sites I’ve read on this subject. I don’t usually comment but that has made my decision so much easier.
Jjust have to wait the 6 weeks till we head ?
Thanks so much for reading, Lynne. 🙂 I hope you have a fantastic trip to NYC!
Thank you for your article!
I and my family (3) are arriving at Newark airport at 3pm and leaving on the day after at 8.30am.
I am looking for an hotel near the airport and then go for a tour in nyc, since is our first time there.
What you consider to be the best hotel nearby the airport, with quick access to bus or train?
Thank you in advance
Jose
Thanks for reading, Jose! Even with such a short time, I would encourage you to stay not directly near the airport. The area closest to EWR isn’t that great. Jersey City is a better option, especially a hotel like Hyatt House. It’s just 10 miles from Newark Airport and has the PATH train right next to it which can bring you into lower Manhattan in just minutes. Even if you changed your mind about getting into NYC, Jersey City has more in the way of restaurants and great views of Manhattan from the piers. Have a great time on your travels! 🙂
Such a great article full of impt info. Will be heading out to NYC with my 13 yr old daughter and although haven’t booked a flight yet as I’m debating which airport to book for, this is helping me somewhat make my decision.
Thanks for reading, Faith. So glad the guide is helpful. When you’re ready to start planning things to do in NYC, I hope you check out my guide!
Very informative article. My wife and I are arriving at Newark on Friday 23rd August around mid morning. We are planning on taking the train to Penn Station and then an Uber/taxi to our hotel on Lexington Ave.
Thanks for reading, Brenda. Glad the article was helpful. Have a great NYC trip!
What a helpful article! Thank you
I think I’ve made the mistake before of choosing the PATH when I actually meant to choose the subway to go into NYC. How do I not make that mistake again? Also, can the unlimited weekly passes be used between NJ and NY if using the subway? The last time I tried this I ended up having 2 different cards. One for the PATH and one for the subway in NY. Thanks!
Thanks for reading, Joy. Make sure to look and follow the signs for New York Penn Station. Not Penn Station on the Jersey side. Yes, you can use a MetroCard for both the PATH Train and the NYC subway. But you will need to buy tickets for the NJ Transit train.
Thank you for the article, very helpful for us. My daughter and I have a long layover in Newark Airport from 10 AM to 6 PM this Saturday. We would like to see the Brooklyn Bridge and Park for a short time so see the skyline of NYC. What is the easiest stop from Penn station you recommend? High st or Borough Hall? We don’t plan of staying long, just don’t want to be in the airport doing nothing until our next flight. You think we have enough time? We don’t mind the longer time in the public transportation versus the time we will have in NYC. Thank you in advance.
Thanks for reading, Claire. I’m afraid I might be a bit too late for your trip to the Brooklyn Bridge. (I was traveling in Africa off the grid.) If not, I would recommend, High St. Time will be tight so any delay could make it not worth it. Good luck!
Just FYI for travelers trying to decide which transport to use to and from Newark and Manhattan: just this week I paid a taxi $110 to take me from the Upper West Side to Newark. That includes the toll(s), tip, and any other fees or applicable taxes. I researched cheaper alternatives while away, and planned to take the train back. Unfortunately, my flight was weather delayed and I did not arrive in Newark until 10:30 PM. Not wanting to try the train this late at night — I knew I wouldn’t get home until 11:30 or later — I called Dial 7 and scheduled a car. Much more comfortable than a taxi, total cost $100. I could have bought another plane ticket for what I paid in transfer fees! Definitely the train next time.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jamie. And sorry to hear about your experience! Public transportation or shared transport like Go Airlink are truly the best ways to save money and time when transferring between Newark and Manhattan.
Great article. I am going to Mahattan to meet my son alone on Friday arrival at 1:30pm, I decided to take the train option to Mahattan, it sound easy and time saving. The Go Airlink shuttle sounds perfect, but has very bad reviews.
My husband went on Sunday with my son and take a taxi, it cost them $90 to arrive their destination. and the taxi driver seems not familiar with the street and go extra miles, may be they look very tourist. It also charge surcharge with credit card payment because they don’t trust the $100 dollar bill my husband gave them.
