Question about transportation from Newark to Manhattan

[TxJasmine]

Next month my family and I are going on a cruise leaving from NJ. We plan to arrive a few days early and do some sightseeing in NY. We are staying at one of the Newark airport hotels. What is the best way (cheapest and safest) to get to Manhattan from Newark airport? We will not be renting a car, and we don't want to pay for a taxi (since we will be going back and forth for 2-3 days). We were thinking about taking a train or light rail, but someone I work with scared me and told me that trains around Newark aren't safe.

I know that many of you live in the NY/NJ area, and I'm hoping that you can give me some advice. I've been trying to study the public transportation route maps for NY/NJ, but they contain so much information it's almost overwhelming!

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

Airtrain connects to NJ Transit trains. there's a link to NJ Transit on the airtrain page.


there used to be express bus service from Newark airport to lower Manhattan, but I don't know if they still have it.

 

[TheButlerDiditt]

I've taken the train many times and haven't felt unsafe. Taking the NJ Transit only takes about 20 minutes and drops you off at Penn Station. It is pretty convenient and inexpensive.

 

[dvcgirl]

Why are you staying in a Newark Hotel? Is it a package with the tour? What are you paying per night? Why not just stay in the city? The Marriott Marquis is a tourist friendly resort and you can get rates in the $179-$199 a night range. They're always running deals. The location is perfect and then you don't have to worry about going back and forth to Newark every day. www.marriott.nyc.com

 

[Aristocath]

Taking the train is fine. But IMO, if you plan on going back and forth for several days to sightsee, you are wasting time commuting. There are many reasonably priced hotels in Manhattan. My mom and I travel to NYC several times a year for the theater,shopping, visiting relatives, and touring. We prefer to fly into Newark (as opposed to LGA) and take the Newark Airport Express bus. It will take you to Penn station, Port Authority, Grand Central, Wall Street, or Chinatown. Then you can catch a cab or walk to your hotel. Plus, if you stay in Manhattan,when you are sightseeing you have the option of going back to your hotel. The day you leave on your cruise, you can take a cab to the port or take the Express bus back to Newark and then a cab to the port.

When are you going? I'll be there May 28th through June 2nd. I can hardly wait!

Have a great trip.

Cathy

 

[TxJasmine]

Thanks for the info!

Cathy, we will be there part of the same time as you. I just hope it's not too crowded, especially since it's a holiday weekend. I will look into the Newark Airport Express bus.

dvcgirl, the main reason we want to stay in Newark is cost. We are paying $89/night. Unfortunately, $179+ is WAY out of our price range. While it would be nice to stay in Manhattan, the difference in cost makes the commute worth the trouble. If it only takes 20 minutes to get to NY - that's not too bad. My main concern is safety, but it doesn't sound like that is an issue. Besides, my kids really enjoy riding on trains and subways because that's something they don't get to do on a regular basis!

 

[Aristocath]

Actually, being a holiday weekend works in our favor. Lots of people who live in NYC go out of town for the holiday weekend. It would really only be difficult if you were needing to rent a car. On Sunday, the Times Square Fair is going on along 7th Avenue from 47th to 59th streets and on Monday, May 31st the Madison Avenue Community Expo is being held. I love the street fairs in NYC as you can find some unique items there. Plus, it can be an inexpensive way to eat if the budget is tight. Also, your kids might like Gray's Papaya- two hot dogs and a drink for under $2.50! Have fun!

Cathy