Newark to Brooklyn: UK Traveller's NYC Guide

For many British travellers heading to the vibrant boroughs of New York City, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) often presents itself as a surprisingly convenient gateway. Situated less than 17 miles from Brooklyn, it can offer a quicker entry into the city's coolest neighbourhood compared to the more familiar JFK or LaGuardia airports. This comprehensive guide, tailored for our UK readers, will walk you through every viable option for getting from EWR to Brooklyn, or indeed, from Brooklyn back to Newark, ensuring a seamless start or end to your American adventure.

Whether you prioritise speed, cost, or sheer convenience, there's a travel solution to suit your needs. From the most economical public transport routes involving trains and the iconic New York City subway, to the unparalleled comfort of private car services and the readily available taxis and rideshare apps, we've got you covered. The journey typically spans around 17 miles and, depending on the notorious New York traffic, can take anywhere from a swift 35 minutes on a miraculously clear day to upwards of two hours. Let's explore your best route.

Why Choose Newark Liberty International (EWR)?

While JFK and LaGuardia are often the go-to airports for New York City, EWR, located in New Jersey, offers a compelling alternative, especially if Brooklyn is your primary destination. Its proximity to Brooklyn, potentially offering a quicker drive, makes it a strong contender. Furthermore, for those arriving from overseas, understanding the various onward travel options from EWR can significantly reduce travel stress and help you plan your arrival with greater efficiency.

Essential Newark Airport Travel Tips for UK Visitors

• Immigration Queues: If you're arriving from outside the United States, be prepared for potentially long immigration queues. Factor this into your overall travel time from EWR to Brooklyn, especially if you have pre-booked appointments or tight schedules.
• Rideshare Timing: For those planning to use rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, we strongly advise against ordering your car until you have cleared immigration, collected your luggage, and are physically ready to head to the designated pick-up area. This avoids unnecessary waiting fees or driver cancellations.
• Speed vs. Cost: Generally, pre-arranged private airport transfers or private cars via rideshare apps offer the fastest direct route. However, the most economical way to travel remains public transport, specifically the subway and train services.

Public Transport: The Economical Choice

For budget-conscious travellers, or those who enjoy experiencing local transport, combining train and subway travel is undoubtedly the cheapest option. Be prepared for a journey that typically takes around two hours and involves at least one transfer through Manhattan.

Subway & Train: A Detailed Guide

The total cost for this journey is usually around $15 per person. It's crucial to understand that there is no direct train from Newark Airport to Brooklyn; you will always need to transfer through Manhattan.

Getting Your MetroCard: London Underground vs. NYC Subway

If you're accustomed to the ease of an Oyster card on the London Underground, getting a MetroCard for the NYC subway will feel familiar. Upon reaching a subway station, simply head to a kiosk. You can use a credit card to purchase your MetroCard. You have two main options:

• Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard: Load a specific amount of money, for example, $20, which will be deducted per ride ($2.75 per single journey). You can top this up as needed. After swiping for a single ride, you can transfer freely between subway lines and buses.
• Unlimited MetroCard: Purchase a card for a set number of days, allowing unlimited rides within that period. This is often better value if you plan extensive subway use during your stay.
• Children: Children under 44 inches (approx. 112 cm) tall can travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Securing Your NJ Transit Ticket

The Newark AirTrain, which connects EWR terminals to the main rail link station, costs $5.50. However, this fee is typically included when you purchase your NJ Transit or Amtrak ticket. You will need to buy an NJ Transit ticket for your specific route, ensuring it covers your starting point on the NJ Transit (e.g., Newark Liberty Airport Station) and your ending point (e.g., New York Penn Station).

We recommend purchasing a one-way ticket at a time. Here’s how:

• At the Station: You can buy tickets from a vending machine (credit card only) or a ticket counter. If it's your first time, allow a few extra minutes for this process. Conductors cannot accept bills larger than $20.
• Via the NJ Transit App: This is arguably the easiest and most convenient method. Download the NJ Transit App, add your credit card details, and select your route. Purchase your ticket, but crucially, do not activate it until just before you board the train. Once activated, the ticket is only valid for a limited time.

Once on the train, a conductor will typically check your ticket shortly after departure. Pay close attention to announcements or consult a map to ensure you alight at the correct stop.

EWR to Brooklyn: Subway & Train Route

This is the most affordable option. While no direct train exists, the journey is straightforward once you understand the transfers.

