We did a long weekend in New York City, so we decided to make the most of the time we had and fly there. New York is only a hop, skip and a jump away from Toronto – driving time is around 8 hours, depending on how long it takes you to go through customs at the border.
Since our preferred flight landed in New Jersey, the first order of business was learning how to get from Newark Liberty Airport to Manhattan, New York. After reading other reviews, I was hesitant to fly into LaGuardia or JFK as the travel time into the city was considered excessive.
From a tried and true tourist, here’s how we did it:
- Flight to Newark, New Jersey
Disembark and proceed through customs as usual in Newark. Follow the signs for the Air Train – this is the monorail that will take you through all the terminals and then to a New Jersey transit station.
- Take the Air Train to Newark Penn Station
While you will not need to pay to use the AirTrain within the Airport, you will want to continue taking it to Newark Station. This portion will cost you $5.50 USD.
- a) NJ Transit Train to your Destination
The most popular destination from Newark Penn Station is New York Penn Station. Be sure not to get the two mixed up! We found that this was the longest wait of the trip. Depending on where you plan to go in New York, you will have to wait for the appropriate train.
- b) PATH Train to your Destination
Because our hotel was located in lower Manhattan, we took the PATH train over. The PATH goes from Newark Penn Station to the Oculus, which is essentially a major transit station in New York. Get off at the World Trade Centre stop. You will be able to switch to most subway trains from there. Cost: $2.75 USD
Keep in mind that the PATH machines cannot give you more than $10 in change, so be sure to have smaller bills on hand. If you put in the more common $20 bill, it will reject it and you will not be able to get any tickets!
Would I do it this way again?
I still found this to be a very time-consuming route. Newark, while right for us from Toronto, was a long haul to Manhattan. I can only conclude that there is no easy route into the city as it is just a big stinkin place.
One thing that we did not do in New York City that I wish we had was take the Big Bus Tour. While I would not have recommended this for Paris (you can read about how to get around Paris here), I see few options in order to see everything you want to see in New York.
It took us two hours to return to Newark from our hotel on Wall Street, and we were confident on our route. Prepare for a hike, friends.
- Subway to the Oculus ($2.75 USD)
- PATH train to New Jersey ($2.75 USD)
- NJ Transit train from Newark Penn Station to Newark Liberty International Airport Station ($8.50 USD)
- Air Train to Terminal ($5.50 USD included in the price above)
- Flight
Total Cost: $11.25 a person
