How to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan: An Amazing Local’s Guide

Hey, all you beautiful people out there. Right now, my distinctly non-psychic powers are telling me that you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan. Am I right? Of course, I am. Because with an article entitled, “How to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan” it’s pretty easy to figure out exactly why you’re here.

And luckily for you, I am just the girl to help you out. Especially if you’re beyond confused and this is your first time in New York.

I mean, I was born and raised in New York City, have lived here for well over twenty years. and have flown in and out of Newark countless times. So yes, I definitely know a thing or two about how to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan.

Personally, though, I prefer to fly into JFK if at all possible (Get insider tips on how to get from JFK to Manhattan now). Especially since it’s actually in New York and is infinitely closer to Manhattan.

Plus, JFK has a nifty little AirTrain that you can use to connect to the subway. But, that’s another story for another post. And Whaddaya know? I conveniently linked to that post in the above paragraph since that’s my not-so-subtle hint that you should check that article out right now.

Yup, my beyond epic marketing skills are totally paying off right now. LOL.

Anyway, if you’re dying to figure out exactly how to get from Newark to Manhattan, then read on my New York City loving friend. Because you’ll get a ton of secret expert tips that will show you how to quickly, easily, and cheaply get from Newark to Manhattan. 

PSST…Since I am incapable of making it rain money, this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

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414 Hotel: Check out 414 Hotel. Rooms at this chic, Hell’s Kitchen hotel start at $159 per night and include fridges, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. There’s even a working fireplace in the lobby!

The James New York – Chic, modern rooms at this Soho hotel start at $177 per night and feature high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, glassed-off bathrooms, plush linens made from natural materials, and more.

The Bowery Hotel – Rooms at this 5-star, Nolita hotel start at $300 per night and are cozy, but stylish, with free Wifi, free bike rentals, exquisite city views, and more.

Pod 39 – Located in Murray Hill, this pod hotel sits inside a residential home from 1918. Rooms here start at $120 per night and are cozy and outfitted with queen-size beds or stainless-steel bunk beds with individual TVs and bedside shelves.

How to Get from Newark Airport to Manhattan

Yeah, definitely not the sexiest topic I’ve ever written about. But, essential none the less since once you arrive at Newark you’ll be tired AF. Therefore, after grabbing your luggage and clearing customs, I’m sure the very last thing you’ll actually want to do is try and figure out exactly how to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan.

However, before we swan dive into the juicy details, you should know that Newark airport (EWR for short) is not actually located in New York at all. Sure, it sits only about 17 miles outside of midtown Manhattan but is actually located in an entirely different state. A magical, far off land that is more commonly known as New Jersey (or dirty Jersey as my friends and I used to call it. JK btw. I love Jersey).

And while 17 miles may not sound like a long-distance, it can take a while if you’re traveling by car and get stuck in traffic, So, depending on when you arrive, your journey from Newark to Manhattan could take anywhere between a half an hour to well over an hour.

That’s why determining the best way to travel from EWR to Manhattan can vary depending on things like:

• Your Budget – Are you looking for the cheapest way to get from Newark to Manhattan or is comfort more important to you?
• When You Arrive – If you arrive during rush hour, you may want to opt for the train since traffic congestion can lead to a travel time of more than an hour and a half by car.
• Luggage – Do you have a lot of luggage? Can you easily carry it on the train with you? If not, then you may want to opt for a private car, airport shuttle, or express bus. 
• Your Travel Companions – Are you traveling alone? If so, then you will have no one to split the cost of a taxi with. However, if you’re traveling as part of a family, you may not want to drag your already tired children on public transportation after a long flight. 

So yeah, these are all individual factors that you’ll definitely want to consider when figuring out how to get from Newark airport to Manhattan. 

How to Get from Newark Airport to Manhattan by Taxi or Private Car

Okay, if it’s your first trip to New York City, then you should obviously read this post here since it has insider tips on common mistakes that most tourists make. A series of travel fails that should be avoided like the plague.

And don’t worry, I’ll wait while you check that post out. 

Okay, now that you’ve read that post, I’m sure you want to know all about taking either a taxi or private car as a way to transfer from Newark airport to Manhattan.

Welp, it’s definitely the easiest transportation option since relatively painless and will take you directly from the airport to your hotel. There are also taxi stands right outside of every terminal, so finding a vacant taxi should be pretty easy.

Unless you arrive during rush hour. In which case, you may need to wait in line for a bit since queues can get quite long. Other than that though, taxis are pretty easy to use.

However, with great convenience comes a steep price since most taxis from Newark will cost somewhere between $50 and $75. It will also take anywhere between 40 minutes and 90 minutes to get into Midtown, depending on traffic.