Thanks for reading, Susana. The train is a great way to go. Unfortunately, taxi scams can happen. But it’s also not uncommon for a car service or taxi to cost upwards to $100 from Newark to Manhattan. Good luck with the train! 🙂
I appreciate your article, i am arriving on a Friday about 3 pm, you mention stairs with the train option – any other details on these, I will have 2 rolling luggage pieces, will this be doable or a PITA for others on the train
Thanks for reading, Scott. The airport, of course, will have escalators and elevators. But once you’re moving in between the Airtrain and the NJ Transit stations there are corridors and flights of stairs you may have to get up or down depending on the track where the trains are. 2 Rolling pieces will be a bit of a pain but it’s certainly not impossible. However, the day and time you arrive will be busy in the NJ Transit terminal so expect plenty of people moving in all directions. If you decide to skip this, I’d recommend Go Airlink because the traffic at that time could drive up the costs of a taxi. Good luck! 🙂
Exactly what I was looking for – very informative! Regarding your tip to use the NJ Transit app, the iOS app gets scathing reviews. People complain it’s very buggy and unforgiving. Tourists may want to stick to regular paper tickets.
Thanks for reading, Tyrone. Appreciate the tip on the IOS app, too. 🙂
Thank you so much for your guide! I am a midwest girl who has never gone to a big city like this so I am crazy nervous! My son and I are going to Manhattan next week from 7/18-7/20. We get in around 9:30am on Thursday and left at 5:30pm on Saturday. Will the train be busy when we arrive if we choose to go that route? We want to do a little bit of sightseeing on Saturday before we leave, but don’t know how much time we should plan for getting back to Newark. What time do you think we should we leave Manhattan to make our 5:30pm flight on Saturday? Thank you for your help!!
Thanks for reading, Sarah. 🙂 The train could be a little busy but the good thing is you’ll miss rush hour that morning. For your return, I’d give yourselves an hour and a half, so leaving NYC by 2 pm. If you take the train back, check the schedules to see the best option given this timing. If you plan to take a taxi or shuttle, extra time never hurts. You’ll need to go through a tunnel or over a bridge to get back to NJ and sometimes these can be traffic nightmares. Enjoy NYC!!!
Hello Jackie! thank you very much for your guides! I’m arriving to the Newark airport soon and I would like to know if the train station is right at the airport for me to do it straight to Bronx or Manhattan and around how much would it cost. Thank in advance.
Thanks for reading, Laila. The AirTrain to NJ Transit is right at the airport. You just follow signs first to the AirTrain. You will need to connect to the NJ Transit train going to NEW YORK Penn Station. This should be $12.50. Once at Penn Station in Manhattan, you can access the subway. Not sure where you’re heading in the Bronx but the #2 subway train uptown from Penn Station may be able to help you. 🙂
Great information Jackie! Thank you for posting! My BF and I are headed to New York in September (from Ontario) for the first time! Both very very excited and hope to be able to navigate the subway system without looking too much like a tourist. haha. Have to ask—what is the MUST do in NYC? I know there are about a million things to do, but what is one of your favs?
Hi Tiffany!
So thrilled you have plans to visit in Sept. Typically, you get ideal weather! BUT it is weather so you never know!
The subway system is the BEST way to get around along with walking depending on where you’re going.
Some musts..
Central Park
Stroll the Brooklyn Bridge
Greenwich Village stroll – add in pizza tour. Go to Artichoke Pizza!!
Times Square – need to see it but it can get crowded
While in Times Square, head to a broadway show!
The MET & Museum of Natural History
The 9/11 museum
Take a bike ride along the Hudson River
There’s is so much to do! I’d consider the NYC City Pass (see below) if you’re looking to hit a bunch of the sites. Either way, you’ll have a blast!
Mobility issues. Arrive EWR on Sunday, 9/22. My wife will have a wheelchair from the gate.to transportation. We are staying at the Park Meridian on 56th. We will have two carry-ons and one large bag. She uses a cane, but can do some walking. Seems like the Shuttle might be the best bet for door to door service at the best rate . . . plus, it can be reserved in advance. Do you agree? What is the normal rate for two?
Thanks for the advise.
Thanks for reading, Doug. Yes, the shuttle will be the best option in terms of a door-to-door and affordability combination. And yes, you can absolutely book it in advance. The best way to check prices is to check at Go Airlink NYC for a quote. But, it’ll likely be (at least) half of what a car service or taxi would charge. Have a great time in NYC! 🙂
Dear Jackie
This post is amazing! super helpful, saved me time and money. As an international traveler, was pretty to follow these instructions. Plus when in doubt, I find that asking a friendly face for some help always works!
