Navigating Newark Airport: My Commute Experience

There are several ways to commute to Newark Airport, depending on your preferences and budget. The airport is accessible via public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft. If you're looking for a cost-effective option, consider taking the PATH train to Newark Penn Station and then transferring to the #62 NJ Transit bus. This option offers frequent bus services and is ideal for those travelling when trains are not running. Alternatively, you can take the AirTrain, a free service that connects the airport to various terminals, and then the NJ Transit train to Manhattan. The AirTrain is accessible from the airport terminal and offers a seamless connection to the train station. Remember to purchase your tickets in advance and be mindful of the different ticket options available, such as one-way, round-trip, and multi-day passes.

Getting to Newark Airport from Midtown Manhattan

Newark Airport is about 13-18 miles from Midtown Manhattan. There are several ways to get to Newark Airport from Midtown Manhattan, including public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for making your way to the airport:

By Public Transportation:

• NJ Transit Train and AirTrain: This is the quickest route from Midtown Manhattan and costs around $15.25. Take an NJ Transit train from New York Penn Station to Newark Airport. Look for trains on the Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line that have an airplane icon or "EWR" on the departure boards as not all trains stop at the airport. Buy your ticket at a vending machine or ticket counter, and keep it with you for the AirTrain. Once you arrive at Newark International Airport Station, follow the signs to the AirTrain, which will take you to your airport terminal. The AirTrain is free within the airport, and the journey should take around 15-20 minutes.
• PATH Train, NJ Transit Train, and AirTrain: If you're looking for a slightly cheaper option, costing around $13.75, take the PATH train from World Trade Center Station in Lower Manhattan to Newark Penn Station. From there, transfer to an NJ Transit train to Newark Airport. Make sure to purchase an NJ Transit ticket before boarding, and keep it for the AirTrain. At Newark Airport Station, transfer to the AirTrain to get to your terminal.
• PATH Train and NJ Transit Bus: For the most cost-effective option, take the PATH train from World Trade Center Station to Newark Penn Station, and then transfer to the #62 NJ Transit bus. The PATH fare is $2.75, and the bus fare is $1.60. This option is also great for travelling during overnight hours when NJ Transit trains aren't running.

By Taxi or Ride-Sharing:

You can hail a taxi or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get to Newark Airport. However, this option is significantly more expensive than public transportation, with taxi fares starting at $50-$70, and Uber or Lyft rides costing around $75. Rush hour traffic can also cause significant delays, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

By Car:

If you're driving your own car or a rental car to Newark Airport, be prepared for traffic and tolls. There is ample parking available at the airport, but it can be costly. Additionally, ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft are not available directly at the Newark Airport Station, so you would need to go to Newark Penn Station or North Elizabeth Station for those options.

By Shuttle or Bus:

• The Newark Airport Express bus offers a convenient and affordable way to get to the airport from Midtown Manhattan. It picks up from each terminal and has drop-off points at Port Authority Bus Terminal (Times Square), Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal. The one-way fare is $18.70, and you can save money by purchasing a round-trip ticket.
• Shuttle services, such as Airlink NYC, offer a more affordable option for door-to-door service. A shared van ride with Airlink NYC costs around $32 per passenger, depending on your departure time and destination.

Using the AirTrain to get to the train station

The AirTrain is a convenient and stress-free way to get from Newark Airport to the train station. This airport monorail offers an easy connection to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station and Amtrak's Northeast Corridor line. It is ideal for those wanting to avoid traffic and save time. The AirTrain operates 24/7 and offers access to multiple terminals, parking lots, rental car facilities, and ground transportation options.

To use the AirTrain, follow the signs for the AirTrain after collecting your baggage. There are three stations within the airport, so board the AirTrain from the station closest to you. If you arrive at Terminal A or Terminal B, you can take the AirTrain from Level 3 of your terminal. If you arrive at Terminal C or Terminal E, you will need to take the AirTrain from another station within the airport complex. Follow the signs for "AirTrain" and use your airline ticket or a reloadable MetroCard to purchase a one-way ticket, which usually costs around $5.50 to $7.75.