1. AirTrain to Newark Liberty Airport Station: Follow the clear signs from your EWR terminal (A, B, or C) to the AirTrain. It runs 365 days a year, every few minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight, and every 15 minutes thereafter until 5:00 AM. Your NJ Transit ticket (purchased via app or machine) will cover the AirTrain portion.
2. NJ Transit to New York Penn Station: From Newark Liberty Airport Station, transfer to an NJ Transit train heading towards New York Penn Station. This is a critical distinction: ensure you're heading to New York Penn Station in Manhattan, not Newark Penn Station in New Jersey. Check the monitors at Newark Liberty Airport Station for your platform, usually displayed about 10 minutes before boarding. Double-check you're boarding an NJ Transit train, not Amtrak. The ticket for this leg will be approximately $15.
3. Subway to Brooklyn: Upon arrival at New York Penn Station, you'll transfer to the NYC subway. Follow signs within Penn Station towards the subway lines. Penn Station serves multiple subway lines from different entrances:
• 34th Street and 7th Avenue: 1, 2, & 3 lines
• 6th Avenue and 34th Street: N, Q, R or B, D, F, & M lines (near Macy's and Herald Square)
• 34th Street and 8th Avenue: A, C, & E lines
• 34th Street: 7 line

Your specific Brooklyn destination will dictate which subway line you need. We highly recommend using Google Maps to plot your final address for the quickest route. A popular connection to Brooklyn is via the Atlantic Avenue Barclays Center Station, accessible from New York Penn Station on the 2, 3, B, D, N, Q, & R lines.

Brooklyn to EWR: Subway & Train Route

The return journey largely mirrors the inbound trip, with a transfer in Manhattan, typically at New York Penn Station.

1. Subway to New York Penn Station: From your starting point in Brooklyn, use the subway to reach New York Penn Station. Again, Google Maps is your best friend for finding the most efficient subway line. Common connections from Brooklyn to Manhattan include the Atlantic Avenue Barclays Center Station (2, 3, B, D, N, Q, & R lines).
2. NJ Transit to Newark Liberty Airport Station: Once at New York Penn Station, purchase an NJ Transit ticket with your starting point as New York Penn Station and your final destination as Newark Liberty Airport Station. Consult the monitors for your platform, typically displayed 10 minutes before departure. Ensure you're boarding an NJ Transit train (not Amtrak) and that your ticket is from New York Penn Station.
3. AirTrain to EWR Terminal: Upon reaching Newark Liberty Airport Station, transfer to the AirTrain. Your NJ Transit ticket covers this final leg. The AirTrain will connect you directly to terminals A, B, and C.

Express Bus & Subway Combo

Another public transport alternative is combining the Newark Airport Express Bus with the NYC subway. This option is available between 5:00 AM and 1:00 AM, as these are the bus's operating hours.

The Newark Airport Express Bus departs every 30 minutes, connecting EWR to three key locations in Manhattan: Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal, and Bryant Park. Once you alight the bus, you can walk to the nearest subway station to complete your journey to Brooklyn, or vice versa.

Tickets for the Newark Airport Express Bus can be purchased in advance: currently $17 for a one-way trip or $30 for a return journey.

Newark Airport Express Bus: Manhattan Connections

• Via Port Authority Terminal: Find the bus at 41st Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. The nearest subway station is 42 St-Port Authority Subway Station, serving the 1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, Q, R, W, and S lines.
• Via Grand Central Terminal: Head to 41st Street between Park & Lexington Avenues. The nearest subway station is 42 St – Grand Central Subway Station, with access to the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S lines.
• Via Bryant Park: Locate the bus at 42nd Street & 5th Avenue. The nearest subway station is 42 St – Bryant Park / Fifth Avenue Station, serving the B, D, F, M, & 7 lines.

Finding the Newark Airport Express Bus at EWR

At the airport, the Express Bus stops are conveniently located:

• Terminal A: Outside the arrival level, lane 5
• Terminal B: Outside the arrival level, lane 2
• Terminal C: Outside the arrival level at bus stop 5 & 6

Private & Direct Options: Convenience at a Cost

If speed, directness, and comfort are your priorities, especially when travelling with significant luggage or a group, private transport options are your best bet. While often pricier, they can offer a seamless experience, particularly during peak hours or late at night.