Thanks again, and enjoy your travels, I will look out for your pro tip travel guides! 🙂
W
Thanks so much for reading, Warren! Appreciate your kind words. And, I agree…us NYers are always happy to help travelers navigate the public transportation system. 😉 Happy Travels!
Hi Jackie, great article. We’ll be arriving (two of us) on Tuesday 1pm to Newark – need to get to Manhattan. 1 suitcase and 1 rolling carry-on each. The address where we stay is not so easy to get to from the Penn station (without suitcases I’d say no problem)… but I’m a bit worried about the suitcases. So I thought the Go Airlink NYC would be a better option. I checked on the website – quote to the hotel is $20. Then I saw that tax and toll not included… I asked about it using the chat option and the lady said it will come out to be about $35/person total… so 2 people = $70 and that’s getting up there to the level of how much an uber would cost…
So, while I love your recommendation about the shuttle… please mention also that it’s not really only $20/person… it’s $20+tax+toll/person. And funny, that each person will pay for the toll as if they went all by themselves… or am I not understanding how this works correctly?
Thanks for reading, Jaro. I think the woman you spoke with is mistaken. Tax and tolls are included. I didn’t know your hotel but just as an example, I went to the Go Airlink NYC website and priced it out. I have 2 screenshots that show what it looked like if I arrived into Newark and went to a hotel in Manhattan. As you can see the first one says tax and tolls included. This reflects in the grand total on the final checkout page. I’m so sorry you were given the wrong info! Hope this helps.
https://theglobetrottingteacher.mystagingwebsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/go-airlink-nyc-1.png
https://theglobetrottingteacher.mystagingwebsite.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/go-airlink-nyc-2.png
Great article! So helpful! I am trying to figure out the least stressful way from Newark to Grand Central Station for my husband not using a taxi or uber. He will arrive in Newark terminal C at 10;40pm on Monday. He will have a standard suitcase and briefcase. We would like to purchase round trip ground transportation online so he doesn’t have to pay at the airport, He will leave on 8/29 for an 8pm flight back to chicago. Any suggestions?
Thanks for reading, Marilee. 🙂 I would look at the shuttle or car service through Go Airlink NYC. You can reserve online and pay in advance. You can book a round trip and get door-to-door service from the airport to the hotel and back.
Hi Jackie
Great Article, Really helpful! We are trying to figure out the best way to get from Newark to Astoria Queens.Have been to New York few times before so am familiar with the subway etc.. but this will the first time with a toddler! It will be myself, partner and 2 year old in a pushchair. Would the train & subway option be doable with the pushchair or should we look into the shared shuttle/Uber options. Any help would be great.Tia
Thanks for reading, Shane. I’d say if you’re familiar with the NYC subway, you should be fine. Everyday NYers use the subways all the time with strollers, kids scooters, etc. And, arriving into New York Penn Station and transferring to the subway will be easy. You likely need the N or Q trains which you can get by taking the 1,2 or 3 trains 1 stop uptown to Times Square and switching to the N or Q to Astoria. Good luck! 🙂
Great article. We should have taken the train. Do not take the Go Airlink. We chose to do this and it was horrible. We made reservations but still had to wait over an hour and a half for a shuttle. They were rude and unorganized. We will take the train system back to the airport!!
I’m so sorry to hear that, Ronit! I haven’t had that experience at all with Go Airlink NYC and recommend them to my own family and friends (as well as to my readers) who also have had only positive experiences. I encourage you to reach out to Go Airlink to explain what happened with their customer support.
Hi, thank you for your helpful article! I am a fellow teacher :). I live in Harlem and have a flight out of Newark in October at 6:00 AM :/. Would you suggest the AirTrain or just booking a shuttle? Thanks!
Thanks for reading, Jenny! I’d go for the shuttle at that time of the day. Public transportation could be a bit slow to get you there by 4am for a 6am flight. Hope you have great travels. 🙂
Many thanks, Jackie, your article is super informative. Looks like the shuttle for me from Newark to Manhattan.
Thanks for reading, Robin. Glad the post was helpful. Enjoy NYC! 🙂
Jackie, reading your posting again, does it mean that the total cost of the air train PLUS the train from Newark to Penn Station is $12.50?
