5 Easy and Cheap Ways To Get From Newark Airport To Manhattan

Manhattan is one of the ideal places to visit if you’re planning to see everything New York City has to offer. As the heart of the Big Apple, however, it can be overwhelming to travel to Manhattan from Newark Airport, especially if it’s your first time. However, don’t let that discourage you from visiting this vibrant city.

If it’s your first time traveling, it’s natural to feel confused about your airport transfer options. Traveling to Manhattan from Newark Airport can also get very expensive. As such, the main thing you’ll want to avoid is spending a hefty amount of money just for transportation alone.

How Far is Newark Airport to Manhattan City?

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the airports servicing New York City, along with John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). It is about 17 miles from midtown Manhattan. While Laguardia is technically the closest airport to Manhattan, it isn’t the one guaranteed to bring your quicker transfer time to Manhattan.

Depending on the schedule of your arrival, the trip from Newark Airport to Manhattan can take around 30 minutes to more than 1 hour. Choosing the right means of transportation for your situation, travel style, and budget can make all the difference.

Photo by TouristSecrets

Ways to Get from Newark Airport to Manhattan City Centre

Here are the 5 easy and inexpensive ways to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan:

Via Ride-Hailing Apps

Photo from Charles Deluvio on Unsplash

Without a doubt, getting an Uber or Lyft is the most convenient and easiest option when you’re looking for ways to travel from Newark Airport to Manhattan. Regardless of where you’ll be staying in Manhattan, booking a trip through a ride-sharing app will guarantee you the quickest trip possible.

However, the date and time of your travel still determine how fast your journey will be. You should also consider that Manhattan is a highly dense population. Therefore, there will be lots of commuters during the weekdays. Depending on your scheduled arrival at Newark Airport, getting to your destination in Manhattan might be delayed due to heavy traffic along the road.

With ride-hailing apps, all you need to do is download the app, register for an account, and link your credit card with the app to enable cashless transactions. You should complete these before your flight, so you can just easily book a trip once you’re at the Newark Airport.

The best thing about booking an Uber or Lyft is that it keeps track of your transactions, and provides you a projected amount for the trip even before getting into your booked car. You can also pick the car of your choosing. The ride-hailing app and other customers also vet the drivers, so you’re sure to get good service when booking a ride. Forgot something in the car? Your ride is easier to track down if you accidentally leave a bag on your Uber or Lyft because you already have a record of their names and car details.

How Much Is Uber or Lyft from Newark Airport to Manhattan?

• Estimated Price for Economy Uber & Lyft Ride: Single journey ($50-$60) excluding toll charges and surcharges. 
• Estimated Travel Time: 40 minutes off-peak hours 

In terms of costing, price estimates for Uber and Lyft are almost similar. In fact, they’re even cheaper compared to taxis at certain times of the day. Since the apps enforce fixed rates, you won’t get ripped off by the driver. A single journey fare from Newark Airport to Manhattan starts at $50 on Lyft and $60 on Uber.

Via Taxi Rides

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Hailing a taxi is one of the most convenient methods to travel from Newark Airport to Manhattan. Of course, riding a cab comes with a price. Since they are just waiting for passengers at every terminal in Newark Airport, all you have to do is claim your luggage and queue at the waiting areas for taxis.

How Much Is a Taxi from Newark Airport to Manhattan?

Opting for a taxi service is the most expensive option on our list. Depending on your destination, a single journey metered taxi rate starts at $50. Of course, the longer your journey is, the higher your taxi fare will be. Prices for uptown locations can also go as high as $70, excluding miscellaneous fees. Aside from the base fee and metered fare, you will also have to pay for toll fees and surcharge rates. An additional 10% to 20% of the metered rate is also expected for the driver’s tip.

Overall, you will definitely have to pay a hefty fee if you’re taking a taxi. The rate gets even higher if you’re stuck in traffic. If you’re a frugal traveler, you should perhaps consider cheaper alternatives for your Newark Airport transfer.

Via Go Airlink NYC

Photo from Go Airlink NYC’s Facebook page

If you prefer the convenience of a door-to-door drop-off but not the exorbitant fees, then take the shuttle service. Go Airlink NYC is a shuttle service company authorized by New York and New Jersey Port Authority. It has garnered a reputation as the most reliable airport shuttle service to and from NYC accommodations. Though there are some isolated incidents where drivers fail to show up for confirmed bookings, with Go Airlink NYC, you’ll be assured that you won’t run through this trouble.

