Times Square sits right in the middle of Midtown Manhattan, which makes it one of the more straightforward Newark Airport destinations to plan for, but also one where the wrong transportation choice can waste real time. This guide breaks down exactly what to expect getting from EWR to Times Square, what each transportation option actually costs and involves, and how to figure out which one fits your trip.
How Far Is Newark Airport From Times Square?
Newark Liberty International Airport sits about 15 miles from Times Square by road. That distance alone doesn’t tell you much though, since the route crosses the Hudson River through either the Lincoln or Holland Tunnel, and traffic through those crossings is what actually determines how long the trip takes.
How Long Does It Take From Newark Airport to Times Square?
Under light traffic, a car trip from EWR to Times Square generally takes around 30 to 40 minutes. During rush hour or heavy congestion, that same trip can stretch well past an hour. Public transportation options like the AirTrain and NJ Transit train tend to be more consistent, usually landing in the 40 to 50 minute range including the walk or short ride from Penn Station to Times Square, since they aren’t affected by road traffic the same way.
Time of day matters more than distance here. A trip at 6 AM and the same trip at 5:30 PM on a weekday can differ by 30 minutes or more.
Transportation Options From Newark Airport to Times Square
Private Car or Black Car Service
A pre-booked private car picks you up directly at your terminal and takes you door to door, usually to your hotel or exact Times Square address rather than a general drop-off point. This tends to be the most convenient option for travelers with luggage, families, or anyone who doesn’t want to manage transfers after a flight. Newark Ride’s Newark Airport car service includes flight monitoring, so pickup timing adjusts automatically if a flight lands early or late.
Taxi
Taxis are available curbside at the airport and go directly to your destination without a reservation. They’re a reasonable option if you want a car on the spot without booking ahead, though pricing and wait times can vary depending on demand and time of day.
Train and Public Transportation
The AirTrain connects the terminals to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where you can board an NJ Transit or Amtrak train to New York Penn Station. From there, Times Square is a short walk or a quick subway ride away. This is generally the most budget-friendly option, though it involves carrying your own luggage through stations and transfers, which can be a real consideration for anyone traveling with more than a carry-on.
Shuttle Services
The Newark Airport Express bus runs directly from the terminals to several Midtown stops, including Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is a short walk from Times Square. It’s a middle-ground option between the train and a private car: no transfers, but also no door-to-door drop-off.
Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are available from designated pickup areas at each terminal. They offer door-to-door convenience similar to a taxi, though pricing surges during high-demand periods, and pickup wait times can add unpredictability right when you’re trying to leave the airport.
Newark Airport to Times Square: Transportation Comparison
| Transportation Option | Convenience | Typical Travel Considerations | Cost Considerations | Best For |
| Private Car Service | Door to door, pre-scheduled | 30 to 40 min in light traffic, longer during rush hour | Fixed rate booked in advance | Families, business travelers, groups with luggage |
| Taxi | Curbside, no reservation needed | Similar to private car, but wait times vary | Metered fare, can rise with traffic and demand | Travelers who prefer not to book ahead |
| Train (AirTrain + NJ Transit) | Requires walking and transfers | About 40 to 50 min including transfers | Generally the lowest cost option | Budget travelers, solo travelers with light luggage |
| Shuttle Bus | Fixed stops, no transfers needed | Roughly 45 to 60 min depending on traffic | Mid-range, lower than a car or taxi | Travelers comfortable with a short walk from the drop-off point |
| Rideshare | Door to door, on-demand | Comparable to taxi, wait time varies with demand | Can fluctuate significantly, especially during surge pricing | Solo travelers or small groups without advance booking |
How Much Does It Cost to Travel From Newark Airport to Times Square?
Costs vary by option and by when you’re traveling. As a general range, taxis and rideshares to Manhattan typically run somewhere in the $70 to $110 range depending on traffic, tolls, and demand at the time. The train, including the AirTrain connection, is usually the cheapest option, often in the range of $15 to $25 one way. The airport shuttle bus tends to fall somewhere in between, typically in the $20 to $30 range. Private car services are generally booked at a fixed rate agreed to in advance, which removes the uncertainty of metered or surge pricing.
