You’re standing in the middle of Penn Station. It’s loud. It smells like a mix of Auntie Anne’s pretzels and old steam pipes. You’ve got a flight at EWR in two hours, and your Uber app says it’ll cost $95 and take 70 minutes because of a fender bender in the Holland Tunnel. This is exactly why knowing how to get from nyc to newark airport by train is basically a survival skill for New Yorkers and savvy visitors alike.
It’s cheaper. It’s usually faster. Honestly, it’s just less stressful once you understand the quirks.
But here’s the thing: Penn Station is a labyrinth. If you go to the wrong platform, you’re headed to Trenton or Long Island, and your vacation is ruined before it starts. There are two different rail systems—NJ Transit and Amtrak—and they don’t always play nice together. You need to know which one to pick, where to buy the ticket, and why that little piece of paper is worth more than gold once you land at the airport station.
The NJ Transit vs. Amtrak Debate
Most people should just take NJ Transit. It’s the workhorse of this route. Trains run frequently, usually every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours, and the ticket is a flat rate. As of early 2026, you're looking at about $16.00 for a one-way adult fare.
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Amtrak is the fancy cousin. It’s faster, sure, and the seats are plush. You get Wi-Fi that actually works (mostly) and a quiet car if you need to finish a presentation. But you’ll pay for it. If you book last minute, an Amtrak ticket from New York Penn to EWR can soar to $30 or $50. Plus, if the train is coming from Boston or Washington D.C., it might be delayed. NJ Transit starts its journey right there at Penn Station, so it’s usually on time for the departure.
Don't buy an Amtrak ticket unless you have points to burn or you really, really need a footrest for a 22-minute ride. It’s overkill.
Finding the Right Train at Penn Station
First, make sure you are at New York Penn Station, not Grand Central. People make this mistake. Often. Grand Central is for Metro-North (upstate and Connecticut). Penn Station—located between 7th and 8th Avenues and 31st to 33rd Streets—is your hub for New Jersey.
Look at the big digital boards. You aren't looking for a train that says "Newark Airport." That's a rookie move. You are looking for trains on the Northeast Corridor line or the North Jersey Coast Line.
Check the "Remarks" column or the scrolling list of stops. It must say "Newark Airport." Some express trains skip the airport entirely and head straight to downtown Newark (Newark Penn Station). Don't get off at Newark Penn Station. You want Newark Liberty International Airport Station. It’s one stop further. If you get off at Newark Penn, you’ll be staring at a hockey arena and a commute that just got way more complicated.
The Ticket: Your Golden Ticket to the AirTrain
When you buy your ticket at the NJ Transit orange kiosks, it includes the "AirTrain Access Fee." This is crucial.
When the train drops you off at the airport station, you aren't at the terminals yet. You’re at a transfer point. You have to go up the stairs or elevator and pass through a set of fare gates to get to the AirTrain monorail. You scan your NJ Transit ticket to get through those gates.
- Lost your ticket? You'll have to pay about $8.50 at a vending machine just to get through the gate.
- Using the app? Make sure your phone isn't dead. You’ll need to scan the QR code.
- Buying from a conductor? They charge a massive surcharge ($5 extra) if the ticket windows were open when you boarded. Just use the app.
The AirTrain itself is a bit of a relic. It’s a monorail that loops around Terminals A, B, and C. It’s currently being replaced by a much more modern system, but for now, we’re stuck with the old cars. They can be slow. Factor in an extra 15 to 20 minutes just for the AirTrain portion of the trip.
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Why the PATH Train Isn't Usually the Answer
You’ll hear some "travel hackers" suggest taking the PATH train from World Trade Center or 33rd St to Newark Penn Station and then catching a bus or Uber.
Listen. Unless you live right on top of a PATH station in Jersey City or Hoboken, it’s not worth the hassle. You’d have to:
- Take the PATH to Newark Penn ($2.75).
- Exit the station.
- Find the #62 bus or call a car.
- Battle traffic.
The direct train from nyc to newark airport by train via NJ Transit is a one-seat ride (plus the monorail). Your time is worth more than the five bucks you’d save taking the PATH. The only exception is if there’s a massive "police activity" delay on the Amtrak/NJ Transit tracks, which happens more than we'd like to admit. In that case, the PATH is your emergency escape hatch.
