Airtrain from Newark to Manhattan?

[DAME]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 8:22pm

It has been a while since I flew into Newark. Is this still the best transportation from there to Manhattan? I found their website but I am a little confused. You take a tram from the airport to a station. From there .. it says their are two options. Amtrack or NJ. Which is easier and cheaper? Do I buy my ticket on the train or is there a machine? Is it dangerous at night? Any help would be appreciated.

[Addison D.]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 8:36pm

When are you flying? The AirTrain is off-line until mid-July. They have buses running, but I don't know where/how you buy tix or get the bus.

Once you get to the Newark/Liberty stop, The NJ transit trains into NYC Penn Station are easy. It's the 'Northeast Corridor' line--it's red. Quite safe. Machines and live ticket vendors in the station.

If you're coming in after 7PM, though, car service is fast and easy--you'll be in mid-town in 30 mins. Tel Aviv: 212.777.7777

[ArtMan]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 8:38pm

There is a shuttle from Newark Airport that goes to the Port Authority. The cost is about the same as Air Train/Train. No hassle of getting off Air train and catching Train. Of course train goes to Penn Station, if that is your closer destination. Shuttle can be just as quick or with traffic, slow. You buy the ticket together when getting Air Train. There are machines there to buy it. Never took it at night, but I am sure it is safe. In June, as in all my trips, I walked back from Chelsea to my hotel in Times Square at 1:00 a.m. As always, no hassles.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:04pm

I am going next week. So the train won't be running till July? Are you sure it isn't the train from JFK that isn't running? Their web site doesn't say anything.

Updated On: 6/18/14 at 09:04 PM

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:11pm

' It's the 'Northeast Corridor' line--it's red'

Are you sure you don't mean the North Jersey Coast line? I didn't know the Northeast Corridor made those stops. The one that starts at Penn Station, stops at Seacaucus, Newark, elizabeth, Linden, Rahway, Woodbridge, Perth Amboy, south Amboy, Matawan, Hazlet, Middletown, Red Bank, little Silver, Monmouth Park, and then ends at Long Branch is the one I ride-North Jersey Coast Line. Do you mean a different line?

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:15pm

Dame, Airport station where you would normally exit NJ Transit and get right on a tram to the airport is out of service right now. The NJ Transit train doesn't even stop there currently. They advise you to get off the train at Newark Penn Station and take some bus or something that is there.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:43pm

Both the North Jersey Coast Line and the Northeast Corridor Line stop at EWR

[Platypus]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:49pm

It's definitely the train from Newark and it does say on the website: http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-airtrain-suspension.html

So the shuttle bus from Newark to New Jersey Penn Station does add an extra step.

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:53pm

thanks Broadway, I didn't know that.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:55pm

Ok. Well.. I think I am going to do a Supershuttle. It is only $23.00 and that way I feel safer and don't have to stress. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.


Darn.. I bought my ticket to Newark because I remember that train as being convenient. But it has been so many years since I have flown to that airport. I am glad I asked you guys.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:57pm

Good choice. Adding another form of transportation is always stressful when traveling. I used to hate traveling from DC to NY by bus and train and having to figure out which bus and train times back to NJ matched my schedule.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:57pm

Good choice. Adding another form of transportation is always stressful when traveling. I used to hate traveling from DC to NY by bus and train and having to figure out which bus and train times back to NJ matched my schedule.

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 9:59pm

"The Airport Rail Station that links to New Jersey Transit and Amtrak trains along the Northeast Corridor Rail Line is closed"

I copied this from their website. How interesting that they don't mention the North Jersey Coast Line. I've been taking that train every weekend in the summer for 20 years. It always stopped at EWR. Now that the tram isn't running, they make an announcement on the train. I don't know why they don't mention that line.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 10:20pm

I might regret having to wait on a van and then making other stops... but the alternative would be expensive. I wonder what the average for a cab from the airport to the midtown Manhattan would be?

[arapp721]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 10:47pm

Or you can always go from Newark Penn Station to the airport. Might not cost as much. Newark Penn Station is relatively safe, as soon as you walk out there's usually taxis waiting or around. It's not like you have to wander too far away from the station to find one. I've personally never had a problem in that station. You just have to be mindful of your surroundings.

[JerseyGirl2]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 1:14am

As it has been a while, I may be mistaken, but a cab from EWR to Midtown is usually around $75 with tip and tolls.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 4:17am

^That's about what I paid for a cab ride from midtown east last year.

What's on the agenda, DAME??

[ArtMan]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 7:18am

The Newark Airport Express goes from the airport to Port Authority, Grand Central and Bryant Park. The only additional stops it makes is to pick up people at other terminals. If you are on the last terminal stop, then there will be no other stop until Port Authority. Also google sometimes you can find a $2 off coupon to use. Or depending on your airline, in their book on the plane sometimes there is a coupon to use. I have used this shuttle many times. Once you purchase your ticket, you walk outside around the corner to catch the bus. Just make sure you get on correct one. Buses ran usually on the half hour. IF YOU DO USE THIS SHUTTLE, UNLESS THINGS HAVE CHANGED, THE SHUTTLE BACK TO NEWARK YOU PICK UP IN A DIFFERENT SPOT AT PORT AUTHORITY. MAKE SURE YOU ASK DRIVER WHERE YOU PICK UP SHUTTLE ON YOUR RETURN TRIP.
The shuttle, I believe you did a search on is a shared van. This will make several stops, including hotels. Updated On: 6/19/14 at 07:18 AM

[DAME]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 10:36am

@Horse Going for a wedding in a few weeks.

@Artman The Newark airport express sounds like another great option. If I do that should I take it to Port Authority or Grand Central? My ultimate destination is the upper west side.

Updated On: 6/19/14 at 10:36 AM

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 10:41am

I always take the Newark Airport Express Bus. I take it from Port Authority to the airport. The sign says it runs every 20 minutes. There's never a long wait. I'm a senior, so it's only $16 round trip. double for you. It's cheap, dependable, and quick.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 10:58am

The reviews on Yelp are pretty bad for this bus service.

Updated On: 6/19/14 at 10:58 AM

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 11:11am

^ wow, I can't imagine why. It's the only way I will go. For many years! Door to door service. OH well, you know what they say about yelp though.

[DAME]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 11:20am

Yeah. The biggest complain is the schedule. That the advertised times are wrong and you end up waiting a while. That the buses at the airport come full. I arrive around 11 pm after a long flight. So I am trying to minimize any drama and get to the city quickly. This train not working has really thrown a wrench in my plans.

Updated On: 6/19/14 at 11:20 AM

[Jane2]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 11:35am

ok, well, it depends on who you talk to. All I can say is in my experience, the bus is always already there when I get to Port Authority, or it arrives in a few minutes. It's never been full, and it usually takes around 25-30 minutes. I never had a bad experience, but of course, others have.

Have a good trip!

[Addison D.]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 11:42am

Hey--I'm back with just a little more bad news. They are working on the 'Pulaski Skyway'--one of the major connectors on the north-bound route from Jersey into NYC, and it has rippled through all surface transportation in that direction. I came home from Philadelphia late on a Thursday evening 2 weeks ago, and it was a mess.

I would encourage you to get yourself to Newark Penn Station--either on the shuttle bus that is pinch-hitting for the Air Train, or just get a cab--and then take the train into the city.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could even take the PATH train--the commuter subway--from Newark Penn. It will take you to Herald Square, and you can hop on the 1/9 subway from there. NB--if you take the PATH train, you have to transfer or you will end up at the World Trade Center.


ETA: The PATH is only $2.50.









PATH system

Updated On: 6/19/14 at 11:42 AM