Getting from Newark to Times Square doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're landing at Newark Liberty International Airport or commuting from downtown Newark, you have several direct transit options to reach Midtown Manhattan in 30 to 50 minutes. The fastest route is typically the PATH train combined with the New York City Subway, while taking a taxi or driving offers door-to-door convenience at a much higher cost and with unpredictable traffic delays.
Understanding your choices before you leave saves both money and time. The journey spans roughly ten miles in a straight line across the Hudson River, but navigating regional transit systems requires knowing specific station stops, fare payment methods, and rush hour schedules. Let's break down every practical route, how much it costs, and which option fits your luggage and timeline.
Route 1: The PATH and Subway Combination (Fastest & Most Reliable)
For most travelers, the most efficient and cost-effective way to get from Newark to Times Square is by taking the PATH rail system combined with the NYC Subway.
First, make your way to Newark Penn Station, located at Raymond Plaza West. From here, board the PATH train heading to World Trade Center. Trains run frequently throughout the day, and the ride beneath the Hudson River takes about 20 minutes.
Once you arrive at the World Trade Center terminal in Lower Manhattan, follow signs for the subway. You'll enter the Fulton Street or Chambers Street subway complex. Swipe your MetroCard or use OMNY contactless payment at the turnstile, and board the uptown E train (running towards Jamaica Center). The E train takes you directly north up Eighth Avenue and stops right at 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal, putting you directly in the heart of Times Square without any above-ground traffic worries.
- Total travel time: 45 to 55 minutes.
- Cost: $2.75 for the PATH fare plus $2.90 for the subway fare.
- Payment: You can tap a contactless credit card or smartphone wallet for both systems, or use a MetroCard for the subway. Note that PATH and the NYC Subway require separate fare payments; free transfers do not apply between them.
Route 2: NJ Transit Train to New York Penn Station
If you are starting near Newark Penn Station or connecting from an airport shuttle, you can take a direct regional rail train operated by NJ Transit straight into Manhattan.
Board an NJ Transit Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line train at Newark Penn Station bound for New York Penn Station. The rail journey takes approximately 15 to 22 minutes, delivering you to the subterranean concourse of New York Penn Station located at 34th Street and 8th Avenue.
From Penn Station, you have two choices to reach Times Square:
- Walk: Head north up Eighth Avenue for about 10 to 12 blocks (roughly 10 minutes), passing through the bustling Garment District.
- Subway: Hop on the downtown or uptown 1, 2, or 3 trains, or the local A, C, or E trains, and ride a single stop north to 42nd Street-Times Square.
- Total travel time: 30 to 40 minutes.
- Cost: Around $5.25 to $6.00 one-way for the regional rail ticket, plus an optional $2.90 if you choose to take the subway one stop.
- Best for: Travelers who want a single seat across the river and don't mind walking a few blocks or navigating underground corridors.
Route 3: Driving, Taxis, and Ride-Sharing
Taking a car from Newark to Times Square offers total flexibility if you're carrying heavy luggage or traveling late at night when public transit schedules thin out. However, you must contend with notorious regional highway bottlenecks and Hudson River tunnel crossings.
The standard driving route takes you from Newark via US-1/9 North or Interstate 78 East toward the Holland Tunnel or the Lincoln Tunnel. Once you exit the tunnel on the Manhattan side, you will navigate local Midtown streets gridlocked with yellow cabs, delivery trucks, and pedestrians.
- Tolls: Crossing into Manhattan via the Holland or Lincoln tunnels incurs a toll, which exceeds $18 for passenger vehicles during peak hours using E-ZPass, with higher rates for toll-by-plate billing.
- Parking: Street parking in Times Square is virtually non-existent for non-commercial vehicles. Public parking garages in Midtown charge steep hourly or flat rates that easily run $50 to $70 for a few hours.
- Ride-Hailing: Ordering an Uber or Lyft from Newark to Times Square is straightforward via mobile apps, but dynamic surge pricing during rush hours or rainy weather can push fares past $75 to $100 before tip.
Traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
If your journey begins at Newark Liberty International Airport, you don't need to enter downtown Newark to reach Manhattan.
Follow signs inside your terminal for the AirTrain Newark, a monorail system that connects all three passenger terminals directly to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station. From this rail station, board an NJ Transit train heading north to New York Penn Station. The entire airport transfer to Midtown Manhattan takes roughly 35 minutes and costs approximately $15.50 total, which includes the AirTrain access fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Navigating metropolitan transit for the first time leads many travelers into predictable traps. Keep these pitfalls in mind to ensure a smooth trip:
- Assuming PATH accepts metro cards: While New York subways accept OMNY contactless tapping and MetroCards, PATH uses its own SmartLink card or standard contactless credit card taps at turnstiles. Make sure you have a valid card or device ready for each system.
- Underestimating rush hour traffic: Trying to take an Uber or taxi across the Lincoln or Holland tunnels between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM or 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM can easily turn a 30-minute drive into a grueling 90-minute standstill. Stick to the rails during peak commute windows.
- Getting confused by Penn Stations: Remember that Newark has Newark Penn Station in New Jersey, and New York City has New York Penn Station in Manhattan. They are two entirely different stations separated by a river. Double-check your ticket origins and destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Newark to Times Square?
The cheapest option is taking the PATH train from Newark Penn Station to World Trade Center ($2.75), walking or taking the subway uptown ($2.90), totaling around $5.65. NJ Transit commuter trains cost slightly more at roughly $5.25 to $6.00 for the rail ticket alone.
How long does the trip take during rush hour?
Using rail transit like the PATH or NJ Transit takes a consistent 35 to 50 minutes regardless of time of day. Driving or taking a rideshare can stretch anywhere from 45 minutes to well over an hour and a half depending on tunnel congestion.
Can I use my smartphone to pay for the trains?
Yes. Both the PATH train system and the NYC subway system accept contactless credit cards, debit cards, and smartphone mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) directly at the turnstiles. NJ Transit tickets can be purchased digitally through the official mobile app.
Is it safe to take the train late at night?
Both NJ Transit and PATH trains maintain a heavy security presence and run late into the night, carrying thousands of shift workers and late-night travelers. Standard urban situational awareness applies, especially when transferring stations during off-peak hours.