The AirTrain will take you to the Newark Airport train station, which is the final stop. The journey typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes. Once you arrive, you can purchase a ticket to your desired destination. Ticket machines are available at the station, or you can buy tickets from the ticket office.

It is worth noting that if you are travelling to New York City, you will need to transfer to NJ Transit or Amtrak trains at the Newark Liberty International Airport Station. These trains will take you into New York City or other parts of New Jersey. The cost of these trains varies depending on your destination but typically ranges between $5 and $15 one-way.

Buying a train ticket

If you're looking to buy a train ticket to Newark Airport, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can use the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App to purchase your ticket in advance. This is a convenient option as it allows you to skip the lines at the ticket counter and have your ticket readily available on your phone. Alternatively, you can use Web Ticketing on the NJ TRANSIT website to buy your ticket before your journey. If you prefer a physical ticket, you can use a ticket vending machine at the station or speak to a ticket agent at your boarding station.

When purchasing your ticket, ensure you select the correct destination as Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, and New York City are two different locations. A ticket to New York Penn Station (Moynihan) costs $16 for an adult, whereas a ticket to Newark Penn Station will be cheaper. Double-check your selection to avoid being fined for travelling with an invalid ticket.

It's important to keep your ticket with you during your journey, as you will need it to pass through the fare gates at the airport rail station and to board the AirTrain. The AirTrain access fee ($8.50) is already included in the price of your NJ TRANSIT ticket when purchased through the app, Web Ticketing, or vending machines.

If you're travelling from Midtown Manhattan, you can take an NJ TRANSIT train from New York Penn Station to Newark Airport. Some trains on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line stop at Newark Liberty International Airport Station. Look for an airplane icon or "EWR" on the departure boards to ensure your train stops at the airport.

If you're travelling from Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn and want to keep transfers to a minimum, you can take the subway to Midtown Manhattan and then transfer to an NJ TRANSIT train. If you're looking to save on fares, you can take the PATH train to Newark Penn Station and then transfer to an NJ TRANSIT bus.

Remember to allow enough time for your journey, especially if you need to make connections. NJ TRANSIT estimates the travel time from New York Penn Station to Newark Airport to be around an hour, but it's always good to give yourself some extra time.

Finding the right train to Manhattan

To find the right train to Manhattan from Newark Airport, you need to follow a few simple steps. Firstly, you need to take the AirTrain from the airport to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station. This is a free service, and the AirTrain connects the airport to the train station, as well as other terminals, parking lots, and transportation hubs.

Once you arrive at the Newark Liberty International Airport Station, you need to purchase a train ticket to Manhattan. You can buy tickets from vending machines or ticket counters at the station. There are various ticket options, including one-way, round-trip, and multi-day passes. Make sure you validate your ticket before boarding the train.

Now you're ready to find the right train. The NJ Transit trains to Manhattan typically run every 15-30 minutes, but the frequency depends on the time of day and day of the week. To find the correct train, look for signs and information screens that indicate the train's destination and stops. You are looking for a train that will take you to either Penn Station or World Trade Center Transportation Hub in Manhattan.

Once you have located the right train, board and find a seat, keeping your ticket with you. During the journey, you can enjoy the scenic views as you travel towards Manhattan. When you arrive at your destination station in Manhattan, follow the signs to exit the train safely.

Boarding and riding the train to Manhattan

Once you've purchased your ticket, it's time to board the train to Manhattan. The NJ Transit trains typically run every 15-30 minutes, so you shouldn't have to wait long. Look for signs and information screens to find the right train. Make sure to pay attention to the train numbers, destinations, and stops to ensure you're on the right train.

When boarding the train, find a seat and stow your luggage in the overhead compartment or under your seat. Keep your ticket with you, as you'll need it when you exit the train. During the ride, you can enjoy scenic views along the way. The journey to Manhattan takes approximately 30-40 minutes, but this can vary depending on the time of day and any delays.

Upon arriving at your destination station in Manhattan, follow the signs to safely exit the train. From Penn Station, you can use the 1, 2, 3, A, C, or E subway lines to continue to your final destination or hail a cab from the station.

Frequently asked questions