NYC to Newark Airport (EWR) by Train: AirTrain, NJ Transit, and PATH Compared
Getting from NYC to Newark Airport by train is usually faster and cheaper than a cab or rideshare—if you pick the right route. The main choices are AirTrain + NJ Transit, AirTrain + Amtrak, and PATH + NJ Transit or local bus, each with different trade-offs in time, cost, and effort. This guide breaks down every option step-by-step so you can plan confidently. You’ll see fares, travel times, transfers, and accessibility details, plus a side‑by‑side comparison and clear recommendations for different budgets and starting points.
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Best nyc to newark airport train option: quick comparison
For most travelers, the NYC to Newark Airport train sweet spot is NJ Transit + AirTrain from New York Penn Station. Here’s how the main rail options compare.
All fares are based on 2026 published prices: MTA base fare $3.00 with OMNY, NJ Transit off‑peak from NY Penn → Newark Airport Rail Station about $16–$18 one way including AirTrain, PATH base fare $2.90.
Main train routes to EWR
1. NJ Transit + AirTrain (from New York Penn Station)- Route: Subway → New York Penn Station → NJ Transit train → Newark Liberty International Airport Station → AirTrain to terminals
- Typical time: 40–55 minutes from Midtown (not counting wait at security)
- Cost (one way):
- NJ Transit (Penn → Newark Airport, including AirTrain): about $16–$18
- Total: roughly $19–$21
- Best for: Most travelers, especially from Midtown or Upper West Side
- Route: Direct Amtrak from NY Penn → Newark Liberty International Airport Station → AirTrain
- Typical time: 30–40 minutes from Midtown
- Cost: Often $30–$60+ one way (includes AirTrain)
- Best for: Travelers with Amtrak tickets already, or when time is more important than money
- Route: Subway → PATH (e.g., from World Trade Center or 33 St) → Newark Penn Station → NJ Transit to Newark Airport Rail Station → AirTrain
- Typical time: 55–75 minutes from Midtown or Lower Manhattan
- Cost:
- PATH: $2.90
- NJ Transit (Newark Penn → Newark Airport, including AirTrain): about $12–$14
- Total: roughly $18–$20
- Best for: Travelers starting near PATH (Jersey City, Hoboken, Lower Manhattan) who want to stay on rail
- Route: Subway → PATH → Newark Penn Station → NJ Transit Bus 62 to terminals
- Typical time: 70–90 minutes, traffic‑dependent
- Cost:
- PATH: $2.90
- NJ Transit Bus 62: about $1.60–$2.00 (with local bus fare)
- Total: around $7–$8
- Best for: Travelers on a tight budget who don’t mind extra time and a bus
Comparison table: time / cost / effort
| Route | Est. Time (from Midtown) | Est. Cost (one way) | Transfers | Effort Level* |
|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------|----------------------|----------|---------------|
| NJ Transit + AirTrain (NY Penn) | 40–55 min | $19–$21 | 2–3 | ★★☆☆ (low) |
| Amtrak + AirTrain (NY Penn) | 30–40 min | $30–$60+ | 2 | ★☆☆☆ (very low) |
| PATH + NJ Transit + AirTrain (Newark Penn)| 55–75 min | $18–$20 | 3–4 | ★★★☆ (medium) |
| PATH + Bus 62 (Newark Penn) | 70–90 min | $7–$8 | 3 | ★★★★ (high) |
\*Effort level considers transfers, crowding, and luggage‑friendliness.
Clear recommendation:- Default choice for most travelers: NJ Transit + AirTrain from New York Penn Station
- Fastest (if price doesn’t matter): Amtrak + AirTrain
- Cheapest rail‑heavy route: PATH + Bus 62 via Newark Penn
- Best from Lower Manhattan/Jersey City: PATH + NJ Transit + AirTrain
Before you go, always check service alerts for the subway, PATH, and NJ Transit, and use the site’s trip planner to confirm current schedules.
