Best Way to Get from Newark to Manhattan

Transfer from and to EWR Airport at a glance

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

Shuttle Bus from EWR Airport to the City

• Lines: Direct connection e.g. to Grand Central Station and Penn Station
• Travel time: approx. 40-60 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Operating hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
• Frequency: every 20-30 minutes

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

Where do you get on? Simply follow the signs to the shuttle service counters in the arrivals area of your terminal. The staff there will show you exactly where to board.

How much does the shuttle bus cost? A one-way ticket costs around 25 dollars online. Even better is the combined ticket for a return journey for around 42 Dollars. A great price-performance ratio for a convenient direct connection.

Where do you buy the ticket? You can book your bus ticket online via GetYourGuide. You will then have your ticket directly on your cell phone (or you can print it out).

Book a shuttle bus to/from Newark Airport online

Advantages:

• Best price-performance ratio
• Direct connection to Manhattan without transfer
• Can be booked online
• Operates 24/7 (also on public holidays)
• Very comfortable even with a lot of luggage
• Great for families!

Disadvantages:

• Waiting time at the airport possible (e.g. if flight was delayed)
• Journey can take longer in traffic jams
• No door-to-door service, but central stops

AirTrain NJ Transit from EWR Airport to the City

• Lines: AirTrain Newark, NJ Transit to Penn Station NYC, there optional change to Subway (e.g. 1, 2, 3, A, C, E)
• Travel time: approx. 40-60 minutes
• Operating hours: 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 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 board the NJ Transit train, which takes you to the center of New York. From there, you have the option of taking the subway.

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

How much do AirTrain and NJ Transit cost? There is a combined ticket for AirTrain NJ Transit for 15.50 dollars. This saves you almost 10 dollars compared to one-way tickets! Then there is the option to add 2.90 dollars for the subway in New York.

Find out more about the New York subway here!

Where do you buy the tickets? You can buy the combined ticket at the vending machine at the airport or at the airport station. Alternatively, you can also use the NJ Transit app and buy the ticket on your cell phone.

Advantages:

• Inexpensive combined ticket for 15.50 dollars
• Convenient connection from the airport to Manhattan
• AirTrain and NJ Transit trains run regularly
• No traffic congestion, as train connection
• Well signposted and easy to find

Disadvantages:

• No direct connection (transfer from AirTrain to NJ Transit)
• Transferring can be a bit inconvenient with a lot of luggage
• Travel time varies depending on 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)
• Operating hours: 24/7, 365 days a year
• Frequency: Taxis are usually available at the airport at all times; short waiting time if necessary

Where does the cab stop? At Newark Airport you will find official yellow cabs directly in front of the arrivals areas of all terminals. There are signposted cab ranks where you simply queue up. Waiting times are usually short.

Where do you get in? You get into one of the official cabs directly at the arrivals terminal. The driver will then take you directly to your destination in New York City without having to change.

How much does a cab cost? A cab ride from EWR Airport to Manhattan costs between 70 and 90 dollars, depending on your destination. In addition, there are tolls of 6 to 10 dollars and a tip of around 15 percent. In total, you can expect to pay between 85 and 110 dollars.

Where do you pay for the cab? As usual, you pay directly in the cab at the end of the journey – in cash or by credit card. You can of course ask the driver for the approximate price before the journey.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

• Much more expensive than the train connection
• Traffic jams can significantly increase travel time
• No fixed prices for trips outside of Manhattan

Private transfer from EWR Airport to the City

• Travel time: approx. 30-60 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Operating hours: 24/7, 365 days a year (advance booking recommended)
• Frequency: pick-up at the booked time; waiting time if late

Where does the private transfer stop? You will be picked up directly at your arrival terminal. The driver will usually be waiting for you with a name sign or will contact you by cell phone. The meeting points are signposted and usually also described in the booking.

How much does the private transfer cost? Depending on the type of vehicle, provider and destination, a private transfer costs between 80 and 130 dollars. This can therefore be really worthwhile for groups or larger families. The price usually includes tolls and tips – unlike a cab.

Where do you book the private transfer? You book and pay conveniently in advance online – e.g. via Go AirLink or GetYourGuide. This way, everything is fixed and you don’t have to worry about anything on site.

Book an EWR Airport private transfer with GetYourGuide

Book an EWR Airport private transfer with Go AirLink

Advantages:

• Super convenient – directly from the terminal to the desired address
• No waiting time, no transfer
• Perfect for families, groups or with a lot of luggage
• Convenient online booking

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than other options
• Price increases depending on vehicle size and destinations
• Traffic jams can increase travel time

Changing Airports from Newark to JFK or LaGuardia

If you need to transfer between airports in New York, you can do so reliably and cheaply using public transportation.

However, you should expect at least 70 minutes travel time and several changes.

Example 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 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 dollars

Example Route from EWR Airport to LGA Airport:

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

• Travel time: approx. 70-80 minutes
• Total cost: approx. 10.50 dollars

Alternatively, you can of course also use a cab, Uber or a private transfer for these routes. However, the price will then be between 100 and 160 dollars and you will need even longer if there is a lot of traffic.

Hotels 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.

Frequently asked questions 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!