Hi Robin, yes. It would be $12.50 to New York Penn Station. The cost of the Airtrain ticket is included when you purchase the NJ Transit ticket to NYC. 🙂
So, we will be traveling into Newark Airport arriving at 12:20pm . We are coming in the same day as the Tree Lighting Show in Rockefeller Center. Would it be a good idea to take the train that day, I expect there might be a lot of traffic because of the show? We have to be at the Rock before 3pm I think, before they close for foot traffic. Any advice appreciated. FYI, our hotel is just a few blocks from the Rock, so would still have some travel from Penn Station to the hotel to deal with if we take the train.
Thanks for reading, Kim. Yes, without a doubt, take the train. This is one of the busiest traffic days in and around NYC so avoid the roads at all costs. From Penn Station, I would take the subway to your hotel. Normally, the taxi ride from Penn Station would be quick but on this day, midtown Manhattan can be snarled because of the traffic and road closures. From Penn Station, there is direct subway access so you wouldn’t need to even go above ground with your luggage. The 1, 2, or 3 train will help you get close to your hotel. If you respond, I’m happy to give you more specific subway directions to your hotel. Good luck!
Jackie, this was VERY helpful! We are arriving at EWR at 10:00 am on a Thursday & like some others, staying at the Hyatt Place on 36th Street. Departing out of EWR on Sunday at 9:50 pm. We have a party of 5 (2 adults, 2 teens & a 10 yr old). Is Uber our best bet due to the size of our family?
Thanks for reading, Jennifer. Yes, an Uber will be your best bet for a large group. It’ll likely be cheaper than paying for train tickets for everyone and you’ll get door to door service. 🙂
Hi there… we are arriving at Newark at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, October 1. I like the idea of public transit, but it does seem a bit tricky — I’m most concerned is where to get off in Manhattan… we are staying in the east village. Wondering if it will be ok fto be walking from train station in Manhattan to East Village 4th street between 1st and 2nd avenue — my guess is that it will be close to 7 or 8 pm based on your description. Would you suggest an alternative
Thanks for reading, Lita. 🙂 You will take the NJ Transit Train all the way to New York Penn Station. This is the last stop on the train. From there to the East Village, I recommend taking a taxi or an Uber. That neighborhood is not walkable with luggage, etc. I do think public transportation is the best option. Once you get to Penn Station in New York City, go up to the street level to the taxi queue. Good luck!
Hi, great article! Just returned from Korea and loved their public transportation. We are arriving on a monday to Newark at 8 am and headed to Hilton Midtown. My husband who is a retired 23 yr. veteran has never been! Korea was a return to the DMZ where he was stationed. We will be there for 3 full days. Best way to go in your opinion? Any extra ideas you can provide? See a show? Thank you in advanced!
Jenn
Thanks for reading, Jennifer. What a great trip that must have been to Korea…and now NYC! Given your arrival time on a Monday morning, I highly recommend public transportation from Newark. Given your midtown location, you can easily take a quick taxi ride from New York Penn Station once you arrive in Manhattan or if you’d like, take the subway (#1 train line) up 1-2 stops toward Times Square depending on which Hilton you’re staying. I have several guides on the blog about NYC like this one for first-timers and even a mega list of 100 things to do. I would definitely plan to see a show, though. Just remember, Broadway is closed on Monday nights. So plan for Tuesday or Wednesday. Hope you have a great trip to NYC! 🙂
Thank you Jackie for a great article! You have skills to explain somehow complicated things on a very understandable and clear way. After reading dozens of other articles about the subject I was still confused regarding the alternatives but only your writing helped me to see the point and to make the final decision.
We have a family of six persons and we will arrive to Newark during early Friday evening. Express coach has got super bad reviews from many travellers. We cannot fit into one yellow taxi and two of them would be ridiculously expensive. I have researched some private van options but they have also some risks (heavy traffic, delayed flight, unclear agreement, not positive reviews, etc.). So, we choose train this time although we usually prefer easy door-to-door options.
Looking forward to see mighty Big Apple soon. Thank you Jackie!
Thanks for reading, Pekka. Enjoy NYC!
Good article!
I’ll visit Your nice airport first time on tuesday next week by transit.
Arrival 11:40AM; Departure 5:40PM.
Can You be so kind to advise me some interesting places to see during this “pit-stop” and the best kinds of transport for it.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks for reading, Antoxa. Given that you only have a few hours, I wouldn’t recommend leaving the airport. Once you leave the airport, you have to factor in time to go back through security, not to mention round trip transit time on public transportation. Best to find an airport lounge to relax in.