These figures move over time and depend on current fuel costs, tolls, and provider pricing, so it’s worth confirming current rates directly with whichever service you’re considering rather than treating any of these numbers as fixed.
Which Transportation Option Is Best for You?
Best for Convenience
A private car service, since it includes terminal pickup, no transfers, and a direct drop-off at your hotel or destination.
Best for Budget Travelers
The AirTrain and NJ Transit train combination, which is consistently the least expensive way to reach Midtown from EWR.
Best for Families
A private car or a taxi, mainly because neither requires carrying luggage, strollers, or car seats through train stations or bus terminals.
Best for Business Travelers
A pre-scheduled private car, since it allows for predictable pickup timing built around a flight and avoids the uncertainty of hailing a ride after landing. Newark Ride’s corporate transportation service is built around this kind of scheduling reliability.
Best for Groups
A private car or van service that can accommodate everyone and their luggage in one vehicle, rather than splitting a group across multiple taxis or rideshares. Larger groups may want to look at Newark Ride’s SUV options for extra passenger and luggage space.
Best for Travelers With Lots of Luggage
A private car or taxi, since both handle door-to-door transport without requiring bags to be carried through stations or up and down stairs, which the train and shuttle bus options both involve to some degree.
Traveling From Times Square to Newark Airport
The return trip works the same way in reverse, but it’s worth building in more of a time buffer, especially if you have a flight to catch. Traffic leaving Manhattan during afternoon and evening rush hour can add significant time to a car trip, and train schedules require planning around departure times rather than showing up whenever you’re ready. If your flight falls during a peak travel window, a pre-scheduled pickup from your hotel removes the guesswork of trying to find a taxi or rideshare during a busy period. You can request a quote in advance to lock in a pickup time that works around your flight.
Tips for Planning Your Trip
Check current traffic conditions before you leave if you’re taking a car, since rush hour can double your travel time with little warning. If you’re taking the train, confirm the current NJ Transit schedule ahead of time through NJ Transit’s official site, since service frequency changes depending on the time of day. For official information on ground transportation options and pickup locations by terminal, the Newark Airport transportation page is a reliable source directly from the airport operator. And if you’re traveling late at night or very early in the morning, confirm that your chosen option is actually running at that hour, since train and bus schedules can be limited overnight.
Conclusion
Getting from Newark Airport to Times Square isn’t complicated, but the right choice depends on your priorities. If cost matters most and you’re traveling light, the train is hard to beat. If convenience, luggage, or group size are bigger factors, a private car or taxi is usually worth the extra cost. For travelers who want a scheduled, door-to-door pickup without the uncertainty of hailing a ride after a flight, Newark Ride offers private car service between EWR and Times Square with flight monitoring built in.
FAQ
How long does it take to get from Newark Airport to Times Square?
Typically around 30 to 40 minutes by car in light traffic, and 40 to 50 minutes by train including transfers. Rush hour can extend a car trip significantly, sometimes past an hour.
What’s the cheapest way to get from Newark Airport to Times Square?
The AirTrain combined with an NJ Transit train to Penn Station is generally the least expensive option, typically in the $15 to $25 range one way.
Is it better to take a taxi or book a private car service from Newark Airport?
A taxi doesn’t require booking ahead, but a private car service offers a fixed rate agreed in advance and a scheduled pickup, which can be more predictable, especially for business travel or when timing matters.
Does the Newark Airport Express bus go directly to Times Square?
The bus stops at Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is a short walk from Times Square, along with other Midtown stops like Grand Central and Bryant Park.
Is public transportation practical if I’m traveling with a lot of luggage?
It can be more difficult, since the train and bus both involve some walking and stairs. A taxi or private car is generally easier for travelers with multiple bags or traveling with children.
Should I book transportation in advance for a return trip to Newark Airport?
It’s a good idea, particularly if your flight falls during rush hour. Booking a pickup time in advance removes the risk of traffic or demand affecting your ability to get a ride when you need one.
