Best Way to Get from Newark to Manhattan

Overview of the Best Ways to Get from Newark Airport to Manhattan

Before we start with the details, you will first get an overview of all transfer options to and from Newark Airport:

Shuttle Bus from Newark Airport to Manhattan

• Lines: direct service to places like Grand Central Station and Penn Station
• Travel time: about 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic
• Operating hours: runs 24/7, all year round
• Frequency: every 20 to 30 minutes

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

Where do you get on? Just follow the signs to the shuttle counters in your terminal’s arrivals area. Staff will help you find the exact pickup point.

How much does the shuttle bus cost? A one-way ticket is around $25 online. The better deal is a round-trip ticket for about $42. Great value for a direct and hassle-free ride.

Where do you buy the ticket? You can book your ticket online via GetYourGuide. You’ll get it right on your phone (or you can print it if you prefer).

Book a shuttle bus to/from Newark Airport online

Pros:

• Excellent value for money
• Direct route to Manhattan with no transfers
• Easy to book online
• Runs 24/7 (including holidays)
• Comfortable, even with lots of luggage
• Great option for families!

Cons:

• You might have to wait at the airport (especially if your flight is delayed)
• Travel time can increase during heavy traffic
• No door-to-door service, but stops are centrally located

AirTrain NJ Transit from Newark Airport to Manhattan

• Lines: AirTrain Newark, NJ Transit to Penn Station NYC, with optional transfer to the subway (e.g. 1, 2, 3, A, C, E)
• Travel time: about 40–60 minutes
• Operating hours: Runs 24/7, all 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 links all terminals at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and brings you to the airport train station. From there, NJ Transit takes you directly to the heart of Manhattan, where you can transfer to the subway if needed.

Where do you get on? You can board the AirTrain right at your terminal. At the Newark Airport Station, switch to an NJ Transit train heading to New York Penn Station.

How much do AirTrain and NJ Transit cost? A combined ticket for both AirTrain and NJ Transit costs $15.50 – saving you nearly $10 compared to buying them separately! You can also add a $2.90 subway ride in New York.

Find out more about the New York subway here!

Where do you buy the tickets? You can get the combined ticket at vending machines in the airport or at the train station. You can also use the NJ Transit app to buy it right on your phone.

Pros:

• Affordable combined ticket for just $15.50
• Easy and convenient way to reach Manhattan
• Regular departures for both AirTrain and NJ Transit
• No traffic delays, since it’s a rail connection
• Clear signs make everything easy to find

Cons:

• Not a direct ride (you’ll need to switch from AirTrain to NJ Transit)
• Transfers can be tricky with heavy luggage
• Travel time can vary depending on connections and time of day (about 30–45 minutes)

Taxi from Newark Airport to Manhattan

• Travel time: about 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic
• Operating hours: Available 24/7, every day of the year
• Frequency: Taxis are usually waiting at the airport; short wait times if any

Where does the cab stop? At Newark Airport, official yellow taxis are lined up right outside the arrivals areas of all terminals. Just follow the signs to the taxi stands and wait your turn. Lines usually move quickly.

Where do you get a cab? Simply hop into one of the official taxis at the arrivals terminal. The driver will take you straight to your destination in New York City with no transfers needed.

How much does a cab cost? A taxi ride from EWR to Manhattan typically costs between $70 and $90, depending on your exact destination. On top of that, expect tolls of $6–10 and a tip of around 15%. All in, you’ll usually pay between $85 and $110.

Where do you pay for the cab? You pay at the end of your ride, either in cash or by credit card. Feel free to ask the driver for an estimated fare before you go.

Pros:

• Direct door-to-door service
• More comfortable than the train, especially with lots of luggage or after a long flight
• Available around the clock, usually with minimal wait
• No need to book in advance or use an app

Cons:

• Much more expensive than public transport
• Heavy traffic can significantly extend travel time
• No set fares for destinations outside Manhattan

Private Transfer from Newark Airport to Manhattan

• Travel time: about 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic
• Operating hours: 24/7, every day of the year (advance booking recommended)
• Frequency: Pick-up at the scheduled time; the driver will wait if you’re delayed

Where does the private transfer stop? You’ll be picked up right at your arrival terminal. The driver usually holds a sign with your name or contacts you by phone. Exact meeting points are marked at the airport and usually described in your booking confirmation.

How much does the private transfer cost? Depending on the vehicle, provider, and destination, a private transfer costs between $80 and $130. It’s often a great deal for families or groups. Prices usually include tolls and tip—unlike a regular taxi.

Where do you book the private transfer? You can book and pay for everything online in advance—via Go AirLink or GetYourGuide, for example. That way, everything’s arranged before you land.

Book an EWR Airport private transfer with GetYourGuide

Book an EWR Airport private transfer with Go AirLink

Pros:

• Very convenient – straight from the terminal to your destination
• No waiting, no transfers
• Ideal for families, groups, or lots of luggage
• Easy online booking in advance

Cons:

• More expensive than public transport
• Price depends on vehicle type and exact drop-off location
• Traffic can add to travel time

Changing Airports from Newark to JFK or LaGuardia

If you need to switch airports in New York, public transportation is a reliable and affordable option.

However, you should plan for at least 70 minutes of travel time and a few transfers.

Example Route from EWR Airport to JFK Airport:

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

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

Example Route from EWR Airport to LGA Airport:

1. Take the AirTrain Newark to the NJ Transit station
2. Ride the NJ Transit train to Penn Station in Manhattan
3. Take 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: around $10.50

Alternatively, you can also take a taxi, Uber, or private transfer for these routes. However, this usually costs between $100 and $160, and travel time can be longer if there’s heavy traffic.

Read more about LaGuardia Airport

Where to Stay at Newark Airport New York: Our Tips

Surprisingly, there aren’t many top-rated hotels at Newark Airport.

However, if you would prefer to stay at the airport for a very early flight or after a very late arrival, we recommend these hotels:

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

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

FAQ about Newark Airport

These were our tips for airport transfers from Newark Airport

What are your experiences with the Newark airport transfer? Or do you still have questions? Then please write us a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!