You’ve got a flight out of EWR. You're standing in Manhattan, staring at a rideshare app quoting you $85 plus tolls, and the traffic on the Holland Tunnel feed looks like a parking lot. It’s a mess.
Honestly, taking the train is the "local" move. But it's also where people get stranded, confused by ticket machines, or trapped behind a closed turnstile because they threw away a tiny slip of paper. Taking Newark Airport by train from NYC isn't just one single route—it's a choice between a $5 ride that takes forever and a $16 sprint that feels like a luxury compared to a crowded subway.
Here is the ground truth about getting to Newark Liberty without losing your mind or your luggage.
The "Big Two": NJ Transit vs. Amtrak
Most people assume all trains leaving Penn Station are the same. They aren't. If you walk into Moynihan Train Hall or the "old" Penn Station, you’re looking for two different logos.
The NJ Transit Workhorse
This is the default. You want the Northeast Corridor or the North Jersey Coast Line. Look for the little airplane icon on the departure boards.
It’s about $16.80 for a one-way ticket. That price includes the "AirTrain Access Fee," which is basically a $8.50 tax for the privilege of moving from the train tracks to the airport terminal.
💡 You might also like: Super 8 Fort Myers Florida: What to Honestly Expect Before You Book
Pro tip: Do not, under any circumstances, lose that ticket. You need to scan it twice—once to get through the gates at the Newark Airport Rail Station and again if you're returning. If you use the NJ Transit app (which you should), make sure your phone isn't about to die.
The Amtrak Gamble
Sometimes you can snag an Amtrak ticket for as low as $7 or $10 if you book weeks in advance. It’s faster, the seats are way better, and there’s actual legroom.
But there’s a catch. Amtrak tickets are for a specific train. If your subway is late and you miss that 2:15 PM Northeast Regional, you can’t just hop on the 2:30 PM NJ Transit train with that ticket. You’re stuck. Unless you find a massive discount, NJ Transit is usually the more flexible, stress-free choice for the average traveler.
The 2026 Construction Chaos: What’s Different Now?
If you haven't been to EWR lately, things are... changing. They are currently building a brand-new, $3.5 billion AirTrain system because the old one (built in the 90s) is basically held together by hopes and dreams.
As of January 2026, there are major weekday service changes. From 5:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, the AirTrain often stops running between the Airport Train Station and the terminals.
📖 Related: Weather at Lake Charles Explained: Why It Is More Than Just Humidity
What does that mean for you?
- You’ll get off the NJ Transit train at the Newark Liberty International Airport Station.
- Instead of the monorail, you’ll be ushered onto a shuttle bus.
- These buses go to Terminals A, B, and C.
- Add 20 minutes to your commute. Seriously. Don't cut it close.
On weekends, the AirTrain usually operates normally, but the Port Authority loves a surprise maintenance window. Always check the Newark Airport "Construction Advisory" page before you leave your apartment.
The "Budget King" Route (PATH + Bus)
If you’re coming from Lower Manhattan (WTC) or Jersey City and you’re feeling frugal—or you just hate Penn Station—there’s a backdoor way.
- Take the PATH train to Newark Penn Station (NOT the airport station). Cost: $2.75.
- Walk out to the bus lanes and find the #62 Bus. Cost: about $1.60.
This route costs less than $5. It takes about an hour from the World Trade Center, but it drops you right at the terminal curb. No AirTrain fees. No transfers at the weird airport rail station. It’s gritty, it’s slow, but it’s the cheapest way to get there by a landslide.
Navigating the Terminals: A Quick Cheat Sheet
Once you actually get to the airport via the AirTrain or the shuttle, you need to know where you’re going. Newark is notorious for its confusing layout.
👉 See also: Entry Into Dominican Republic: What Most People Get Wrong
- Terminal A: The shiny new one. If you’re flying United (some flights), Delta, JetBlue, or American, you’re probably here. If the AirTrain is down, the shuttle drops you at the departures level.
- Terminal B: Most international carriers (Lufthansa, British Airways, etc.) and Spirit. It feels like 1984 in there, but it’s functional.
- Terminal C: The United Airlines fortress. It has the best food but the longest security lines.
Why Everyone Gets Confused at the Gate
The Newark Airport Rail Station is not actually at the airport. It’s a transfer point in the middle of a swamp.
When the train doors open, you’ll see everyone sprinting for the escalators. They aren't trying to be rude; they're trying to beat the line at the ticket scanners. There are only a few gates, and if a full train of 500 people gets off at once, it can take 10 minutes just to scan out of the station.
Actionable Insight: If you're on NJ Transit, try to sit in the front cars of the train. The escalators at the Newark Airport station are located toward the north end of the platform. Being the first one off the train saves you a massive headache at the turnstiles.
Final Logistics Check
- Frequency: NJ Transit runs about 4–6 times per hour during peak times.
- Time: Budget 45–60 minutes from Manhattan to your actual check-in counter.
- Night Owls: The trains stop running between roughly 1:00 AM and 5:00 AM. If you have a 4:00 AM flight, you’re taking an Uber or the PATH/Bus combo.
Before you head out, download the NJ Transit app and buy your ticket there. It saves you from the "ticket machine panic" at Penn Station where there's always a line and at least one machine is broken. Just remember to activate the ticket before you board, or the conductor will give you a hard time.
Check the "Plan Your Trip" tool on the NJ Transit website to see if there are any "Amtrak trespasser" delays or track maintenance, which happen more often than anyone likes to admit. Once you're on the platform, just look for the plane icon, and you're golden.