You’re standing at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or maybe you're just staying at a hotel in Downtown Newark to save a few bucks. You look across the water. You see the skyline. It looks close, right? Honestly, it is. But if you don't know what you're doing, that three-mile stretch of the Hudson River might as well be the Atlantic Ocean. People get paralyzed by the options. They see "NJ Transit" and "PATH" and "Amtrak" and "AirTrain" and their brains just sort of melt.
Don't panic. Getting from Newark to New York is actually a breeze once you realize that "New York" usually just means Penn Station or the World Trade Center.
Most travelers make the mistake of jumping into the first yellow cab they see at EWR. Huge error. You're looking at a $60 to $80 bill before you even hit the Holland Tunnel traffic. Unless you’re traveling with a family of four and heavy luggage, the train is almost always the smarter move. It’s faster. It’s cheaper. And frankly, it’s how locals actually do it.
The NJ Transit vs. Amtrak Confusion at EWR
If you are landing at Newark Liberty, your journey starts with the AirTrain. This is a monorail that connects the terminals to the Newark Liberty Airport Station. It is not the actual train to the city. It’s just the shuttle to the train. You pay for this as part of your NJ Transit ticket, which is why that ticket costs about $16 instead of the usual $5.
Once you get to the airport station, you have two main choices to get into Manhattan.
NJ Transit is the workhorse. You want the Northeast Corridor line or the North Jersey Coast Line. Both go to New York Penn Station (31st Street and 7th Avenue). It takes about 25 minutes. Look at the departure boards for "NYP" or "New York Penn." If you see "Newark Penn," do not get on that train unless you want to end up in a different part of Newark.
Then there’s Amtrak. It’s the same tracks, same destination, but way more comfortable. You get a reserved seat and Wi-Fi that actually works. The catch? It can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 depending on when you book. If you’re a last-minute traveler, stick to NJ Transit. If you planned your trip months ago, you might snag an Amtrak "Saver" fare that costs almost the same as the commuter rail.
The Secret Weapon: The PATH Train
Maybe you aren't going to Midtown. Maybe you’re staying in Soho, Greenwich Village, or the Financial District. If that's the case, taking the train to Penn Station is a waste of time. You’ll just have to backtrack on the subway.
Instead, head to Newark Penn Station. This is the big, historic building in downtown Newark (not the airport station). From here, you catch the PATH.
The PATH is basically a subway that runs between New Jersey and Manhattan. It costs $2.75. That’s it. It’s the cheapest way to cross the river. It runs 24/7, which is a lifesaver if you're out late in the city. There are two main lines from Newark: one goes straight to World Trade Center, and the other goes up toward Journal Square where you can transfer to a train heading to 33rd Street.
Seriously, if your destination is anywhere below 14th Street, the PATH is your best friend. It’s gritty, it’s loud, and it smells like ozone, but it’s efficient. You can use your phone’s digital wallet (OMNY) or a MetroCard to pay.
Ride-Shares and the Tunnel Trap
Look, sometimes you just want a car. I get it. If you have three kids and six suitcases, the AirTrain is a nightmare.
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Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous here. But here is the thing about getting from Newark to New York by car: the surcharges are brutal. There is an "out of state" surcharge, a "port authority" fee, and the toll for the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel.
Expect to pay a minimum of $65, and that's if traffic is light. During rush hour? I’ve seen those prices spike to $120. If you must take a car, try to avoid the hours of 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Otherwise, you will literally sit in the tunnel for 45 minutes watching the meter climb.
A Quick Note on "Yellow Cabs"
At EWR, you go to the official taxi stand. Do not—under any circumstances—accept a ride from a guy standing in the terminal whispering "Taxi? Uber?" Those are "gypsy cabs." They aren't licensed, they aren't insured, and they will absolutely rip you off. The real taxi dispatcher will give you a paper slip with a price estimate.
Is the Bus Actually Worth It?
People often overlook the Newark Airport Express Bus. It’s a big comfortable coach that stops at Grand Central, Bryant Park, and Port Authority. It costs around $18 for a one-way trip.
Is it better than the train? Kinda depends.
If your hotel is right next to Grand Central, the bus saves you the hassle of dragging bags through the subway from Penn Station. It has luggage storage underneath, which the trains definitely do not have. You'll be fighting for a tiny overhead rack on NJ Transit. But again, you are at the mercy of the tunnels. If there’s an accident on the Pulaski Skyway, you’re stuck. I usually only recommend the bus for people who have a lot of luggage but don't want to pay for a private car.
The "Newark Penn" vs "Newark Liberty" Trap
This is the number one mistake tourists make. I see it every single day.
- Newark Liberty International Airport Station (EWR): This is a stop on the rail line meant only for people going to/from the airport. You cannot walk out of this station into a neighborhood. It is literally in the middle of a train yard.
- Newark Penn Station (NWK): This is in the heart of the city. You can walk to the Prudential Center or the Ironbound district from here.
If you buy a ticket to the "Airport" but get off at "Newark Penn," the ticket gates won't let you out. Or worse, if you buy a cheap ticket to Newark Penn and try to use it at the Airport station, you’ll have to pay a massive "exit fee" to get through the turnstiles. Pay attention to the labels on the ticket machine. They matter.
What About the Ferry?
Wait, there’s a boat? Yeah, sort of.
The NY Waterway ferry doesn't run directly from the airport, but it does run from nearby Jersey City or Weehawken. It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful way to enter New York City. You get the full Statue of Liberty view and the breeze in your hair.
However, for a straight commute from Newark, it's pretty impractical. You’d have to take an Uber from Newark to the ferry terminal in Jersey City (at Paulis Hook, for example) and then pay $9 for the boat ride. It’s more of a "scenic detour" than a legitimate transit strategy. But hey, if it's a sunny Friday and you aren't in a rush, why not?
Timing Your Arrival
The trains don't run 24/7. NJ Transit basically takes a nap between 2:00 AM and 5:00 AM. If your flight lands at 2:30 AM, your only real options are a ride-share or waiting in the terminal.
The PATH train does run all night, but late-night service is infrequent—sometimes only once every 40 minutes. If you’re arriving in the middle of the night, just bite the bullet and call an Uber. Your sanity is worth the $70.
Actionable Steps for Your Arrival
Skip the stress. Follow this exact sequence when you land at EWR:
- Follow signs for the AirTrain. It’s on the upper level of every terminal.
- Buy your ticket at the NJ Transit machine before boarding the AirTrain. Select "New York Penn Station." This ticket includes the $8.50 AirTrain access fee. Keep this ticket! You need to scan it to get through the gates at the rail station.
- Take the AirTrain to the "Rail Link" station.
- Check the monitors. Look for the next train to "NY Penn."
- Board and relax. The conductor will come by to punch your ticket. If you bought it on the NJ Transit app, just show them your phone screen.
If you are staying in Jersey City or Lower Manhattan, take a Lyft to Newark Penn Station instead, then hop on the PATH for $2.75. You’ll save money and get closer to your destination.
New York is intense, but the commute from Newark shouldn't be. Just watch the signs, keep your ticket handy, and don't let the "Taxi?" guys at the baggage claim talk to you. You've got this.