You just landed. Your bags are heavy. Newark Liberty International (EWR) is technically in New Jersey, but Manhattan is staring at you from across the water. If you're trying to get from Newark Airport to Port Authority Bus Terminal, you’ve basically got three choices, and honestly, one of them is a total waste of money.
Navigating the transit system in the New York metro area feels like a hazing ritual. It’s loud. It’s crowded. People are moving fast. But getting to 42nd Street doesn’t have to be a headache if you know which "level" of transit you’re actually looking for.
Most people panic-order an Uber. Don't do that yet. Depending on the time of day, a ride-share can cost $80 and take twice as long as the bus because of the nightmare that is the Lincoln Tunnel.
The Newark Airport Express Bus is the GOAT
If your goal is specifically Port Authority, the Newark Airport Express bus is usually the winner. It's direct. It's frequent. It runs roughly every 20 to 30 minutes.
You find it outside Terminals A, B, and C. Look for the big coach buses. They aren't city buses; they have luggage bays underneath so you don't have to wrestle your suitcase into a cramped seat. A one-way ticket usually hovers around $18.70, or you can grab a round-trip for about $33. It’s cheaper than a cab but more expensive than the train, which we’ll get to in a second.
The beauty of the bus? It drops you off right on 41st Street, right behind the Port Authority building. You step off, and you’re in the heart of Midtown. You’re steps away from the A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, N, Q, R, W, and 7 trains.
Traffic is the only enemy here. If it's 5:00 PM on a Friday, that bus is going to sit in the tunnel for a while. The bus lanes help, but they aren't magic.
Taking the Train (NJ Transit to Penn Station)
Wait, why am I talking about Penn Station? Because there is no direct train from Newark Airport to Port Authority.
To use the rails, you take the AirTrain—that elevated monorail—from your terminal to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station. From there, you hop on an NJ Transit Northeast Corridor or North Jersey Coast Line train heading toward New York Penn Station.
It’s about a 25-minute ride once you're on the big train.
Once you hit Penn Station (34th Street), you have a choice. You can walk the eight blocks north to Port Authority. Or, you can take the Uptown A, C, or E subway for one stop to 42nd St-Port Authority Bus Terminal.
Why would you do this?
Speed. During rush hour, the train is the only way to guarantee you won't be stuck in traffic for an hour. Plus, if you're a transit nerd or just hate buses, the NJ Transit option feels a bit more "official." Just make sure you keep your paper ticket or have the app ready; they check tickets on the train, and if you don't have one, the surcharge for buying it on board is annoying.
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One weird quirk: The AirTrain fee is usually baked into your NJ Transit ticket price. When you scan your ticket at the fare gates to enter or exit the AirTrain station, it "proves" you paid the airport surcharge. If you just buy a ticket from "Newark Airport" to "NY Penn," you're all set.
Rideshares, Taxis, and the "Hidden" Costs
Look, sometimes you just want a car. You're tired. You've been flying for 10 hours.
If you take a yellow cab or an Uber/Lyft from Newark Airport to Port Authority, you aren't just paying the fare. You're paying the Jersey-to-New-York surcharge. You’re paying the tolls for the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel. You’re paying the "Congestion Pricing" fee if it’s active.
A $50 fare quickly turns into $95.
Also, Newark has a specific "Ground Transportation" area. Don't follow anyone who whispers "Taxi?" to you in the arrivals hall. Those are "gypsy cabs" or unlicensed drivers. They will overcharge you. Always go to the official taxi stand or use the app.
Which one should you actually pick?
Honestly, it comes down to luggage and time.
If you have two massive suitcases and a backpack? Take the Express Bus. No stairs, no subway transfers, no dragging bags through Penn Station’s chaotic corridors.
If you’re traveling light and it’s peak traffic hours (7-10 AM or 4-7 PM)? Take the train. It's the only way to bypass the gridlock.
If you’re traveling with four people? A Lyft might actually be cheaper per person than four bus tickets, provided the traffic isn't at a standstill.
Surprising Fact: The PATH Train Alternative
Hardly anyone mentions this because it involves a transfer, but you could take a Lyft to Newark Penn Station (not the airport station), then hop on the PATH train to World Trade Center or 33rd Street. It only costs $2.75. It’s the cheapest way into the city, but it’s a total pain with luggage. Only do this if you’re on a shoestring budget and feeling adventurous.
Avoiding the "Port Authority Trap"
Port Authority is huge. It’s the busiest bus terminal in the world.
When the Newark Express bus drops you off, you’ll be on the street level. If you need to catch a different bus out of the city (like to upstate New York or a different part of Jersey), you have to go inside and find your gate.
Warning: The gates are split between the North Wing and the South Wing. They are connected by tunnels, but it’s easy to get turned around. Use the digital kiosks. They actually work.
Also, be aware of your surroundings. Port Authority is safe, but it’s a high-traffic area with a lot of people experiencing homelessness and professional scammers. If someone offers to "help" you with the ticket machine, just say "No thanks" and keep moving.
Practical Steps for Your Arrival
- Download the Apps First: Get the NJ Transit app and the "Coach USA" (for the Express Bus) app while you're still on the plane or using the airport Wi-Fi. It saves you from fumbling at a kiosk while a line of angry commuters forms behind you.
- Check the Traffic: Use Google Maps or Waze the moment you land. If the Lincoln Tunnel is deep red, do not take the bus or a car. Head straight for the AirTrain and the NJ Transit tracks.
- Have Small Bills: If you’re taking a taxi, having $5s and $10s for a tip is easier, though they all take cards now.
- Follow the Signs: Newark has actually gotten better at signage recently. Follow the overhead signs for "Ground Transportation" or "Trains" specifically. Don't just wander out of the first door you see.
- The "AirTrain" Catch: Remember that the AirTrain is a separate loop. You have to wait for it. It runs every few minutes, but it can add 15 minutes to your total travel time just getting from your terminal to the actual train station.
Newark Airport to Port Authority is a well-traveled route. It’s not a secret, but it’s a gauntlet. Choose the bus for convenience, the train for speed, and the car only if you’re splitting the bill with friends.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify your terminal: Terminal A was recently rebuilt; if you haven't been there in a while, it’s much further from the old train links than it used to be.
- Buy your ticket on the app: Using the NJ Transit app avoids the $5 "onboard purchase" surcharge if the ticket machines at the station are broken (which happens more than it should).
- Locate the Bus Stop: At Terminal C, the Express Bus stops at Level 1, outside Bus Stop 2. At Terminal B, it’s Level 1, outside Bus Stop 2. At Terminal A, look for the "Public Transportation" signage on the arrivals level.