Hi Jackie! Thanks for the helpful article. Party of 4 adults arriving at EWR on a Saturday at 11am and departing flight is the following Tuesday at 7pm. Can do stairs, but hoping not to climb a lot of them. Is the train the best bet to our hotel, which is Midtown on W 35th Street, or do you have other suggestion like Uber? Also, what time do you suggest departing for the airport for the return flight? When looking at GoLink the recommended pickup time is 2:30pm. I don’t want to leave that early for a 7p flight.
Thanks for reading, TB. The train is a great option because it will be cheaper than an Uber. However, on a Saturday morning, the traffic should be light(er) than a weekday so it could be faster than the train in this case. For your return, I would definitely take the train. Go Airlink is suggesting that early departure time no doubt due to commuter traffic. It can easily take 2 hours from Manhattan to Newark during the afternoon/evening rush. The train for the return is your best bet to maximize your time in NYC and get back to EWR without traffic headaches.
This is so helpful. I get so stressed transferring from airports to destination!
Go Airlink NYC seem like a good option but they do have terrible reviews here and on TripAdvisor which is putting me off.
Maybe the AirTrain?
I arrive into Newark but then fly out from JFK. Are transport options into both airports similar?
Staying at the Empire at the corner of Broadway/Sesame Street.
Thanks for reading, Kathryn. Both JFK and Newark have public transportation options. I’ve linked to my JFK guide here. Both public transportation options from these airports will require an additional subway ride uptown along the #1 subway train, which you can easily get at or take to 34th street/Penn Station. For what it’s worth, Go Airlink NYC is what my own family uses when they visit and have had positive experiences.
Jackie thank you for the great article.
What I would like to do is drive from Ohio and catch some public transit to Mahattan from Newark area.
Can I simply park my car somewhere and get public trans without being at the airport in Newark?
Paul
Thanks for reading, Paul and sorry for the delayed response. There are long-term parking options in and around the airport that will be your best best. I have a guide about finding cheap airport parking that I hope you’ll find helpful.
Thank you so much for this article. I am traveling to NYC for the first time in April 2020. I haven’t booked my tickets yet, but while I’ve been looking flying from WA state seems to be cheaper to Newark than JFK or LaGuardia. I was nervous because I’ve never been to the east coast and had not idea what to expect. Reading this calmed my nerves and will use the train if I book through Newark. Cheers!
Thanks for reading, Stephanie! I’m glad the guide will be useful for your trip.
I am coming to Newark Sat the 9 th at 6 pm to attend a concert which starts Sun at 6.30 pm. Have to depart Newark Mon around noon. What are my options to go to Manhattan & come back in between .
Thank you for your help.
Thanks for reading, Sudath. Public Transportation will be a great option, as will Go Airlink Shuttle. The shuttle is door-to-door service so if you don’t want to carry luggage onto the train or your hotel isn’t near Penn Station or a subway, this could be the best option.
Hi Jackie,
LOVE your post, very informative!
My husband and I will arrive into Newark airport on a Wednesday @ 3:30 pm and are staying at the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan. We each will have a large rolling suitcase and a backpack. Would you recommend the train and subway? We have no problem with public transit, I actually take the train and subway system in Los Angeles every day. My concern is whether or not there will be room for luggage on the train.
Thanks in advance!
Kat
Thanks for reading and for the kind words, Kat. 🙂 It shouldn’t be a problem at all to have your luggage on the train. Depending on the subway, it could be a little tight but people do it all the time…including NYers with strollers, bikes, grocery carts, etc. Not sure which, Wednesday you’re arriving, but if it happens to be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, absolutely use the public transportation systems. Traffic on the road will be horrendous. Enjoy NYC!
Hi Jackie,
How convenient is to arrive at EWR than JFK or LaGuardia? My husband does not want to fly into New Jersey cause he says is going to be a pain to get into Manhattan. Is he right?
