New York City - Exit at Airtrain Newark Rail Station

All,

I'm trying to figure this information out for future trips in/out of EWR, and since I can't find the answers anywhere, I figured I'd ask the experts who ride the EWR Airtrain a lot.


Is there an exit on the 'Airtrain' (not Rail-side) section of the Newark Liberty Rail Station to the street?

Basically, can I go from the EWR terminals to the streets of Newark, without paying the US$5.50 fee?

My goal would be to get from the airport to Elizabeth Ave in Newark, and it seems the only logical way to get there, by walking, is to take the Airtrain to the Rail Station and walk from there...however, I don't know if this is possible and if they have an exit to the outside world - instead of just a link between the two different rail sections (Airtrain & the NorthEast corridor).

Thanks in advance to all!

-jeremy

There is no access to or from the street from the RailLink station on the AirTrain.

Nor is it an area you would want to be walking in in the first place.


Where are you actually trying to get to/from by this method? I may have a better option for you, should you provide a true starting point for your journey.

All,

I'm trying to figure this information out for future trips in/out of EWR, and since I can't find the answers anywhere, I figured I'd ask the experts who ride the EWR Airtrain a lot.


Is there an exit on the 'Airtrain' (not Rail-side) section of the Newark Liberty Rail Station to the street?

Basically, can I go from the EWR terminals to the streets of Newark, without paying the US$5.50 fee?

My goal would be to get from the airport to Elizabeth Ave in Newark, and it seems the only logical way to get there, by walking, is to take the Airtrain to the Rail Station and walk from there...however, I don't know if this is possible and if they have an exit to the outside world - instead of just a link between the two different rail sections (Airtrain & the NorthEast corridor).

Thanks in advance to all!

-jeremy

No and I agree with the previous poster you wouldn't want to be walking around there. Where are you trying to get to?

Walking from the airport to downtown Newark is not feasible. If you want the absolute cheapest way to get into Newark there is the city bus. Otherwise I believe the train is ~$8-9, including the AirTrain surcharge.

Thanks for the help guys...

I was just there for an hour or so, waiting for a train, then turning around and renting a car and driving back to Washington, but I didn't remember if I saw an exit or not.

That said, when we first left with our car - our first stop was White Castle on Elizabeth Ave, then I realized how close it was to the airport and I was thinking I could hit it up on a short layover in EWR, when I guess that isn't the case, because it doesn't look like walking is an option at all from the terminal area and none of the AirTrain stations are on the West side of the major highway connections...

Anyone have a better, quick way to get to and from the terminals to White Castle there? I know it's not the best area, but when we were in our car, it was fine, and given the fact that i'm not scared to be on the streets there, if its possible to get there, let me know - i'd be willing to take my risks...

Cheers - Thanks again guys,
jeremy

Anyone have a better, quick way to get to and from the terminals to White Castle there? I know it's not the best area, but when we were in our car, it was fine, and given the fact that i'm not scared to be on the streets there, if its possible to get there, let me know - i'd be willing to take my risks...There's a trip planner on the www.njtransit.com homepage.

Putting in Newark Terminal A and 307 Elizabeth Ave returns an itinerary that involves 2 buses.

I have no idea if that's the fastest/easiest route, but it appears to be one way of getting there...

A brief disclaimer:

I still would not reccomend walking anywhere in Newark's South Ward (which is home to EWR and the White Castle in question. This area accounts for a good chunk of Newark's violent crime. I would NOT take this trip with ANY luggage or bags, and NOT after dark.


That said, if you choose to do so at your own risk:

NJ Transit's #37 Bus picks up from directly in front of all three Terminals. Take this bus towards Ivy Hill. Get off on the corner of Meeker and Elizabeth Avenue (the bus will be heading West on Meeker, then turn South on Elizabeth)

Cross Elizabeth Avenue, and walk North on Elizabeth Avenue, (under I-78) and your White Castle will be on the right.


In reverse, take the #37 bus towards Newark Airport. The bus will pick up across Elizabeth Avenue from where you got off (same side of the street as White Castle.)


Bus fare is 1.50, exact fare only, no change given, and the trip will take about 5 minutes (less waiting time)

A brief disclaimer:

I still would not reccomend walking anywhere in Newark's South Ward (which is home to EWR and the White Castle in question. This area accounts for a good chunk of Newark's violent crime. I would NOT take this trip with ANY luggage or bags, and NOT after dark.



Cheers - thanks for the directions, but if I can't walk it (at my speed/quick), then I really can't do this anyways...since I wanted to do it on relatively short connections in EWR.

I'm definitely not paying money to get this close to the airport, even if it is just US$1.50. I guess i'm used to walking to and from airports, and even bigger airports somehow produce feasible ins and outs on local roads (hello LAX!) that you can use to get to businesses close to the airport.

