Your first challenge after arriving in New York is getting from the airport to your accommodation. At Newark Liberty Airport, you have several options. Here I will show you how to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan.
Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark Airport, also known by its code EWR, is located in neighboring New Jersey rather than New York. It is the second-busiest airport in the region after JFK. New York’s third airport, LaGuardia, mainly serves domestic flights.
In terms of distance, it makes little difference whether you land at Newark or JFK. The city center is only 26 km (about 16 miles) away and can be reached within an hour, starting at $17.50.
All transfer options at a glance
Here is an overview to help you compare costs, travel time, and comfort at a glance. It makes it easier to find the right transfer from Newark to Manhattan for you. You will find more details about each option below.
All prices are for a one-way trip. Taxi and rideshare estimates are for daytime travel outside rush hour, including fees and tolls but excluding tips. Prices may be higher depending on the time of day and demand. Travel time depends on traffic, waiting times, and your destination. If you need to take the subway afterward, add $3 per person.
| Option | Price | Time | Door to door? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | About $72–112 per car | About 35–75 min | Yes, private |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | About $80.50–115.50 per car | About 35–75 min | Yes, private |
| AirTrain + NJ Transit (to New York Penn Station) | $17.50 per person | About 40–60 min | No |
| NJT Bus 62 + PATH (to World Trade Center) | $5.15 per person | About 65–85 min | No |
| Go Airlink Shuttle (shared transfer) | From $32 per person | About 60–80 min | Yes, shared |
| Newark Airport Express | $30 per person | About 45–65 min | No |
| Uber Shuttle | About $22 per person | About 50–90 min | No |
1. Taxi
Beware of scams: At the airport, you may be approached by people offering you a ride. These are not official taxis, but private drivers who may try to overcharge you. It is best to ignore them and go straight to the official taxi stand.
A taxi fits up to four passengers. There is no flat fare for the ride from Newark Airport to Manhattan. During the day outside rush hour, expect around $72–112 per car depending on your destination, including fees and tolls but excluding tips. The estimate consists of a $50–90 fare plus the following additional costs:
- $2 airport fee
- About $20 in tolls
- An additional tip of around 20%, not included in the estimate
The ride can take around 45 minutes, depending on where your accommodation is in Manhattan and the traffic at the time. Fares can be higher at night and during rush hour.
2. Rideshares: Uber, Lyft, and Revel
There are three major rideshare companies in and around New York offering private transfers from EWR to Manhattan. They are popular because they are often cheaper than a taxi and everything is handled through the app. These are:
Uber is the best-known rideshare company, followed by Lyft. Revel is a newer company that specializes in electric vehicles.
To book a rideshare transfer, you need the respective app. The apps are free to download. Once you are signed in, you can enter your destination and see the price before booking. Different vehicle sizes are available for four to six passengers.
App prices vary with demand, your destination, and the time of day. During the day outside rush hour, the estimate for a ride from Newark Airport to Manhattan is around $80.50–115.50 per car, including the airport fee and tolls but excluding tips. Prices can be higher at night and during busy periods. You see the actual price in the app before booking. Payment is handled directly in the app; allow around 20% extra for a tip.
You need an internet connection to use the apps. I recommend getting a SIM card for your New York trip anyway. Having internet makes your trip much easier!
With Uber, you can even reserve your ride up to 90 days in advance. In my opinion, that is not necessary. It is enough to book in the app once you arrive at the airport and have picked up your luggage. The car is usually ready within a few minutes.
3. Public transportation
To travel from Newark Airport to Manhattan by public transportation, you first take the AirTrain and then an NJ Transit train.
The AirTrain is a train within the airport. It runs between the terminals and connects you to NJ Transit trains. Take the AirTrain from your arrival terminal to Newark Airport Train Station. You can board without a ticket.
At Newark Airport Train Station, buy your NJ Transit ticket at a ticket machine or through the NJ Transit app. Tickets in the app must be activated before the trip. The ticket costs $17.50 and automatically includes your AirTrain ride.
OMNY is not valid on NJ Transit.
After buying your ticket, board the NJ Transit train to New York. Your destination is New York Penn Station in Manhattan.
Do not mix up the stations: The NJ Transit train also stops at Newark Penn Station in New Jersey. Do not confuse it with New York Penn Station in Manhattan. New York Penn Station is the train’s final stop!
Depending on exactly where your hotel is, you can connect to the subway at Penn Station. There are direct connections to the 1, 2, 3, A, B, and C lines. You can find the New York subway map here. You can also simply use Google Maps for directions.
4. Shuttle (shared transfer)
A shared shuttle also takes you directly to your accommodation. However, it is not private. You share a van with other travelers.
The advantage is that you are dropped off at your hotel. Because it is a shared transfer, the ride may take longer depending on where your hotel is, for example if you are the last passenger to be dropped off.
If you are traveling alone or as a couple, a shared shuttle is cheaper than a taxi or Uber. It can also be a good option for larger groups because you can travel together. A shuttle can accommodate up to 12 passengers.
Another direct transfer from EWR to Manhattan is the AirLink Shuttle. This is a shared transfer, so there will be other passengers on the bus. The small bus takes you directly to your accommodation.
Another option is Uber Shuttle. These shuttles run on fixed routes with designated stops. They do not take you directly to your accommodation, but depending on where you are staying, you may be able to get off nearby. Uber currently offers the following routes from EWR to Manhattan:
- Times Square
- 42nd Street
You book your seat directly in the Uber app. You can also find the available departure times and exact stops there.
5. Airport Express Bus
The Airport Express Bus runs from Newark Airport to three stops in Manhattan.
All stops are on 42nd Street:
- Port Authority Bus Terminal
- Bryant Park
- Grand Central Terminal
If your accommodation is on or near 42nd Street, the bus can be a good transfer option because you can reach your destination without changing. If you are staying elsewhere, you can connect to the subway at any of the three stops.
The bus stops at all three airport terminals:
- Terminal A: Arrivals level, Zone 16
- Terminal B: Arrivals level, Lane 2
- Terminal C: Arrivals level, Bus Stops 5 & 6
The Express Bus transfer costs $30 per person. You can book your ride online.
Are there buses from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
Local buses can also form part of your journey to Manhattan, but there is no direct connection. For example, you would first take a bus to Newark Penn Station and then transfer to another bus, a train, or the PATH. This can be an inexpensive transfer option, but it may also be a little more complicated.
