How to get from Newark Liberty Airport to Times Square

If you’re landing at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and heading straight to Times Square, you’ve got four practical choices: train + subway (fastest public), the Newark Airport Express bus (most straightforward), a taxi/ride-hail or prebooked car (most convenient), and shared shuttles (good for groups on a budget).

At A Glance (Newark Liberty Airport to Times Square)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest (public transit): Choose AirTrain + NJ TRANSIT + Subway—best when Midtown traffic is heavy.
• Most convenient (door-to-door): Choose Taxi / Uber / Lyft / prebooked car—especially with kids, big bags, or late arrivals.
• Cheapest (most economical): Choose AirTrain + NJ TRANSIT + Subway (or Express bus when promotions apply).
• Most straightforward for first-timers: Choose Newark Airport Express—direct to Midtown with clear drop-offs.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Budget a buffer: For meetings or Broadway shows, plan extra time—Midtown traffic and train connections both spike during rush hours.
• Paying on NYC transit: Most riders tap with contactless (OMNY) on subways/buses; check current fare details on the MTA subway and bus fares page.
• Train tickets: Buy NJ TRANSIT tickets in the NJ TRANSIT app or at station machines; airport rail trips include an additional AirTrain access fee at the airport station gates (see NJ TRANSIT’s EWR guide).
• Where you’ll end up in Times Square: Times Square spans several blocks; decide your closest corner or hotel address (e.g., 42nd St & 7th Ave) before choosing a drop-off.
• Big luggage hack: If your check-in is later, use luggage storage near Times Square via luggage storage near Times Square and explore hands-free.
• Car rental? If you’re leaving NYC right away, compare rentals via car rentals—but driving into Midtown usually costs more (tolls + parking) than it’s worth.

🚆 Option #1 — AirTrain + NJ TRANSIT + Subway (Fastest public)

Fastest public Traffic-free Connection-dependent

• Overview: Take AirTrain Newark from your terminal to Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, ride an NJ TRANSIT train to New York Penn Station, then hop on the subway 1 stop to Times Square (or walk ~10–15 minutes).
• Typical time: ~45–75 minutes (AirTrain ~10–15m, train ~20–30m, subway/walk ~5–20m).
• How to book (with price): Buy an NJ TRANSIT ticket to New York Penn Station in-app or at machines; the airport station also charges an AirTrain access fee (details on NJ TRANSIT’s EWR page). Add an MTA subway fare (see subway and bus fares).
• Pros: Usually the most reliable during weekday traffic; frequent service. Cons: Stairs/escalators and one transfer; not ideal with extra-large luggage.

Step-by-step: AirTrain + NJ TRANSIT + Subway

1. Follow airport signs for AirTrain in your terminal and board toward Rail Station (NJ TRANSIT / Amtrak).
2. Exit at Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station and enter the NJ TRANSIT area.
3. Buy/activate your ticket to New York Penn Station (New York) and board the next NJ TRANSIT train.
4. Arrive at NY Penn Station. For Times Square, take the subway (most commonly the 1/2/3 uptown one stop to Times Sq–42 St) or walk if you prefer.
5. Exit at the closest Times Square exit for your hotel or meeting point.

Getting to the main embarking points (EWR AirTrain stations)

• From any terminal: Follow signs for AirTrain; trains circulate between terminals and the Rail Station.
• If you’re at Terminal A: Use the AirTrain station connected to Terminal A (follow overhead signage).
• If you’re at Terminal B or C: Use the AirTrain station nearest your arrivals level; staff can point you to the correct escalators.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Newark Airport Express (Most Popular, Good Value)

Simple Midtown drop-offs Traffic-dependent

• Overview: The Newark Airport Express runs directly from EWR terminals to Midtown Manhattan. The closest stop to Times Square is usually Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd St), a short walk to Times Square.
• Typical time: ~45–90 minutes depending on traffic (can be longer during weekday rush hours).
• How to book (with price): Buy tickets online or at the airport (pricing varies; check the official Newark Airport Express page). For alternative prebooked transfer-style bus/van products, compare listings on Trip.com transport or Klook airport transfers.
• Pros: No transfers; easy with luggage; Midtown-oriented. Cons: Traffic variability; fixed schedule; may queue at peak times.

Step-by-step: Newark Airport Express to Times Square

1. After baggage claim, follow airport signs for Ground Transportation and look for the Newark Airport Express stop outside your terminal.
2. Confirm the next departure and your intended Midtown stop (ideally Port Authority Bus Terminal).
3. Ride to Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd St between 8th & 9th Ave) and walk to Times Square (about 5–10 minutes).
4. If your hotel is east of Times Square, consider a short subway ride from Times Sq–42 St after arrival.

