If you travel between Newark and New York City every day, small differences add up: a few dollars a trip, a transfer you could skip, a train that runs when you need it. This guide compares the everyday options from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and downtown Newark to Manhattan, with published fares and times where they exist.
Key Takeaways
- From the airport, NJ Transit to New York Penn Station is the standard choice: about 30 minutes to Midtown and $17.25, with the AirTrain included.
- From downtown Newark, the PATH runs from Newark Penn Station to the World Trade Center for $3.25 a ride.
- NJ Transit trains run from about 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. For 24-hour service, the PATH and NJ Transit's 62 bus connect Newark Penn Station and the airport.
- BLADE offers flights between Newark Airport and Manhattan in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat, when time matters more than cost.
Fastest commute option: BLADE helicopter between Newark and Manhattan
If your priority is speed and a predictable arrival time, BLADE offers by-the-seat helicopter flights between Newark Airport and Manhattan. The flight takes about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat.
- From Manhattan. You check in at a BLADE lounge, fly to Newark, and a BLADE vehicle drives you to your terminal.
- From Newark Airport. A BLADE vehicle meets you at the arrivals terminal and drives you to the helicopter. BLADE's Flier Relations team tracks your commercial flight and adjusts your helicopter departure to match, within the service window.
- Luggage. Each passenger can bring one airline carry-on (22 x 16 x 9 inches) and one personal item, up to 25 pounds combined.
For frequent fliers, BLADE also sells flight passes. Check the current options at blade.com.
AirTrain and NJ Transit Train
For most trips from the airport, the AirTrain and NJ Transit is the simplest way into Manhattan. The Port Authority lists the trip to Midtown at about 30 minutes and $17.25.
- Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Newark Liberty International Airport Station.
- Board an NJ Transit Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line train to New York Penn Station. Not every train on these lines stops at the airport, so check the departure board.
- Keep your ticket. You use it again at the AirTrain gate.
Travel Times and Frequency
The train ride itself is short. Add the AirTrain ride and the wait on the platform, and allow more time for the full trip from terminal to Penn Station. NJ Transit estimates about an hour from New York Penn to Newark airport. For departures, see the Newark to NYC train schedule.
NJ Transit train service is not 24/7. Trains run from about 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Ticket Information
- NJ Transit, airport to New York Penn Station: $17.25, AirTrain included.
- Buying tickets: use a vending machine, a ticket counter or the NJ Transit app. Buying on board costs extra, conductors take cash only, and you then pay for the AirTrain separately.
- Frequent riders: NJ Transit's FLEXPASS gives you 20 one-way tickets at a 15% discount, valid for 30 days.
Newark Airport Rail Station access fee: what you pay and when
The AirTrain is free between terminals, parking, rental cars and hotel shuttle stops. The ride to or from Newark Liberty International Airport Station costs $8.75 per person, unless you already hold an NJ Transit or Amtrak ticket to or from the airport, which includes it. If you live or work near the airport and do not need the station, you never pay it.
The AirTrain is being replaced by a new system. During construction, the link to the train station is sometimes replaced by shuttle buses, so check current advisories.
PATH Trains from Newark Penn Station
If you start in downtown Newark, the PATH is the everyday workhorse. It runs from Newark Penn Station to Manhattan, and from the airport you can reach it by taking NJ Transit one stop to Newark Penn Station, about 5 minutes.
Route Options
- World Trade Center. The PATH from Newark Penn Station runs to World Trade Center Station in Lower Manhattan. Fulton Center connects directly to the PATH station for the subway.
- Midtown via 33rd Street. Change at Journal Square for a train on the Journal Square to 33rd Street line, which stops at 14th Street, 23rd Street and 33rd Street along Sixth Avenue. From the airport, the Port Authority lists NJ Transit and PATH to the 33rd Street PATH station at about 40 minutes and $11.75.
Cost and Tickets
A single PATH ride costs $3.25. Pay with a contactless credit or debit card, a phone or wearable with a digital wallet, or a TAPP Card. MetroCards and SmartLink cards are no longer accepted on PATH.
Amtrak Train Service
Amtrak's Northeast Regional stops at both Newark Liberty International Airport Station and Newark Penn Station, and Acela stops at Newark Penn Station. Both run to New York Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall). Northeast Regional coach seats have at least 39 inches of legroom, laptop outlets and free Wi-Fi.
Amtrak Ticket Pricing
Amtrak fares vary by train and by when you book. Discounts include 10% off for seniors 65 and older and for veterans, and 15% off for students aged 17 to 24. On a Value fare, 30% of the fare is forfeited if you cancel before departure. For a daily commute, compare the Amtrak fare with NJ Transit on your travel dates.