And FYI, no, that price does not include tolls (which can sometimes cost $18) or any possible luggage surcharges. Plus, if you want to use a credit card (And I mean really, who carries cash nowadays?), then you’ll be charged an additional $5.50.That’s why, on average, a taxi from Newark to Midtown will cost you around $80, plus tip. 

So yeah, not exactly the most budget-friendly way to get from Newark to Manhattan. But if you’re an incredibly fiscally responsible human who has extra cash at their disposal, then go for it. Now, if you want to be a total baller, you could also pre-book a private car service and have them pick you up from Newark airport. 

Funnily enough, hiring a private car from Newark to Manhattan isn’t that much more expensive than a taxi since it will cost you a total of $160. The added benefit of this is that you also won’t have to wait in line for a taxi, making this the easiest way to travel from Newark to Manhattan if you’re part of a large group or are traveling with small children. 

Therefore, while a cab or private car may be the easiest way to get from Newark to Manhattan, it is also, without a doubt, the most expensive. It can also take a while if you get stuck in traffic. That’s why you should definitely read on if you’re on a budget and wondering how to get from Newark air[port to Manhattan. 

But before we totally leave car services behind, let’s talk about the one and only…Uber!

***Remember, do not accept rides from touts or from anyone who tries to set a flat rate for your taxi ride from Newark to Manhattan. Remember, all legit taxis are required to use a meter by law.

So, in addition to the price on the meter, you’ll also have to pay for tolls (usually $18), a $17.50 surcharge, and a tip, which is usually between 15% and 20% of the metered fare.*** 

How Much is an Uber from Newark Airport to Manhattan?

Unlike some airports, Uber can and will pick you up from Newark. All you need to do is download the app, Then, once your plane lands, you’ve collected your luggage, and are ready to exit the Arrivals terminal, just select the ride option that best suits your luggage storage and group size needs.

Because while Uber does have premium ride options available, I’d stick with their economy ride, which includes UberX (cheapest), Comfort (next cheapest), and UberXL (the most expensive of the economy options).  

After you’ve selected the ride of your choice and have specified your final destination, simply mosey on over to the Passenger Pick Up Area (PSST, just follow the signs that say “ground transportation”) and confirm your pick up location by sharing your terminal and door number with your driver. This way, they know exactly where to pick you up. 

Now, the cost of your ride will vary depending on things like the type of ride you want, the estimated duration of the trip, the current demand for Ubers, tolls, your final destination, and so on. However, on average, I’d expect to spend somewhere between $50 and $60 on an Uber from Newark to midtown Manhattan. The journey can also take anywhere between 40 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

***Note, sharing your arrival terminal with your driver is important since Newark Airport has three main passenger terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, and Terminal C. But if you’re arriving via an international flight, you’ll be in Terminal B.***

How to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan Using an Airport Shuttle

Since I travel alone, always want to save as much as I can on transportation, and like the convenience of a pickup service, I sometimes opt for taking an airport shuttle from Newark to Manhattan. 

That being said, using an Airport Shuttle service like Go Airlink does not come without its drawbacks. Yes, it is relatively affordable with prices that start at just $20 per person, but it can take a while.

See, once you arrive at Newark, you’ll have to call Go Airlink to pick you up. You’ll then have to wait for them to arrive since the shuttle will probably pick up/drop off additional passengers along the way. And once you’re inside the actual shuttle itself, you might have to sit in traffic or drop off other passengers first.

That’s why, even though I do love the price or and quality of service that you receive from Go Airlink, it can take you well over an hour to get from Newark to Manhattan. So yeah, be prepared. 

However. Go Airlink NYC is an official partner of the New York and New Jersey Port Authorities. Therefore, it is frequently used by many of the city’s top hotels since it has a reputation for excellence. It’s also an easy, cost-effective (especially for solo travelers who have no one to split the cost of a taxi with), and a more environmentally friendly way to transfer between EWR and NYC. 

So, if you’re looking for an easy but cost-effective way to go from Newark to Manhattan, then an airport shuttle may be perfect for you. Just be aware that you will need to book your ride in advance so that they can track your flight, just in case there are any delays.

You also will want to book a round trip ticket if you’re from out of town since it will be cheaper than booking two one way tickets. And yes, they operate 24/7, 365 days a year. So, you’ll never have to worry about getting stranded at the airport. 

***If you’re traveling as part of a large group, Go Airlink allows you to rent out entire buses, SUVs, or vans. This way, everyone can travel together and easily split the total cost of an airport transfer. Typically, a seven-person van will cost $110 per trip while a 14 person bus will cost $216.00 per trip.*** 

How to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan Using an Express Bus Service

Believe it or not, you can also take an Express Bus from Newark to Manhattan. And while you won’t get dropped off right at the door of your hotel, you can choose between three convenient, drop off locations in Manhattan, including Grand Central Station (Located at 41st Street between Park Avenue and  Lexington Avenue), Bryant Park (It’s very close to Grand Central and Times Square and is found at 42nd street and 5th Avenue) and Port Authority Bus Terminal (located at 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues).