Thanks in advance for your insight
Laura
Thanks for reading, Laura. In all honesty, if you take public transportation, it’ll take relatively the same time to get from EWR or JFK into Manhattan. If you’re looking at a shuttle or a taxi, it all hinges on the traffic. Newark and JFK are both about 15 miles from Times Square. From both airports, it can take an hour or more depending how heavy the traffic is. (It can also be super quick if you arrive really late or really early) LGA is geographically the closest airport to Manhattan. However, the public transportation options involve city buses which connect to the subway into Manhattan, not direct train options like the other two airports. If it were me, I’d go for the best airfare deal. Then, depending on your time of arrival, budget, number of bags, etc.. make a decision about whether to get to Manhattan by public transportation, shuttle, or taxi/car service. Hope that helps. 🙂
Hey Jackie, thanks for such an informative article. I have my first trip to NYC in a couple of weeks time and really looking forward to it! Just wondering what you’d recommend for a late night arrival. I get into EWR about 9:30 on a Sunday night and my hotel is in Manhattan. I will have been flying / in transit for the better part of 24 hours by that stage so I’m keen to get to my hotel as quick as possible. I was going to book the shuttle but given everyone has such mixed reviews I’m more inclined to take the train now. Just wondering what your experience has been on the trains/public transport at night? Is it safe?
Thanks so much for reading, Caz. I’ve always felt safe riding the trains and subways at night and never had a problem. There are always some other people. I did a quick look and the trains appear to run on the :04 and the :15 on Sunday nights. So, if you caught the 10:04, it would be just 28 minutes into New York Penn Station. Good luck and have a great first trip to NYC!
Great Article!
I’m not sure what this difference is between the PATH train and the NJ Transit train?
You talk about taking the AirTrain to the NJ Transit train but elsewhere you talk about the PATH train– is that an option or is that only if you are somewhere near a PATH station? The example was staying at the Hyatt House and using the PATH train… Thanks! Stuart
Thanks for reading, Stuart, and apologies for any confusion. The NJ Transit trains are the regional trains in New Jersey that can connect riders to Manhattan’s Penn Station. The PATH train is like a subway train that goes to Jersey City, Newark, and Hoboken and brings riders into Manhattan. It even makes stops along Manhattan’s west side just like a subway. If you are staying at the Hyatt House in Jersey City, you would take the AirTrain to Newark Penn Station and connect to the PATH train towards Manhattan and get off at Exchange Place. Exchange Place is the last stop on the NJ side of the Hudson before you get to the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. Hope that clears everything up! 🙂
We will be flying in to the Newark airport on January 23rd arriving at 10:55 p.m. our hotel in NYC is at Central Park South. Our flight out is at 10:30 a.m. January 28th.
We are 79 and 75 years of age and will have 1 wheeled duffel and 2 wheeled carry-ons.
We travel to Europe every summer and always take the RER in Paris to and from the airport with no problem. For some reason I am hesitant to do the train in our own country!
What do you suggest given our arrival and departure times?
Thanks so much for reading, Gay. If you’ve taken the RER in Paris to and from the airport, you can totally do the train from Newark. But, given the time you arrive on 1/23, I recommend going with the shuttle or a taxi/car service. While you should be fine (I’ve traveled much later from JFK to Manhattan by myself), platforms can be quieter at night and trains run a little less frequently. For the return trip on Jan 28, absolutely do the train. It’s a weekday and you’ll want to avoid traffic at the time of the morning. Take a taxi from your hotel to New York Penn Station on W. 34th St. and do the train instructions in the post in reverse. I hope that helps and you have a great trip to NYC.
Hi Jackie,
I’m going to NYC next month and I plan to use the train from Newark to Manhattan. I can see you recommend NJ Transit trains but some other websites recommend PATH. Can you tell me the difference?
We’re staying in the Times Square area so I guess we’ll just walk there from Penn Station.
Thanks. Paula
Thanks for reading, Paula. PATH Trains are similar to subway trains and even go into Manhattan and run underground and make stops in the city. The NJ Transit trains are regional trains similar to those you’d find in many suburban areas that are close to a city. In terms of your travel, the PATH train would be a good choice if your hotel was in the World Trade Center area. Since yours is in Times Square, it makes the most sense to do the NJ Transit Trains because Penn Station is much closer to where you’re staying. Hope that helps and you have a great NYC trip!
This is very detailed going from Newark to NYC but for getting to Newark from NYC it just says to take the directions backwards. Am I missing something? Is there a nice step by step from the city to Newark Airport?
Thanks for reading, Lori. There’s not a step by step for the return but it’s exactly the same as going. If you’ve used public transportation, take the NJ Transit trains back to Newark and then transfer to the Airtrain for the terminal you need.
