Newark to Manhattan in Minutes

Great, you have landed at Newark Airport- gateway to one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Now what?

It seems everyone else on the airport’s convenient people movers knows exactly where they are going, and are moving forward with purpose and direction.

All you know is New York City is across the river somewhere. You saw it from the plane – but how do you get there? Sure you can rent a limo, hire a car, take a taxi or even helicopter over, and by the way - congratulations on winning the lottery.

Most opt for one of the thriftier – oh just say it – cheapest options. Airtrain.

So come along and let’s get you across the Hudson.

Airtrain seems daunting to visitors, and the signage can be a bit lax but all in all it is a great service. Depending on the amount of luggage and the time of day you arrive – plan on at least 1 to 1.5 hours into the city. Could be less but that would be a lucky break.

Airtrain utilizes an airport rail service and two independent rail services – Amtrak and New Jersey Transit (Njtransit). NJtransit is the cheaper option, and the one being discussed here.

Starting at the tongue tiring official Newark Liberty International Airport Train Station - the rail runs a loop of P4 (P = Parking), Terminal C, Terminal B, Terminal A, P3, P2, P1.

REVERSE it when you are trying to leave Newark. For ex: You are at Terminal C, and will go to P4 and then the train station - 2 stops.

Overhead signage inside the secured section of the terminal is well displayed. Once outside security it can disappear, especially in Terminal C. But hey if you cannot see it – do not be shy– ask someone.

Once at the Airtrain ticket machines there are red-jacketed staff to assist you. Cash (no bills over $20 accepted), credit or debit cards are accepted.

One-way ticket is $14.00 –double it for the roundtrip. Upon purchasing - KEEP YOUR TICKET HANDY! Don’t bury it in your purse or wallet.

Now head for the nearby elevator or escalator and go up one level.

Once again an Airtrain staff member can offer help – but you are heading for the train station. Usually the east side.

Get on. (Yes, this seems simplistic - but its amazing how many people just stand there watching train after train go by)

Onboard, there are maps in every car, and stations are announced.

Now walk from the airport rail station 100 feet to the independent train station. Once again helpful staff is nearby.

At train station, take out your ticket and insert it (red arrow side up) into machine. If it spits itself back out at you and screams “ERROR” across the screen – you probably just inserted it wrong. When it pops up - TAKE THE TICKET! Once again don’t bury it.

You have now officially left the airport and are now at the tracks for either Amtrak or NJtransit.

Via elevator or escalator go downstairs to either’s train track.

Get on train. Remember you are no longer part of the airport rail - so trains are not spotless, can be crowded and you have to get your luggage up on a overhead rack.

Don't worry - its only 15-20 minutes into New York’s Pennsylvania (Penn) Station. Don’t get confused – Newark also has a Penn Station. If you are really nervous remember...NYC’s Penn Station is the last stop. So if everyone gets off the train – you are at the correct Penn Station.

Once seated, where’s your ticket? Give it to the conductor, and a punched NJtransit ticket will be exchanged for it. Normal resting place is the back of the seat ahead of you. Don't touch it; the conductor will collect it as the train approaches Penn Station.

Now relax. Look at the landscape of North Jersey. Look familiar? If you are a “SOPRANOS” fan it should.

Finally the train lurches to a stop and congratulations! You are in Manhattan. You will need to go up three levels to hit the street. Penn Station is on the West Side, just below midtown and runs from 8th to 7th Avenues and between W 31st to W33rd Sts. Above it is Madison Square Garden and the Penn Plaza Office Building.

Now it would not be fair to get you there and then not tell you about the return trip home.

So here goes.

On the return its best to enter through the 7th Ave side (across from Hotel Pennsylvania), go down escalator and head immediately left to NJtransit ticket booths and waiting area. Grab a bagel, rye or challah bread at Zaro's Bakery while passing.

After purchasing your ticket, watch the signs for incoming trains. The tracks are usually posted five to ten minutes before arrival. Then the stampede begins. No sugar coating it. It is a classic New York moment, energy driven, heart- pumping race down stairs and around posts to the train tracks below. But what a rush!

This time after the NJtransit conductor punches your ticket; they will also place another paper ticket before you. GRAB the ticket you bought at Penn Station.

Once you have ascended from the rail tracks - you'll need that ticket to get through the gates and get on the airport rail. This time the machines keep your ticket.

So now that you are back in the safe secure world of Newark – give yourself a pat on the back and revel in your accomplishment.

You conquered getting in and out of the city. Just like a native!

For more information:

Newark Airport and Airtrain: www.panynj.gov/CommutingTravel/airports/html/newarkliberty.html

New Jersey Transit: www.njtransit.com

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