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How to take NJ Transit and AirTrain from Manhattan
This is the most popular nyc to newark airport train option, especially from Midtown and the Upper West Side.
Step 1: Get to New York Penn Station
You’re heading to New York Penn Station (34 St between 7th & 8th Ave), not Grand Central.
Common subway routes (all $3.00 with OMNY):
- From the Upper West Side (e.g., near 66 St-Lincoln Center)
- From the East Side
- From Brooklyn
OMNY is contactless: just tap your phone, smartwatch, or contactless card at the gate. MetroCard is fully retired as of January 2026.
Step 2: Buy your NJ Transit ticket to “Newark Airport”
Inside Penn Station, follow signs for NJ TRANSIT. Use a ticket machine or NJ Transit app and choose:
- From: New York Penn Station
- To: Newark Liberty International Airport
- Class: One‑way, off‑peak or peak (peak is weekday rush hours)
The ticket price includes the AirTrain segment from Newark Airport Rail Station to your terminal. Expect about $16–$18 one way in 2026, depending on fare category.
Step 3: Board NJ Transit to Newark Airport Rail Station
- Look at the departure boards for trains stopping at “Newark Liberty International Airport”.
- Common lines: Northeast Corridor (NEC) and North Jersey Coast Line (NJCL).
- Travel time: 25–30 minutes from New York Penn to Newark Airport Rail Station.
Trains run roughly every 15–30 minutes in the daytime, less frequently late nights. Seats are first‑come; with luggage, aim for off‑peak if you can.
Step 4: Transfer to AirTrain Newark
At Newark Liberty International Airport Station:
1. Follow signs for AirTrain.
2. Use your NJ Transit ticket at the fare gate (it validates your paid AirTrain access).
3. Board the AirTrain in the direction of your terminal (A, B, or C).
- AirTrain frequency: about every 3–5 minutes in daytime, 15 minutes late night.
- Travel time: 5–10 minutes to most terminals.
- New York Penn has elevators, but they can be crowded or occasionally out of service.
- Newark Airport Rail Station and AirTrain are elevator‑equipped and generally wheelchair‑accessible.
- If step‑free access is critical, allow extra time and check station accessibility via our fares and passes and accessibility info pages or the MTA site.
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Using PATH and NJ Transit from Lower Manhattan or Jersey City
If you’re starting in Lower Manhattan, Hoboken, or Jersey City, PATH can be more direct than going up to New York Penn.
Step 1: Subway or walk to PATH
Main PATH entry points from NYC:
- World Trade Center (for the Newark–World Trade Center line)
- 33 St PATH station (near Herald Square)
- Intermediate stops: Christopher St, 9 St, 14 St, 23 St
From neighborhoods:
- From Brooklyn (e.g., near Court Sq in Queens or Parkside Av in Brooklyn), you’ll usually take the subway into Manhattan and transfer to PATH at 14 St, 23 St, or 33 St.
Subway fare: $3.00 with OMNY. PATH fare: about $2.90 (paid via OMNY, SmartLink, or contactless bank card at PATH turnstiles).
Step 2: Take PATH to Newark Penn Station
You want a PATH train that goes to Newark:
- From World Trade Center: take the Newark–World Trade Center PATH line directly to Newark Penn Station.
- From 33 St or midtown PATH stops: take the Journal Square–33 St line, transfer at Journal Square to a train marked Newark.
PATH travel time:
- WTC → Newark Penn: about 22–25 minutes
- 33 St → Journal Square → Newark Penn: around 35–40 minutes
Step 3: NJ Transit from Newark Penn to Newark Airport
At Newark Penn Station, follow signs for NJ TRANSIT Rail.
Buy an NJ Transit ticket:
- From: Newark Penn Station
- To: Newark Liberty International Airport
- Cost: about $12–$14 one way (includes AirTrain)
Board any Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line train that stops at Newark Liberty International Airport Station. Travel time:
- Newark Penn → Newark Airport Rail Station: roughly 7–10 minutes.
