How to Get from Newark Airport (EWR) to Manhattan & NYC

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the busiest airports serving New York City, located across the Hudson River in New Jersey. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, NYC commuter, business traveler, or family heading to Manhattan hotels, navigating the trip from EWR to New York City can feel overwhelming. With multiple transportation options—trains, AirTrain, buses, shuttles, taxis, rideshares, and private car services—each route offers different prices, travel times, and levels of convenience.

This complete guide explains the best, cheapest, and fastest ways to travel from Newark Airport to Manhattan. You’ll find step-by-step instructions for train routes, bus stops, shuttle options, taxi/Uber fares, and a detailed breakdown of why Ride Soho’s private airport transfer is the most convenient door-to-door solution for travellers who want comfort, reliability, and stress-free service.

Quick Answer — Best, Cheapest & Fastest Ways from Newark Airport to Manhattan (EWR → NYC)

Travelers choose different routes based on budget, luggage, schedule, and comfort preferences. Here’s the short version:

Cheapest Way:

AirTrain + NJ Transit to Penn Station
Cost: $15.25 (approx)
Time: 30–45 minutes
Best for: Budget travelers, light luggage, comfortable with transfers.

Fastest Way:

Taxi / Private Car Service (Ride Soho)
Cost: $85–$150+ depending on traffic
Time: 30–50 minutes
Best for: Business travelers, families, late-night arrivals, heavy luggage.

Most Convenient / Door-to-Door:

Ride Soho Private Airport Transfer
Cost: From $120 (flat-rate)
Time: 30–60 minutes
Best for: Comfort, reliability, meet-and-greet, luggage assistance.

Comparison Table: EWR to NYC Travel Options

Transportation Option	Cost	Avg Time	Best For	Pros	Cons
AirTrain + NJ Transit	$15–$20	30–45 min	Budget travelers	Fast, cheap	Requires transfers, stairs
Bus / Shuttle	$18–$30	45–70 min	Midtown travelers	Direct to hotels/areas	Can be slow in traffic
Taxi	$85–$120	30–50 min	First-timers	Direct, simple	Surge, tolls, traffic
Uber/Lyft	$70–$140	30–60 min	Flexible travelers	Easy via app	Surge pricing, wait times
Ride Soho Private Car Service	$120–$180	30–60 min	Families, business, VIP	Flat-rate, meet & greet, luxury	Higher cost

How Far Is Newark Airport from Manhattan & NYC?

Newark Airport sits in Newark, New Jersey—not in New York City. However, it’s closer to Manhattan than you might expect.

Distances:

• EWR → Midtown Manhattan (Times Square): ~17 miles
• EWR → Downtown Manhattan (World Trade Center): ~13–14 miles
• EWR → Upper Manhattan: ~22–25 miles

Travel Times (Realistic Range):

• Off-peak: 30–40 minutes
• Peak hours: 45–75 minutes
• Late night: 25–35 minutes

Weather, tunnel traffic (Holland & Lincoln), and accidents can shift travel times significantly. Travelers with early flights should always add extra time.

For maximum reliability, Ride Soho’s private airport transfer includes real-time route optimization, helping avoid delays.

Getting from Newark Airport to NYC by Train (AirTrain + NJ Transit)

Traveling by train is often the cheapest and a surprisingly quick way to reach Manhattan—especially during rush hour.

Step 1 — Take the AirTrain from EWR Terminals to Newark Liberty Airport Station

The AirTrain operates 24/7 and connects terminal A, B, and C with the Newark Liberty Airport Train Station.

How it works:

• Follow signs inside the airport for AirTrain / Rail Connections
• Board the AirTrain (automated monorail)
• Ride to Newark Liberty Airport Station
• Travel time: 5–10 minutes

AirTrain Notes:

• The AirTrain component is included in your NJ Transit train ticket.
• Travel with large luggage can be a bit tight during peak hours.

