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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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 regularly enjoy weekend getaways in New 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-->
Useful post! Last week I was trying to go the other way from Manhattan to Newark and I found the bus terminal SO confusing. I had to ask like five people for help and only made my bus thanks to the staff stopping the bus for me. I wish I had read such a useful guide before.
I’m so glad you finally made it. And yes, it can be quite confusing.
This is such a comprehensive and helpful guide! Thank you – will definitely save it to refer back to it later 🙂 Was suppose to visit earlier this year but had to cancel because of COVID!
Oh no! I hope you can visit soon and so glad that you found my guide useful.
This guide is SO helpful! I feel like New York can be so confusing, and this goes through everything you need to know. I’m forwarding this to my family who will need this next year!
Oh thank you! So glad you found this helpful. I have another one about JFK as well