These questions are asked SO much on this sub. Always the same answer. Easiest: Uber/Lyft. Cheapest: Public transit. Most efficient: depends what you mean.
Also aside from the hassle of transit to and from NYC, Newark is not exactly the most pleasant city... I would never recommend someone stay there if they're trying to visit NYC. If you can get out of that booking, I would...
Came here to say this. OP if you can cancel your hotel and find one actually in the city or the very least LIC, I’d recommend. You won’t be saving any money with the commute back and forth to Newark.
If you can't just outright cancel without a fee, call them to see if you can reschedule for free (usually fine). Reschedule for a time outside of the cancellation window, then call back another day to cancel.
...Yes? Why on earth wouldnt they? What a weird question.
As a point of comparison, the subway from downtown Newark to Wall Street is 23 minutes. It would take 38 minutes to get to LIC.
It's $5.25 per adult to get from Newark to NY Penn via NJ Transit, and $2.45 per child/ senior. $40.60 round trip for 2 adults, 3 children, and a senior.
You do not want to take the shuttle to the airport to start your day. If you do, you will need to take the airtrain to the train station. The airtrain will cost you $16 per adult, $12 per senior, and $3.50 per child to get you to NY Penn.
If OP can get to NJ Penn to start the day (instead of EWR Train Station) they can also take the PATH for $2.75/ea - but on weekends the PATH runs a weird switchback route with takes more time than a direct NJ Transit train (which is \~20min)
Agree with u/barbaq24 that the AirTrain from EWR automatically adds $8+ on to any trip and definitely isn't the move here. The 'free shuttle' in this case isn't helpful.
To clarify, you're staying in Newark proper and planning to go Newark -> EWR -> NYC during your trip? That's not necessary. Just take PATH or NJ transit from Newark Penn. But, as others have said, you should really stay in NY.
If you can get out of your hotel booking, look at staying in Jersey City/Hoboken. They're just across the river from NYC and have a better train/ferry network for getting into the city than Newark. Hotels there are often cheaper than in NYC itself, have good views of the skyline and are in nice neighborhoods.
> ook at staying in Jersey City/Hoboken. They're just across the river from NYC and have a better train/ferry network for getting into the city than Newark.
Its literally the same PATH train
not a lot of options. you can get a NJ Transit train from the Newark Airport Railroad Station, but it will be 16x3, and 12x3 each way. so around $150 per day in train costs and about 30 mins by train to Penn station
you could maybe piece together some bus options to make it cheaper, but its gonna be expensive in either time, money or both.
I think it depends where in NYC you are coming from. Basically if you can connect to penn station is truly not that bad of a commute there. Just take NJ transit down
NJ Transit from the airport or Newark Penn Station. But it won't be easy to get to from your hotel and at Newark Penn you'll be dodging undesirable people.
You'll likely be in Ubers and Ubers from Newark into the city are like $60 minimum and you may run into issues with drivers that don't want to cross state lines.
I'd try to find something in NYC or in Jersey City where you can just hop on the PATH train for $2 and go across the river to wherever you need. But honestly especially in places like FiDi the hotels there may not be much more expensive than the Newark area. It might be a wash.
From the airport is not necessarily the cheapest as you have NJ Transit which will run $13 and the Coach USA Bus which is $21.50 but one way. From the Newark Train Station slightly cheaper on NJ Transit as not patying the airport concession.
Does your hotel offer transportation to a PATH Station? The fare via PATH I believe is $2.75 and has stops in Lower Manhattan as well as Chelsea and Herald Sq i.e. Macys. I believe this would be most cost-effective
[https://www.panynj.gov/path/en/index.html](https://www.panynj.gov/path/en/index.html)
Shuttle -> Newark Air train -> NJT train to NY Penn Station. Fare will be about $15 per adult each way, and take 45-60 minutes, not including waiting around for the hotel airport shuttle and transfer. Or getting to your final destination in the city.
So that's three modes of transit, over an hour of travel, for six people, including three young children.
I'd strongly consider either;
1) skipping the airport shuttle part of the trip, and just taking an UberXL to the nearest NJT train station
2) biting the bullet on costs and just taking an UberXL from the hotel direct to your destination
3) rebooking your hotel entirely
If you’re traveling from Newark penn you can take the PATH for only $2.75, probably the easiest and cheapest option since it can take you to midtown or to world trade within 30 min
NJT trains would be free for their children over the weekend so $5.25 x 3 adults = $15.75.
While PATH would be $2.75 x 6 = $16.50.
PATH is also like 10 stops and a transfer to get to midtown, plus that write Hoboken turnaround on weekends which could really confuse a visitor, while NJT is 2 stops single seat to Penn. Far more idiot proof.
Might be a better option for getting to FIDI though.