Now, although the Express Bus does pick up passengers from all three terminals, usually every fifteen to twenty minutes, the Express Bus does NOT operate twenty-four hours a day. Therefore, always check their website for the most up to date information on current bus schedules. But, as of right now, the Newark Airport Express typically runs Monday through Friday, between 5:30 am and 11:30 pm. 

You can also book tickets online, or get them at the airport, for $30 round trip or $17 one way. There will also be a $1 administrative fee and that price is for adults only (They also have multi-day passes available if you should need them). 

So yeah, the Express Bus is a great option if you’re on a budget and if your hotel is near any one of those three Manhattan stope. Otherwise, you can always just hop on the subway at any one of those locations and get to your hotel that way. 

The downside? Well, you never really know when the bus will arrive since there are always delays and issues with traffic, There are also no reservations so while you can pre-book your ticket online, there’s still no guarantee you’ll be able to get a seat when the bus does arrive. 

If your hotel is not near one of the above drop-off locations, you can access the subway from any of the stops listed above. You can also get a taxi or walk to your destination.

The express bus service and overall experience can definitely be hit or miss! There are no reservations for the express bus so you’re at the mercy of the amount of space the bus has for the number of people waiting to board. And as with all city buses, they tend to run late so plan accordingly and have a plan B, just in case.

That’s why, if I had to choose between Go Airlink NYC and the Express Bus, I’d go with Go Airlink NYC. Only because a one way trip with this airport shuttle will cost just $3 more then a ticket for the bus and will provide you with a guaranteed pick-up, twenty-four hours a day (which is reassuring if your flight arrives late and then gets delayed).

The airport shuttle will also drop you off at most major hotels or at any major transportation hub in Manhattan, making it a little more convenient than the Express Bus too. 

Therefore, even though the Express Bus is slightly cheaper than the airport shuttle, it is really only convenient if your flight arrives on a weekday,  between 5:30 am and 11:30 pm, and if your hotel is located near one of the three aforementioned stops. 

How to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan Using the Train

The last and most affordable way to get from Newark to Manhattan is by train. If you choose to go this route, all you’ll need to do is board the AirTrain at Newark Airport (don’t worry, it connects to all three terminals), get off at the last stop, transfer to an NJ transit train, get off at Penn Station, and then board any subway line that will take you to your hotel.

So, even though it will take you about an hour to get into Manhattan by train, you also won’t have to deal with any potential traffic delays on the roads. Something that I for one think is kind of nice. And while Newark’s AirTrain does run 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, NJ Transit trains do not.

So, there will be no train service available between 2:00 am and 5:00 am daily. However, train schedules can change so be sure to check their website for more information. You can also expect NJ Transit trains to depart from Newark every fifteen minutes. 

The AirTrain is also really easy to find, Just follow the marked signs in the terminal and be prepared to wait for no more than 3 minutes between 5:00 am and midnight and up to 15 minutes between midnight and 5:00 am.

You’ll also want to board a train headed to the Newark Liberty International Airport AirTrain station. In total, the AirTrain ride should take no more than ten minutes.

FYI, you will also need to buy a train ticket from one of the NJ Transit ticket machines here, before you get on the train. They’re super easy to find though since these machines can be found just outside of the AirTrain entrance.

Remember, when purchasing your ticket, you want to go to New York Penn Station and NOT Newark Penn Station. And if you plan to take the train back to the airport for your return trip home, then be sure to purchase a round trip ticket, which costs $15.25 per person and includes a ride on the AirTrain and on NJ Transit to New York Penn Station.

Okay, so once you’re on the AirTrain, get off at Newark Liberty Airport station and transfer to an NJ Transit train that will take you to New York Penn Station.

Also, be on the lookout for signs that will direct you to the right train. And if you’re unsure where to go, then definitely ask someone for help since most people get lost here when they try to transfer from the AirTrain to an NJ Transit Train.

However, a train conductor will check your ticket before you board the train, so you can always ask him for assistance if you’re not sure where to find the train to Penn Station. 

And once on the train, just sit back and relax because the trip to Penn Station will take somewhere in the neighborhood of thirty minutes. Also, don’t get off the train early because there will be a few stops the train makes before arriving at Penn Station. 

***Remember, you want to board an NJ Transit Train and NOT an Amtrak train since the cost of an Amtrak ticket is $30 per person.***

Then when you arrive at Penn Station, it will be easy to find an NYC subway like that will connect you to your hotel. Because trust me, you have plenty of lines to choose from since the A, C, E, 1, 2, and 3 all stop at Penn Station.