Bus Services to NYC
Port Authority Bus Terminal Routes
The Newark Airport Express bus stops at every terminal and runs to three Midtown stops: Port Authority Bus Terminal (41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues), Bryant Park and Grand Central. The trip takes about 50 minutes.
Costs and Booking
- Fare: $23.50 one way, $39.50 round trip. Discounts are available for seniors and travelers with disabilities, and multi-trip packages are sold.
- Hours: departures from the airport run from about 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., and from Manhattan from about 4 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Boarding at EWR: outside the arrivals level at Terminal A (Zone 13), Terminal B (Zone 2) and Terminal C (Zone 5).
The 24-hour option: PATH and the 62 bus
NJ Transit's 62 bus links Newark Penn Station and the airport. Combined with the PATH, it is the lowest-fare route and runs around the clock. The 62 bus costs $1.90 and runs every 15 minutes or better on weekdays and Saturdays, and every 30 minutes or better on Sundays and overnight. The MTA lists this as an accessible trip.
Shuttle Buses and Shared Vans
A shared van takes you door to door, with a few stops for other passengers. GO Airlink NYC lists shared rides from Newark Airport to Manhattan from about $39 per person each way, including taxes and airport fees. Book online in advance.
Taxi Cabs and Private Car Services
Fare Estimates
A New York City taxi going to Newark Airport charges the standard metered fare plus a $20.00 Newark surcharge, plus tip and tolls. Passengers also pay the driver's return tolls. From the airport into Manhattan, ask for the fare at the official taxi stand before you leave.
Rideshare Apps like Uber and Lyft
Uber and Lyft show an upfront fare before you book. At the airport, follow the app's directions to your terminal's pickup area. At Terminal C, pickups are on Floor 3 of the Terminal C Garage.
Weekly and Monthly Commuter Passes
For daily commuters, multi-ride tickets cut the cost of single fares. NJ Transit's FLEXPASS offers 20 one-way tickets between one origin and one destination station at a 15% discount, valid for 30 days. Check NJ Transit for its other commuter tickets and the price between your stations.
Traffic Conditions and Travel Time Considerations
Traffic at the Hudson River crossings sets the pace for every road option: taxis, rideshares, buses and shuttles. Rail avoids it. For more, see the fastest route from Newark Airport to New York City during rush hour.
Alternative Routes
If NJ Transit is delayed, the PATH from Newark Penn Station is a backup into Manhattan. NJ Transit's My Transit alerts send notices of delays of 15 minutes or more by email, text or app.
Comparing Costs and Benefits
Cost Comparison Chart
| Option | Fare | Time |
|---|---|---|
| BLADE helicopter (airport and Manhattan) | From $195 per seat | About 5 minutes in the air |
| NJ Transit, airport to Midtown | $17.25 | About 30 minutes |
| NJ Transit and PATH, airport to 33rd Street | $11.75 | About 40 minutes |
| PATH, Newark Penn to World Trade Center | $3.25 | Varies |
| PATH and 62 bus | $3.25 plus $1.90 | Varies, 24 hours |
| Newark Airport Express bus | $23.50 | About 50 minutes |
| GO Airlink NYC shared van | From about $39 | Varies with traffic |
Times and fares for NJ Transit and the express bus are from the Port Authority. For a full rundown, see the best way to get from Newark Airport to NYC.
Bottom Line: Best Way to Travel to NYC from Newark Everyday
For a daily trip from downtown Newark, the PATH is the lowest-cost choice. From the airport, NJ Transit to New York Penn Station is the simplest. Late at night, the PATH and the 62 bus run around the clock. When time matters most, BLADE offers flights between Newark Airport and Manhattan in about 5 minutes.
FAQs about Best Way to Travel to NYC from Newark Everyday
How much does it cost to take the train from Newark to NYC?
From Newark Airport, NJ Transit to New York Penn Station costs $17.25 with the AirTrain included. From Newark Penn Station, the PATH costs $3.25 a ride.
How long does it take to travel from Newark Airport to Manhattan by train?
The Port Authority lists NJ Transit from the airport to Midtown at about 30 minutes. Allow extra time for the AirTrain and waiting for the train.
Are there discounted fare options for regular commuters?
Yes. NJ Transit's FLEXPASS gives 20 one-way tickets between two stations at a 15% discount. Amtrak offers discounts for seniors, veterans and students.
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