That said, this is Newark, and the land of the highways, so this is yet another reason that I'll try to avoid EWR...in addition to the masses of other reasons :-)

I saw the Wyndham & Best Western & Advantage Auto Rentals, but once again, if I even have to wait for a shuttle bus, then this whole situation is moot.

Thanks though - Too bad, since I do love my White Castle!

-jeremy

I guess i'm used to walking to and from airports, and even bigger airports somehow produce feasible ins and outs on local roads (hello LAX!) that you can use to get to businesses close to the airport.


Of the three big airports in NYC area - only LGA has a walkable solution.
In Chicago - only Midway is walkable.

Sorry but no option available that wouldn't cost at minimum bus fare.

I hate to say it, but welcome to New York. There isn't really anything cheap. Believe it or not, taking a cab between airport terminals costs 16.00. And thats for a 5 minute walk.

Even if the AirTrain did allow you to exit at the train station, you are still looking at a 15 minute or more trip each direction.


As far as walkable airports go, of the combined hubs, how many are really walkable to a business district?


EWR-No
IAD-No
CLE-Never was a destination for me
ORD-No
DEN-Heck No.
IAH-No
SFO-Don't think so
LAX-Its been 10 years, but is there really businesses close?
GUM-Never been there
NRT-Never been there

After years of reading threads about LAX and In-n-Out Burger, it's great to see one about EWR and White Castle. I miss the Northeast. :)

After years of reading threads about LAX and In-n-Out Burger, it's great to see one about EWR and White Castle. I miss the Northeast. :)

Cheers - Thanks!!!

I'm still in the 'Northeast', but not in range of a White Castle. However, I do go up to New York quite frequently and have my in-laws in Upstate New York, which lets us go past White Castles very regularly.

This past weekend, when we arrived into EWR (the FT deal was leaving/arriving in NYC airports, we commuted from WAS) - I didn't realize how close that White Castle actually was to EWR, and thought of the 'Grand Plan' - leave for a few minutes during a connection at EWR to get some burgers, then immediately return, but of course - the EWR and NYC infrastructure lets me down completely.

I can't tell you how many times i've done the In-N-Out walk at LAX - double digits easily, and also with the ParkingSpot shuttle a bunch as well.

And for the previous poster - there are a lot of things close to LAX that are walkable - on the day leaving for our honeymoon, my wife and I went to In-N-Out, Staples (for a memory card for digital camera) and Ralph's (groceries), all on Sepulveda, a few minute WALK from LAX.

That said, i'm saying all of this stuff because I don't like relying on public transportation or especially cars, since I live a 10/15 minute walk from DCA and have done the terminal walk to the town in many places: LAX, SAN, SNA, SFO, HNL, etc.

It's too bad (for me at least ;)) that there are no exits from the AirTrain on the West side of the highways, but I guess it makes sense, so that the NJTransit and/or AirTrain can swindle more money from people and not all people to leave from the stations and return and bypass the fare gates.

-jeremy

FYI...there's a White Castle on 8th Ave just a few blocks up from Penn Station. :p

FYI...there's a White Castle on 8th Ave just a few blocks up from Penn Station. :p

FYI, this would be New York Penn Station, not Newark Penn Station.



Addressing a previous post:

And for the record, the AirTrain Access fee of 5.50 is imposed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and not NJ Transit. This fee is included in the purchase of tickets on NJ Transit and Amtrak, but passed back to PANYNJ.


You are also free to exit the AirTrain at any station, except for RailLink, for free. The OP's last post, made it sound like this was not the case.

And there is no exit from the RailLink station to the street on either side of the tracks.

FYI, this would be New York Penn Station, not Newark Penn Station.That's why I said 8th Ave but for those not knowing anything about the grid structure of midtown, you've done those people a service. ;)

I'm referring to Midtown Manhattan..... ;)

FYI, this would be New York Penn Station, not Newark Penn Station.

Addressing a previous post:

And for the record, the AirTrain Access fee of 5.50 is imposed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and not NJ Transit. This fee is included in the purchase of tickets on NJ Transit and Amtrak, but passed back to PANYNJ.

You are also free to exit the AirTrain at any station, except for RailLink, for free. The OP's last post, made it sound like this was not the case.

And there is no exit from the RailLink station to the street on either side of the tracks.

Cheers - Thanks everyone!

I was just at said White Castle (Manhattan) two weeks ago, so i'm very familiar with that one...a great quick walk from the MegaBus/Amtrak stop from Washington, plus it's open 24hours a day!

I do know that the AirTrain is free within the airport limits, but given the fact that it doesn't really help getting anywhere that isn't the airport, it's of limited use - it would be nice if you could get to at least some of the close-in hotels or something...but it's not to be - just for the terminals/parking/rental cars/etc.

