Getting from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Times Square doesn't have to be a guessing game of inflated fares and missed connections. The distance spans roughly 15 miles across state lines from New Jersey into Midtown Manhattan. Travel time ranges from 35 minutes in a car to 60 minutes via rail, depending heavily on the time of day and traffic through the Lincoln Tunnel.
Choosing the right option depends on your luggage weight, budget, and arrival time. Public transit options offer predictable pricing, while cars and rideshares provide door-to-door convenience at a higher cost.
The Train: Fastest Public Transit Route
Taking the train is the most reliable way to bypass Manhattan traffic snarls. You'll combine the airport transit link with regional rail operated by NJ Transit.
First, board the AirTrain from your terminal to the Newark Airport Railroad Station. The AirTrain runs 24/7 and takes about 5 minutes. From the station, buy an NJ Transit ticket to New York Penn Station. Trains depart frequently, and the ride into Manhattan takes approximately 26 minutes.
Once you arrive at New York Penn Station located at 34th Street and 8th Avenue, you have two choices for reaching Times Square:
- Walk north for about 10 to 12 blocks (roughly 15 minutes).
- Transfer downstairs to the NYC Subway (uptown 1, 2, or 3 trains) and ride one stop to 42nd Street-Times Square.
Total cost sits around $22 to $29 total per person, factoring in the AirTrain and NJ Transit connection. This path protects you from the unpredictable delays of trans-Hudson highway tunnels.
The Express Bus: Direct to Port Authority
If you want a direct ride without navigating train platforms, the Newark Airport Express bus is a solid alternative.
The bus picks up passengers outside the arrivals levels at Terminals A, B, and C and drops off directly at the Port Authority Bus Terminal on 42nd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues—just one block west of Times Square.
Buses run every 30 minutes daily. The trip usually takes between 45 and 60 minutes, though rush hour traffic can stretch that closer to 80 minutes. Tickets cost around $25 one-way. It's a comfortable ride with luggage storage underneath, making it ideal if you're staying at a hotel immediately adjacent to the Times Square theater district.
Taxis and Rideshares: Door-to-Door Convenience
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft offer direct door-to-door service from the EWR terminal curb straight to your Manhattan hotel lobby.
Traditional yellow cabs are readily available outside each terminal. Taxis heading from Newark Airport into Manhattan operate on standard metered rates plus tolls and tips, which typically brings the total to between $90 and $110 depending on destination exactness and tunnel congestion.
Rideshares use designated pickup zones outside baggage claim. Pricing fluctuates based on demand surges, late-night hours, and weekend traffic. Expect fares to start around $70 and easily cross $100 during peak commuting hours. While expensive, this route makes sense if you're traveling with a group of three or four people who can split the fare, or if you're traveling with heavy bags.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Travelers frequently run into a few common pitfalls when making this transit run:
- Confusing Newark Penn Station with New York Penn Station: Don't get off the train early in New Jersey. You need to cross the river into Manhattan's Penn Station.
- Ignoring rush hour gridlock: Taking a taxi or rideshare between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM on weekdays turns a quick drive into a frustrating parking-lot experience inside the Lincoln Tunnel.
- Failing to check AirTrain status: Scheduled maintenance occasionally replaces portions of the AirTrain route with temporary shuttle buses, which adds extra time to your rail journey. Always check official transit alerts before landing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute cheapest way to get from Newark Airport to Times Square?
Combining the AirTrain, NJ Transit, and a local subway or walking from Penn Station is the cheapest route, totaling roughly $22. Driving your own car or renting one is cheaper on paper, but exorbitant Manhattan parking fees quickly erase those savings.
How late do the trains and buses run?
The AirTrain and NJ Transit regional trains run around the clock, though overnight departures have lower frequencies (sometimes hourly rather than every 20 minutes). The Newark Airport Express bus operates daily from early morning until late evening, covering most major flight arrivals.
Is it better to fly into Newark (EWR) or JFK if my destination is Times Square?
Newark is often geographically closer and faster to reach via train than JFK, especially if you are coming from western hubs. However, JFK offers direct subway access via the A train or Long Island Rail Road, whereas Newark requires a multi-step transfer via the AirTrain and NJ Transit.
Do I need to buy train tickets in advance?
No, you don't need to purchase NJ Transit or AirTrain tickets ahead of time. You can buy them at terminal kiosk machines using credit cards or mobile apps right before you board.
