You’re standing on 8th Avenue. It’s raining. Or maybe it’s just that weirdly humid New York City afternoon where the air feels like soup. You need to get across the Hudson. Most people instinctively reach for their phones to check the PATH train or the NJ Transit schedule at Penn Station, but there is a specific kind of veteran traveler who looks toward the Port Authority Bus Terminal instead. Taking a bus from Manhattan to Newark isn't just a backup plan; for a lot of commuters and travelers heading to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), it’s actually the smartest move. But if you walk into that terminal without a plan, you're going to have a bad time.
Port Authority is a labyrinth. It smells like stale pretzels and ambition. Yet, tucked inside that concrete maze are the gates for the NJ Transit 108 bus and various private carriers that offer a one-seat ride that the train simply can't match in terms of convenience for certain neighborhoods.
Why the Bus from Manhattan to Newark is Actually a Hidden Gem
People talk trash about the bus. They really do. They say it gets stuck in the Lincoln Tunnel. They’re not wrong—the tunnel is a bottleneck designed by someone who clearly hated humans. However, if you are traveling outside of the peak-of-the-peak rush hour, the bus can be faster than the train. Why? Because the train requires you to navigate the madness of New York Penn Station, which is currently a perpetual construction zone, and then potentially transfer at Newark Penn Station depending on your final destination.
The bus from Manhattan to Newark—specifically the NJ Transit 108 route—drops you right in the heart of Newark. We’re talking about a direct shot to the Ironbound district or the Prudential Center. Honestly, if you're catching a Devils game or a concert, the 108 is a sleeper hit. You walk out of Port Authority, sit down, and the next time you stand up, you’re blocks away from the arena. No stairs. No transfers. No worrying about which track the North Jersey Coast Line is departing from.
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There’s also the Newark Airport Express. This is the big blue bus. It’s the one everyone sees but half the people are too scared to use because they think it’s overpriced. Is it more expensive than the 108? Yeah. But it picks up at Grand Central, Bryant Park, and Port Authority. It’s got luggage racks. It’s got Wi-Fi that usually works. If you’re hauling three suitcases, you do not want to be on a NJ Transit commuter train during rush hour. You just don't. You’ll be the person everyone stares at with mild burning resentment.
Breaking Down the Main Options
The 108 is the workhorse. It runs from the Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) and hits Newark Penn Station before continuing through the city.
Then you have the Newark Airport Express, operated by Coach USA. This is the primary choice for tourists and business travelers. It’s consistent. It runs roughly every 15 to 30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Don't overlook the local routes if you’re adventurous, but for 95% of people, it’s a binary choice between the 108 and the Airport Express. One is a gritty commuter experience for about $6, and the other is a $20ish "I just want to get to my flight" experience.
Navigating Port Authority Without Crying
Look, Port Authority is intimidating. It’s the busiest bus terminal in the world. If you’re looking for the bus from Manhattan to Newark, you need to know your gate before you arrive. Use the NJ Transit app. Do not wait until you are inside the building to try and download it; the reception in the bowels of that building is spotty at best.
Buy your ticket on the app. It saves you from the kiosks, which often have lines or, more likely, a confused person trying to buy a ticket to Scranton while the bus is departing in two minutes.
Pro tip: The 108 usually leaves from the lower levels. It feels a bit like a basement. It’s fine. Just follow the signs for NJ Transit Buses and keep an eye on the digital monitors. They change gates sometimes. It’s annoying, but that’s life in the Port Authority.
Timing the Lincoln Tunnel
You have to respect the tunnel. Between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, the Lincoln Tunnel is a parking lot. If you take a bus from Manhattan to Newark during this window, bring a book. Bring a long book. Maybe a Russian novel.
However, NJ Transit buses have a dedicated bus lane (XBL) during the morning rush heading into the city. Coming out of the city in the evening? You’re at the mercy of the traffic gods. If you have a flight to catch at 6:00 PM, taking the bus at 4:30 PM is a gamble I wouldn't take. Take the train then. But at 10:00 AM on a Tuesday? The bus will fly.
The Newark Airport Express vs. NJ Transit 108
Cost is the big differentiator here. The 108 is cheap. It’s a standard commuter bus. You pay, you sit, you get off. It’s functional.
The Newark Airport Express is a premium service.
- Pick-up points: It’s not just Port Authority. You can catch it on 41st Street between Park and Lexington (Grand Central) or at 42nd Street and 5th Avenue (Bryant Park).
- Comfort: The seats are plusher.
- Directness: It goes straight to Terminals A, B, and C.
If you’re going to a meeting in Downtown Newark, the 108 is better because it goes to Newark Penn. If you’re going to the airport, the Express is the winner because it saves you from having to take the AirTrain from the Newark Liberty International Airport Station. That AirTrain ride is an extra $8.50 anyway, which narrows the price gap between the "cheap" train and the "expensive" bus.
Real Talk About Safety and Comfort
Is it safe? Yeah. It’s fine. You’ll see a cross-section of humanity. You’ll see bankers, students, construction workers, and tourists who look very, very lost.
The buses are generally clean, though the 108 can get crowded. If you’re on a late-night bus, expect a few people sleeping. Just mind your business and keep your bag on your lap if it’s packed.
Misconceptions About the Ride
The biggest lie people tell you is that the train is always faster. It’s not. NJ Transit trains are notorious for "signal problems" and "bridge openings." When a train gets stuck, you are stuck on a track in the Meadowlands with no escape. When a bus gets stuck, the driver can sometimes (though rarely) pivot, or at the very least, you aren't stuck on a bridge over the Hackensack River.
Another myth: the bus is hard to find. It’s really not. The signage in Manhattan has actually improved significantly over the last few years. If you can read a map or follow a glowing "Buses" sign, you’ll be okay.
Let’s Talk About the Return Trip
Getting a bus from Manhattan to Newark is one thing, but coming back is where people get tripped up. The pick-up points at Newark Airport for the Express bus are clearly marked outside each terminal. For the 108, you’ll be heading to Newark Penn Station.
Newark Penn is a beautiful historic building, but it can be confusing. The bus lanes are outside, under the overhang. Don't go standing on the train platforms looking for a bus. I’ve seen it happen. It’s a sad sight.
What to Do if Things Go Wrong
If the Lincoln Tunnel is shut down because of an accident—which happens—don't panic. Switch to the PATH train at 33rd Street or World Trade Center. Your bus ticket won't always be cross-honored unless it's a major system-wide failure, but the $2.75 for a PATH ride is worth it to avoid sitting in a tunnel for two hours.
Check Twitter (or X, whatever) and follow the NJ Transit bus accounts. They are surprisingly fast at reporting delays.
Actionable Steps for Your Journey
- Download the NJ Transit App: Do this now. Set up your payment info so you aren't fumbling at the gate.
- Check the Gate: If you're at Port Authority, verify your gate on the screens as soon as you walk in. Gates for the 108 can shift between the 200s and 300s.
- Have a Backup: If you see the tunnel traffic is backed up to 10th Avenue on Google Maps, take the train from Penn Station instead.
- Airport Strategy: If you're going to EWR, use the Newark Airport Express if you have more than one bag. The 108 is for light travelers or those heading to the city center.
- Timing: Allow 45 minutes for the 108 and about 40-60 minutes for the Airport Express, but always add a 20-minute "tunnel tax" just in case.
Taking the bus isn't the prestige way to travel, but it's often the most practical. It’s about knowing the system. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll realize that the bus from Manhattan to Newark is a totally viable, often easier alternative to the chaos of the rail lines. Just keep your eyes on the signs and your ticket ready on your phone.