From Newark Airport (EWR), take the AirTrain to Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, then board an NJ Transit train toward New York Penn Station. The full trip takes 30 to 45 minutes and costs $17.25, with the AirTrain fee already bundled into that ticket.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Fare | $17.25 (AirTrain fee included) |
| Total Travel Time | 30–45 minutes |
| Transfer Point | Newark Airport Rail Station |
| Train Line | Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line |
| Best For | Midtown Manhattan / Penn Station |
| Faster Option | Amtrak, 20–25 min, $25–$45, no AirTrain discount |
| Lower Manhattan Option | NJ Transit + PATH to World Trade Center |
Newark is the fastest rail-connected airport into Manhattan of the three New York area airports, since it sits directly on the Northeast Corridor line instead of requiring a subway feeder.
Step-by-Step: AirTrain to Train
Step 1: Follow AirTrain signs from your terminal.
Terminal A is the exception: the AirTrain doesn’t connect to it directly, so plan on a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute shuttle ride.
Step 2: Ride to the Airport Rail Station.
About 7 minutes from Terminal C, 11 from Terminal B, and closer to 20 from Terminal A once the shuttle connection is added.
Step 3: Buy your ticket before boarding.
Use the NJ Transit app, web ticketing, or a station vending machine. Boarding without one adds a $5 surcharge.
Step 4: Confirm the train is New York Penn-bound.
Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains share platforms here, and not all of them terminate in Manhattan.
Step 5: Ride into Penn Station.
You’ll land at 31st Street and 8th Avenue, with direct transfers to A/C/E, 1/2/3, B/D/F/M, and N/Q/R/W subway lines.
Which Route Fits Which Destination
- Midtown, cheapest fare: NJ Transit straight to Penn Station at $17.25. This is the default for most travelers and runs frequently all day.
- Midtown, fastest option: Amtrak stops at the same airport station and runs nonstop to Penn Station in 20 to 25 minutes. Fares are dynamic, typically $25 to $45, and the AirTrain fee is not automatically bundled unless you already hold an Amtrak ticket.
- Financial District or Lower Manhattan: skip Penn Station. Ride NJ Transit one stop to Newark Penn Station, then transfer to PATH directly to World Trade Center. That’s $12.30 plus $3.00 PATH fare, roughly 45 to 55 minutes total.
- Coming from North Jersey rail lines instead of driving to EWR: Main-Bergen, Pascack Valley, Montclair-Boonton, and Morris & Essex riders transfer at Secaucus Junction onto a southbound Northeast Corridor or Coast Line train first.
| Route | Transfer | Fare | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ Transit to Penn Station | AirTrain only | $17.25 | 30–45 min |
| Amtrak to Penn Station | AirTrain (separate fare) | $25–$45 | 20–25 min |
| NJ Transit + PATH to WTC | AirTrain, then PATH | $12.30 + $3.00 | 45–55 min |
Field-Tested Warnings
The AirTrain is mid-modernization
Newark is upgrading the system for better Terminal A access, and that means occasional service disruptions. Shuttle buses cover gaps, but build in extra time and check the airport’s advisory page if your connection is tight.
Newark Airport Rail Station and Newark Penn Station are two different stops
They sit one stop apart on the same line. If your ticket or app shows “Newark Penn” as the destination instead of “New York Penn,” you’ve bought the wrong ticket for a direct Manhattan trip.
On-board ticket purchases cost $5 extra
Buy through the app or a station machine first; it takes under a minute and saves real money for a group.
Luggage, Accessibility, and Family Fares
NJ Transit trains have overhead racks and floor space for carry-ons and checked bags, with no baggage fees, which beats the tight standing room on subway-based airport routes.
All AirTrain stations and trains are ADA-compliant, with elevators, tactile platform surfaces, and two wheelchair spaces per car. Newark Penn and New York Penn are both fully accessible too.
Kids aged 5 to 11 travel at half price, and up to three children under 4 ride free with a paying adult. On weekends and holidays, up to two kids aged 5 to 11 ride free with a fare-paying adult.
If you’re arriving through a different airport on your return trip, the same AirTrain-to-rail logic applies at JFK, just with a subway or LIRR transfer at Jamaica instead of a direct Manhattan-bound train.
FAQ
How much is a train ticket from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
$17.25 for NJ Transit to New York Penn Station, with the AirTrain fee included. Amtrak runs $25 to $45 with dynamic pricing and a separate AirTrain charge.
What is the easiest way to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
NJ Transit is the easiest for most travelers: one AirTrain transfer, one train ride, and a direct drop at Penn Station with immediate subway access.
Can you take a train from Newark Airport to New York City?
Yes. Both NJ Transit and Amtrak stop at Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station and run directly to New York Penn Station.
What is the cheapest way to get from EWR to Times Square?
NJ Transit to Penn Station, then a short walk or one subway stop, is the cheapest transit path. It’s also cheaper than any rideshare or taxi option by a wide margin.
Is Uber cheaper than the train from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
No. Uber typically runs $60 to $100 depending on surge pricing and traffic, compared to $17.25 for NJ Transit.
What time does the last train run from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
NJ Transit runs frequent service into the late evening on the Northeast Corridor, with reduced frequency overnight. Check the app or trip planner for exact departures on your travel date.
Do I need a separate ticket for the AirTrain if I already bought an NJ Transit ticket?
No. The AirTrain fee is bundled into your NJ Transit or Amtrak ticket, so there’s no separate charge at the gate.
Does my NJ Transit ticket work on the New York subway once I arrive?
No. You’ll need OMNY or a MetroCard separately once you’re through the gates at Penn Station.
