Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is in New Jersey, across the Hudson from Manhattan. The cheapest way across depends on how much time you can trade for money. Here are the low-cost options with current published fares.
Key Takeaways
- Lowest fare: the NJ Transit 62 bus to Newark Penn Station plus the PATH train, $4.90 for most riders. It runs around the clock.
- Best value for time: the NJ Transit train to Midtown Manhattan, about 30 minutes for $17.25, AirTrain included.
- One seat to Midtown: the Newark Airport Express bus, about 50 minutes for $23.50 one way or $39.50 round trip.
- Door to door: shared shuttles cost more than transit but less than a taxi.
Budget Transit: NJ Transit Train from Newark Liberty International Airport
The NJ Transit train is the quickest public option. From your terminal, take the AirTrain to the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station and board an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station. If you are researching how to take the train from Newark Airport to Manhattan, this is the route most travelers use.
Ticket Pricing and Purchase Locations for NJ Train
The Port Authority lists the trip to Midtown Manhattan at 30 minutes and $17.25. NJ Transit tickets to and from the airport include the AirTrain fare. Buy your ticket at a vending machine or ticket counter, or in the NJ Transit app, which includes the AirTrain fare when you buy ahead. Keep your ticket handy, because you use it again at the AirTrain gates.
Journey Duration and Frequency
NJ Transit trains run between about 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., not 24 hours. Only some Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains stop at the airport, so look for "EWR" or the airplane icon on the departure board. From New York Penn Station, continue by subway ($3 for most riders) or taxi.
Economical Bus Options: Newark Airport Express Bus Service
Coach USA's Newark Airport Express stops at every terminal and runs to three Midtown Manhattan locations:
- Grand Central Terminal (41st Street between Park and Lexington Avenues)
- Bryant Park (42nd Street and Fifth Avenue)
- Port Authority Bus Terminal (41st Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues)
The trip takes about 50 minutes. At the airport, board at Terminal A Zone 13, Terminal B Zone 2 or Terminal C Zone 5, outside the arrivals level.
Cost Comparison and Round Trip Savings
Tickets cost $23.50 one way or $39.50 round trip. Buying the round trip saves $7.50 compared with two one-way tickets. Coach USA also offers discounts for seniors and travelers with disabilities, plus multi-trip packages. Check the current timetable before you fly, since the schedule has been revised.
Shared Shuttle Services: An Affordable Door-to-Door Alternative
Shared vans and shuttles take you to a Manhattan address or a set stop, with other riders on board. If you are comparing the best routes from Newark Airport to Chelsea Manhattan, a shuttle can save you from carrying bags through stations.
Comparing Costs with Other Transportation
- Shared shuttle: GO Airlink NYC lists Newark shared rides at about $39 per person each way, including taxes and airport fees.
- Uber Shuttle: booked in the Uber app, with stops including Penn Station, Bryant Park and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
- Taxi: Newark taxis to Manhattan charge zone fares of $60 to $80, plus tolls, tip, $1 per bag and additional fees. One fare covers all passengers going to the same place, so a cab can beat a shuttle for a group of three or four.
Booking and Boarding Process
Use a provider on the Port Authority's authorized list, and follow the signs to the ground transportation pickup area. Decline ride offers from anyone without an official uniform.
Local Bus – A Deep Dive into Savings
The cheapest way from Newark Airport to Manhattan is the NJ Transit 62 bus plus the PATH train, at $4.90 for most riders. The MTA calls it the most cost-effective option.
Route Information and Cost
- Take the NJ Transit 62 bus from the airport to Newark Penn Station.
- Follow the signs to the PATH and ride to World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.
Buy the 62 bus ticket at a vending machine, in the NJ Transit app, or pay exact change on board. Pay the PATH with a contactless card or phone, a TAPP card, or a single or two-ride ticket.
Travel Experience
The 62 runs every 15 minutes or better on weekdays and Saturdays, and every 30 minutes or better on Sundays and overnight. This route is the slowest of the options here and involves a transfer, so it works best with light luggage.