Don’t use airlink shuttle if arriving late at night- like 11 p.m. I did on-line prepaid with all info. Rec’d regular updates as soon as we arrived. Waited at transportation desk— helpful man there asked which service we were waiting on. When I said airlink shuttle, he shook his head and said they were very unreliable for late arrivals and he would check with dispatch. Put on hold for several minutes and at 11:30 dispatch said it would be 30 minutes as they were at office. We then signed up for UBER who arrived in 5 minutes and we were at hotel by 12:15 a.m. airlink driver called at 12 and said he was there! Will never do that again— UBER only cost $6 more. Airlink shuttle did give us a refund.
Thanks for your feedback, Gay. I’m sorry to hear you had this experience but glad to hear Go Airlink refunded your money. One important thing to note, many Uber drivers stay close to the airports, especially late at night because they’re more likely to book a ride so I’m not surprised it took just 5 minutes for the driver to arrive. Glad it all worked out in the end.
We did the New Jersey transit train for our return to Newark airport. As you said, it was easy. We downloaded app and bought our tickets. Had Uber take us from our hotel to 7th Avenue and 31st Street where the NJ transit entrance was and plenty of signs plus helpful people got us to the right track. There was only one set of stairs (maybe 10 steps) to carry luggage up or down—- all the rest was navigated by escalators and elevators.
Our flight was at 10:30 a.m. Uber picked us up at hotel by Central Park at 7:15 and with that ride and train, we were at concourse B at 8:30!
Airlink shuttle pick up time was 6:30 a.m. !
Thanks for your help!
Glad it worked out, Gay. Hope you had a great NYC trip.
Hi Jackie, thanks for writing such a helpful article! I have a couple of questions that I hope you can help me with. We have 2 adults and 2 teens arriving at Newark around 12:30 on 3/21, and catching a flight out of JFK at 8:30 the same night. Our plan is to travel from Newark into the city, grab some lunch and maybe site-see or a museum, then head to JFK. We’ve been to NYC before and used public transport, but not super familiar with either.
Can you recommend an area for our in-between stop that would be convenient to get to from Newark, and also be an easy place to leave from when its time for us to head to JFK? And with 4 travelers, is the train our best option price-wise and time-wise, or would an uber save us money and/or time? How much time do you recommend we plan for getting from Newsrk into the City, and from the City to JFK?
Thanks!
Thanks for reading, Cat. Since you’ll be in NYC on a Friday, I’d suggest avoiding Ubers/taxis and going with trains. It’ll take about 45 minutes to get from Newark to New York Penn Station and about 50-60 minutes to get from New York Penn Station to JFK. (Here’s my JFK guide if you need it) Penn Station is on W. 34 Street in between 7th & 8th Aves. I’d stay in this area. You are within walking distance to Macy’s, Herald Square, and the Empire State Building, and not far from Hudson Yards and where the High Line begins. If you make it up to 42nd Street, you’d be near Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, and Times Square. Hope that helps and you can make the most of your time in NYCC.
Thanks! Love the suggestion for the highline – that will be just the exercise we need between 2 long flights! Now just have to hope the weather cooperates!!!!
Fantastic, Cat! Enjoy your travels. 🙂 Thank you again for reading the blog.
Hi! Have a question!! My husband has mobility issues and can’t walk very far but this is what we would like to do: We would like to spend a full day touring in NYC. I would like to do the Big Bus Tour which includes the Circle Line Cruise. I would like to stay in New Jersey somewhere and take a train in to access the Big Bus. Can you give us any guidance? Having access to a wheelchair would be great if we have to walk any distances but I don’t know how to handle that either. Please help! 🙂
Thanks for reading, Jolene. Ok, given what you’ve told me, I’d take a look at Lincoln Harbor in New Jersey. There’s a Sheraton right at the ferry dock to NYC. The ferry will take you directly across the Hudson River to the ferry terminals. This is also where the Big Bus Tours and Circle Line Cruises have a stop and/or begin. This would be the smoothest option without stairs or any extensive walking. As for access to a wheelchair, unless you rented one at a local pharmacy (nearby Hoboken, NJ has mom & pop pharmacies that do this), I’m not sure. Hopefully, though, the Lincoln Harbor hotel is the right fit!