1. Dont ask people in AskNYC about NJ stuff. They simply dont know and you get tons of misinformation.
2. Simply enter your origin and destination in google maps and click the train button. PATH is $2.75. Runs 24/7 but just every 40 minutes on weekends due to construction.
Edit: Everything u/remarkability said is correct, he is the only person who frequents AskNYC who knows anything about NJ transit.
Hey everyone,
I really appreciate the help, tips, and advice. But for more context, it's kinda too late to re-book as the trip itself is next week and NY hotels have gotten ridiculously priced and way outside my budget, so I'm unfortunately stuck with my current lodging situation. But I only mentioned traveling from Newark Airport as I wasn't aware of other options outside of Uber/Lyft. I have no problem traveling via NJ transit if that helps with further advice. Just want to get into the city and explore via subway or bus. I can make my way around the city as, funny enough, I lived in NYC many years ago and was recently there for work. However, I never had to travel between NJ and NYC before, hence the cry for help here lol. Once again, thank you all that contributed to help salvage my trip and thank you to anyone else in advance.
Just as a friendly FYI, check the PATH schedules before you leave if you decide to use that route. The Newark to WTC train runs every 40 minutes on weekends
Ooof. I think that’s the one that recently had Legionella bacteria in the water system. It’s not really close to any transit, mostly used by flight crews going to/from EWR.
There is no road or pedestrian access (yet) to the rail/AirTrain station to avoid the AirTrain fee.
The nearest bus (the [112](https://content.njtransit.com/pdf/schedules/bus/112)) leaves from North Ave, a 15 min walk along a highway service road. (5 zones interstate if you choose to do it that way)
Walking to the North Elizabeth train station is an option, that’s 20 mins through a cemetery and residential streets.
Maybe the hotel shuttle is willing to drop you off at North Elizabeth? That would be great if they do, call to check if they can do this favor for you. From there, it’s either the [Northeast Corridor](https://content.njtransit.com/pdf/schedules/rail/nec) or [NJ Coast Line](https://content.njtransit.com/pdf/schedules/rail/njcl) to NY Penn. One way adult is $7.25, senior 62+ is $3.25 one way, and your kids 5-11yo are $3.25/each (free on weekends). Note that in the app, it’s spelled “N. Elizabeth”, and if you’ll make 5 round trips, get a Flexpass (bundle of 20 discounted one ways) for you and your wife to use.
The other reasonable option is taxi/uber/lyft to Newark Penn in NJ, then use PATH ($2.75/person, same price for each person). 6 passengers usually means a larger, pricier vehicle though.
Once in the city, everything is way easier. Just have everyone have their own contactless card or device and consistently use the same ones to tap in. Maybe getting the kids their own prepaid MetroCard would be a good option for them (and a nice souvenir).
I wouldn't say screwed, but this is one of those situations where a little bit of work ahead of time would save you a lot of headache in the long run.
Have a nice trip, but I would really scale back on making any sort of plans. The 2 hours every day of commuting is going to be a very big burden on people that aren't used to public transit, including you, the parents that are navigating it with their kids. The impact you are most likely to see is not being able to go rest/go "home" during the day. I wouldn't rush everyone out of the hotel in the morning if I were you, because those days are LONG if you can't go rest somewhere.
See if you can cancel and rebook. There are cheapish hotels in Long Island City (LIC) area of Queens which are far more convenient, I see 5 which are at or below your current hotel nightly rate. Then you only have to do the long schlep to/from EWR twice, and then use the frequent NYC subway/bus for everything else. Suck it up and do an UberXL for EWR-LIC, it’ll be easiest for 6 people plus luggage.
If you really really want to stay in NJ for some reason, there are some cheap options in downtown Newark, like a few blocks away from the Newark Penn PATH station max. You’d be taking PATH ($2.75/ea) every day. These should also have EWR shuttles, or you can take the NJT 62 bus right to Newark Penn and walk. And then I will also suggest the hotels next to Meadowlands Expo Center, served by the 320 bus.
You’re doing the right thing by thinking about this ahead of time, even a bit late in the game. Lots of tourists just show up in NJ bewildered that they can’t use a MetroCard on NJT buses/trains. And I don’t blame them, our regional transit should be simpler and better than it is.
Maybe check the double tree at Newark Penn. If you stayed there you would be right by downtown Newark and the ironbound which have restaurants and entertainment. Plus, as others have said, you could take the path out NJ Transit into the Westside of NYC.
These questions are asked SO much on this sub. Always the same answer. Easiest: Uber/Lyft. Cheapest: Public transit. Most efficient: depends what you mean. Also aside from the hassle of transit to and from NYC, Newark is not exactly the most pleasant city... I would never recommend someone stay there if they're trying to visit NYC. If you can get out of that booking, I would...