Step 4: AirTrain to your terminal
Same process as from NY Penn:
- Use your NJ Transit ticket to enter AirTrain.
- Ride to Terminals A, B, or C (about 5–10 minutes).
- You’re near World Trade Center, the Financial District, or Jersey City.
- You want to stay on rail the whole way.
- You don’t mind an extra transfer vs. going from New York Penn.
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Cheapest train‑heavy route: PATH and Bus 62
If cost matters more than time, combining PATH with a local NJ Transit bus can significantly undercut the AirTrain/NJ Transit combo.
Step 1: PATH to Newark Penn Station
Follow the same instructions as above to reach Newark Penn Station via PATH:
- Subway → PATH (WTC or 33 St) → Newark Penn
- Total rail fare to Newark Penn: $3.00 (subway) + $2.90 (PATH) = $5.90
Step 2: NJ Transit Bus 62 to Newark Airport
From Newark Penn:
- Follow signs for the bus lanes outside the station.
- Look for NJ Transit Bus 62, which runs between Newark Penn Station and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Bus details (subject to NJ Transit schedule changes):
- Frequency: about every 15–30 minutes during the day, less late night.
- Travel time: 25–35 minutes, traffic‑dependent.
- Stops at Terminals A, B, and C.
Bus fare is typically a local NJ Transit bus fare, around $1.60–$2.00 one way (exact fare or contactless where accepted).
Total cost and time
- Subway + PATH + Bus 62:
- Time: 70–90 minutes from Midtown, longer from outer boroughs
Trade‑offs:- Pros: Cheapest way to get from NYC to Newark Airport using mostly trains.
- Cons: More crowded at peak times, bus can be delayed by traffic, less luggage‑friendly than NJ Transit + AirTrain. Accessibility is mixed; low‑floor buses help, but boarding with large luggage can be awkward.
This route is best if you:
- Have a lot of time and a tight budget.
- Are comfortable navigating multiple systems and transfers.
- Aren’t traveling during a snowstorm or major traffic event.
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Subway connections from different NYC neighborhoods
Your first leg is usually the subway to either New York Penn Station or PATH. Here’s how to connect from a few key areas and stations.
From the Upper West Side
If you’re near 66 St-Lincoln Center:
- Take the 1 train downtown to 34 St-Penn Station for NJ Transit + AirTrain.
- Travel time: about 10–12 minutes on the train, plus walking and waiting.
For PATH (less common from here):
- Take the 1/2/3 to 14 St or Christopher St–Sheridan Sq, then walk to nearby PATH stations (about 5–10 minutes on foot).
From the Bronx and northern Manhattan
From stations like 145 St or 138 St-Grand Concourse:
- Take the 4 or 5 downtown to 14 St-Union Sq, transfer to L to 8 Av, then walk or take the A/C/E one stop to 34 St-Penn Station.
- Or take the 1 (from 145 St on the 1 line) straight to 34 St-Penn Station.
Travel time: typically 30–45 minutes to Penn Station depending on origin.
From Queens and Brooklyn
From Court Sq in Queens:
- Take the E directly to 34 St-Penn Station (about 15–20 minutes).
From deep Brooklyn (e.g., near Parkside Av):
- Take the Q to Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr, then 2/3 to 34 St-Penn Station.
- Travel time: around 35–45 minutes.
Accessibility and luggage on the subway
- Not all stations are elevator‑equipped; plan around accessible stations if you have mobility needs.
- Avoid peak rush hours (roughly 7:30–9:30 a.m. and 4:30–7:00 p.m. weekdays) if you have large suitcases; trains are extremely crowded.
Always check service alerts before you leave, especially on weekends when lines like the Line A or Line 1 often have planned work.
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When Amtrak to Newark Airport makes sense
Amtrak is the premium version of the NY Penn → Newark Airport route. It uses the same Newark Liberty International Airport Station and AirTrain, but with fewer stops and higher fares.
