Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has its own train station on the Northeast Corridor, so you can ride from the terminal to Philadelphia without a car. The trip comes down to two budget questions: which train you take, and how much of the fare you can discount.
Key Takeaways
- The AirTrain links the EWR terminals to Newark Airport Rail Station, where Amtrak and NJ Transit trains stop.
- Amtrak's Northeast Regional runs from Newark Airport to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station with no transfer.
- The cheapest rail option is usually NJ Transit to Trenton, then SEPTA's Trenton Line into Philadelphia, at the cost of a transfer and a slower trip.
- Amtrak discounts for seniors, kids, military travelers and small groups can cut the fare.
Optimal Travel: Newark Liberty International Airport to Philadelphia
Every rail trip starts with the AirTrain. It connects the terminals to Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, which you cannot drive to: Amtrak says the station is reachable only by train or by AirTrain from the airport.
- Frequency. Amtrak's station page says the AirTrain runs every 3 to 5 minutes from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., and about every 15 minutes overnight.
- Time to the station. Allow 7 to 20 minutes from your terminal to the rail station, plus extra time from Terminal A, which the AirTrain does not reach directly. The airport describes a 15-minute covered walk or a 5-minute shuttle ride.
- Fare. The AirTrain fare is $8.75 if you ride it on its own. It is included in Amtrak and NJ Transit tickets to or from Newark Airport, so buy a train ticket that names Newark Airport as the boarding point and scan it at the AirTrain fare gate.
- Construction. The Port Authority is building a replacement AirTrain, and the current system stays in service with occasional outages. Shuttle buses run when the AirTrain is down, so leave extra time.
Choosing Your Mode of Transport: Train vs. Bus vs. Shuttle
- Amtrak is the simplest: one train from the airport station to 30th Street Station.
- NJ Transit plus SEPTA usually costs less but adds a transfer at Trenton.
- Intercity buses run between the Newark area and Philadelphia. Check the pickup point before you book, since not every bus stops at the airport, and the ride time depends on road traffic.
- A shared or private shuttle takes you door to door. Compare the quote with the train fare, especially if you can split it with a group.
Train Journeys from Newark EWR Airport to Philadelphia
Amtrak's Northeast Regional stops at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and at Philadelphia's William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. It is a conventional train, not Acela, which Amtrak describes as America's only high-speed rail service. Amtrak's Keystone Service also runs between New York and Harrisburg by way of Philadelphia. Check the timetable to see whether your Keystone train stops at Newark Airport.
On the Northeast Regional, Amtrak lists:
- Coach seats with at least 39 inches of legroom, outlets and free Wi-Fi
- A Cafe Car with sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks
- A Quiet Car
- Business Class with seat selection, extra legroom and an easily refundable ticket
Departure times vary through the day, so check the current Amtrak schedule for EWR before you land.
Advantages of Train Travel
- No road traffic. Rush hour on the highways doesn't slow the train.
- A known fare. You see the price when you book, before you travel.
- Room to work. Coach seats come with outlets and free Wi-Fi.
Navigating Train Stations and Connections
30th Street Station is an intermodal hub. Amtrak lists SEPTA under its local and regional transit connections, and the station's pick-up and drop-off area is outside the West End, on 30th Street. If someone is meeting you, give them that location.
The Budget Route: NJ Transit and SEPTA via Trenton
If the fare matters more than the time, take NJ Transit. Its Northeast Corridor line serves Newark Airport Rail Station and runs to Trenton, and the AirTrain fee is included in your NJ Transit ticket.
At Trenton Transit Center, change to SEPTA. The station is served by Amtrak, NJ Transit, the River Line and SEPTA, and it is the end of SEPTA's Trenton Line. Check SEPTA's schedule for your stop in Philadelphia.
This route needs two tickets and one transfer. It suits travelers with light bags and a flexible schedule.
Essential Transportation Tips for Budget Travelers
Leveraging Discounts and Travel Deals
Amtrak publishes several everyday discounts that apply on most trains:
- Seniors aged 65 and over save 10% on most rail fares.
- Kids ride for 50% off.
- Military personnel and their families save 10%.
- Veterans with a valid veteran ID get 10% off the lowest available fare.
- Share Fares cut the price for small groups on one reservation, up to 60% off every ticket for a party of eight.
Select the right traveler type when you book, and the discount is applied automatically.
Alternative Cost-Saving Measures
- Book ahead. Amtrak takes reservations up to 11 months before travel, and fares change with demand, so booking early gives you more choice.
- Travel light. One carry-on makes the AirTrain and any transfer easier.
- Know your terminal. Check which terminal your airline uses at Newark so you can plan the walk or AirTrain ride. Find airline terminal locations at Newark airport.
Planning Your Itinerary: Newark Airport to Philadelphia
- Check your arrival terminal. Arriving at Terminal A adds the walk or shuttle to the AirTrain.
- Allow time for baggage claim and for the AirTrain ride to the rail station.
- Pick a train with a buffer. Flights land late and AirTrain outages happen. A later train is cheaper than a missed one.
- Confirm the arrival station. Amtrak trains arrive at 30th Street Station. For the SEPTA route, check which Philadelphia station is closest to where you're going.
FAQs: Getting from Newark Airport to Philadelphia on a Budget
What is the best way to get from Newark Airport to Philadelphia?
For most travelers it is the train. Take the AirTrain to Newark Airport Rail Station, then Amtrak's Northeast Regional to 30th Street Station with no transfer.
How much is the train from Newark to Philly?
Amtrak fares change with demand and how early you book, so check the current price. The AirTrain fee is included in Amtrak and NJ Transit tickets to or from Newark Airport.
What is the cheapest way to get from Newark Airport to Philadelphia?
NJ Transit to Trenton, then SEPTA's Trenton Line, is usually the lowest rail fare. It takes longer than Amtrak and needs a transfer.
Are there discounts on the train?
Yes. Amtrak offers 10% off for seniors 65 and over, military personnel and families, and veterans, 50% off for kids, and Share Fares for small groups.
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