Newark Penn Station
A historic Art Deco transit hub connecting travelers to Newark Airport and New York City, offering a glimpse into classic rail travel.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Less crowded, more predictable
Newark Penn Station
Best Time
Less crowded, more predictable
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Art Deco transit hub connecting travelers to Newark Airport and New York City, offering a glimpse into classic rail travel.
"Historic architecture meets transit convenience, though cleanliness and late-night amenities can be a concern."
✈️ EWR Airport Transfer
Take the AirTrain to the Newark Liberty Int'l Airport Station, then transfer to NJ Transit to Newark Penn. Cheapest way into NYC!
🧳 Luggage Handling
Be prepared to carry luggage between tracks as escalators/elevators are not always available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Main concourse
Admire the grand Art Deco design and soaring ceilings of this 1935-era transit hub.
PATH Trains
Lower levels
Experience the vintage PATH trains, a nostalgic ride connecting to Manhattan.
Amtrak & NJ Transit Platforms
Upper levels
Witness the bustling activity of long-distance Amtrak and regional NJ Transit services.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Newark Penn Station
Airport Connections
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ EWR Airport Transfer
Take the AirTrain to the Newark Liberty Int'l Airport Station, then transfer to NJ Transit to Newark Penn. Cheapest way into NYC!
🧳 Luggage Handling
Be prepared to carry luggage between tracks as escalators/elevators are not always available.
🌃 Late Night Hours
After midnight, many amenities close, and waiting rooms may be inaccessible. Be prepared for limited seating.
🧼 Cleanliness Concerns
Some visitors note issues with odors and general upkeep. Be aware of your surroundings.
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ EWR Airport Transfer
Take the AirTrain to the Newark Liberty Int'l Airport Station, then transfer to NJ Transit to Newark Penn. Cheapest way into NYC!
🧳 Luggage Handling
Be prepared to carry luggage between tracks as escalators/elevators are not always available.
🌃 Late Night Hours
After midnight, many amenities close, and waiting rooms may be inaccessible. Be prepared for limited seating.
🧼 Cleanliness Concerns
Some visitors note issues with odors and general upkeep. Be aware of your surroundings.
🚆 NYC Commute
A quick 15-minute train ride connects Newark Penn to NY Penn Station for about $12 round trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Newark Penn Station is a vital transit hub with historic architecture, but it faces criticism for cleanliness and maintenance issues. While it offers convenient connections to Newark Airport and New York City, some travelers report unsettling experiences due to the station's atmosphere and lack of amenities during late hours.
"This train station exudes an unsettling atmosphere, characterized by pervasive odors of urine. Fortunately, the presence of daylight provides a semblance of safety in this regard. There are no escalators or elevators from the track to the track. It happened to us that we had to move from one track to another and had to carry down the luggage to the floor. We also had to carry up the luggage to a new train rack. It is so sad that we are so behind."
Nancy Han
"What is the best location to meet the heart of new york? And go straight to the center of the world, where the happy new year's more epic ball countdown takes place? This is the station"
Miguel Linhares
"Opening in 1935, Newark Penn Station has long served as the transit hub for much of the city of Newark, NJ. Serving the city with many Amtrak trains, NJ Transit, and PATH Trains still 90 years later after the opening.
What the initial engineers did not speculate of when constructing this train station originally was just how many issues there would be. Sure, it is historic and nice, plus less crowded in comparison to New York City's version of Penn Station, and also, there is an Auntie Anne's, Hudson News, Dunkin', and McDonald's at the station that are great additions. Also, the waiting rooms on the NJ Transit tracks are nice additions that are from a bygone era of travel. This is, however, where the benefits end and where the issues start.
First, there are homeless people everywhere, creating turmoil and confusion for travelers, as they keep begging for monetary funds that they may not need in general. They also carry all of their items in a singular cart and appear suspicious compared to my initial standards.
Second, the nice facilities are overshadowed by the presence of the broken facilities, or poor maintenance of the train station facilities, as the restrooms and much of the station was rife with garbage, gum, or broken toilets, and the station building had garbage in the areas near the food stalls that should at least be addressed by the crew during their nightly maintenance at the 24 hour station.
Overall, these two issues should not detract the experience, but they can be hit or miss in your travels at the station, from DC to Boston, or just to New York City."
Jason Keller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most economical way is to take the AirTrain from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to the Newark Liberty Int'l Airport Station. From there, catch an NJ Transit train to Newark Penn Station. This is a popular method for travelers looking to save money compared to taxis or ride-shares.
NJ Transit trains offer a quick and direct route from Newark Penn Station to New York Penn Station in Manhattan, typically taking around 15-20 minutes. The PATH train is another option, though it goes to the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan.