Taxi Services: The Classic Choice

Taxis are readily available at Newark Airport. Follow the clearly marked signs to the taxi stands outside your terminal. Queues typically move quickly, but confirming with the driver that the taxi hasn't been claimed by someone else before hopping in is always a good idea.

Before you depart, an attendant will usually provide you with a taxi fare ticket showing an estimated fare to your Brooklyn destination. While generally accurate, this quote does not include tolls (which can add up to $20), or the driver's tip. Be aware of additional charges:

• Rush Hour Surcharge: A $5 surcharge applies during weekday rush hours (Mon-Fri 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM) and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM for all points in New York State (excluding Staten Island).
• Luggage: Additional charges may apply for each piece of luggage over 24 inches.
• Credit Card Fee: A $5.50 surcharge is automatically added to all credit card transactions by the local taxi commission.

The driving distance is around 17 miles, with an ideal journey time of 35 minutes. However, in reality, heavy traffic often extends this to 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, sometimes even matching public transport times. Plan accordingly, especially for flights from Brooklyn to EWR.

Rideshare Apps (Uber & Lyft): Modern Convenience

Apps like Uber and Lyft offer another direct way to get from EWR to Brooklyn. It's wise to compare rates between the two, as prices can fluctuate based on demand, time of day, car size, and whether you opt for carpooling. Be aware that an additional airport fee is usually added to the quoted price, and tips are not included.

As mentioned, order your rideshare car only once you have your luggage and are heading to the designated pick-up area. If your app indicates the car has arrived but you can't see it, try calling the driver; they might be on the departure level after a recent drop-off. Always verify the car's licence plate and model against your app details before getting in.

Private Airport Transfers: The Premium Experience

For ultimate convenience and peace of mind, a pre-booked private airport transfer is unmatched. Your driver will monitor your flight details and be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign bearing your name, just like in the films. This eliminates any hassle with luggage or navigating public transport after a long flight.

From Brooklyn to EWR, you simply provide your flight time, and the service will arrange a pick-up time, factoring in potential traffic to ensure you arrive at the airport well in advance of your departure. These services often include all tolls, taxes, and even the driver's tip in the upfront price, providing transparent costing.

Private transfers offer 24/7 customer service and can accommodate accessibility needs, though they typically require around 3 days' notice to arrange a suitable vehicle.

Comparative Overview: Choosing Your Best Route

To help you decide, here's a quick comparison of the various transport options from Newark Airport to Brooklyn (and vice versa):

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How far is Newark Airport from Brooklyn?

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is approximately 17 miles (about 27 kilometres) from Brooklyn. The driving distance can vary slightly depending on your specific destination within Brooklyn.

What is the quickest way to get from EWR to Brooklyn?

The quickest way is typically a pre-arranged private airport transfer, taxi, or rideshare service. On a perfect day with no traffic, the drive can be as short as 35 minutes. However, during peak hours, these options can take 1.5 hours or more, similar to public transport.

What is the cheapest way to get from Newark Airport to Brooklyn?

The most economical option is public transport, specifically combining the AirTrain, NJ Transit train, and the NYC subway. This route generally costs around $15 per person.

Is there a direct train from Newark Airport to Brooklyn?

No, there is no direct train. All train and subway routes from Newark Airport to Brooklyn require at least one transfer in Manhattan, usually at New York Penn Station.

Can I use my credit card for public transport in NYC?

Yes, you can use a credit card to purchase MetroCards at subway station kiosks and to buy NJ Transit tickets at vending machines or via the NJ Transit app. Note that some older MetroCard vending machines might be cash-only, but most accept credit cards. Taxis also accept credit cards, though a surcharge typically applies.

How much luggage can I take on a taxi or rideshare?

Standard taxis and rideshare vehicles can generally accommodate typical luggage. However, taxis may levy additional charges for oversized luggage or more than two large bags. If you have a significant amount of luggage, consider requesting a larger vehicle through a rideshare app or opting for a private transfer which can often accommodate more.

Is it safe to travel from Newark to Brooklyn at night?

Generally, public transport and private options are safe, even at night. For peace of mind, especially if travelling alone or with a lot of luggage, pre-arranged private transfers offer the highest level of security and convenience late at night. Always be aware of your surroundings, regardless of the time of day.

Choosing the right transport method from Newark Airport to Brooklyn depends on your budget, time constraints, and comfort preferences. By understanding the options detailed above, you can make an informed decision and ensure a smooth, stress-free journey to or from one of New York City's most captivating neighbourhoods.

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