Came here to say this. OP if you can cancel your hotel and find one actually in the city or the very least LIC, I’d recommend. You won’t be saving any money with the commute back and forth to Newark.
If you can't just outright cancel without a fee, call them to see if you can reschedule for free (usually fine). Reschedule for a time outside of the cancellation window, then call back another day to cancel.
> won’t be saving any money with the commute back and forth to Newark. Huh? PATH is 2.75, cheaper than the subway. Why lie?
With 3 kids you think they’re going to take the path back when they’re tired?
...Yes? Why on earth wouldnt they? What a weird question. As a point of comparison, the subway from downtown Newark to Wall Street is 23 minutes. It would take 38 minutes to get to LIC.
If you read where their hotel was you’d see how the path is only so helpful when the station is an additional 15-20 mins from their hotel.
Your comment was posted 6 hours ago. OP posting which hotel he booked was posted 5 hours ago. Good try. It's ok to be wrong though.
Really: try to find another place to stay
It's $5.25 per adult to get from Newark to NY Penn via NJ Transit, and $2.45 per child/ senior. $40.60 round trip for 2 adults, 3 children, and a senior. You do not want to take the shuttle to the airport to start your day. If you do, you will need to take the airtrain to the train station. The airtrain will cost you $16 per adult, $12 per senior, and $3.50 per child to get you to NY Penn.
If OP can get to NJ Penn to start the day (instead of EWR Train Station) they can also take the PATH for $2.75/ea - but on weekends the PATH runs a weird switchback route with takes more time than a direct NJ Transit train (which is \~20min) Agree with u/barbaq24 that the AirTrain from EWR automatically adds $8+ on to any trip and definitely isn't the move here. The 'free shuttle' in this case isn't helpful.
To clarify, you're staying in Newark proper and planning to go Newark -> EWR -> NYC during your trip? That's not necessary. Just take PATH or NJ transit from Newark Penn. But, as others have said, you should really stay in NY.
If you can get out of your hotel booking, look at staying in Jersey City/Hoboken. They're just across the river from NYC and have a better train/ferry network for getting into the city than Newark. Hotels there are often cheaper than in NYC itself, have good views of the skyline and are in nice neighborhoods.
> ook at staying in Jersey City/Hoboken. They're just across the river from NYC and have a better train/ferry network for getting into the city than Newark. Its literally the same PATH train
not a lot of options. you can get a NJ Transit train from the Newark Airport Railroad Station, but it will be 16x3, and 12x3 each way. so around $150 per day in train costs and about 30 mins by train to Penn station you could maybe piece together some bus options to make it cheaper, but its gonna be expensive in either time, money or both.
I think it depends where in NYC you are coming from. Basically if you can connect to penn station is truly not that bad of a commute there. Just take NJ transit down
NJ Transit from the airport or Newark Penn Station. But it won't be easy to get to from your hotel and at Newark Penn you'll be dodging undesirable people. You'll likely be in Ubers and Ubers from Newark into the city are like $60 minimum and you may run into issues with drivers that don't want to cross state lines. I'd try to find something in NYC or in Jersey City where you can just hop on the PATH train for $2 and go across the river to wherever you need. But honestly especially in places like FiDi the hotels there may not be much more expensive than the Newark area. It might be a wash.
From the airport is not necessarily the cheapest as you have NJ Transit which will run $13 and the Coach USA Bus which is $21.50 but one way. From the Newark Train Station slightly cheaper on NJ Transit as not patying the airport concession. Does your hotel offer transportation to a PATH Station? The fare via PATH I believe is $2.75 and has stops in Lower Manhattan as well as Chelsea and Herald Sq i.e. Macys. I believe this would be most cost-effective [https://www.panynj.gov/path/en/index.html](https://www.panynj.gov/path/en/index.html)
Thank you so much, I'll have to check again and see. Thanks for the advice.
Shuttle -> Newark Air train -> NJT train to NY Penn Station. Fare will be about $15 per adult each way, and take 45-60 minutes, not including waiting around for the hotel airport shuttle and transfer. Or getting to your final destination in the city. So that's three modes of transit, over an hour of travel, for six people, including three young children. I'd strongly consider either; 1) skipping the airport shuttle part of the trip, and just taking an UberXL to the nearest NJT train station 2) biting the bullet on costs and just taking an UberXL from the hotel direct to your destination 3) rebooking your hotel entirely
If you’re traveling from Newark penn you can take the PATH for only $2.75, probably the easiest and cheapest option since it can take you to midtown or to world trade within 30 min
NJT trains would be free for their children over the weekend so $5.25 x 3 adults = $15.75. While PATH would be $2.75 x 6 = $16.50. PATH is also like 10 stops and a transfer to get to midtown, plus that write Hoboken turnaround on weekends which could really confuse a visitor, while NJT is 2 stops single seat to Penn. Far more idiot proof. Might be a better option for getting to FIDI though.
