Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is about 80 miles from Philadelphia International Airport in a straight line, and the airport has its own train station on the Northeast Corridor. That makes the trip simple to do on a budget. This guide covers the train, bus and shuttle options, what each costs where the fare is published, and how to save.
Key Takeaways
- The train is the most direct option. Amtrak's Northeast Regional stops at Newark Liberty International Airport Station and runs to Philadelphia.
- The lowest published rail fare combines NJ Transit to Trenton with SEPTA Regional Rail into Philadelphia. It takes longer than Amtrak.
- Buses and door-to-door shuttles are alternatives, especially for groups. Compare fares and pickup points before you book.
- Amtrak offers 10% off for seniors 65 and older and for veterans, and 15% off for students aged 17 to 24.
Optimal Travel: Newark Liberty International Airport to Philadelphia
Your trip starts with the AirTrain. It runs from every terminal to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where NJ Transit and Amtrak trains stop. From there, you have two rail choices:
- Amtrak Northeast Regional. One train from the airport station to Philadelphia. The Port Authority lists Amtrak at about 40 minutes to Trenton and about 70 minutes to North Philadelphia. Fares vary by train and how far ahead you book.
- NJ Transit and SEPTA. NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor Line to Trenton Transit Center, then SEPTA Regional Rail into Philadelphia. The Port Authority lists the NJ Transit leg to Trenton at about 68 minutes and $23.25, and the full trip to North Philadelphia at about 120 minutes.
Amtrak is quicker and needs no transfer. NJ Transit and SEPTA costs more time but has a fixed, published fare for the NJ Transit leg.
What is the fastest way to get to Newark Airport if you are starting in Manhattan?
If your trip starts in Manhattan, fly to Newark first. BLADE offers flights between Manhattan and Newark in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. After you land, a BLADE vehicle takes you to your terminal, and from there the AirTrain connects you to the train station for Philadelphia.
Choosing Your Mode of Transport: Train vs. Bus vs. Shuttle
- Train. Avoids highway traffic and leaves from the airport itself. Amtrak lets each passenger bring one personal item and two carry-ons, and offers checked baggage on some trains.
- Bus. Can be a low-cost option. Buses share the highways with everyone else, so they slow down in rush hour.
- Shuttle. A door-to-door van or car. It costs more per person than the train, but the price can make sense when a group splits it.
Booking Strategies to Secure the Best Prices
- Compare Amtrak dates. Amtrak fares vary by train and by when you book, so check a few departures.
- Check the fare rules. On Amtrak's Value fare, 30% of the fare is forfeited if you cancel before departure.
- Travel together. Amtrak's Share Fares save groups up to 60%.
- Compare the NJ Transit and SEPTA route. It takes longer, but the NJ Transit fare is fixed and published.
Comprehensive Guide to Bus Services from EWR to Philadelphia
Intercity bus companies sell tickets between Newark and Philadelphia. Before you book, check two things: whether the bus stops at the airport itself or at a station in Newark, and where it arrives in Philadelphia. Fares vary by company, day and how far ahead you book, so compare them on the operators' sites.
Fly smarter with BLADE's Newark Airport transfers
If your trip to Philadelphia starts in Manhattan, the drive to Newark is often the least predictable part. BLADE replaces it with a 5-minute flight from a BLADE lounge in Manhattan, from $195 per seat. BLADE's Flier Relations team tracks your flight, and a BLADE vehicle connects you between the helicopter and your terminal.
Each passenger can bring one airline carry-on (22 x 16 x 9 inches) and one personal item, up to 25 pounds combined. For more bags, BLADE offers luggage pickup and delivery upgrades at checkout.
If you would rather fly the whole way, BLADE also arranges private charters from Manhattan to Philadelphia and other Northeast destinations.
Train Journeys from Newark EWR Airport to Philadelphia
Amtrak's Northeast Regional stops at Newark Liberty International Airport and runs south to Philadelphia, with stops at North Philadelphia and William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. Acela, Amtrak's high-speed service, does not stop at the airport. It stops at Newark Penn Station instead.
Advantages of Train Travel
- No traffic. The train runs on its own tracks, so highway rush hour does not affect it.
- Room to work. Northeast Regional coach seats have at least 39 inches of legroom, laptop outlets and free Wi-Fi.
- No transfer into the city. You board at the airport and get off in Philadelphia.
Navigating Train Stations and Connections
- Follow the signs to the AirTrain and ride it to Newark Liberty International Airport Station. The AirTrain is free between terminals. The ride to the train station costs $8.75 unless you hold an NJ Transit or Amtrak ticket, which includes it.
- Keep your train ticket handy, since you use it at the AirTrain gate.
- Check the departure board for your train. Not every NJ Transit train on the Northeast Corridor stops at the airport.
The AirTrain is being replaced by a new system, and during construction the link to the train station is sometimes replaced by shuttle buses. Check current advisories and allow extra time.
Comparing travel times and costs between options
| Option | Time (Port Authority) | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Northeast Regional to North Philadelphia | About 70 minutes | Varies by train and booking |
| NJ Transit to Trenton, then SEPTA to North Philadelphia | About 120 minutes | $23.25 to Trenton, plus SEPTA |
| Bus | Varies with traffic | Varies by operator |
| Shuttle | Varies with traffic | Varies, can be split by a group |
Direct Shuttle Services: A Hassle-Free Connection
A shuttle picks you up at the terminal and drives you to your address in Philadelphia, with no stations or transfers. Shared shuttles cost less but stop for other passengers. A private car or van is quicker and makes sense for a family or group splitting the price.
Planning Your Itinerary: Newark Airport to Philadelphia
- Match the train to your arrival. Allow time for baggage claim and the AirTrain ride before your train leaves.
- Watch for delays. NJ Transit's My Transit alerts send delay notices of 15 minutes or more by email, text or app.
- Avoid peak road traffic. If you take a bus or shuttle, weekday rush hours are the slowest times on the highway.
Essential Transportation Tips for Budget Travelers
Leveraging Discounts and Travel Deals
Amtrak discounts that apply to this route include:
- 10% off for seniors aged 65 and older, on most trains
- 10% off for veterans of all branches of the US military
- 15% off for students aged 17 to 24
- Up to 60% off with Share Fares for groups
Bottom Line: Getting from Newark Airport to Philadelphia on a Budget
The train is the best value. Take the AirTrain to the airport station, then ride Amtrak's Northeast Regional for the direct trip or NJ Transit and SEPTA for the published fare. Book Amtrak early and use the discounts you qualify for. If your trip starts in Manhattan, BLADE can get you to Newark in about 5 minutes.
FAQs: Getting from Newark Airport to Philadelphia on a Budget
What is the best way to get from Newark Airport to Philadelphia?
The train. Amtrak's Northeast Regional runs from Newark Liberty International Airport Station to Philadelphia with no transfers.
How much is the train from Newark to Philly?
Amtrak fares vary by train and how far ahead you book. On the NJ Transit route, the fare from the airport to Trenton is $23.25, plus a SEPTA fare from Trenton into Philadelphia.
What are some budget-friendly options to travel from Newark Liberty International Airport to Philadelphia?
NJ Transit to Trenton plus SEPTA, an Amtrak ticket booked early with any discounts you qualify for, or an intercity bus.
How far is Newark Airport from Philadelphia?
About 80 miles in a straight line from Newark Liberty International Airport to Philadelphia International Airport. The road and rail routes are longer.
Does Acela stop at Newark Airport?
No. Acela stops at Newark Penn Station. The Northeast Regional is the Amtrak train that stops at the airport.
Disclaimer: