Guide · Updated September 2026
Newark Airport to Manhattan: every option compared
Newark Liberty sits about 16 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Here is every way to make the trip, what each one costs, how long it takes and which one fits your trip.
Newark Airport to Manhattan at a glance
| Option | Typical cost | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| AirTrain + NJ Transit to Penn Station | About $16 one way | 30–40 min |
| AirTrain + Amtrak to Penn Station | About $25–$60+ | 20–30 min |
| Newark Airport Express bus | About $19 one way | 45–90 min |
| Taxi | About $50–$80+, plus tolls | 40–90+ min |
| Uber or Lyft | About $40–$100+, surges at busy times | 40–90+ min |
| Prestige Transport car service | From $250, tolls included | 40–90+ min, door to door |
Transit, taxi and rideshare figures are typical published estimates at the time of writing and change often. Check the operator before you travel.
How to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan by train
Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, then an NJ Transit or Amtrak train to Penn Station New York. It is the cheapest reliable option and avoids tunnel traffic, but you carry your bags through two stations and may need a subway or taxi from Penn Station to your hotel.
By bus
The Newark Airport Express bus runs to Midtown stops including Port Authority Bus Terminal, Bryant Park and Grand Central. It is a single seat with room for luggage, but it sits in the same tunnel traffic as a car.
By taxi or rideshare
Taxis and rideshares go door to door. Prices depend on traffic, surge and tolls for the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, so the final number is hard to predict at peak times.
By car service
A booked car service is the only option with a chauffeur waiting for you, a set price before you land and room for up to 6 passengers with luggage. Our Newark Airport to Manhattan rate starts at $250, tolls included, and we time pickup to your scheduled landing. After a 10-minute grace period, flight delays are billed at $65 per hour.
How far is Newark Airport from New York City?
About 16 miles to Midtown. Drive time is roughly 40 minutes with light traffic and can run past 90 minutes at rush hour or when a tunnel backs up.
Which option should you pick?
- Solo, light bag, not in a hurry: the train
- Family, group or heavy luggage: a car service, where one fare covers everyone
- Business travel or a late arrival: a car service, with a chauffeur waiting and a set price
Going the other way? We also drive Manhattan to New Jersey, and North Jersey to Newark Airport for $160. Check your terminal in our Newark Airport terminal guide.
FAQ
Quick answers
How do I get from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
Take the AirTrain and an NJ Transit or Amtrak train to Penn Station, the Newark Airport Express bus, a taxi or rideshare, or a pre-booked car service. Prestige Transport's car service from Newark Airport to Manhattan starts at $250, tolls included.
What is the cheapest way from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
The AirTrain plus NJ Transit to Penn Station is usually the lowest-cost option, at about $16 one way at the time of writing.
How far is Newark Airport from Manhattan?
About 16 miles to Midtown, roughly 40 minutes by car in light traffic and 90 minutes or more at rush hour.
How much is a car service from Newark Airport to Manhattan?
Prestige Transport's Newark Airport to Manhattan car service starts at $250, tolls included.
How do I get from Newark Airport to Times Square?
By train, ride the AirTrain and NJ Transit to Penn Station, about a 10-minute walk or short subway ride from Times Square. By car service, your chauffeur drives you to your hotel door.
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