The NJ Transit train ride from Newark Penn Station to New York Penn Station is very fast, usually taking about 15 minutes. The PATH train to the World Trade Center takes a bit longer, around 30-40 minutes.
Yes, taxis and ride-share services are generally available at Newark Penn Station, but they can be significantly more expensive than public transit options, especially for trips to Newark Airport.
There are parking facilities available at Newark Penn Station, but rates can be high. It's often more cost-effective to use public transportation if you're not driving from a nearby location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A round-trip ticket on NJ Transit from Newark Penn Station to New York Penn Station typically costs around $12. This is a very affordable option for commuting between the two cities.
You can purchase tickets for NJ Transit and Amtrak trains at ticket windows or vending machines located within the station. PATH train tickets can be purchased at PATH fare machines.
The AirTrain itself is free to use for transfers between terminals at Newark Liberty International Airport. However, you will need to purchase an NJ Transit ticket to travel from the airport station to Newark Penn Station.
Newark Penn Station is a 24-hour facility, but many of its amenities, such as food vendors and restrooms, have limited operating hours, especially between midnight and 4:30 AM.
Yes, both NJ Transit and Amtrak offer mobile ticketing options through their respective apps, allowing you to purchase and store tickets on your smartphone for easy boarding.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The station offers various amenities including food vendors like McDonald's and Dunkin', newsstands, and waiting areas. However, some facilities may be closed or in disrepair during certain hours or times.
While it's a busy transit hub, some visitors have expressed concerns about safety and cleanliness, particularly during late hours. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings.
Reports indicate that escalators and elevators from the tracks to the concourse are not always available, which can be challenging for travelers with heavy luggage.
The station has a historic Art Deco design but can feel chaotic and sometimes overwhelming due to crowds and the presence of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Yes, there are several food and drink options available, including McDonald's, Dunkin', and Auntie Anne's Pretzels. However, these may not be open during very late hours.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Newark Penn Station is a popular spot for train enthusiasts and photographers, offering views of Amtrak, NJ Transit, and PATH trains. The architecture also provides a great backdrop.
The main concourse with its grand architecture is a prime spot. The platforms offer dynamic shots of arriving and departing trains, especially during train meets.
Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, professional or commercial photography may require permits. Always be mindful of security and other passengers.
Yes, the vintage PATH trains, especially those from the 1980s, are a unique photographic subject at Newark Penn Station.
You can see a variety of trains, including Amtrak's Acela Express and regional services, NJ Transit commuter trains, and the PATH trains connecting to New York City. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a smoother experience, aim to travel during daytime hours when the station is generally more active and amenities are more likely to be open. The quick train ride to New York City is a plus for families eager to reach their destination. Consider purchasing tickets in advance via mobile apps to save time at the station.
💰 Budget Travelers
For travel into New York City, the NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station is also very affordable, especially when purchasing round-trip tickets.
Be prepared for a potentially less-than-pristine environment, as some reviews mention cleanliness issues. 🚶 Day-Trippers to NYC
The journey is short, allowing you to maximize your time in NYC. Consider purchasing your round-trip tickets in advance via the NJ Transit app to streamline your departure and return. Be mindful of the station's atmosphere, and if you have a few hours before your train, you might find a quick bite at one of the vendors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Connecting to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
While this method is economical, it does require a bit of planning and can add time to your overall travel. Be sure to factor in potential wait times for the AirTrain and the NJ Transit train, especially during peak travel hours. The entire transfer process, from leaving the airport terminal to arriving at Newark Penn Station, can take approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on connections.
For those prioritizing speed and convenience over cost, direct taxis or ride-shares are available from the airport to Newark Penn Station, but be prepared for higher fares. Understanding these options allows travelers to choose the best approach based on their budget and schedule.
Navigating the Station and Its Challenges
Furthermore, the station can feel overwhelming due to the presence of individuals experiencing homelessness, which some visitors find unsettling and disruptive. This can contribute to a feeling of unease, particularly during late-night hours when amenities are limited and the station can feel less secure.
Despite these drawbacks, the station does offer essential amenities like food vendors and waiting areas. However, travelers are advised to be prepared for potential disruptions, maintain awareness of their surroundings, and plan their journeys accordingly, especially if arriving or departing during off-peak hours when services are reduced.
Connecting to New York City
Another option is the PATH train, which connects Newark Penn Station to Lower Manhattan, specifically the World Trade Center station. While this route is also convenient, it generally takes longer than the NJ Transit train, usually between 30 to 40 minutes. The PATH train is a good choice if your final destination is in the downtown area of Manhattan.
Travelers should be aware that while the station is operational 24/7, amenities like food vendors and restrooms may have limited hours, particularly between midnight and 4:30 AM. Planning your travel during operational hours of these services can enhance your experience.
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