Getting from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Manhattan can be confusing for first-time visitors and frustrating for locals who know just how unpredictable New York traffic can be. Whether you’re landing at EWR and heading into the city or making the trip from Manhattan to Newark for your flight, knowing the best way to travel can save you time, money, and stress.
There are several ways to get between Newark Airport and Manhattan, including private car service, taxi, shared shuttle, rideshare, and public transportation. Each option comes with its own trade-offs, so the right choice depends on your budget, luggage, and schedule.
Private Car Service
If convenience and reliability are your priorities, a private car service to or from Newark Airport is hard to beat. GO Airlink offers direct transportation between Manhattan and Newark with options that include an economy sedan, premium car, SUV, or private van. Drivers are professionally trained and authorized by the Port Authority of NY and NJ, which gives them curbside pickup access at Newark terminals. This means you’re met right at the curb instead of being sent to remote lots used by many rideshare services.
There’s no surge pricing, and rates are fixed at booking, even during busy hours or bad weather. You can book online and track your vehicle in real time through GO Airlink’s secure booking system.
Typical travel time: 40 to 70 minutes depending on traffic
Estimated cost: $75 to $150 depending on vehicle type and location
Shared Ride Shuttle
For budget-conscious travelers, GO Airlink’s shared ride Newark airport shuttle is one of the most popular ways to get from Newark Airport to Manhattan and vice versa. Rides are priced at $39 per passenger, including all taxes and fees. The service provides door-to-door transportation, grouping passengers headed in the same direction.
GO Airlink is licensed by the Port Authority, which means all pickups and drop-offs take place directly at the terminal curb. The shared shuttle is a dependable and affordable choice for solo travelers, students, or anyone who wants to avoid the complications of train transfers.
Typical travel time: 60 to 90 minutes
Estimated cost: $39 per person
Pro Tip: When traveling to Newark Airport from Manhattan for a morning flight, schedule your pickup at least three hours before departure. This allows for traffic delays and security lines without rushing.
Taxi
Taxis are easy to find throughout Manhattan, but the fare to Newark Airport can vary significantly because there’s no flat rate like there is for JFK. You’ll pay the meter plus tolls and tip, and fares can range from $90 to $120 or more depending on traffic.
If you’re arriving at Newark, taxis are available outside every terminal, but you might face longer waits during peak hours or bad weather.
Typical travel time: 50 to 90 minutes
Estimated cost: $90 to $120+
Rideshare
Rideshares are available both at Newark Airport and throughout Manhattan, but pricing can fluctuate depending on demand. During rush hour or rain, fares can increase significantly.
While convenient for short city trips, rideshares to or from Newark can be unpredictable and costly.
Typical travel time: 50 to 80 minutes
Estimated cost: $80 to $160+
Public Transportation
Taking public transit is the lowest-cost way to travel between Newark Airport and Manhattan, though it’s not ideal for heavy luggage or tight schedules. You’ll need to take NJ Transit or Amtrak from New York Penn Station to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, then transfer to the AirTrain Newark, which connects to each terminal.
This route is relatively affordable but involves multiple transfers. It’s a good option if you’re traveling light or arriving during daytime hours when trains run frequently.
Typical travel time: 60 to 90 minutes
Estimated cost: $15.75 per person
Check NJ Transit schedules and Port Authority AirTrain information for current details.
Comparison Chart: Travel Between Manhattan and Newark Airport
| Transportation Option | Estimated Cost | Typical Travel Time | Pickup/Drop-off | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GO Airlink Private Car | $75–$150 | 50–70 min | Door-to-door | Curbside access, no surge pricing |
| GO Airlink Shared Ride Shuttle | $39 flat | 60–90 min | Door-to-door (shared) | Licensed by Port Authority, fixed fare |
| Taxi | $90–$120+ | 50–70 min | Street hail or stand | Metered rate, plus tolls and tip |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft etc.) | $80–$160+ | 50–70 min | Door-to-door | Surge pricing likely during peak demand |
| Public Transit | $15.75 | 60–90 min | Penn Station | Cheapest, requires transfers |
Why GO Airlink is the Better Option
GO Airlink is one of the few transportation companies licensed by the Port Authority of NY and NJ with access to Newark Airport’s curbside pickup areas. This provides a major advantage over rideshares that are often redirected to satellite lots.
With more than 2,300 Google reviews and a 4.5-star rating, GO Airlink is known for reliable service, professional drivers, and straightforward pricing. The company offers both private and shared ride options, so travelers can choose based on their budget and preference.
Other benefits include:
-
No surge pricing at any time
-
Flight tracking to adjust for delays
-
Real-time vehicle tracking and driver details via Passenger Link
-
Secure booking through GO Airlink Reservations
-
Full refunds available up to four hours before scheduled pickup
If you’re traveling from Manhattan to Newark Airport, a private car ensures you arrive on time without the stress of parking or train delays. If you’re coming from Newark Airport to Manhattan, a shared shuttle is a comfortable and affordable way to reach your hotel or destination without navigating transit connections.
A Better Way to Start or End Your Trip
The most practical choice depends on what matters most to you.
-
If you need reliability and privacy, a private car service is ideal.
-
If you’re budget-minded but still want door-to-door convenience, the shared ride shuttle is a smart pick.
-
Public transit is the cheapest, but requires multiple steps and isn’t practical for most travelers with luggage.
-
Taxis and rideshares can be convenient, but unpredictable in both price and pickup times.
GO Airlink combines professional service, licensed access, and transparent pricing that others can’t match. Whether you’re heading from Manhattan to Newark or arriving back in the city, booking in advance with GO Airlink means your ride will be waiting when you are.
Book your trip now at GO Airlink Shuttle and travel between Newark Airport and Manhattan with confidence.