How we did it: Navigating from Newark EWR Airport to NYC
This is one of a three-part series on navigating from New York’s airports. Read about JFK here and LaGuardia here . Let’s get this out ...
This is one of a three-part series on navigating from New York’s airports. Read about JFK here and LaGuardia here.
Let’s get this out of the way, New York’s three big airports haven’t kept with the times. While most airports are easy to access with public transit, New York’s airports are barely connected. The city center is difficult to access and requires transfers, but it can be done and save you money.
My own mother hates to use Newark because “it’s too far,” but it’s actually three miles closer as the crow flies than JFK. More budget carriers are using Newark because the FAA eliminated slot restrictions. I often find it has the best deals around when she wants to fly.
Let’s start with the basics. Newark-Liberty International Airport is located less than 10 miles from New York City in New Jersey. This means public transit is handled by NJ Transit and not the MTA, which operates New York City Transit.
Public Transit - $4.35
Follow the signs for Ground Transportation outside of Terminal A, B or C, cross the street and go to the transportation island. At Stand #7 you’ll see a sign for “Go Bus” with a little bus symbol. The Go Bus is the brand name for the #28 bus, which doesn’t go anywhere you’ll want for the purposes of this blog. Instead, wait there for the #62 bus. Make sure it’s going to Newark Penn Station and not Elizabeth. Fare: $1.60 (as of January 2018), cash only, exact change, dollar bills accepted, but not MetroCard.
Take the bus to the last stop, Newark Penn Station. The bus will drop you off at one of the bus islands. Cross the street, go up the stairs into the terminal. Turn left, follow signs for PATH at the last escalator on the right (note: late night and weekend construction may require trains to use alternate platforms). Go upstairs and use the turnstiles to the right to board the PATH train toward World Trade Center. Do not board the NJ Transit train to New York. Fare: $2.75 (as of January 2018) cash or credit using machines on platform, MetroCard also accepted.
If you’re going to the East Side of Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn take the PATH train to World Trade Center and connect with the Subway, which is an additional $2.75.
If you’re going elsewhere in Manhattan, Queens or the Bronx take the PATH train two stops to Journal Square. Transfer free across the platform to the 33rd Street PATH train. Late-night and weekends this train operates via Hoboken.
The 33rd Street train stops at Christopher St then turns north along 6th Avenue and stops at 9th St, 14th St, 23rd St and 33rd St. Most stops offer connections with the Subway for an additional $2.75.
If you have large suitcases, public transit may not be the easiest option. There are a few steps to get on the NJ Transit bus. Newark Penn Station requires significant navigation to locate the elevator if you want to avoid the escalator. WTC and 33rd Street are equipped with elevators. The other stations in New York only have stairs.
That said, public transit can save you a lot of money at $4.35 to get you into New York.
Shared Shuttle - $18
You’ll probably see a lot of signage for the Newark Airport Express. At $16, I find it inconvenient and overpriced because it only goes along 42nd Street.
Instead, I recommend SuperShuttle. Online coupons can bring the price down to around $18 and it will bring you to the door of your hotel. SuperShuttle is a shared service, which means it drops off multiple people along the way. Generally, I find the route is well planned to avoid unnecessary detours. There are also multi-passenger discounts for people going to the same address that is not a hotel.
Taxi/Car Service - $50-$60
Taxis are metered and will run you between $50-$60 to most points in Manhattan plus tolls, but I don't recommend them.
Traffic can sometimes be horrendous and the meter will continue to run. Instead find a reputable car services (aka black cars or livery cars) online. Often they are a few dollars cheaper than taxis and do not run on a meter, which means you don’t have to fear traffic. This could be a better option for families or groups of three or more who don't want to use public transit.
Uber, Lyft and other rideshare apps can pick up at Newark, too.
Avoid anyone soliciting transportation. It is illegal and they may be uninsured. Check with a Port Authority Customer Care representative if you need any help. They’re wearing bright red blazers near a blue kiosk in the baggage area.
My own mother hates to use Newark because “it’s too far,” but it’s actually three miles closer as the crow flies than JFK. More budget carriers are using Newark because the FAA eliminated slot restrictions. I often find it has the best deals around when she wants to fly.
Let’s start with the basics. Newark-Liberty International Airport is located less than 10 miles from New York City in New Jersey. This means public transit is handled by NJ Transit and not the MTA, which operates New York City Transit.
Public Transit - $4.35
Follow the signs for Ground Transportation outside of Terminal A, B or C, cross the street and go to the transportation island. At Stand #7 you’ll see a sign for “Go Bus” with a little bus symbol. The Go Bus is the brand name for the #28 bus, which doesn’t go anywhere you’ll want for the purposes of this blog. Instead, wait there for the #62 bus. Make sure it’s going to Newark Penn Station and not Elizabeth. Fare: $1.60 (as of January 2018), cash only, exact change, dollar bills accepted, but not MetroCard.Take the bus to the last stop, Newark Penn Station. The bus will drop you off at one of the bus islands. Cross the street, go up the stairs into the terminal. Turn left, follow signs for PATH at the last escalator on the right (note: late night and weekend construction may require trains to use alternate platforms). Go upstairs and use the turnstiles to the right to board the PATH train toward World Trade Center. Do not board the NJ Transit train to New York. Fare: $2.75 (as of January 2018) cash or credit using machines on platform, MetroCard also accepted.
If you’re going to the East Side of Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn take the PATH train to World Trade Center and connect with the Subway, which is an additional $2.75.
If you’re going elsewhere in Manhattan, Queens or the Bronx take the PATH train two stops to Journal Square. Transfer free across the platform to the 33rd Street PATH train. Late-night and weekends this train operates via Hoboken.
The 33rd Street train stops at Christopher St then turns north along 6th Avenue and stops at 9th St, 14th St, 23rd St and 33rd St. Most stops offer connections with the Subway for an additional $2.75.
If you have large suitcases, public transit may not be the easiest option. There are a few steps to get on the NJ Transit bus. Newark Penn Station requires significant navigation to locate the elevator if you want to avoid the escalator. WTC and 33rd Street are equipped with elevators. The other stations in New York only have stairs.
That said, public transit can save you a lot of money at $4.35 to get you into New York.
Shared Shuttle - $18
You’ll probably see a lot of signage for the Newark Airport Express. At $16, I find it inconvenient and overpriced because it only goes along 42nd Street.
Instead, I recommend SuperShuttle. Online coupons can bring the price down to around $18 and it will bring you to the door of your hotel. SuperShuttle is a shared service, which means it drops off multiple people along the way. Generally, I find the route is well planned to avoid unnecessary detours. There are also multi-passenger discounts for people going to the same address that is not a hotel.
Taxi/Car Service - $50-$60
Taxis are metered and will run you between $50-$60 to most points in Manhattan plus tolls, but I don't recommend them.
Traffic can sometimes be horrendous and the meter will continue to run. Instead find a reputable car services (aka black cars or livery cars) online. Often they are a few dollars cheaper than taxis and do not run on a meter, which means you don’t have to fear traffic. This could be a better option for families or groups of three or more who don't want to use public transit.
Uber, Lyft and other rideshare apps can pick up at Newark, too.
Avoid anyone soliciting transportation. It is illegal and they may be uninsured. Check with a Port Authority Customer Care representative if you need any help. They’re wearing bright red blazers near a blue kiosk in the baggage area.