Navigating the "New" Terminal A
If your airline is JetBlue, United (some flights), or American, you might be heading to the new Terminal A. It’s gorgeous. It’s huge. It’s also... not directly on the AirTrain line.
Well, it is, but the stop is a bit of a walk. Once you get off the AirTrain at the Terminal A station, you have to walk across a long, enclosed pedestrian bridge. It takes about 10 minutes. If you’re traveling with kids or heavy bags, just keep that in mind. Terminal B and C stops are much closer to the actual check-in counters.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
The biggest nightmare? Track changes.
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At Penn Station, they don't announce the track number until about 10 minutes before departure. Suddenly, a thousand people start sprinting toward a narrow staircase. It’s chaotic.
- Pro tip: Position yourself near the center of the concourse, equidistant from the tracks.
- The "Secret" Entrance: Use the West End Concourse (near 8th Avenue). It’s newer, cleaner, and the digital screens are easier to read. Most tourists stay in the main 7th Avenue lobby. Avoid them.
- The "Newark" Confusion: I’ll say it again because someone always misses it. Newark Penn Station and Newark Liberty International Airport Station are two different places. If you see the Prudential Center or high-rise buildings, you are at the wrong one. Stay on the train for five more minutes.
The trains generally run from 5:00 AM until about 1:00 AM. If you have a 4:00 AM flight, you’re taking a Lyft. Sorry. There is a gap in service in the middle of the night for track maintenance.
Reliability Realities
Let’s be honest. NJ Transit and Amtrak share tracks that are over a hundred years old. Sometimes the overhead wires sag in the heat. Sometimes a bridge gets stuck.
Check the NJ Transit Twitter (X) feed or their "Arrivals" app before you leave your apartment. If you see "Systemwide Cross-Honoring," that’s code for "everything is broken." If the trains are delayed by more than 30 minutes, bite the bullet and head to the Port Authority Bus Terminal.
The Newark Airport Express Bus leaves from Port Authority (41st St) and is a solid backup plan. It costs about $18. It’s not a train, but it uses the HOV lanes and gets the job done when the rail lines are a mess.
Traveling with Luggage
The trains don't have dedicated "luggage racks" like the ones in Europe. You’ll have to hoist your suitcase onto the overhead rack, which is surprisingly narrow, or keep it in the space between the seats.
If you have four giant suitcases, the train is going to be miserable. People commute on these trains. They’re coming home from 9-to-5 jobs in Manhattan and they don't want to trip over your hardshell Samsonite. If you’re a heavy packer, try to travel during "off-peak" hours (between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM).
Your Step-by-Step Action Plan
Don't overthink it. Follow these specific steps and you'll be at your gate with time to buy an overpriced sandwich.
- Download the NJ Transit App: Do it now. Create an account and load your credit card info. Buy a "One Way" ticket from "NY Penn" to "Newark Airport." Don't activate it until you see your train on the board.
- Arrive at Penn Station 20 Minutes Early: Give yourself time to find the West End Concourse. Look for the "NJ Transit" signs, not the LIRR ones.
- Watch the Board: Look for the Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line. Wait for the track number.
- Board the Train: Any car is fine. Keep your ticket (digital or paper) ready. The conductor will scan it almost immediately after you leave the tunnel.
- Listen for the Stop: After the train leaves Newark Penn Station, the next stop is the airport.
- The Transfer: Follow the crowd. Go up the escalator. Scan your ticket at the turnstiles.
- The AirTrain: Check the signs for your terminal (A, B, or C). Most international flights are B. Most United is C. The new Terminal A is... well, A.
The whole process from Penn Station to the terminal check-in desk usually takes about 45 to 55 minutes. If you’re lucky and time the transfers perfectly, you can do it in 35. It’s the most consistent way to beat the nightmare that is New Jersey traffic.
Final Tip: Save a screenshot of your ticket QR code. The Wi-Fi and cell service in the tunnel and at the airport station can be spotty. If you can’t pull up the app at the fare gate, you’ll be that person blocking the line while everyone sighs loudly behind you. Don't be that person.