New York Newark Airport: How to Get Into the City

Newark Liberty International Airport sits in New Jersey, but it's close enough to New York that plenty of international flights land here.

That said, Newark has had its share of operational problems lately: air traffic control staffing shortages, aging equipment and poorly planned relocations have caused significant delays.

If you're still planning your trip and can pick your airport, it's worth considering JFK or LaGuardia instead.

But if you're already flying in or out of Newark, here's a rundown of the different transfer options from Newark to New York and how to connect to the other NYC airports if you have another flight to catch.

Private transfer from Newark

The easiest and fastest option is to book a private transfer that takes you from Newark straight to your address in New York City.

On the Civitatis transfer search tool you'll find different vehicle types depending on how many people are traveling, with options for 3 to 14 passengers. When you check the prices, you'll notice they're a very good deal for groups of 3 or more.

This search tool is worth using for two reasons: 1) the service has plenty of positive reviews from travelers, and 2) the drivers speak Spanish.

Prices depend on where you're headed and how many passengers you have (the cheapest start around $120). Booking your private transfer online locks in the price and saves you from taxi surprises.

AirTrain Newark: a quick guide to using it right

The cheapest way to get to Manhattan from Newark is the AirTrain, an automated train that connects the airport terminals with the NJ Transit and Amtrak station.

From there, you can reach Penn Station in New York in about 30 minutes. One heads-up: given the recent delays at the airport, this system can be affected too. Keep that in mind if you have a tight connection or need to arrive at a specific time.

Once you're at Penn Station, you can hop on the subway to your final destination (read up on how to use the new OMNY payment system on New York's subway and buses).

Newark AirTrain hours and frequency

The Newark AirTrain runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year:

• 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.: every 3 to 5 minutes.
• 11:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.: roughly every 15 minutes.

How much does it cost?

The AirTrain is free within the airport (to move between terminals, parking lots, rental car centers and so on).

But if you need to connect to NJ Transit or Amtrak, you'll have to buy a combined ticket that includes AirTrain access: it costs $8.50, plus the fare for the train leg.

For example, the AirTrain ticket plus the train ride to Penn Station comes to $12.50.

You can buy it from the machines inside the airport or at the train station.

Remember that once you reach Manhattan and continue by subway, you'll also need to factor in the cost of the OMNY system. At that link I break down the prices and how to ride.

This service runs year-round, 24 hours a day.

You can check more details about this service on the official Newark Airport website.

Shuttle from Newark to Manhattan

There's a shared transfer service (shuttle or transfer) where up to 10 people are dropped off at their destinations in a van, sort of like a school bus.

Among the budget options, it's one of the most affordable and comfortable if you're hauling heavy luggage.

Keep in mind it takes longer, since the van has to drop 10 people at 10 different addresses, unless you get lucky and you're first 🙂

This service runs around $40 per passenger. Do the math carefully if there are 2 or more of you, because the shuttle ends up costing just a few dollars less than a private transfer and takes much longer.

Uber or Lyft from Newark Airport

A very popular alternative to taxis in New York is Uber or Lyft, the now-famous apps for booking cheaper rides.

In New York it's a completely legal service, so go ahead and request one without worry.

Since the ride is charged directly to your card, tip included, you don't have to hand the driver a cent. Easy!

One thing though: you'll need a data plan or roaming on your phone for this option to work.

From Newark Airport to JFK or LaGuardia

If you need to connect between New York's airports to continue your trip, read our guide on how to get from one New York airport to another.

Is it worth flying into Newark Airport?

Newark can be very convenient thanks to its proximity and international connections, but lately it hasn't been the most reliable airport. Recent delays, caused by controller shortages and technical problems at the FAA, have affected hundreds of flights.

If you haven't bought your tickets yet, I'd suggest going with JFK or LaGuardia. They're a bit farther from midtown Manhattan, but both are more reliable options right now.

🧾 Which airport works best for you?

A quick comparison of your options based on time, price and how easy it is to get to Manhattan: