How to Get from Penn Station to Newark Airport (EWR)

Traveling from Penn Station in Manhattan to Newark Liberty International Airport is simple, with several transportation options available depending on your budget, timing, and comfort preferences. You can take a direct NJ Transit train, Amtrak service, taxi, shuttle, or choose a helicopter transfer from Manhattan for the fastest possible airport connection.

Penn Station to Newark Airport: quick comparison

Option	Typical travel time	Estimated cost	Convenience level	Best for
Helicopter transfer (Blade via Manhattan heliport)	~5 minute flight + transfers	From ~$195	Very high	Fastest and most reliable arrival
NJ Transit train + AirTrain	45 to 60 minutes	~$15 to $20	High	Best balance of price and speed
Amtrak + AirTrain	45 to 60 minutes	~$20 to $60	High	Extra comfort and flexibility
Taxi or rideshare	35 to 75 minutes	~$60 to $90	Door-to-door	Groups or heavy luggage
Shuttle bus	45 to 75 minutes	~$18+	Medium	Budget-friendly direct service
Driving	35 to 60 minutes	Parking $18 to $70/day	Medium	Travelers with a car

What is the fastest way to get from Penn Station to Newark Airport?

The fastest way to reach Newark Airport from Penn Station is a helicopter transfer from Manhattan, with an average flight time of about five minutes. Ground transportation options such as trains, taxis, or buses typically take between 45 and 75 minutes depending on traffic and transfers.

Travelers focused on guaranteed arrival times often prefer helicopter transfers, while most passengers choose trains for affordability and reliability.

Helicopter transfer from Manhattan to Newark Airport

For travelers who want to completely avoid traffic delays, helicopter airport transfers from Manhattan provide the quickest connection to Newark Airport.

Flights depart from Manhattan heliports and reach Newark in roughly five minutes of flight time. Services typically include:

• Lounge access before departure
  
• Checked baggage handling
  
• Ground transfer coordination to your terminal
  
• Scheduled departure slots for predictable travel
  

This option is particularly popular with business travelers, tight international connections, or anyone departing during peak NYC traffic hours.

Because Penn Station is located in Midtown Manhattan, reaching a nearby heliport usually takes only a short car ride before boarding.

Taking the NJ Transit train from Penn Station to Newark Airport

For most travelers, the NJ Transit train is the easiest and most cost-effective way to get from Penn Station to Newark Airport.

Travel time and cost

• Total travel time: about 45 to 60 minutes
  
• Ticket price: about $15 to $20
  
• Includes AirTrain Newark transfer
  

How the journey works

1. Board any NJ Transit train from Penn Station labeled Newark Airport or EWR.
   
2. Exit at Newark Liberty International Airport Station.
   
3. Transfer to the AirTrain Newark to reach your terminal.

The AirTrain ride typically takes 10 to 15 minutes depending on the terminal.

Buying NJ Transit tickets

You can purchase NJ Transit tickets:

• Through the NJ Transit mobile app
  
• At vending machines in Penn Station
  
• At staffed ticket counters
  

Buying tickets in advance helps avoid delays during busy travel periods.

Using Amtrak to Newark Airport

Amtrak also runs Northeast Corridor trains from Penn Station to Newark Airport Station.

Key details

• Trains run roughly every hour
  
• Ticket prices vary based on booking time
  
• AirTrain fee is included in your ticket
  

Amtrak trains tend to be slightly more comfortable than commuter rail and may be useful if departure times match your schedule.

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for boarding.

PATH train plus NJ Transit option

A lower-cost alternative involves combining the PATH train with NJ Transit.

Route overview

1. Take the PATH train to Newark Penn Station.
   
2. Transfer to NJ Transit toward Newark Airport Station.
   
3. Take the AirTrain to your terminal.

This option is cheaper but slower and involves additional transfers, making it less ideal with luggage.

Shuttle bus services to Newark Airport

Several shuttle services operate between Manhattan and Newark Airport.

Typical details:

• One-way fares start around $18
  
• Travel time usually 45 to 75 minutes
  
• Direct drop-off at terminals
  

Shuttles can be useful for travelers who prefer a direct ride without navigating train transfers, though they remain vulnerable to traffic delays.

Taxi or rideshare from Penn Station to Newark Airport

Taxi and rideshare services provide direct transportation from Penn Station to Newark Airport.

Typical expectations

• Travel time: 35 to 75 minutes
  
• Cost: about $60 to $90 depending on traffic and surge pricing
  
• Pickup locations available throughout the Penn Station area
  

These services offer convenience and door-to-door travel, but travel time can vary widely during rush hour or bad weather.

Driving and parking at Newark Airport

Driving from Penn Station to Newark Airport covers roughly 16 miles.

Estimated driving time

• Typically 35 to 60 minutes
  
• Heavy congestion possible during peak hours
  

Parking costs

• Economy parking from about $18 per day
  
• Daily parking up to about $70 per day
  

Rental car services are also available at Newark Airport terminals.

Understanding the AirTrain Newark system

AirTrain Newark connects:

• All airport terminals
  
• Parking lots
  
• Rental car centers
  
• Newark Airport Station
  

Operating schedule

• Runs 24 hours a day
  
• Every 3 to 5 minutes during peak hours
  
• Every 15 minutes late at night
  

AirTrain rides inside the airport are free. The access fee is included when arriving by NJ Transit or Amtrak.

When a helicopter transfer makes the most sense

Helicopter transfers from Manhattan to Newark Airport are most useful when:

• You are departing during NYC rush hour
  
• You have an international flight with strict check-in timing
  
• Your company values predictable arrival times
  
• You want to remove the risk of highway congestion
  

For time-sensitive trips, a five-minute flight plus scheduled ground coordination often provides the most reliable airport arrival window available in the NYC region.

Tips for a smooth trip to Newark Airport

Plan tickets ahead

Purchase train or shuttle tickets before arrival to reduce delays.

Avoid peak commuting hours

Weekday mornings from 7 to 9 AM and evenings from 4 to 7 PM typically see the heaviest congestion.

Allow transfer time

Always include at least 15 to 20 minutes for the AirTrain connection when traveling by rail.

Keep luggage manageable

Large luggage can slow transfers, especially when switching between trains and AirTrain platforms.

Bottom line: best way to get from Penn Station to Newark Airport

Most travelers choose NJ Transit for its balance of affordability and reliability. Taxis and shuttles offer direct travel but face unpredictable traffic. Helicopter transfers from Manhattan provide the fastest and most time-certain airport connection, reducing a potentially hour-long journey to just minutes in the air.

Your ideal option depends on whether you value cost savings, convenience, or guaranteed arrival timing.

FAQs about Penn Station to Newark Airport

Is there a 24-hour public transportation option?

Yes. PATH trains plus NJ Transit bus connections operate overnight, and AirTrain Newark runs continuously.

What is the cheapest way to get to Newark Airport from Penn Station?

The NJ Transit train with AirTrain transfer is usually the cheapest straightforward option.

How long does the AirTrain transfer take?

Most transfers from Newark Airport Station to terminals take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Can I buy NJ Transit tickets at Penn Station?

Yes. Tickets are available via app, machines, and ticket counters.

Are taxis reliable for airport transfers?

They are convenient but travel time varies significantly based on traffic conditions.