Amtrak's Newark Airport Stop: All You Need To Know

Amtrak and NJ Transit trains provide a convenient way to reach Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Passengers can book tickets to the Newark Airport Station, where they can transfer to the AirTrain monorail, which services all airport terminals. The AirTrain runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and the fare is included in the Amtrak ticket price. However, it's important to note that not all Amtrak trains stop at the Newark Airport Station, and travellers may need to transfer at Trenton or Newark Penn Station to reach the airport.

How to get to Newark Airport by train

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the three main airports serving New York City, alongside John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). If you're travelling to or from NYC, there's a good chance you'll be using Newark Airport.

The airport is easily accessible by train, with both Amtrak and NJ Transit trains offering connections. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get to Newark Airport by train:

Step 1: Get to Penn Station

If you're starting your journey in Manhattan, make your way to Penn Station, the main intercity railway junction for the borough. You can walk, take a taxi, or use public transport to get there. Penn Station is served by multiple subway lines (A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3) and bus lines, so it's easy to reach by public transport.

Step 2: Buy Your Ticket

At Penn Station, you have the option to buy a ticket for either the Amtrak or NJ Transit train to Newark Airport. You can purchase tickets from automated machines or ticket counters. If you're buying an NJ Transit ticket, make sure to go to the designated NJ Transit area.

When buying your ticket, you will need to select your destination as Newark Airport Station (EWR). The station code for Newark Airport may be required when purchasing from a machine. You can also book tickets in advance through the Amtrak website, app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Step 3: Board the Train

Once you have your ticket, look for the Amtrak Northeast Corridor, NJ Transit Northeast Corridor, or NJ Transit North Jersey Corridor Line trains. These lines offer direct connections to Newark Airport. The trains usually arrive at the station 20 minutes before their scheduled departure time and run about twice an hour, except during late hours (after 10 pm).

Make sure to double-check that your selected train stops at Newark Airport. The train will likely stop at Secaucus and Newark Penn Station before arriving at Newark Airport Station.

Step 4: Transfer to AirTrain

Upon arriving at Newark Airport Station, you'll need to transfer to the AirTrain monorail to get to the airport terminals. The AirTrain fare is included in your Amtrak or NJ Transit ticket. Simply scan the barcode on your eTicket at the AirTrain fare gate. The AirTrain runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with trains arriving and departing every 3-5 minutes from 5 am to 11 pm and approximately every 15 minutes from 11 pm to 5 am.

Step 5: Arrive at Your Terminal

The AirTrain will take you directly to your terminal at Newark Airport. Travel times from the train station to the passenger terminals vary from 7 to 20 minutes, plus additional time for walking or taking a shuttle to Terminal A.

Additional Information:

• The total fare for the NJ Transit train and AirTrain from Penn Station to Newark Airport is around $13 per person.
• If you're travelling from further afield, the Keystone Service and Northeast Regional Amtrak routes also serve Newark Airport Station. These routes offer connections from cities along the East Coast, including Boston and Norfolk.
• When travelling from Penn Station, it's important to distinguish between Newark Airport Station (EWR) and Newark Penn Station, as they are different stops.

The AirTrain monorail

The AirTrain is a monorail system that connects the terminals at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Link Station. The monorail opened in 1996 and is approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) long. It was built to alleviate vehicular traffic at the terminals and is accessible only via arriving trains or directly from the airport. The AirTrain runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with trains arriving and departing every 3-5 minutes from 5 am to 11 pm and every 15 minutes between 11 pm and 5 am.

The AirTrain connects to the Northeast Corridor (NEC) line at the Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where passengers can transfer to Amtrak or NJ Transit trains. The AirTrain fare is included in Amtrak tickets to and from the Newark Airport Rail Station. Passengers can scan the barcode on their eTicket at the AirTrain fare gate to pass through. For passengers without tickets showing Newark Airport as the destination or boarding point, monorail tickets can be purchased from NJT ticket vending machines at the transfer station.

The AirTrain has stations at each of the airport's three terminals (A, B, and C), as well as at the parking lots (P3 and P4) and car rental facilities. The stations for Terminals B and C are located on top of their respective terminal buildings, while the station for Terminal A is accessible by shuttle or on foot. The AirTrain ride from the train station to the passenger terminals varies from 7 to 20 minutes, plus additional time for transfers.

