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Newark AirTrain explained — how to reach Manhattan

Newark's AirTrain connects all terminals to Newark Liberty Airport Station, where you transfer to NJ Transit or Amtrak trains to New York Penn Station. AirTrain is free within the airport. The NJ Transit train to Penn Station takes 30 minutes and costs $15.50 (€15). Combined with the AirTrain, total transfer is about 40 minutes — the fastest airport-to-Midtown connection in New York.

Key facts

AirTrain costFree (included in NJ Transit ticket)
NJ Transit to Penn$15.50 (€15), 30 min
Total transfer time~40 min to Midtown
Operating hoursAirTrain 24/7, NJ Transit until ~01:30
Amtrak optionFaster, more expensive (~$25+)
Last NJ Transit~01:30 (check schedule)

How the transfer works

Take AirTrain from any terminal to Newark Liberty Airport Station (free, 5–10 min). At the station, buy an NJ Transit ticket to New York Penn Station ($15.50) from the machines. Trains run every 15–30 minutes depending on time of day. The train journey takes about 30 minutes. You arrive at Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan — connected to the A/C/E and 1/2/3 subways. Amtrak also serves this station — faster but more expensive.

Late-night limitations

NJ Transit stops running at approximately 01:30. After that, you'll need a taxi or ride-share to Manhattan (~$50–70). AirTrain continues to run 24/7. Plan ahead for late arrivals — if your flight lands after 00:30, assume you'll miss the last train.

Practical tips

01NJ Transit tickets are cheaper when bought at the station machine vs on the train
02Amtrak is faster and more comfortable — worth the premium for business travellers
03If arriving after 00:30, plan for taxi/ride-share — NJ Transit will likely have stopped
04Penn Station is huge — follow signs carefully, it's easy to get turned around
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About this information

This knowledge page is based on official airport websites, transport authority data, and editorial research. Information is reviewed periodically but may not reflect real-time conditions. Always check with your airline and the official airport website before travelling.

Last reviewed: July 2026