Hello, great article, there is something I would like to ask you please: we are leaving from EWR at around 06AM (3/19/2020) therefore I was looking for public transport connection as I do prefer it instead of just taking a cab. However, I found out that NJTransit train is not available from 2AM till 5AM (leaving from Penn Station). Can you confirm this information please? So I would just leave from Penn station after midnight I guess. I am not worried about AirTrain from Newark Liberty Airport Station as those are running 24/7 I read. If you can, please leave a comment regarding the window in service from 2AM till 5AM. Thank you
Thanks for reading, Petr. After checking the NJ Transit schedule, I am seeing the same. No trains from about 2 am until 4:17 am.
Jackie, Need help deciding between the train or the AirLink. Our destination is Penn Station as we are taking Amtrak to Connecticut. We are scheduled to land in Newark at 8:00 am on a Thursday. We are 3 elderly women who are used to travel but can’t walk too far or too fast. I have read the train is the NJ Transit and may be crowded and/or not have room for luggage. We will each have a medium size suitcase plus a smaller carry on type bag.
Would love hearing your opinion.
Thanks
Hi Suzan,
Thanks for reading and so sorry for the late reply! Your comment ended up in spam. 🙁
I’d say you’ll be fine on NJ Transit because the region is still just opening and many people aren’t yet back to their normal commutes. Trains aren’t as crowded as they once were…at least yet. Check the train schedules, too. There have been changes because of the shutdown. Safe travels and apologies again for this last-minute reply.
Hi, Jackie , this is a well written article, providing in-depth detail. I have a quick question. I will be arriving in EWR airport in a couple of days at 10 pm. Would this be too late to take the train and if so what would be the next best option. I also see your notation that the Shared shuttle service is suspended. …Thanks
Thanks so much for reading, Garry. 10 pm isn’t too late for the train. I’ve done train rides in the past between 9 and 11 pm from EWR and have never had a problem. The schedule shows 2 trains in the 10 o’clock hour and another train just past 11 pm. The next best option would be to book a private transfer either with GoAirlink or Carmel. Taxis coming from EWR can be expensive because there is no flat rate, whereas by booking a car you’ll know the cost ahead of time. You’d think there would be no traffic at 10 pm but in NYC you never know! Hope that helps and you have a great trip!
This site is outstanding. I read several different online guides on travel from Newark airport to Manhattan, and this one provides the best advice. About 4 decades ago I lived in West Orange and commuted to NYC via the Path trains from Newark. All the advice about using trains to avoid horrendous road traffic is spot-on. My question is about personal safety. I was assaulted on the Path train and it took the cops over an hour to arrive. I assume the trains have been cleaned up considerably and no longer attract undesirable people. Should travel with people that can be trusted be considered in these options?
Thank you for reading, Ken. I’m so sorry to hear about your experience years ago. I can only speak for myself, a female who has lived in New York City and Hoboken for the past 20+ years. I’ve never had any problems on the PATH trains or subway trains. Compared to 4 decades ago, crime rates are way down and the NYC subways and PATH trains have been cleaned up considerably. I’ve taken trains at all times of the day and night depending on when my flights have arrived and have never felt unsafe. However, I can only speak to my experience. If you are concerned about safety, perhaps it is better for you to consider a pre-booked private transfer instead.
Your post was so helpful! I appreciated having the options and thought I chose wisely (since Go Airlink isn’t doing shared rides during COVID) and bought tickets on the Express bus into Manhattan.
The price was great: $30 RT.
BUT— that’s money I’ll never get back and the bus drove right by me and my daughter when as we were waiting at the designated bus stop. Since I’d already bought tickets, we waited for the next bus. Inconvenient, but we got there.
Unfortunately, we were not as lucky trying to get BACK to the airport. Even though we went to Bryant Park an hour early and waited with our suitcases under the bus stop sign where we got off, the bus veered toward us, but then kept going. I was stunned!!!! It drove right past us and there wouldn’t be another one for over an hour!!! And who knew if that one would stop?
I had no choice but to get a taxi at that point, to the tune of $113. PLUS the $60 I’d already spent on the Express bus tickets.
I called them immediately. They never responded to my voicemail. I emailed them 6 times before they responded to say that they would not refund my tickets.
So, I’d suggest not wasting your money on the Express bus. They wasted my time and my money and I ended up scrambling last minute just to get back to the airport.
Thanks for reading, Juliann. I’m sorry to hear about your troubles with the Express Bus. It will be great once companies like GoAirlink can resume shared rides. It really split the difference between taxis and public transportation.