Thanks again everyone - I'll continue to avoid EWR :)

-jeremy

I do know that the AirTrain is free within the airport limits, but given the fact that it doesn't really help getting anywhere that isn't the airport, it's of limited use - it would be nice if you could get to at least some of the close-in hotels or something...but it's not to be - just for the terminals/parking/rental cars/etc.
Thanks again everyone - I'll continue to avoid EWR :)
-jeremy

Jeremy, it appears to me that the Air Train is another way for the Port Authority to impose a user charge on passengers using EWR. This evening, I tried taking NJ Transit to EWR using an Elizabeth ticket. Wrong fare, go back and pay $5.50 for the right to go through the turnstile to access the air train!
Meanwhile, it is much easier to avoid paying the AirTrain JFK fee..............just take the Q10 MTA bus to Lefferts and transfer to an A Train.

For those of you who use EWR regularly, there must be a way to avoid paying the Port Authority's scam charge for the Air Train?

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

I do know that the AirTrain is free within the airport limits, but given the fact that it doesn't really help getting anywhere that isn't the airport, it's of limited use - it would be nice if you could get to at least some of the close-in hotels or something...but it's not to be - just for the terminals/parking/rental cars/etc.
Thanks again everyone - I'll continue to avoid EWR :)
-jeremy

Jeremy, it appears to me that the Air Train is another way for the Port Authority to impose a user charge on passengers using EWR. This evening, I tried taking NJ Transit to EWR using an Elizabeth ticket. Wrong fare, go back and pay $5.50 for the right to go through the turnstile to access the air train!
Meanwhile, it is much easier to avoid paying the AirTrain JFK fee..............just take the Q10 MTA bus to Lefferts and transfer to an A Train.

For those of you who use EWR regularly, there must be a way to avoid paying the Port Authority's scam charge for the Air Train?

The Port Authority's $5.50 AirTrain access fee at EWR (and $5.00 AirTrain access fee at JFK) defrays the costs incurred by the Port Authority in building and operating the AirTrain. Why is it a "scam" charge to impose a (relatively modest) user fee on those who actually use the AirTrain to get to/from the rail station?

Those who want to avoid the EWR AirTrain fee can take the NJ Transit #62 bus to/from Newark Penn Station for $1.50, or to/from the NJ Transit Elizabeth Station for $2.35.

It is a scam charge as it is imposed only on flyers (in this case traveling to/from EWR).
Your argument is patently absurd. Since the Port Authority blew millions on the Air Train, flyers must pay for this? That is completely ridiculous. Next, you will justify increasing the $5.50 fee to pay the maintenance on the Air Train!
How about a novel idea! In the UK, UR residents pay for their transportation infrastructure. Why should the US be different?

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

It is a scam charge as it is imposed only on flyers (in this case traveling to/from EWR).
Your argument is patently absurd. Since the Port Authority blew millions on the Air Train, flyers must pay for this? That is completely ridiculous. Next, you will justify increasing the $5.50 fee to pay the maintenance on the Air Train!
How about a novel idea! In the UK, UR residents pay for their transportation infrastructure. Why should the US be different?

The charge is only imposed on those who choose to go to or from EWR by rail. It's not imposed on those who take the bus, a taxi, etc., or who merely ride AirTrain between terminals or the rental car stations or parking lots.

Do you think that the $2.25 fare that the MTA charges for the Q10 bus is a scam charge, or the extra fare that the Madrid subway charges for those who enter or exit at the Barajas Airport station?

And by the way, if U.K. residents pay for transportation infrastructure in the U.K., why is there a $40-$50 "Passenger Service Charge" for those who are merely connecting at Heathrow? (I won't even ask about the higher APD imposed on those who begin their trips in the U.K.)

After years of reading threads about LAX and In-n-Out Burger, it's great to see one about EWR and White Castle. I miss the Northeast. :)

OT but the In-n-Out Burger near LAX is gone, gone, gone, torn down for a construction project.

[QUOTE The charge is only imposed on those who choose to go to or from EWR by rail. It's not imposed on those who take the bus, a taxi, etc., or who merely ride AirTrain between terminals or the rental car stations or parking lots. /QUOTE]

Whoa, sensitive or what!

FYI, I did some research on the $5.50 charge imposed on passengers using the Nerwark Air Train Station. It was introduced in 2001 as a $3 charge for "departing" passengers:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/306767-newark-airport-gets-rail-link-manhattan.html
(NB Nary a mention of it being imposed for arrivals!)
$3 may have been a reasonable fee @ the time - especially since the Air Train replaced an express transit bus which used to operate from EWR to Penn Stn!

I also learned that the Port Authority collects $11 million p.a. for this service:
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-facts-info.html

I agree there is an alternative, but its very time consuming. Currently, local bus #62 leaves EWR every 20 minutes and costs $2. From there one can transfer to a Path train to NYC ($1.75).
It is absurd to ask if the $2.25 fee to ride the Q10 bus is a scam charge! It is a normal fee for taking public transit. This was precisely my point!