Getting to the main embarking points (EWR bus pickup)

• At EWR: Buses board outside arrivals at each terminal; confirm exact stop details on bus stop locations.
• In Manhattan: The main drop-off for Times Square is Port Authority Bus Terminal.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #3 — Taxi / Uber / Lyft / Prebooked Car (Most Convenient)

Door-to-door Best with luggage Price varies

• Overview: Walk to the official taxi stand or request a ride-hail pickup. This is the easiest option if you’re tired, traveling with family, or arriving very late.
• Typical time: ~35–90 minutes (can exceed 90 minutes in heavy Midtown traffic).
• Estimated cost: Expect wide ranges due to tolls, traffic, time of day, and tips. EWR publishes sample fares to Manhattan; ride-hail apps show the fare before you confirm.
• How to book (with price):
  • Taxi: Follow signs for Taxi and use the official line/dispatcher outside arrivals.
  • Uber/Lyft: Request pickup using the app; see Uber pickup instructions for EWR. (Lyft works in NYC/NJ as well.)
  • Prebooked private transfer: Useful if you want a meet-and-greet or fixed-ish pricing. Compare options on Welcome Pickups (EWR → Manhattan) or GetTransfer for EWR directions. You can also browse transfer products on GetYourGuide airport transfers.
• Pros: Zero transfers; easiest with heavy bags; great for door-to-door hotel drop-off. Cons: Most expensive; traffic can be brutal; tolls and surcharges add up.

Step-by-step: Taxi / ride-hail to Times Square

1. Set your destination as your exact hotel address (Times Square covers several blocks).
2. Taxi: Join the official taxi queue and confirm the driver knows you’re going to Midtown Manhattan / Times Square.
3. Ride-hail: Request Uber/Lyft and follow the in-app directions to the correct pickup zone for your terminal.
4. On arrival, confirm curbside drop-off rules with your driver (some streets have restrictions during peak times).

Getting to the main embarking points (Taxi & ride-hail pickup)

• Taxi stands: Outside arrivals at each terminal; follow airport signage.
• Ride-hail pickup: Follow in-app directions; airports sometimes use dedicated pickup areas.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Shared Shuttle / Van (Budget-Friendly for Groups)

Group savings Luggage-friendly Slower (multi-stop)

• Overview: Shared shuttles pick up at EWR and drop passengers at multiple Midtown addresses. They can be cheaper than a private car for 2–4 people, but the ride is longer due to extra stops.
• Typical time: ~75–150 minutes (sometimes longer if many drop-offs).
• How to book (with price): Book ahead through transfer marketplaces and compare cancellation terms. Search shared shuttle options, check Klook listings, or browse transport options via Trip.com transport. If you prefer guaranteed door-to-door with no extra stops, consider private transfers instead.
• Pros: Can be good value for small groups; less hassle than trains with big bags. Cons: Unpredictable arrival time; shared rides often add detours.

Step-by-step: Shared shuttle to Times Square

1. Book a shuttle that serves Midtown Manhattan and enter your Times Square hotel/address.
2. After landing, follow provider instructions for where to meet (some use a desk, others text you a pickup bay).
3. Load luggage and confirm your drop-off sequence (Times Square hotels can be mid-route or last).
4. Allow extra time if you have a fixed appointment—shared rides are the least predictable.

Getting to the main embarking points (Shuttle meeting areas)

• At EWR: Follow your provider’s instructions (often Ground Transportation / Arrivals level).
• Tip: Keep your phone charged and connected—many shuttles coordinate pickup via SMS/app.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Newark Liberty Airport to Times Square)

What’s the easiest way to get from Newark Airport to Times Square?
For most travelers, the simplest is Newark Airport Express to Port Authority, then a short walk. If you want the fastest public option, use AirTrain + NJ TRANSIT + subway.

What’s the fastest option overall?
In most real-world conditions, AirTrain + NJ TRANSIT is the fastest and most predictable because it avoids Midtown traffic. The fastest “premium” option is a prebooked car during light traffic, but it’s not as predictable.

Where should I get off for Times Square?
If you take the bus, aim for Port Authority Bus Terminal (42nd St). If you take the train, arrive at New York Penn Station and either walk or take one subway stop to Times Sq–42 St.

Do I need cash for the subway?
No—most riders use contactless tap-and-go; you can confirm payment methods and fares on the MTA fare page.

How much time should I plan if I’m arriving during rush hour?
If you must be on time, favor train + subway and add buffer for connections. If you’re taking a car, expect traffic delays into Midtown.

What if my hotel check-in is later?
Store your bags near Times Square using Times Square luggage storage and start sightseeing. For things to do nearby, browse tours and tickets on Times Square activities.

Is biking from EWR to Times Square realistic?
Not recommended for most visitors—distance, bridges/tunnels, and traffic make it impractical after a flight. If you want a bike once you’re in Manhattan, you can compare rentals on bike rentals in New York.

This guide was researched and written by Jacob, and it was last updated on July 12, 2026. 0 people found this post useful.

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