NJ Transit vs Express Bus vs Shuttle: Time–Cost Tradeoffs (Quick Guide)
| Option | Fare | Time | Ends at |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62 bus + PATH | $4.90 | Longest, with a transfer | World Trade Center |
| NJ Transit train | $17.25 | About 30 minutes | Penn Station |
| Newark Airport Express | $23.50 one way, $39.50 round trip | About 50 minutes | Grand Central, Bryant Park, Port Authority |
| Shared shuttle | About $39 per person | Depends on stops and traffic | Your address or set stops |
| Taxi | $60 to $80 by zone + fees, tolls, tip | Depends on traffic | Your address |
Planning Your Budget-Friendly Journey
Knowing how to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan comes down to where in Manhattan you are going, how much luggage you have, and what time you land. Midtown suits the train or the Express bus. Lower Manhattan on a budget suits the 62 bus and the PATH. Groups and heavy bags suit a taxi or shuttle.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
- AirTrain surprise. The AirTrain is free between terminals, parking and rental cars, but the trip to or from the rail station costs $8.75 unless it is part of your NJ Transit or Amtrak ticket.
- Rush hour. Road options slow down at peak times. See the fastest route from Newark Airport to New York City during rush hour.
- Wrong train. Not every NJ Transit train stops at the airport station.
Late-Night & Weekend Travel from EWR: What Changes and How to Plan
NJ Transit trains run from about 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. After that, the PATH and the 62 bus are the transit option. The 62 runs every 30 minutes or better overnight and on Sundays. Check the NJ Transit app for live departures before you leave the terminal.
AirTrain service to the rail station has been replaced by shuttle buses on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. during construction, while the AirTrain still runs between terminals. Check the current advisories before you travel.
Navigating Newark Airport Terminals
Newark has three terminals: A, B and C. Your airline decides which one you use. Find airline terminal locations at Newark Airport before you fly.
Understanding the Terminal Layout
- Terminal A opened in 2022 and serves Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and United.
- Terminal B is home to many international airlines, including British Airways, Lufthansa and Emirates.
- Terminal C is used by United.
Inter-Terminal Transport: AirTrain
The AirTrain connects Terminals B and C, the parking lots, the rental car facilities and the Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station. It does not connect directly to Terminal A. From Terminal A, it is about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute shuttle ride to the AirTrain.
Bottom Line: Discover the Cheapest Way to Get from Newark Airport to Manhattan
The cheapest fare is the 62 bus and the PATH at $4.90. The best balance of price and speed is the NJ Transit train at $17.25 in about 30 minutes. The Express bus gives you one seat to three Midtown stops.
Want the Fastest Transfer? Try a Newark–Manhattan Helicopter with BLADE
When time matters more than the ticket price, BLADE offers scheduled helicopter flights between Newark Airport and Manhattan in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. A BLADE vehicle meets you at the arrivals terminal for a short drive to the helicopter, and you land at a BLADE lounge in Manhattan, where you can relax or go straight to your car. Book in the BLADE app or at blade.com. All flights are operated by FAA-licensed carriers.
FAQs: Discover the Cheapest Way to Get from Newark Airport to Manhattan
What is the cheapest transportation from Newark to Manhattan?
The NJ Transit 62 bus to Newark Penn Station plus the PATH train, at $4.90 for most riders. The NJ Transit train costs more, $17.25, but takes about 30 minutes.
Is it cheaper to take a taxi or Uber from Newark to Manhattan?
Newark taxis charge zone fares of $60 to $80 to Manhattan, plus fees, tolls and tip. Ride-share prices are set by the app and change with demand. Compare the app's quote with the taxi zone fare for your destination.
How long does it take to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan using the NJ Transit Train?
About 30 minutes to Midtown Manhattan, per the Port Authority. Add the AirTrain ride from your terminal.
Are there round-trip discounts for the Newark Airport Express Bus Service?
Yes. A round trip costs $39.50, which saves $7.50 compared with two one-way tickets at $23.50.
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