The Best (and Cheapest) Ways to Get to Manhattan from Newark Airport
I’m going to let you in on all my tips for one of the most difficult transit journeys out there: getting to and from Newark Airport.
To and from New York, Newark Airport is the least transit-accessible of the three major airports.
There’s no direct PATH train connection. None of the options are clear or single step. For all of them, you have to get to either the Financial District or Midtown first. Then, you’ll end up spending more than expected for a bus or train and wonder why you didn’t just take a taxi in the first place.
As someone who’s lived in New York for years and travels frequently, I’ve tried just about every option.
Below are the best (and worst) ways to get between Newark Airport (EWR) and Manhattan, ranked by price, convenience, and real-world experience.
Option 1: The Cheapest Way to Get to and From Newark Airport ($4.85)
This is the option Google Maps won’t show you. It’s my real slight of hand. It’s not the fastest, but it is the cheapest.
It’s my preferred option.
Step 1: Take a local bus (NJ Transit 62) from the airport to Newark Penn Station ($2)
There are several buses that go from the airport to Newark’s transit hub, Newark Penn Station. (Which is not to be confused with New York Penn Station.)
Buses like the 62, 67, or 28 go there, stop at all three terminals, and cost less than $2. In my experience the 62 bus is the most frequent and direct.
All you have to do is head outside the terminal and find where all the local buses come. This will be the case at every terminal.
At Terminal B, it’s on the lower level.
I like this option too because it’s frequent. Unlike the express bus, there’s no chance you’ll be waiting more than 10 minutes
With this, you can also avoid the AirTrain, which costs $8.50.
You can now tap your credit card or mobile wallet to pay for local NJ Transit buses. I used to carry around dollar bills for this bus. You don’t have to anymore.
Make Sure You’re Going the Right Way
If you’re waiting at the airport, make sure you get on a bus going to Newark Penn Station, not Elizabeth in the case of the 62 bus. It will say on the bus.
Step 2: Take the PATH train to the World Trade Center ($3)
Next, from Newark Penn Station, you take the PATH train to Manhattan. It goes to the World Trade Center in the financial district, but you can also get a free transfer at Journal Square if your final destination is better served by these PATH train stops:
- Christopher St.
- 9th St. (Greenwich Village)
- 14th. (Also Greenwich Village)
- 23rd st (Chelsea)
- 33rd st (Midtown)
$3 for PATH + $1.85 for the bus = about $4.85
And yes, this works both directions.
Total time: 60–90 minutes, depending on timing and transfers. If your final destination is downtown Manhattan, this may be the fastest option.
If you have a lot of luggage, neither the local bus nor the PATH train will be well-prepared for you. Keep that in mind if you’re not traveling light.
This is a 24/7 Option
Another benefit is that both some of the local buses and the PATH Train run 24/7. The other options are not.
This is especially important for airport transit because, well, flights leave and get in at crazy hours.
Option 2: Take an NJ Transit Train to Manhattan ($17.00)
This is the assumed “default” option, and it is probably what most travelers are pointed toward.
Step 1: Take the AirTrain from Your Terminal to the NJ Transit Station
At Newark Airport, hop on the AirTrain from your terminal. Follow the signs for “Train to NYC / NJ Transit” and take it to Newark Liberty International Airport Station.
This part costs $8.50, and it’s not optional.
Step 2: Take an NJ Transit Train to New York Penn Station
From the airport station, hop on an NJ Transit train going toward New York Penn Station (34th St). These run frequently, many are headed to Trenton or other New Jersey towns, but any train that stops at the airport station will also stop at New York Penn.
This train ticket tacks on another $8.50.
For a total of $17, you’re getting the comfort of trains with more space for luggage. The NJ Transit trains run roughly every 15 minutes and take about 25 minutes.
Including the AirTrain, I doubt it’ll take you less than an hour, but it’s likely faster than the bus + PATH train.
Option 3: Take a Private Express Bus ($22.50)
There’s also the Newark Airport Express, run by Coach USA, which gives you a direct bus to Midtown Manhattan.
These run roughly every 30 minutes. This is the worst part of this. One time, I sat at the terminal for a solid 25 minutes waiting for it, and I decided I wouldn’t take it again (I haven’t).
One benefit is that they make three stops in Manhattan.
- Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd & 8th Ave)
- Bryant Park (42nd & 5th Ave)
- Grand Central Terminal (42nd & Park Ave)
The east-side stops are helpful if you’re staying somewhere along the Lexington Ave subway line, as you won’t need to transfer on the subway.
If you’re coming from the airport, it can be a bit tricky to locate the pickup point. There are signs, but they vary by terminal, and you may have to ask airport staff for help.
- Cost: $22.50 one way, or $38.50 round trip.
45–75 minutes, depending on traffic. Fortunately, due to congestion pricing, the traffic in Midtown isn’t as bad as it used to be.
They’re prepared for luggage. It’s a bus, though, so it’s not that comfortable.
Don’t Take Amtrak
Amtrak does stop at the Newark Airport Station, but it’s not worth it.
It’s expensive, often delayed, and requires booking in advance. You’ll still need to take the AirTrain from the terminal to the station, and you’ll still need to get from Penn Station to wherever you’re actually going in Manhattan.
Unless you’re already on a longer Amtrak journey, skip this.
TL;DR – Best Ways to Get to Manhattan from Newark Airport
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Bus + PATH Train | $4.85 | ~60–90 min | Budget travelers, downtown |
| NJ Transit + AirTrain | $17.00 | ~45-60 min | Balanced speed + cost |
| Express Coach Bus | $22.50 | ~45–75 min | Convenience, east side stops |
| Amtrak | $30+ | Varies | I don’t recommend |
- If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get to Manhattan from Newark Airport, the local bus + PATH combo wins hands down.
- If you’re short on time or staying near Penn Station, the NJ Transit train is quick and reliable.
- The express bus offers convenience if your hotel or destination is near one of the stops.
- Skip Amtrak unless it’s already part of a longer trip.
Hate all of these options? Next time, fly out of LaGuardia.
Flying into or out of JFK? Here are the options. It’s not as bad as Newark either.
Enjoy New York City Without Breaking The Bank!
Once you make it to the city, there are also lots of ways to have an incredible experience without spending a ton of money. Check out my article on NYC budget tips.
Or maybe you’re flying out of JFK. Well, in the same spirit of this route, here’s how you can avoid the $8.50 AirTrain fee.
Want more NYC travel and U.S. transit hacks? Stick around. I’ve got plenty.
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