Newark to Penn Station

[blaxx]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 4:12pm

First time I do this route and I want to take NJ Transit, as I hear it's the best way.

I know it must be simple, but not a fan of taking trains. I read that I need to take the AirTrain, then transfer to either Amtrak or NJ Transit, are trains clearly labeled as one or the other?

I assume Amtrak is more expensive than NJ Transit, but I wonder if anyone knows if this the best route to get to Manhattan from Newark.

Thanks!

Updated On: 5/9/10 at 04:12 PM

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 4:20pm

You actually have 3 rail options. Yes, you will need to begin with the shuttle from the airport to Newark Station. Then, either change to the Path train (least expensive option); or NJ Transit train; or Amtrak (most expensive option and really not necessary). The trains are very clearly marked. Plus their are verbal and written announcements regarding trains.

If you're leery of taking a train, I believe there are buses from the airport to Port Authority.

Hope this helps.

Updated On: 5/9/10 at 04:20 PM

[blaxx]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 4:25pm

First I hear of the path train, Dottie, thanks - will check it out.

I didn't want to take the bus in fears of being stuck in traffic.

[Taryn]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 4:27pm

NJ Transit goes right into Penn Station. I think PATH goes somewhere farther downtown? I always took NJ Transit when I lived outside of Newark.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 4:32pm

The Path goes to 33rd Street, but not directly from Newark (requires changing trains). NJ Transit is your best option, Blaxx.

[blaxx]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 4:33pm

I was talking about Newark's Airport, and I think PATH only leaves from Newark Penn Station, so I guess it's NJ Transit for me.

Do you buy the tickets in advance or do you pay the man inside the train? It's been over 10 years since I do one of these rides.

I used to just go on board and pay the man who either collects the tickets or just sells them to you, but don't know if that has changed.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 4:59pm

You can buy them from a machine outside OR if there's not enough time for that, just hop on the train and you can pay in cash. It might be a few dollars more expensive if you buy inside.

There will also be two options: Peak and Off-Peak. Research in advance which hours represent Peak so that you'll know which ticket to buy. Off-Peak is cheaper, but only available during certain hours of the day.

[blaxx]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 5:00pm

Thanks everyone!

[Calvin]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 6:34pm

At Newark Airport, you have to buy the tickets from the machine -- you can't get to the train without them. There's a little gate you have to go through after you ride the Airtrain, and you have to stick your ticket in it to get through. (be sure to hold onto your ticket afterward, as you'll still need it on the train)

That said, it's very clearly marked. Just follow the signs from baggage claim to the Airtrain, ride it to the station and the machines are right there. Trains come pretty frequently, unless it's late at night.

Also, peak and off-peak don't matter from Newark Airport. It's always $15 one way.

(actually, NJ Transit is about to do away with off-peak altogether, but that's a different story)

There also are shuttles to Port Authority from Newark Airport. I've never taken them, but they're only $12 each way. But don't do it if you're coming in at rush hour, as traffic will be terrible.

[blaxx]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 6:58pm

Very helpful, Calvin, thank you too.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 5/9/10 at 9:33pm

NJ Transit actually got rid of the off peak round trip option because of their budget last week. And, it is better to buy your tickets from the vending machines or a booth with a real person if you can because there is a $5 surcharge aboard the train, if those are available for your use.