Step 2 — Transfer to NJ Transit to Reach New York Penn Station

At Newark Liberty Airport Station:

• Purchase an NJ Transit ticket to NY Penn Station (Midtown Manhattan)
• Trains run every 5–15 minutes
• Ride time: 25–30 minutes

Penn Station places you steps from:

• Times Square
• Herald Square
• Empire State Building
• Madison Square Garden

Good for:

• Budget travelers
• Visitors staying in Midtown
• Travelers who want a fast predictable route
• Light to medium luggage
  

Amtrak from EWR (Faster but Usually More Expensive)

Amtrak also stops at Newark Liberty Airport Station but:

• Tickets are significantly higher
• Trains run less frequently
• Time savings are minimal compared to NJ Transit

Use Amtrak only:

• If NJ Transit is heavily delayed
• If you prefer more spacious seating

From Penn Station to Your Final Destination

Penn Station connects you with:

• NYC subway lines (1, 2, 3, A, C, E, B, D, F, M)
• Taxis and Uber/Lyft zones
• Ride Soho private car pickup points
• Walking distance to hotels in Midtown

Train travel ends in Midtown—if you’re staying Downtown, Uptown, SoHo, Chelsea, or Brooklyn, expect another 10–25 minutes of travel after reaching Penn.

Newark Airport to Manhattan by Bus & Shared Shuttle

Bus travel offers a middle-ground solution for cost and convenience. It’s commonly chosen by tourists staying near Midtown East, Port Authority, or Grand Central Terminal.

Newark Airport Express Bus (Midtown Manhattan Route)

The Newark Airport Express runs every 15–30 minutes and connects EWR to Manhattan’s busiest hubs:

Stops Include:

• Port Authority Bus Terminal
• Bryant Park
• Grand Central Station

Travel Time:

45–70 minutes (heavily depends on traffic)

Cost:

$18–$22 one-way (approx)

Pros:

• Direct to Midtown tourist areas
• Easy for first-time visitors
• Doesn’t require train transfers

Cons:

• Slow during rush hour
• Limited space for luggage
• Weather-dependent delays

Shared Hotel Shuttles

Shared shuttles pick up travelers at each EWR terminal and drop them at specific hotels in Manhattan.

Pros:

• Hotel-to-door convenience
• Organized routes

Cons:

• Very slow due to multiple stops
• Hard with kids or lots of luggage

For families or anyone landing late at night, Ride Soho’s private transfer offers a safer, more predictable alternative.

Taxi, Uber & Lyft from Newark Airport to Manhattan

For many travelers, taxis and rideshare apps are the simplest choice—no transfers, no tickets, no walking.

Newark Airport Taxis (Official Yellow Cabs)

Newark Airport has an official taxi stand with regulated pricing. Unlike JFK, there is no flat rate to Manhattan.

Typical Costs:

• Base fare: $65–$75
• Tolls: $15–$20
• Airport surcharge: $5
• Tip: $10–$20
  Total: $85–$120+

Benefits:

• Easy, no pre-booking
• Good for quick departures

Downsides:

• Costs fluctuate
• Traffic may increase meters
• No guaranteed vehicle size
• No meet-and-greet

Ride Soho avoids all meter-based pricing and offers flat, transparent rates.

Uber & Lyft from Newark Airport

Uber and Lyft operate at EWR with designated pickup zones.

Estimated Pricing:

• Standard Uber/Lyft: $70–$120+
• XL/SUV: $120–$170+
• Surge pricing: +30–150% during peak times

Pros:

• App-based convenience
• Multiple car types

Cons:

• Surge pricing can be extreme
• Long wait times at peak hours
• Drivers may cancel
• No flight tracking
• No luggage assistance

Ride Soho eliminates all uncertainties with professional chauffeurs, tracked flights, and guaranteed pickups.

Ride Soho Private Car & Limo Service (Best Door-to-Door EWR to Manhattan Option)

Traveling from EWR to Manhattan should be stress-free, especially if you’re handling luggage, traveling with children, arriving late at night, or heading straight to a business meeting. Ride Soho provides luxury, professional, and reliable private airport transfers designed for travelers who want comfort and peace of mind.

