Landing at Newark Liberty International Airport and heading straight to the neon lights of Midtown means navigating a few distinct transport links across state lines. The primary search intent for travelers looking up this route is finding the fastest, most cost-effective, or least stressful way from the terminals to Midtown Manhattan without getting trapped in airport traffic or overpaying for private cars.
The fastest public transit route is taking the AirTrain Newark directly to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, boarding an NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station, and then transferring to the subway or walking up to Times Square. Total travel time usually runs between 35 and 50 minutes, depending on rail connections. Alternatively, booking a taxi or rideshare offers door-to-door convenience, but cross-river tunnel congestion during peak hours can easily stretch that ride past an hour.
Public Transit Options
Taking the train remains the most reliable method because it bypasses the Lincoln and Holland Tunnel traffic bottlenecks entirely.
NJ Transit and AirTrain
Every terminal at EWR connects to the AirTrain system, which runs 24/7 and links directly to the Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast Line trains at the airport rail station.
- Board the AirTrain from your terminal to Newark Liberty International Airport Station.
- Purchase a combined ticket to New York Penn Station at the station kiosks or via the NJ Transit Mobile App.
- Ride the NJ Transit train north to New York Penn Station (located at 34th Street and 8th Avenue).
- From Penn Station, either walk roughly 15 blocks north to Times Square or hop on the uptown 1, 2, or 3 subway train for a single stop to 42nd Street.
Newark Airport Express Bus
Coach USA operates the Newark Airport Express bus, which connects all three EWR terminals directly to midtown Manhattan.
- Buses run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the time of day.
- Drop-off points in Manhattan include Port Authority Bus Terminal, Bryant Park, and Grand Central Terminal.
- Tickets can be bought online or directly from the driver, and travel time varies heavily based on highway traffic, usually taking anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes.
Taxis, Rideshares, and Private Cars
Road transport makes sense if you are traveling with heavy luggage, a large family, or arriving late at night when train frequencies drop.
Taxis and App-Based Rides
Official airport taxis queue outside the arrival area of every terminal. Fares to Manhattan are typically metered or flat-rate zone-based, plus tolls and tips. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft pick up from designated zones (usually the upper departures level or specific app-designated parking structures depending on the terminal). Expect total costs ranging from sixty to over one hundred dollars before tips, depending entirely on surge pricing and Holland or Lincoln Tunnel traffic delays.
Common Transit Mistakes
- Relying on cash for the AirTrain: The AirTrain requires a ticket to exit or enter the rail station platform. Buying tickets beforehand or using contactless payment saves you from scrambling for exact change.
- Confusing Newark Penn Station with New York Penn Station: Make sure your train ticket reads New York Penn Station (NYP) rather than Newark Penn Station (NWK), which is still in New Jersey.
- Underestimating tunnel traffic: Taking an Uber during Friday afternoon rush hour can trap you in standstill traffic for well over an hour before you even cross the Hudson River.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to take the train from EWR to Times Square?
A combined AirTrain and NJ Transit rail ticket from the airport to New York Penn Station costs around fifteen dollars total per adult.
Is there a direct subway connection from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
No, the New York City subway system does not extend into New Jersey. You must use NJ Transit or Amtrak trains, or take a bus, taxi, or rideshare across the state line.
What is the absolute fastest way to get to Times Square from EWR?
The AirTrain combined with an NJ Transit Northeast Corridor train to New York Penn Station is consistently the fastest route, taking roughly 40 minutes gate-to-station regardless of highway traffic jams.
Where do I catch rideshares like Uber at Newark Airport?
Pickup zones vary by terminal. Follow the terminal signs pointing toward Ground Transportation or App-Based Rides to find the designated pick-up areas on the upper or lower levels.