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)

[QUOTE The charge is only imposed on those who choose to go to or from EWR by rail. It's not imposed on those who take the bus, a taxi, etc., or who merely ride AirTrain between terminals or the rental car stations or parking lots. /QUOTE]

Whoa, sensitive or what!

FYI, I did some research on the $5.50 charge imposed on passengers using the Nerwark Air Train Station. It was introduced in 2001 as a $3 charge for "departing" passengers:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/new-york-city/306767-newark-airport-gets-rail-link-manhattan.html
(NB Nary a mention of it being imposed for arrivals!)
$3 may have been a reasonable fee @ the time - especially since the Air Train replaced an express transit bus which used to operate from EWR to Penn Stn!

I also learned that the Port Authority collects $11 million p.a. for this service:
http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-facts-info.html

I agree there is an alternative, but its very time consuming. Currently, local bus #62 leaves EWR every 20 minutes and costs $2. From there one can transfer to a Path train to NYC ($1.75).
It is absurd to ask if the $2.25 fee to ride the Q10 bus is a scam charge! It is a normal fee for taking public transit. This was precisely my point!

I'm afraid that you're still getting some things wrong:

1. When it first started operating, the Port Authority charged EWR AirTrain passengers $5.00 for passing through the fare gate (in either direction) at EWR Rail Station. That was increased to $5.50 not long along. (NJ Transit used to outrageously collect more than an additional $5.00 on its rail tickets between NYP and EWR. Passengers could avoid that ripoff by buying a ticket from NYP to Elizabeth, get off at EWR Rail Station, and just pay the $5.00 AirTrain fee.) The $3.00 fee on departing passengers referred to in the old FlyerTalk post was the passenger facility charge (PFC) that was collected on airline tickets for departures from EWR. Those fees were used to help defray the cost of constructing AirTrain. The $5.00 (now $5.50) cost for riding AirTrain to or from the rail station is an entirely different fee.

2. The bus fare on the #62 bus from any terminal at EWR to Newark Penn Station is still $1.50.

3. PATH is the cheaper option to get to Manhattan from Newark Penn Station, but one can also pay $5.00 to ride NJ Transit from Newark Penn Station to Manhattan. (PATH will be faster, though, if you're headed to the World Trade Center area.) If you combine the #62 bus with NJ Transit rail, you're paying $6.50, little more than half of the $12.50 charge for the AirTrain/NJ Transit rail combination.

4. Using the #62 bus instead of AirTrain/NJ Transit to get to Newark Penn Station will not always be time-consuming. The frequency of #62 bus service, as well as the frequency of NJ Transit rail service, varies by day of week and time of day. When you factor in waiting time for NJ Transit trains and how long it takes to get from a terminal to the EWR Rail Station via AirTrain, taking the #62 bus can sometimes take the same amount of time (and occasionally less) than taking the AirTrain/NJ Transit combination. For example, on a weekend afternoon, NJ Transit trains depart EWR Rail Station for Newark/Manhattan at 3:07, 3:15, and then not until 4:04. If you're not going to catch the 3:15 train, you may well be better off taking the #62 bus to Newark Penn Station. You may still end up catching the same train that departs EWR at 4:04, but at least you'll save a few dollars.

5. One still has the option of riding an Express bus between EWR and Manhattan.

As to the more general question of how construction and operation of a monorail between an airport and a rail station a few miles away should be financed -- by general tax revenues from the whole population, by user fees from all airport passengers, or by user fees from those who actually use the rail service -- that's a much broader political question.

Those who want to avoid the EWR AirTrain fee can take the NJ Transit #62 bus to/from Newark Penn Station for $1.50, or to/from the NJ Transit Elizabeth Station for $2.35.

Thanks for that info. I don't know that I'd ever avail myself of that option, but I never knew that NJ Transit buses went to the terminals.

It is a scam charge as it is imposed only on flyers (in this case traveling to/from EWR).No, it is a fee for anyone who uses the AirTrain service between the Newark Liberty International Airport station and any of the other AirTrain stations. That you think charging a fee for using the monorail is a "scam" or "absurd" is mind-boggling; you might want to see somebody.

Thanks for that info. I don't know that I'd ever avail myself of that option, but I never knew that NJ Transit buses went to the terminals.

Yeah, consider this:

I made my three month pregnant wife (and myself ;)) walk from 42nd/7th down to the WTC Path train, then from the Path terminus in Newark to the #62 bus to EWR...all to save a few bucks :)

Then, we flew C from EWR-Birmingham, England - FRA - Johannesburg, all in Business, of course ;-)

So, I'm cheap for sure on the EWR train portion of things, but I just hate paying that ridiculous fee for access to the train, just like I abhor the BART fares to/from SFO...

-jeremy