Newark Airport Transfer: Shuttle, Train, Taxi & Hotel Tips

Transfer to and from EWR Airport: An Overview

Before we get into the details, here’s a quick overview of all your transfer options to and from Newark Airport:

Shuttle Bus from EWR Airport to the City

• Routes: Direct connection to Grand Central Station and Penn Station, among others
• Travel time: approx. 40–60 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Hours of operation: 24/7, 365 days a year
• Frequency: every 20–30 minutes

Where does the shuttle bus stop? The bus from Newark Airport drops you at several spots in Manhattan, including Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown.

Where do you board? Just follow the signs to the shuttle service counters in the arrivals area of your terminal. Staff there will show you exactly where to board.

How much does the shuttle bus cost? A one-way ticket is $22 online. Even better is the round-trip combo ticket at around $37 — seriously great value for a comfortable, no-transfer connection.

Where do you buy the ticket? Book your bus ticket online through GetYourGuide. Your ticket lives right on your phone, or you can print it out.

Book the Newark Airport shuttle bus to Manhattan online
Pros:

• Best value for money
• Direct connection to Manhattan with no transfers
• Bookable online in advance
• Runs 24/7 (including holidays)
• Very comfortable even with a lot of luggage
• Great for families!

Cons:

• Wait times at the airport are possible (e.g. if your flight was delayed)
• The ride can take longer in heavy traffic
• No door-to-door service — centralized stops only

AirTrain + NJ Transit from EWR Airport to the City

• Routes: AirTrain Newark, NJ Transit to Penn Station NYC, with optional transfer to the Subway (e.g. 1, 2, 3, A, C, E)
• Travel time: approx. 40–60 minutes
• Hours of operation: 24/7, 365 days a year
• Frequency: AirTrain every 3–5 minutes, NJ Transit every 15–30 minutes, Subway every 4–12 minutes depending on the line

Where do the trains stop? The AirTrain connects all terminals at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and takes you from the terminal to the Airport Station. There you transfer to the NJ Transit train, which brings you into the heart of New York. From there you can continue by Subway if needed.

Where do you board? Board the AirTrain directly at your terminal. At Newark Liberty International Airport Station, transfer to the NJ Transit train toward New York Penn Station.

How much do the AirTrain and NJ Transit cost? There’s a combo ticket for AirTrain + NJ Transit for $15.50 — that saves you nearly $10 compared to buying separate tickets! Optionally, add $2.90 for the Subway in New York.

Everything you need to know about the New York City Subway
Where do you buy the tickets? You can grab the combo ticket on-site at a machine at the airport or at the Airport Station. Alternatively, use the NJ Transit app and buy your ticket right on your phone.

Pros:

• Affordable combo ticket for $15.50
• Comfortable connection from the airport to Manhattan
• AirTrain and NJ Transit trains run regularly
• No traffic delays since it’s a rail connection
• Well-signed and easy to navigate

Cons:

• Not a direct connection — you need to transfer from AirTrain to NJ Transit
• Transferring with a lot of luggage can be a bit cumbersome
• Travel time varies depending on the connection and time of day (approx. 30–45 minutes)

Taxi from EWR Airport to the City

• Travel time: approx. 30–60 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Hours of operation: 24/7, 365 days a year
• Availability: Taxis are generally available at the airport at all times; brief waits are possible

Where do taxis stop? At Newark Airport, you’ll find official yellow cabs right outside the arrivals areas of all terminals. There are clearly marked taxi stands where you simply join the line — wait times are usually short.

Where do you board? You hop into one of the official taxis directly at the arrivals terminal. The driver will take you straight to your destination in New York City with no transfers.

How much does a taxi cost? A taxi ride from EWR Airport to Manhattan has a flat rate of between $70 and $90, depending on your destination. Add tolls of $6 to $10 and a tip of around 15 percent. All in, expect to pay $85 to $110.

How do you pay for the taxi? You pay directly in the taxi at the end of the ride — cash or credit card both work. You can always ask the driver for an estimated fare before you set off.

Pros:

• Door-to-door service
• More relaxed than the train, especially with lots of luggage or after a long flight
• Available 24/7, usually without long wait times
• No advance ticket or app required

Cons:

• Much more expensive than the train
• Traffic can significantly extend your travel time
• No flat rates for destinations outside Manhattan

Private Transfer from EWR Airport to the City

• Travel time: approx. 30–60 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Hours of operation: 24/7, 365 days a year (advance booking recommended)
• Availability: Pickup at your booked time; wait times possible in case of delays

Where does the private transfer pick you up? You’ll be picked up directly at your arrivals terminal. The driver will typically be waiting with a name sign or will contact you by phone. Meeting points are clearly marked and usually described in your booking confirmation.

How much does a private transfer cost? Depending on the vehicle type, provider, and destination, a private transfer runs between $80 and $130. For groups or larger families, this can absolutely be worth it — and the price usually includes tolls and tip, unlike a taxi.

Where do you book the private transfer? Book and pay conveniently in advance online — for example through Go AirLink or GetYourGuide. Everything’s sorted ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about a thing on arrival.

Book EWR Airport private transfer on GetYourGuide

Book EWR Airport private transfer on Go AirLink
Pros:

• Super convenient — direct from the terminal to your address
• No waiting, no transfers
• Perfect for families, groups, or travelers with a lot of luggage
• Easy to book online in advance

Cons:

• More expensive than other options
• Price increases depending on vehicle size and destination
• Traffic can still extend your travel time

Changing Airports: Newark to JFK or LaGuardia

If you need to transfer between New York’s airports, you can do it reliably and affordably using public transportation.

Just keep in mind that you should plan for at least 70 minutes of travel time and a couple of transfers.

Sample route from EWR Airport to JFK Airport:

1. Take the AirTrain Newark to the NJ Transit station
2. Take the NJ Transit train to Penn Station Manhattan
3. Continue on the Subway line E to Sutphin Blvd/Archer Av
4. From there, take the AirTrain JFK to your terminal

• Travel time: approx. 70–75 minutes
• Total cost: approx. $26.90

Sample route from EWR Airport to LGA Airport:

1. Take the AirTrain Newark to the NJ Transit station
2. Take the NJ Transit train to Penn Station Manhattan
3. Continue on the Subway line 7 to Woodside/61 St
4. Transfer to the free Q70 bus to your LGA terminal

• Travel time: approx. 70–80 minutes
• Total cost: approx. $10.50

Alternatively, you can always take a taxi, Uber, or private transfer for these routes — but expect to pay $100 to $160, and in heavy traffic you might even end up taking longer than the train.

Hotels near Newark Airport New York: Our Tips

Honestly, there aren’t many highly-rated hotels near Newark Airport — the selection is surprisingly slim.

That said, if you need to stay close to the airport for a very early flight or after a very late arrival, these are the places we’d point you to:

Hampton Inn Newark Airport: Comfortable airport hotel with free shuttle service and a modern atmosphere.

Holiday Inn Express Newark Airport: Conveniently located with free breakfast and quick access to the Newark terminals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Newark Airport