And just in case you’ve never been to NYC before, the A, 2, and 3 are all express trains while the C, E, and 1 are all local trains. Plus, if you feel like taking the bus, the M34 also has a stop just outside the station, 

So, taking the train is a great option if you’re on a budget, don’t want to deal with traffic, and have a small carry on or rolling suitcase that you can easily take on and off the subway, Airtrain, and NJ transit train.

However, if you have a lot of luggage, or just don’t want to deal with a sometimes arduous journey on the train and subway (especially during rush hour when both are overflowing with people), then definitely consider taking the Go Airlink Airport Shuttle instead. Seriously, it’s only $5 more than taking the train and is infinitely more convenient,

So, How Much does it Cost to take the train from Newark to NYC?

It will cost $15.25 per person, each way, to take an NJ Transit train from Newark to New York’s Penn station. And if you need to use the New York subway once you get to Penn Station, a single ride will cost $2.75, for a grand total of $18. And yes, you will need a Metrocard to ride the subway.

In contrast, a one-way ticket on an Amtrak train from Newark to Penn Station will cost $30 per person, each way.

So yeah, definitely go with NJ Transit since both train operators accept credit cards and stop at Newark Penn Station and sometimes Secaucus Station on their way to New York Penn Station. 

But, What is the Cheapest Way to Get from Newark to Manhattan?

The absolute cheapest way to get from Newark to Manhattan is to use the Newark AirTrain and then take an NJ Transit Train to Penn station since a ticket will cost you just $15. 

However, if you’re hotel is NOT located near Penn Station, then you will need to pay for a ride on the subway, which will cost an additional $2.75, for a grand total of $18.

That’s why, IMHO, the best way to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan is to take the Go Airlink NYC airport shuttle. Not only will they handle your luggage and be able to shuttle you directly to most Manhattan hotels, but you’re guaranteed to have a pickup, regardless of the time of day, and the cost is a mere $5 more than the train. So, save yourself the hassle and just book an airport shuttle. 

***FYI, contrary to what some people might think, you CANNOT take the PATH subway to Newark, The only way to get there is to take a New Jersey Transit Train and then board the AirTrain.***

So, How do You Get from Newark Airport to Manhattan? 

Obviously, the final decision is up to you but if you have the extra money to spend and convenience is your primary concern, then you’ll probably want to be a total baller and just take a private car (or taxi) from to Newark to Manhattan,

However, if you’re like most people and want to spend as little money on transportation as humanly possible, but still want to quickly and easily get from Newark to Manhattan, then try the Go Airlink NYC airport shuttle.

It only costs $5 more than taking the train and is infinitely easier since you won’t have to schlep your luggage on and off trains and subways.

Because truth be told, the train isn’t THAT much cheaper than the airport shuttle, especially if you have to take the subway, from Penn Station to your final destination. So, if you can afford an extra $5 than the airport shuttle is your best option.  Especially if you have a lot of luggage, are traveling in a large group, or have young children.

But, if you’re arriving around rush hour then definitely go with the train since roads can be a nightmare around this time of day. The train is also inexpensive, allows you to bypass traffic jams, is pretty reliable, available almost twenty-four hours a day, and will get you into Manhattan quickly. 

How To Get From Newark Airport To Manhattan FAQ

Is It Cheaper To Take A Taxi Or Uber From Newark Airport To Manhattan?

Most people find it cheaper to take an Uber from Newark airport to Manhattan. This is because the app has fixed rates for the journey. It helps immensely because you know what to expect and the taxi driver can’t rip you off. Yeah! That happens pretty often!

The journey should take you around $50-60. This doesn’t include the toll. That is something that you need to add on.

Is There A Direct Train From Newark To Manhattan?

Yes! There is a direct train from Newark Penn Station to New York Penn Station. The trains are pretty frequent and you will find that one leaves every 20 minutes so if you miss one you don’t have to wait long.

Is The Newark Airport Shuttle Free?

Yes! The shuttle service connects the terminals and is complimentary for all travelers. So keep an eye out for it. It really helps when you have a lot of luggage and are tired! The buses are about 10 minutes apart. Traffic conditions however sometimes cause disruptions to their routine.

How Long Is The Cab Ride From Newark To Manhattan?

The distance between Newark and Manhattan is 16 miles. On an average the cab ride takes approximately 45 minutes. Yeah. I know it is pretty long but considering the NYC traffic it isn’t too bad. So just relax and let the cab take you to your hotel.

And There You Have It, Folks. Because This Just About Concludes My Insanely Comprehensive Guide On How To Get From Newark Airport To Manhattan.

I Hope You Found It Useful And Are Infinitely Less Stressed About Traveling Between Newark And Manhattan.

Because Even Though It May Seem Difficult And Beyond Expensive At First, You’ll Quickly Get The Hang of It Relatively Quickly And Will Be Able To Navigate NYC like a total boss.  

Also, If You Found This Post Even MildlyHelpful. then please Pin It Now So You Can Read it Again Later!