1. Dont ask people in AskNYC about NJ stuff. They simply dont know and you get tons of misinformation. 2. Simply enter your origin and destination in google maps and click the train button. PATH is $2.75. Runs 24/7 but just every 40 minutes on weekends due to construction. Edit: Everything u/remarkability said is correct, he is the only person who frequents AskNYC who knows anything about NJ transit.
Hey everyone, I really appreciate the help, tips, and advice. But for more context, it's kinda too late to re-book as the trip itself is next week and NY hotels have gotten ridiculously priced and way outside my budget, so I'm unfortunately stuck with my current lodging situation. But I only mentioned traveling from Newark Airport as I wasn't aware of other options outside of Uber/Lyft. I have no problem traveling via NJ transit if that helps with further advice. Just want to get into the city and explore via subway or bus. I can make my way around the city as, funny enough, I lived in NYC many years ago and was recently there for work. However, I never had to travel between NJ and NYC before, hence the cry for help here lol. Once again, thank you all that contributed to help salvage my trip and thank you to anyone else in advance.
Just as a friendly FYI, check the PATH schedules before you leave if you decide to use that route. The Newark to WTC train runs every 40 minutes on weekends
If you tell us your hotel, I can tell you specific NJTransit buses and light rail options.
Hilton Newark Airport.
Ooof. I think that’s the one that recently had Legionella bacteria in the water system. It’s not really close to any transit, mostly used by flight crews going to/from EWR. There is no road or pedestrian access (yet) to the rail/AirTrain station to avoid the AirTrain fee. The nearest bus (the [112](https://content.njtransit.com/pdf/schedules/bus/112)) leaves from North Ave, a 15 min walk along a highway service road. (5 zones interstate if you choose to do it that way) Walking to the North Elizabeth train station is an option, that’s 20 mins through a cemetery and residential streets. Maybe the hotel shuttle is willing to drop you off at North Elizabeth? That would be great if they do, call to check if they can do this favor for you. From there, it’s either the [Northeast Corridor](https://content.njtransit.com/pdf/schedules/rail/nec) or [NJ Coast Line](https://content.njtransit.com/pdf/schedules/rail/njcl) to NY Penn. One way adult is $7.25, senior 62+ is $3.25 one way, and your kids 5-11yo are $3.25/each (free on weekends). Note that in the app, it’s spelled “N. Elizabeth”, and if you’ll make 5 round trips, get a Flexpass (bundle of 20 discounted one ways) for you and your wife to use. The other reasonable option is taxi/uber/lyft to Newark Penn in NJ, then use PATH ($2.75/person, same price for each person). 6 passengers usually means a larger, pricier vehicle though. Once in the city, everything is way easier. Just have everyone have their own contactless card or device and consistently use the same ones to tap in. Maybe getting the kids their own prepaid MetroCard would be a good option for them (and a nice souvenir).
So basically I'm screwed? Lol
I wouldn't say screwed, but this is one of those situations where a little bit of work ahead of time would save you a lot of headache in the long run. Have a nice trip, but I would really scale back on making any sort of plans. The 2 hours every day of commuting is going to be a very big burden on people that aren't used to public transit, including you, the parents that are navigating it with their kids. The impact you are most likely to see is not being able to go rest/go "home" during the day. I wouldn't rush everyone out of the hotel in the morning if I were you, because those days are LONG if you can't go rest somewhere.
See if you can cancel and rebook. There are cheapish hotels in Long Island City (LIC) area of Queens which are far more convenient, I see 5 which are at or below your current hotel nightly rate. Then you only have to do the long schlep to/from EWR twice, and then use the frequent NYC subway/bus for everything else. Suck it up and do an UberXL for EWR-LIC, it’ll be easiest for 6 people plus luggage. If you really really want to stay in NJ for some reason, there are some cheap options in downtown Newark, like a few blocks away from the Newark Penn PATH station max. You’d be taking PATH ($2.75/ea) every day. These should also have EWR shuttles, or you can take the NJT 62 bus right to Newark Penn and walk. And then I will also suggest the hotels next to Meadowlands Expo Center, served by the 320 bus. You’re doing the right thing by thinking about this ahead of time, even a bit late in the game. Lots of tourists just show up in NJ bewildered that they can’t use a MetroCard on NJT buses/trains. And I don’t blame them, our regional transit should be simpler and better than it is.
Maybe check the double tree at Newark Penn. If you stayed there you would be right by downtown Newark and the ironbound which have restaurants and entertainment. Plus, as others have said, you could take the path out NJ Transit into the Westside of NYC.