Top Recommended Rest Stops from Newark Airport to Times Square: Your Ultimate Guide

When heading from Newark Airport to Times Square, knowing where to pause is key. This guide cuts to the chase, giving you a rundown of the recommended rest stops from Newark Airport to Times Square, complete with dining options, restroom availability, and spaces to unwind, perfect for making your dash to the heart of NYC a breeze.

Key Takeaways

  • There’s a variety of transportation options from Newark Airport to Times Square, and strategic rest stops can make your journey more enjoyable.
  • Key rest stops include Newark Penn Station and Port Authority Bus Terminal, along with service areas on the New Jersey Turnpike like the Thomas Edison Rest Stop.
  • If you’re driving, rest stops such as Vince Lombardi Service Area and Whitney Houston Service Center offer amenities like food, restrooms, and fuel stations.

Navigating from Newark Airport to Times Square: Overview

Traveling from Newark Airport to Times Square can be a swift 13-mile ride, taking approximately 30-40 minutes by private car service or other transportation options. However, your trip can easily become more interesting with a few pit stops. You have a plethora of options at your disposal, including:

  • Taking the Amtrak Northeast Regional train
  • Taking the NJ Transit train
  • Taking the Newark Airport Express bus
  • Taking an Uber or Lyft

Are there rest stops on this route? Indeed! They are crucial elements of any journey, offering an opportunity to stretch, grab a bite, or simply take a breather from the hustle and bustle of travel. Let’s explore some top-rated rest stops on your way from Newark Airport to Times Square.

Newark Penn Station as a Rest Stop

Newark Penn Station serves not only as a transit hub It’s a convenient rest stop with a variety of amenities, including parking, bike racks, and multiple commuter rail lines. And for foodies, it’s a paradise with options ranging from Subway to Don Pepe Restaurant.

Newark Penn Station prioritizes accessible facilities, with facilities like elevators, ramps, and mini high-level platforms ensuring smooth mobility for all travelers. From here, you can hop on NJ TRANSIT’s trains, buses, or even the PATH train to various destinations in NYC.

Newark Penn Station offers the convenience of a safe and convenient facility, providing accessibility and connectivity in one location.

Convenience at Port Authority Bus Terminal

Another rest stop not to miss on your journey is the Port Authority Bus Terminal. This bustling hub is equipped with maps, ATMs, and clean restrooms, making it a comfortable pit stop. And when hunger strikes, you’re spoilt for choice with numerous food outlets, from Brooklyn National Deli to Starbucks.

Though the Port Authority Bus Terminal doesn’t provide luggage storage, services such as LuggageHero and Bounce are available nearby, providing a convenient solution for travelers. And when it’s time to continue your journey, you can easily connect to numerous NYC Transit subway lines via the terminal’s underground passageways.

Optimal Rest Stops Along the Route

Having discussed the main transit hubs, let’s now look at the top-rated rest stops on your route. If you’re driving, the following rest stops make for excellent pit stops:

  • Vince Lombardi Service Area
  • Alexander Hamilton Rest Stop
  • Whitney Houston Service Center
  • Newark Liberty International Airport

Or perhaps, you’re looking for rest stops with rave customer reviews? Then don’t miss the Thomas Edison Rest Stop. And the best part? Some of these rest stops, like the Alexander Hamilton Rest Stop, are open 24/7, offering round-the-clock facilities for travelers.

Rest Areas on the New Jersey Turnpike

If you’re travelling on the New Jersey Turnpike, rest assured, There are plenty of rest areas at your disposal. From the Ocean View Service Area to the Frank Sinatra Service Area, these stops offer a much-needed respite with amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and vending machines. And yes, these rest areas are open 24/7 from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the rest of the year.

The New Jersey Turnpike boasts 23 service areas, providing ample opportunities for breaks.

Alternate Rest Stop: Secaucus Junction

Secaucus Junction presents another excellent rest stop option. Located about 9.4 miles from Newark Airport, it offers parking, commuter rail lines, bike racks, and ticketing services.

The junction is also well-connected with commuter rail lines and bus service routes, ensuring a smooth continuation of your journey.

Public Transportation Options with Rest Points

Even if you opt for public transportation, numerous rest stops are available along the way. The NJ Transit Train offers a comfortable ride from Newark Airport to New York Penn Station, with several rest points along the Northeast Corridor line.

Alternatively, if you’re opting for the Express Bus, you can enjoy breaks at Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, or Port Authority Bus Terminal, all while benefiting from affordable bus fares.

NJ Transit Train and Rest Facilities

The NJ Transit Train not only offers a swift journey but also ensures a comfortable one with various rest facilities at its stations. Some of the amenities available at stations include:

  • Parking
  • Commuter rail lines
  • Bike racks
  • Food options for a relaxing break

Newark Penn Station and Secaucus Junction are examples of stations that provide these facilities.

