Getting from Newark Penn Station to EWR sounds like it should be the easiest leg of your trip. You're basically right there. The airport is practically visible from the platform on a clear day. But if you’ve ever stood on a freezing NJ Transit platform watching a "deadhead" train fly by while your flight’s boarding window shrinks, you know the reality is a bit more chaotic.
Most travelers make the same mistake. They assume "Newark Penn" and "Newark Airport Station" are the same place. They aren't. Honestly, if you don't know the difference, you're going to end up in a very expensive Uber or wandering around a bus lane in downtown Newark wondering where the planes are.
The Train Trap: NJ Transit vs. Amtrak
The most common way to handle the Newark Penn Station to EWR trek is the train. It's fast. It’s consistent—sorta.
You’ll want the Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line. Look for the little airplane icon on the big departure boards. It’s a five-minute ride. Literally one stop. But here’s the kicker: your train ticket MUST include the AirTrain access fee. As of early 2026, a one-way ticket from Newark Penn to the airport station is roughly $11.50 to $12.00 because it bundles that $8.50 "entry fee" for the monorail.
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Pro Tip: Don't lose that paper ticket or delete the app QR code. You have to scan it twice—once to get off the NJ Transit train and again at the fare gates to actually get onto the AirTrain.
If you jump on an Amtrak train instead, it’s basically the same deal, just way more expensive unless you booked weeks ago. Amtrak is nice because it has more legroom, but for a five-minute hop? It's overkill.
The Secret "Cheap" Way: The 62 Bus
If you're a local or just incredibly thrifty, you don't take the train. You take the NJ Transit 62 bus.
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The bus stops right outside Newark Penn Station. It costs about $1.80. Yeah, you read that right. While everyone else is paying twelve bucks to ride the rails, you're sitting on a bus for less than the price of a coffee.
The downside? It takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It winds through some industrial areas and hits every red light on the way. But it drops you right at the terminals—A, B, and C. No transferring to the AirTrain required. If you have heavy bags, this is actually easier because you aren't dragging suitcases up and down escalators at the Rail Link station.
Rideshare Reality Check
Sometimes you just want to throw money at the problem. Uber and Lyft are everywhere in Newark. A ride from Newark Penn Station to EWR usually runs between $20 and $35 depending on the "surge."
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However, Newark traffic is legendary for being terrible. Between the construction on the McCarter Highway and the general madness of the 1-9 interchange, that "7-minute drive" can easily turn into 25 minutes. If it’s raining? Forget it. Double the price and double the time.
- Train Time: 5 mins rail + 15 mins AirTrain.
- Bus Time: 25–30 mins direct.
- Rideshare Time: 10–40 mins (total gamble).
Navigating the Terminal A Mess
If your flight is out of the "New" Terminal A, give yourself an extra 20 minutes. The AirTrain doesn't actually go into Terminal A. It drops you at a station nearby, and then you have to take a shuttle bus or walk about 15 minutes through a covered walkway. It’s a beautiful terminal, but the logistics of getting there from the train station are, frankly, annoying.
Logistics You Can Actually Use
- Download the NJ Transit App. Seriously. Don't mess with the kiosks at the station; they're often broken or have lines ten people deep.
- Check the "EWR" Code. Make sure your train destination is actually the airport. Some North Jersey Coast Line trains skip it.
- The "Hidden" PATH Connection. If you're coming from Jersey City or Lower Manhattan, you’re already at Newark Penn. Don't leave the station. Just walk across the platform to the NJ Transit side.
- Avoid the "Van" Guys. You might see people offering "shuttles" or private rides near the station entrance. Just keep walking. Stick to the official buses or the apps.
The connection between Newark Penn Station to EWR is a bridge between two worlds—the gritty, historic hub of Newark and the global gateway of Liberty International. Whether you choose the $1.80 bus or the $12 train, just keep your eyes on the departure board and your ticket in your hand.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the current NJ Transit schedule via their official app before leaving your house, as "Amtrak trespasser" delays are common on this corridor.
- Purchase a "Rail to Airport" ticket in the app to ensure your AirTrain fee is pre-paid and you won't be stuck at the turnstiles.
- If you are heading to Terminal A, aim to arrive at Newark Penn at least 60 minutes before your boarding time to account for the extra shuttle transfer.