If you are open to meet new people along the way, sharing a ride with other travelers from Go Airlink NYC is an ideal option. Not only is this option budget-friendly, but it is also eco-friendly since you’ll be sharing the ride with other commuters instead of just taking a private taxi or Uber.

The downside of shuttle services is the length of your travel time. Since you’re sharing the ride with other people bound for different destinations, you can’t estimate your arrival time. Go Airlink NYC is a good choice for your airport transfer only if you have the luxury of time.

How Much Is a Shuttle from Newark Airport to Manhattan?

With Go Airlink NYC’s shuttle service, you can book your transportation in advance. Depending on the type of vehicle you choose, a ride-sharing shuttle starts at $26 per person. If you are traveling with larger groups or with families, the shuttle service company also offers vehicles that can accommodate 3, 7, 11, and 14 passengers per vehicle. For bookings, you can visit Go Airlink NYC’s official website.

Via AirTrain and NJ Transit Trains

Photo by Saul Mercado on Unsplash

Taking the AirTrain together with the New Jersey Transit trains is the cheapest way to get to Manhattan from Newark Airport. However, like any other mode of transportation, it comes with some drawbacks. If you only have backpacks with, then this is an ideal choice. It’s a different story when you’re traveling with children and oversized suitcases. Boarding the AirTrain is also quite tricky.

Guide on Taking The AirTrain and NJ Transit

Here is a step-by-step guide for your trip to Manhattan from Newark Airport via the AirTrain:

• The trip from Newark Airport to Manhattan begins with the AirTrain. The Airtrain is available from Terminals A, B, and C of the Newark Airport. The AirTrain arrives and departs every 3 minutes from 5:00 AM to 12:00 MN, and every 15 minutes from midnight to 5:00 AM.
• From your terminal at the Newark Airport, follow the signs to the AirTrain. You can buy tickets for the AirTrain on the orange and blue NJ Transit ticket machines right by the AirTrain entrance. If you’re also taking the train for your return trip, you can already buy the round trip ticket then. The tickets you purchase are for a complete journey on both the AirTrain and the NJ Transit train. Buy a ticket bound for the New York Penn Station, not the Newark Penn Station. A ticket should cost you $15.25.
• Head to the platforms and board the train going to the Newark Liberty International Airport AirTrain station. The travel time to New York Penn Station depends on the terminal where you boarded. Trains departing Terminal A takes 11 minutes to reach your destination. Terminal B only takes 9 minutes, while Terminal C takes 7 minutes.
• At the Newark Liberty International Airport Station, disembark from the AirTrain and catch the connecting NJ Transit train bound for New York Penn Station. The signs and screens around the platform should help you identify if you’re in the right place. The ride to New York Penn station from the Newark Liberty International Airport Station should be around 30 minutes.
• Upon your arrival at New York Penn Station, you can take a cab or walk to your destination in Manhattan.

How Much Is the train from Newark Airport to Manhattan?

As of this writing, the NJ TRANSIT train ticket costs $15.25 for a single journey ticket. Senior citizens, children aged 5 to 11, persons with disabilities, and military personnel get a discounted rate of $11.25. Travelers can opt for the train mobile tickets in advance to skip the queue.

Via Bus Ride (Most Cost-Saving)

Photo from Newark Airport Express’ Facebook page

Another cheap way to travel from Newark Airport to Manhattan is through the Newark Airport Express. It’s more economical than booking an Uber or hailing a cab. While it may not be the fastest option, it’s still a convenient way to travel to Manhattan from Newark Airport. The Newark Airport Express bus has three stops: Port Authority Bus Terminal, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal.

How Much Is the Bus from Newark Airport to Manhattan?

• Newark Airport Express single journey ticket: $18.50 per person.
• Newark Airport Express bus round-trip 2 or 3 days passes price: $36 and $54 per person.

For a regular-priced single journey ticket, the journey from Newark Airport to Manhattan via Newark Airport Express costs $18.50. Discounted bus tickets are available for military personnel, children aged 5 to 10 years old, students aged 12 to 16, persons with disabilities, and seniors aged 62 years old and above. With Newark Airport Express buses, you can also purchase roundtrip tickets, 2-day passes, and 3-day passes. For more transit discounted prices, please refer here. 

Bottomline

With relevant and up-to-date information, planning out your transfer from Newark Airport to Manhattan would be easy and hassle-free. Whether you’re taking a bus, taxi, shuttle, Uber, Lyft, or AirTrain, the best method for traveling between these two locations all depends on your schedule, travel style, and budget.