MyBailey

Any suggestions on car services( reliable) from Newark airport to Manhatan? How much would that cost? On the flip side, is the Airbus the worst way to go?

BarryK

Fastest way is the Airtrain to NJTransit to Penn Station.

nyer

There is the "airtrain" which is the monorail/NJ Transit combination. Very quick into Manhattan(Penn Station) about 30 minutes total if the timing is right.
Buses (never heard of one called the "airbus") theoretically take about the same or just a little longer, but you never know with traffic.
Car services I have used are Carmel and Dial 7. I'd call them "mostly reliable". Traffic can of course be an issue with a car service too.

What makes the most sense depends on how many people are traveling, how much luggage, and whether you want or need door to door service.

universitylad

I used the "airtrain" combination the nyer describes on my last trip into Manhattan from Newark airport. I was just traveling with a roll aboard suitcase and a laptop and found it quite easy. I was at my hotel on the Upper West Side on about one hour from the time my plane touched down on the runway. It worked well and was inexpensive.

On the way out of town I thought I would try a cab just to see what it would be like. It was nearly sixty dollars for a cab and took about a half hour or so with no traffic on a Sunday moning. If you have only one or two people and not a lot of luggage, I'd use the Airtrain combination.

Anyone who has ridden a train or subway before would easily be able to figure out how airtrain works. I don't understand the people who say it's hard to use.

nytraveler

The Air Train is a major pain if you have more luggage - or if for some reason (elderly, have little kids or just don;t want to schlep) you don;t want to deal with luggage and stairs.

Gekko

Reserve a car service:

www.dial7.com

The cost is about the same as a cab (less if heavy traffic).

Gekko

I should have added, much depends on the time of day and WHERE in Manhattan you are going.

During rush hour, and IF you're going to areas easily accessible from Penn Station, then MAYBE the Airtrain is the fastest option. (Of course, if you have baggage, it can be a nightmare anyway.)

But if your destination requires subway transfers or a cab ride from Penn, then you're better off taking a car service.

Big IFS.

djkbooks

We flew into Newark yesterday and used Air Train to get to Hertz. We saw plenty of people with bags and children. There were elevators conveniently located all along the way.

lcuy

When I used the Airtrain two weeks ago, I had two suitcases and a dog. Found elevators everywhere between EWR and UWS except at 79th St, where luckily, I had my daughter.

In the reverse, I again had two bags and the dog. Made the irritating mistake of going down into the 79th St station only to find the downtown trains were across the street. Back up the stairs, then down the other side! Then at Penn station, the elevator down to the platform was also broken. I could have used an elevator, but didn't realize the escalator was out till I was moving in the midst of a mob. They weren't happy behind behind me!

However the train was $17 vs about $70+, so for a solo traveler it was worth it.

nytraveler

The Air Train part is fine -it's purpose build for luggage But then you have to change to New Jersey transit in Newark and take that to Penn Station NYC - where the platforms are typically 2 flights of stiars below the concourse. Then - if you need to take a subway- that's more stairs and passageways. Or a cab from there to the hotel.

You really need to balance the particular situation of your group (who, how many and how much luggage and where your hotel is) versus total costs.

nstevey

Yes, the question begs, "When?". I've driven from the Upper East side to Newark in a mere 20 minutes (I have a lead foot).

With traffic, public transportation is always the best bet, but I don't equate "fast" with public transportation. Wait for the Airtrain. Wait for NJ Transit (and it always takes longer than what the schedule says.) Wait for the subway. It's a longer trip than you think. Also, the Airtrain, based on my experience, is more often then not, late due to maintenance, issues, whatever...

rkkwan

There's also helicopter service. www.flyush.com

ekscrunchy

Please: How much does a taxi cost from Newark airport to Manhattan?

(Returning to NYC from DC, I can get a ride to the airport and from there, would need to get to Manhattan midtown east side...) Carrying things so do not want to take public transport with changes..

Alternative: Bus from airport to Port Authority. Where does this bus depart from at the airport? Cost?

Many thanks!

ekscrunchy

I have the bus info..from Newark Airport to Grand Central. But still would like to know approximate cost for a taxi to Manhattan east midtown..thanks!

nytraveler

Somewhere around $60 plus toll and tip. From EWR into Manhattan you're better off taking a car service (Carmel or Dial 7) since it's a flat price (plus toll) and you can usually get a coupon on the website.

Seamus

If you don't want to deal with the train, a car service is usually not anymore costly - and often actually less - than a taxi. When solo with little baggage I use the NJ Transit to and from Penn Station, but with anything more than a small rollaboard it is a PIA. Plus you then have to take the airport monorail from the train station to the terminal. There is an elevator, but it does add a few minutes to the transit.
BTW if you do take the NJ Transit or Amtrak (same service, higher cost) to EWR be sure to retain your ticket as you will need it to exit at the airport terminal.

ekscrunchy

Thanks!!!