In recent years, there have been plans to replace the AirTrain system due to its aging infrastructure and persistent delays and breakdowns. The replacement project, estimated to cost around $2 billion, was approved in October 2019, with construction expected to start in 2021 and be completed by 2024. However, there have been delays, and as of November 2024, construction is expected to begin in 2025, with passenger service anticipated in 2030. The new system will feature automated, cable-driven trains and will be 2.5 miles (4.0 km) in length with four stations.

Amtrak ticket prices

Amtrak offers a range of ticket prices and options to cater to different traveller needs. The Amtrak website provides a comprehensive guide to the various fare types, how to book, and the flexibility of each ticket.

Firstly, it is recommended to book your ticket in advance, as fares are generally higher during holidays and peak travel periods. Fares can also vary based on the day of the week and the time of day.

There are several types of fares available. The 'Saver' fare option is ideal if you are happy to commit as there are no change options, and cancellations incur a fee. The 'Flex' fare option is perfect for those whose plans frequently change, even at the last minute, as these tickets are fully refundable and can be changed without any fees. The 'Value' fare option is a great choice if you are confident in your travel plans, but they are not changeable, and 25% of the ticket value is forfeited upon cancellation. The 'Sale' fare option is available during active sales and offers a great deal, but these tickets are also not changeable, and 50% of the ticket value is forfeited upon cancellation.

Business Class fares are available, offering extra legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks on many routes. Business Class is a great option for both business and leisure travellers. Amtrak Guest Rewards members earn a 25% qualifying point bonus for travel in Business Class. Business Class fares are fully refundable and can be changed without fees.

Acela First Class is another option, offering premium amenities, complimentary onboard food and beverage services, and privileged access to ClubAcela lounges. Guest Rewards members earn a 50% qualifying point bonus for Acela First Class travel. Acela First Class fares are fully refundable and can be changed without fees.

Private rooms are available for customers seeking privacy, space, and comfort, with added amenities for overnight trips. There are no change fees for private rooms, but cancellation fees vary based on the time before departure.

Amtrak also offers a unique opportunity to upgrade your reservation through the 'BidUp' option, where you can place a bid to enhance your trip to a premium class of service.

It is worth noting that passenger discounts, such as Child and Senior discounts, are applied automatically when selected at the beginning of your travel search. Additionally, reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, and tickets can be booked through the Amtrak website, mobile app, or by calling their customer service line.

Travel times from the train station to airport terminals

The Newark Airport Rail Station is connected to Newark Liberty International Airport via a monorail, the AirTrain, which stops at all airport terminals. The AirTrain fare is included in the Amtrak ticket price to and from the Newark Airport Rail Station.

The AirTrain arrives and departs every 3-5 minutes daily from 5 am to 11 pm and approximately every 15 minutes between 11 pm and 5 am. Travel times from the train station to the passenger terminals vary from 7 to 20 minutes, plus additional time via shuttle or walking to Terminal A.

It is important to note that not all Amtrak trains stop at the Newark Airport Rail Station, so be sure to check the schedule before booking. If the times of the trains stopping at the airport are not convenient, you can book an Amtrak train to Newark Penn Station (one station up the line from the airport) and transfer to an NJ Transit train to the airport.

The location of the train station

The Newark Liberty International Airport train station is located at 3 Brewster Road, Newark, NJ 07114. The station is linked to the airport via a monorail, the AirTrain, which stops at all airport terminals. The AirTrain runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, arriving and departing every 3-5 minutes from 5 am to 11 pm and approximately every 15 minutes between 11 pm and 5 am. The journey from the train station to the passenger terminals can take between 7 and 20 minutes, plus additional time for transfers via shuttle or walking to Terminal A.

The station is bright and airy, featuring large expanses of glass. It is not accessible by road, and passengers can only arrive via train or AirTrain. Parking and other facilities are available at the airport. The AirTrain fare is included in Amtrak tickets to and from the Newark Airport Rail Station, and passengers can scan their eTicket to board.

The Keystone Service and Northeast Regional Amtrak routes travel to the Newark Airport Station, with trains departing from cities in the Northeast Corridor, including Boston and Norfolk.

Frequently asked questions