Why Ride Soho Is the Most Convenient Option

Ride Soho offers an elevated travel experience compared to taxis or rideshares:

• Door-to-door drop-off anywhere in NYC
• Professional chauffeurs — background checked & trained
• Meet & Greet service inside terminals
• Luggage assistance
• Flight tracking for delays
• Guaranteed pickup, no cancellations
• Clean, luxury vehicles

Perfect for:

• Families with luggage
• Business travelers
• Corporate groups
• First-time visitors
• Night arrivals
• Bad weather days

Luxury Fleet Options (Sedan, SUV, Sprinter & Executive Cars)

Ride Soho offers premium vehicles tailored to different needs:

• Sedans (1–3 passengers)
• Luxury SUVs (1–6 passengers + luggage)
• Executive vans & Sprinters (groups)
• Black cars for VIP clients
• Corporate-class vehicles

Vehicles include:

• Climate control
• Leather interiors
• Spacious luggage capacity
• Charging ports
• Professional-grade cleanliness

Fixed-Rate Pricing with No Surges

Unlike taxi meters or Uber’s unpredictable surges, Ride Soho provides:

• Flat-rate pricing
• No hidden fees
• No toll surprises
• No surge multipliers
• Transparent quote before booking

Meet-and-Greet & Airport Assistance

Your chauffeur waits inside the terminal with a name sign. He helps:

• With luggage
• Guiding you to vehicle
• Handling large family baggage
• Navigating airport crowds

This alone makes Ride Soho the simplest and most comfortable option for travelers wanting a premium experience.

When a Private Transfer Is the Best Choice

Choose Ride Soho if:

• You want maximum comfort
• You’re traveling with kids or elderly passengers
• You have heavy luggage
• You’re flying in late at night
• You’re in NYC for business
• You want guaranteed pickup
• You don’t want to deal with trains, tickets, stairs, or transfers

How to Get from NYC/Manhattan to Newark Airport (EWR)

Going back to EWR from Manhattan requires more time awareness, especially during peak traffic.

Train + AirTrain (NYC → EWR)

From Penn Station, board:

• NJ Transit train → Newark Liberty Airport Station
• Transfer to AirTrain to reach your terminal

Travel time: 35–50 minutes
Great for: Light luggage, budget travelers.

Bus/Shuttle from Manhattan to EWR

Newark Airport Express runs from:

• Port Authority
• Bryant Park
• Grand Central Terminal

Travel time: 45–70 minutes

Taxi/Uber from Manhattan to Newark Airport

Expect:

• $85–$120 (tolls included)
• Traffic delays during rush hour

Ride Soho Private Car (Best for Early/Late Flights)

Ride Soho is the safest, most reliable choice for time-sensitive departures:

• Chauffeur arrives early
• Flat-rate guarantee
• Private vehicles
• No last-minute cancellations
• No carrying bags through stations

Ideal for:

• Early morning flights
• Red-eye flights
• Business travelers with tight schedules

Routes from EWR to Popular NYC Neighborhoods & Destinations

These mini-guides help long-tail searchers navigate directly to specific areas.

Newark Airport to Times Square / Midtown Manhattan

Distance: ~17 miles
Travel Time: 35–60 minutes

Best options:

• NJ Transit to Penn Station + subway/walk
• Taxi/Uber
• Ride Soho private transfer

Midtown is one of the most common drop-off points.

Newark Airport to Downtown Manhattan & World Trade Center

Distance: ~13–14 miles
Available routes:

• Path train from Newark Penn (optional)
• Taxi/Uber
• Private car

Ride Soho’s private transfer is best for those with luggage or connecting to cruise terminals.

Newark Airport to SoHo, Chinatown, LES

Train + subway works but includes multiple steps.
A private car simplifies door-to-door travel.

Newark Airport to Brooklyn

Brooklyn is further from EWR than Manhattan.

Travel time:

• 45–75 minutes (car)
• 60–90 minutes (train + subway)

Recommended:

• Ride Soho private car (fastest & easiest)

Newark Airport to Queens / Long Island City

Expect:

• 50–80 minutes (car)
• 1–2 hours (train + subway)

Best for:

• Business visitors heading to LIC
• Travelers staying at Queens hotels

Airport-to-Airport Transfers (EWR → JFK / LGA → EWR)

Connecting between NYC airports can be stressful. Here’s how each route works.

Newark Airport to JFK Airport

Options:

• NJ Transit → subway → AirTrain (complex)
• Taxi/Uber (slow during rush hour)
• Private car (Ride Soho recommended)

Travel Time:

• 60–95 minutes (with traffic variability)

Newark Airport to LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

No direct train routes exist.

Best options:

• Taxi/Uber
• Ride Soho private transfer

Travel Time:

• 40–75 minutes depending on traffic.

Ride Soho provides:

• Direct door-to-door transfers
• Professional chauffeurs
• Large vehicle options for luggage-heavy travelers

FAQs About Traveling Between Newark Airport & NYC