How to Get to Newark Airport

By Emily Zemler; Updated August 11, 2017

Transportation options to make your travel stress-free

How to Get to Newark Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the three major airports servicing the New York City area. There are several ways to get to the airport, which is located in Newark, N.J., along the New Jersey Turnpike, for your flight.

Public transportation

Take NJ Transit, PATH or Amtrak trains from New Jersey or New York, and connect to Newark via its AirTrain Newark system. When coming from Manhattan, it's best to book one of the many NJ Transit trains from Penn Station to Newark Liberty International Airport Station and then transfer to the airport via AirTrain, which takes less than 15 minutes to arrive at the terminals. The AirTrain ticket costs an additional $5.50. Purchase tickets for the AirTrain at ticket machines or ticket offices in the station. The AirTrain runs every three minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight and every 15 minutes between midnight and 5 a.m. On Sundays, it runs every 15 minutes from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. The AirTrain runs year-round, regardless of weather.

Taxi or car service

A taxi or car service is a good option if you have a lot of luggage (although taxis can charge you a surplus for oversized bags). Book a car service in advance, or hail a taxi outside the hotel, leaving plenty of time for traffic or weather considerations. The average taxi fare from Midtown Manhattan to the airport is $55, which does not include a customary tip. Several private car services offer fixed-rate fares to the airport and can be booked in advance via phone. A list of recommended car services is available on the Newark Liberty International Airport website.

Ride-hailing services

Use Lyft's or Uber's smartphone apps to request a car to Newark from any location in New York City. Choose from the service level you desire. For example, Uber offers several options, including its budget-friendly communal uberPOOL, where you share the car with other passengers, to the standard uberX, depending on your needs. An uberX from the Times Square area in Manhattan to Newark Liberty International Airport averages $43 and includes tip.

Private car

Newark Liberty International Airport is located on the New Jersey Turnpike, a highway that is accessible from most parts of the New York City area. Whether returning a rental car or getting a ride from a friend or relative, it's a good option to drive to the airport. Be mindful of traffic, particularly during morning and evening rush hours, and always allot extra time if it's snowy or icy. Run the trip through an app like Google Maps to determine your best route to the airport.

About the Author

Emily Zemler