Shuttle Bus Services and Rest Opportunities

If you prefer a shuttle bus from Newark Airport to Times Square, rest assured, there are plenty of rest opportunities. With services like the Newark Airport Express, you can enjoy stops along the way, perfect for stretching your legs or grabbing a refreshment.

Driving to Times Square: Rest Stops for Road Trippers

For those driving from Newark Airport to Times Square, the way is marked with helpful rest stops. From the Vince Lombardi Service Area to the Whitney Houston Service Center, these stops offer a range of amenities, including:

  • Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Picnic areas
  • Food options
  • Fuel stations

And if you’re planning an overnight trip, worry not! There are 24-hour parking options available at the New York Thruway rest areas and welcome centers.

Parking Lot Pit Stops

If you need a brief stop, parking lots along the route can serve as handy rest spots. Value Parking or Newark Airport Long Term Parking near Newark Airport, and various parking lots in Times Square, offer parking spaces, and some even have picnic areas for a quick break.

Different parking lots offer varied parking fees, so you can choose one that fits your budget.

Traffic Advisories and Rest Planning

Coordinating your rest stops with traffic conditions can enhance the smoothness of your journey. Traffic advisories provide alerts about construction projects, roadwork, and events that might affect traffic.

Real-time traffic updates can help provide highway travelers with better planning for their rest stops, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Journey Enhancements: Amenities at Selected Rest Stops

Certain rest stops, also known as typically roadside facilities, offer a variety of amenities to make your journey more pleasant. From parking and bike racks to food and beverage options, these facilities ensure you feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the next part of your trip.

Fuel and Refreshment Facilities

Any road trip necessitates fuel and refreshment facilities. On the New Jersey Turnpike, all 23 service areas offer fuel facilities, ensuring you never run out of gas on your journey. And for those midnight cravings or early morning coffee runs, the gas stations remain open 24/7 from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Picnic Area Accessibility

For a more enjoyable travel experience, why not pull over at a scenic picnic area? With accessible picnic areas along the route, you can enjoy a relaxing break amidst your journey. These picnic areas are open from sunrise to sunset and if lit, they stay open until 10:00 p.m..

And yes, your furry friends are welcome too, as long as they’re kept on a leash.

Planning Your Trip: Distance and Travel Time Considerations

Even though the journey from Newark Airport to Times Square is relatively brief, considering both distance and travel time is essential. A usual train ride lasts about 26 minutes, but factors like traffic can extend this duration.

Rest stops are usually spaced out every 30 miles during a long drive, but for a short journey like this, you might not need one.

Calculating Stops Based on Distance

While planning your journey, calculate the number of rest stops based on the distance. For this 13-mile route, you probably wouldn’t need any rest stops since it’s way below the recommended distance for taking breaks during long drives.

Aligning Rest Stops with Travel Time

It’s also important to coordinate your rest stops with your travel time. Traffic congestion, especially during rush hour, can significantly affect travel times. Therefore, it’s important to consider traffic conditions when choosing your rest stops.

Bottom Line: Recommended Rest Stops from EWR to Times Square

We’ve navigated rest stops from Newark Airport to Times Square, explored various amenities, and discussed how to plan your journey considering both distance and travel time. Whether you’re taking public transportation or driving, remember that the journey is as important as the destination. So, make the most of your trip, take that pit stop, sip that coffee, and embrace the adventure that awaits you on the road!

Frequently Asked Questions about Rest Stops from EWR to Times Square in NYC

What is the easiest way to get from Newark Airport to Times Square?

The easiest way to get from Newark Airport to Times Square is to take the AirTrain to Newark Airport Train Station, then hop on the NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station, followed by a subway ride to Times Square. This option is cost-effective and takes around 35-40 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan?

The cheapest way to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan is by taking the AirTrain and then the NJ Transit train. It's an affordable and convenient option loved by many travelers.

Is it legal to sleep in your car at a rest stop New York?

Yes, it's legal to sleep in your car at a rest stop in New York. The New York State Department of Transportation encourages drowsy drivers to pull into rest stops and get some sleep before continuing driving.

How do I find rest stops on Google Maps?

To find rest stops on Google Maps, simply zoom in on the map to view individual rest area markers, or use the search box to jump to a specific city or address. You can also ask Google Maps to find and add rest areas along your route by entering "rest area" in the search bar and tapping on a suggested stop to add it to your route. Happy travels!

What are some recommended rest stops along the route from Newark Airport to Times Square?

Some recommended rest stops along the route from Newark Airport to Times Square are Vince Lombardi Service Area, Alexander Hamilton Rest Stop, Whitney Houston Service Center, and Newark Liberty International. Plan your stops to make the journey more comfortable.