The Air Train is not operating from Newark Penn Station from 1 May 2014. Just wondered if anyone has taken the trip since then and how the shuttles are working out. I realise it is only a few days since they have been in operation.

DD is leaving from Newark on Friday, she is thinking of taking the bus from Grand Central instead of the train.

What day and time is she leaving NYC? How much luggage will she have?

(Sorry, never travel this way - but those factors could affect the speed of the bus and how inconvenient public transit is.)

I just took the train from Newark into manhattan. So the opposite direction. I had to walk a bit to get to the bus stop. All the way down the concourse then across a street to get to the stop. It was also down a short hill. Not bad for me going down but I would not want to be carrying lots of luggage up. Small bag no big deal. I also do not know how easy it is to find the bus stop at Newark penn station.

I think the bus is a good option. That would get my vote.

Unless she's going during rush hour or the middle of the day, the direct bus from Grand Central is usually a decent option. It certainly takes longer than the train, but you can just drop your bag curbside and pick it up again at the airport, curbside. I did that for many years before the Airtrain started, and it beats paying $70 for a taxi.

How long does the trip actually take by bus. She has to be at Newark by 7am.

I would take a town car from Carmel Limo. I just did a price check leaving from a Midtown hotel and the fare was $55.

too much for a poor musician Starrs!!

Where is she coming from? Hotel near Grand Central? Or?

Although transit runs at all hours getting buses or trains that will get you TO the airport by 7 am will probably mean traveling hours when service is much less frequent and it will take longer to get there. Can she get a bus from Grand Central early enough?

She should allow at least 45 minutes (from the time of departure) to get to the airport. That's an early flight, not not like 6am or anything like that, so I think the bus is doable.

The flight is at 9.15am she is working on getting there two hours prior. She lives in LIC, according to the website buses leave every 30 minutes before 6.45am. She is now thinking of doing the train instead, will let you know how it all works out. We are meeting her in Hawaii Friday night!!

DD took the train from Penn Station. Had no problems there was
a shuttle bus waiting there when she gott off at Newark Penn. cost $ 11. 50 from Manhattan.