How to get from EWR Airport to Manhattan or New York City Centre
Newark Liberty Airport is the oldest airfield in the United States. If you've just landed here and wish to travel to Midtown Manhattan in NYC, you can either take a taxi, a private shuttle, a train or a bus. The quickest option is, of course, by taking a Newark Airport taxi or private shuttle. Taxis are metered from the airport and the journey will take around 30 minutes, in normal traffic, or, if you prefer to take a private shuttle you can book one in advance. If you take the train, it will involve a few more transfers. Finally, there is an express bus option from the airport, which takes just over an hour and drops you off in the heart of Manhattan.
Comparison of the options
How to get from EWR Airport to New York city centre by taxi or private shuttle
Taking a Newark Liberty Airport taxi or private shuttle is by far the most convenient and safest option when travelling to downtown NYC. Taxis in the New Jersey state are covered by official licensing, which provides protection in case of overcharging and similar situations. Unlike NYC, official taxis in New Jersey are 'apple/bright' green. On the other hand, you can take a private shuttle from the airport into the city, for around the same price as a taxi. However, you will need to book your private airport shuttle in advance.
Taxi and private shuttle fares from EWR Airport to New York city centre
Taxis from Newark Airport are metered and therefore a variety of factors, such as time of day, luggage and traffic conditions can affect the price of your journey. Luggage is charged only when large pieces are handled by the driver. However, by booking a private shuttle in advance, you are guaranteed a fixed price, no matter how long the journey, with on-time pickups and no waiting time at any taxi rank.
If you wish to take a taxi, try and avoid rush hours as, during weekday rush hours - mornings (06:00 to 09:00) and afternoons (16:00 to 19:00) and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 20:00) - there is an additional $5USD surcharge to all points in the State of New York.
Additional to this, you can expect to pay around $13USD worth of tolls during your journey.
Moreover, if you wish to book a private shuttle in advance, there are many to chose from. You can book your shuttle on the company's website at a fixed price.
Convenience
Taxis and shuttles are a comfortable and safe option and are usually one of the quickest ways to get into NYC from Newark airport, offering a door-to-door service. However, taxis and shuttles are at the mercy of traffic, so keep in mind that you might be caught in traffic during peak hours.
Editor’s Note
It is important to never accept rides from unlicensed drivers at the airport. It is illegal to operate outside of an official taxi rank in NJ and NYC.
Useful Tips
If you are travelling with a lot of luggage, it might be best to pre-book a larger taxi or private shuttle, as additional charges may apply, as well as a lack of space.
Although drivers accept both cash and card, there is a $5.50USD surcharge when using a credit card.
It is customary and polite to tip the driver.
Always request and keep your receipt. How to take the train from EWR Airport to city centre of New York
The train journey is the cheapest and fastest of the public transport options due to the avoidance of notorious traffic into NYC. Having said that, there are more stops associated with taking the train, so if you are happy to make the transfers it is a good option for those on a budget. You will need to take the AirTrain (which runs around all the terminals) from the airport to connect with other train services out of New Jersey (such as Amtrak and NJ Transit) at Newark Liberty International Airport Station. From here, you can take the NJ Transit train straight through to New York Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. The journey (including transfers) should only take around 45 minutes. It can also be quicker in peak times as trains are more frequent.
How much does the train cost from EWR Airport to New York city centre?
The AirTrain costs $5.50USD to reach Newark Liberty International Airport Station, however if you purchase a ticket for the onward journey via NJ Transit to Penn Station NY, the price for the AirTrain is included, so you will only need to use the one ticket through your journey, which costs $12.50USD (€10.70). Tickets are available for purchase at the airport station via ticketing machines.
Cost
€10.70
Trip Duration
45 Min
*There can be up to a 15 minute wait for the train
The AirTrain is available 24/7 and the NJ Transit Trains operate 21/7 - there are no services running between 2:00am and 5:00am.
Where do I get it from?
You may catch the Airtrain from any terminal at the designated stations. NJ Transit trains depart from the Newark Liberty International Airport Station, reachable via the AirTrain.
Convenience
The AirTrain can be very fast, especially with more frequent services during peak hours. The cost is also low, for those who are on a budget. The downside is the transfers between stations, which can add extra stress if you're carrying around heavy luggage.
Editor’s Note
You must always purchase a ticket before boarding. The only time that you are able to purchase onboard is if there are no available machines on the platforms. You can be fined for purchasing on board if a prior option was available.
Useful Tips
There are multiple trains that take the route to NY Penn Station, however the Amtrak trains are generally much more expensive.
The machines that sell tickets in the station are named 'Quik Trak' machines.
The frequency between trains increases in peak-times. You may have to wait for only 5 minutes between trains. How to get from EWR Airport to New York city centre
There is an express bus, named The Newark Airport Express, that travels between Terminal A at Newark Airport directly to NYC centre, with stops at 3 major bus stations within the city. The bus stops at Grand Central Station (near Midtown and Times Square) as well as Bryant Park and Port Authority Bus Terminal. The bus is subject to traffic conditions but should take around 1 hour in normal traffic.
How much is the bus from EWR to New York city centre?
The bus ticket costs $18.00USD (€15.40). These can be purchased in advance on the express website or from the bus station at the terminal. Round trip tickets are also available for purchase.
Cost
€15.40
Trip Duration
60 Min
*There is a 30 minute wait between buses
Buses run every 20 minutes between 09:00 - 11:00 and then every 30 minutes the rest of the day, between 04:00 and 01:00 daily.
Where do I get it from?
The Express bus stop is located at Terminal A — Located on Level 1, outside at Bus Stop 5.
Convenience
The express bus departs from the airport terminal which is convenient, however the traffic can affect how 'express' the bus is. As well as this, the price of the ticket means that it is not any cheaper than taking the train.
Editor’s Note
There is another option to take a local bus - however this involves taking two trains to get to Penn Station Newark before taking the bus.
Useful Tips
The AirTrain arrives and departs every 3 minutes between 05:00 - 00:00 and every 15 minutes during the night.
The express bus and AirTrain are in operation 365-days a year.
Taking the train and/or bus avoids tolls. 