Pros of Amtrak + AirTrain
- Faster and more comfortable:
- Reserved seats, more legroom, luggage racks.
- Seamless for through‑travel:
Cons of Amtrak + AirTrain
- Cost:
- AirTrain access is bundled in, but it’s still much more than NJ Transit.
- Less frequent than NJ Transit:
When to choose Amtrak
- You already have an Amtrak ticket that includes Newark Liberty International Airport.
- You value comfort and a slightly faster ride more than saving $10–$20.
- You’re traveling at a time when NJ Transit is especially crowded (Friday evenings, holiday weekends).
If you’re starting your trip in NYC itself and paying out of pocket, NJ Transit + AirTrain is usually the better value for the nyc to newark airport train route.
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Practical tips for taking the train to Newark Airport
- Buy your NJ Transit ticket before boarding; conductors charge a surcharge if you purchase on the train from most stations.
- On NJ Transit, keep your ticket handy all the way to AirTrain; you’ll need it to pass the fare gates at Newark Airport Rail Station.
- If you’re checking bags or flying internationally, aim to arrive at your terminal 2–2.5 hours before departure; work backward from that to choose your train.
- For very early flights (before 6 a.m.) or very late arrivals (after midnight), verify last/first train and AirTrain times in the trip planner.
- If there’s major disruption on NJ Transit or PATH in service alerts, consider alternate routes or, in rare cases, a shared ride to avoid missing your flight.
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FAQ: NYC to Newark Airport by train
How much does the train from NYC to Newark Airport cost?
Using NJ Transit + AirTrain from New York Penn Station, expect to pay:
- $3.00 for the NYC subway with OMNY to reach Penn Station
- About $16–$18 for a one‑way NJ Transit ticket from New York Penn to Newark Liberty International Airport, including AirTrain
So the total is roughly $19–$21 one way from most parts of Manhattan. From Lower Manhattan via PATH and NJ Transit, it’s usually $18–$20 including subway, PATH, and NJ Transit.
Is there a direct subway from NYC to Newark Airport?
No. The NYC subway (MTA) does not go directly to Newark Airport. You must transfer to NJ Transit, PATH, or a bus in New Jersey. The closest to “one‑seat” rail is NJ Transit or Amtrak from New York Penn Station to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, then AirTrain to your terminal.
How long does the train from Manhattan to Newark Airport take?
From Midtown Manhattan (near Penn Station):
- NJ Transit + AirTrain: about 40–55 minutes total, including subway to Penn, NJ Transit ride, and AirTrain.
- Amtrak + AirTrain: roughly 30–40 minutes total, slightly faster but more expensive.
From Lower Manhattan (via PATH + NJ Transit + AirTrain), plan on 55–75 minutes, depending on transfers and wait times.
Which is better for Newark Airport: NJ Transit or Amtrak?
For most people, NJ Transit is better:
- Cheaper: about $16–$18 from NY Penn (including AirTrain) vs. $30–$60+ for Amtrak.
- Frequent service on the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line.
Amtrak makes sense if you:
- Already have an Amtrak ticket to/from Newark Liberty International Airport.
- Prioritize comfort and a reserved seat.
- Are connecting from another Amtrak route and want a seamless trip.
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Conclusion: Choosing the right NYC–EWR train for you
Getting from NYC to Newark Airport by train is usually the smartest mix of speed and price. For most travelers, NJ Transit + AirTrain from New York Penn Station is the best balance: around 40–55 minutes and roughly $19–$21 total from Manhattan, with simple transfers and frequent trains. If you’re near PATH in Lower Manhattan or Jersey City, the PATH + NJ Transit + AirTrain combo works well, while budget‑focused travelers can stretch their dollars with PATH + Bus 62. Check service alerts, plug your trip into the trip planner, and pick the route that matches your time, budget, and starting neighborhood.