AirTrain Newark is a 3-mile (4.8 km) monorail people mover system at Newark Liberty International Airport, also known as EWR. It links Terminals A, B, and C with parking areas, rental car facilities, hotel shuttle points, and Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station, where riders can transfer to NJ Transit and Amtrak. The system opened on May 31, 1996, runs around the clock, and is free for most trips inside the airport. A fare applies when you enter or exit through the airport rail station.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System type | Monorail people mover for airport public transport |
| Length | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
| Opened | May 31, 1996 |
| Main route | Airport terminals, parking, rental cars, hotel shuttle areas, and Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station |
| Operating hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Typical frequency | Every 3 to 5 minutes during the day and about every 15 minutes overnight |
| Fare | Free within the airport; access fee applies at the rail station when not included in a rail ticket |
| Future expansion | Replacement by a new cable-driven AirTrain system is planned for 2030 |
AirTrain Newark Map
The The AirTrain JFK map shows all available stops. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the AirTrain JFK map in PDF format.
AirTrain Newark Stations
AirTrain Newark has six main stations serving the airport route and the rail link on the Northeast Corridor. The stations list covers Terminal A, Terminal B, Terminal C, P3, P4, and the RailLink station. For trip planning, this is also the practical stations map: terminals are grouped in the airport core, while the rail station connects the airport with regional train service.
Terminal B and Terminal C stations sit on top of their terminal buildings. P4 serves the parking garage and daily parking, while P3 is used for hotel, off-airport parking, and rental car shuttle connections. Several stops have changed over time: P1 was removed in July 2019, P2 closed in June 2021, and P2 reopened as Terminal A in January 2023. The former P3 station also returned to passenger use in January 2026 to support shuttle access during replacement work.
All AirTrain stations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. At the RailLink station, passengers can connect to Amtrak and NJ Transit trains; airport stations provide access to terminals and related airport services.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| RailLink | Connects with Amtrak, NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line, NJ Transit North Jersey Coast Line, and shuttle buses to P4, Terminal A, and rental car facilities. Opened on October 21, 2001. |
| P4 | Serves the P4 parking garage and daily parking. It was the original terminus before the extension to the RailLink station. |
| Terminal C | Serves Terminal C and Short-term Parking C. Typical running time from the RailLink station is about 7 minutes. |
| Terminal B | Serves Terminal B and Short-term Parking B. Typical running time from the RailLink station is about 9 minutes. |
| P3 | Serves airport hotel shuttles, off-airport rental car shuttles, and off-airport parking shuttles. Temporarily reopened in January 2026 during the replacement project. |
| Terminal A | Serves Terminal A, Short-term Parking A, and the consolidated rental car facility. Formerly P2. |
AirTrain frequency is usually every 3 to 5 minutes in the daytime and about every 15 minutes overnight. Travel from the RailLink station to the terminals normally takes about 7 to 20 minutes, depending on the destination and current service pattern.
On weekdays, service to and from the train station is being replaced by shuttle buses from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., while AirTrain continues to run between terminals.
Terminal A Station
Terminal A Station serves Terminal A, Short-term Parking A, and the consolidated rental car facility. It is tied to the former P2 station, which reopened as Terminal A in January 2023.
The ride between Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station and Terminal A typically takes about 15 minutes. Depending on airport conditions and construction advisories, passengers may need to use a shuttle bus or follow the posted walking route through Parking A.
If you arrive by NJ Transit or Amtrak, follow signs for AirTrain and transfer toward Terminal A. If you are leaving from Terminal A, follow airport signs toward Parking A and the AirTrain station. A simple travel tip: allow 15 to 20 minutes for the full station-to-terminal connection.
- Connects with Terminal A
- Serves Short-term Parking A
- Links to the consolidated rental car facility
- Provides access to Newark Liberty International Airport RailLink Station
Terminal B Station
Terminal B Station is located on top of Terminal B, giving passengers a direct airport stop for that terminal. AirTrain connects it with Terminal A, Terminal C, parking stations, and Newark Liberty International Airport RailLink Station.
From the RailLink station, typical travel time is about 9 minutes to Terminal B. AirTrain service usually runs every 3 to 5 minutes during the day and about every 15 minutes overnight. During maintenance or shutdowns, Terminal B service may be replaced by shuttle buses.
Terminal C Station
Terminal C Station is located on top of Terminal C and provides direct access for passengers using that terminal. On the AirTrain route, Terminal C is usually about 7 minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport RailLink Station.
AirTrain also links Terminal C with Terminal B, Terminal A, P3, P4, and the airport rail station. Service can be affected by track maintenance, when transfers or shuttle buses may be required.
- Located on top of Terminal C
- Typical running time from the RailLink station: 7 minutes
- Daytime frequency: every 3 to 5 minutes
- Overnight frequency: about every 15 minutes
Parking and Rental Car Stations
AirTrain Newark serves airport parking and rental car areas through Terminal A, P3, P4, and related shuttle connections. P4 serves the P4 parking garage and daily parking. P3 is used for parking and rental car-related shuttle links, and during replacement work it functions as a temporary shuttle pickup area for parking, rental cars, and hotels.
The consolidated rental car facility is in the Parking A Garage and is accessible from all terminals. From Terminal A, travelers can walk by pedestrian bridge to the Rental Car Center. From Terminals B and C, airport signs direct passengers to AirTrain and the appropriate transfer point.
Parking charges and parking charges per day are separate from AirTrain fares. The AirTrain ticket price covers only the rail-access portion when required, not station parking or airport garage costs.
During AirTrain shutdowns linked to the replacement project, temporary free shuttle buses replace affected service. These buses include an additional stop at the rental car facility outside Terminal A, and replacement buses also cover the route to and from the RailLink station when AirTrain service is shortened.
Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station
Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station is the transfer point between AirTrain Newark and Amtrak or NJ Transit. The station connects the airport with the Northeast Corridor, so passengers can move between terminals and regional rail without driving to the airport rail station.
Two NJ Transit lines serve the station: the Northeast Corridor Line and the North Jersey Coast Line. These trains provide service to New York, Trenton, Long Branch, and intermediate points. Travelers can also connect at Newark Penn Station or Secaucus Junction for other destinations in New Jersey.
At least six NJ Transit trains stop at the airport station every hour between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, and four trains stop every hour between 9 p.m. and midnight. Trains serving the airport are marked on departure boards with an airplane symbol or EWR.
AirTrain runs frequently between the station and the terminals. Allow about 15 minutes for the trip between the train station and your terminal, and remember that track maintenance may sometimes require a transfer.
The station and AirTrain system are fully ADA accessible, with escalators, elevators, and stairs. AirTrain access is included in Amtrak tickets to and from Newark Airport Rail Station, while NJ Transit passengers must pay the AirTrain access fee when required for airport station travel.
- There is no direct road access to the station.
- Passengers reach it by arriving train or by AirTrain from the airport terminals.
- Tickets to or from the airport include a barcode for the fare gate.
- Passengers without a qualifying ticket may need to buy access at the station.
- Ongoing AirTrain maintenance may affect travel to and from the station.
AirTrain Newark Schedule
AirTrain Newark operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Normal opening hours are continuous, so there is no daily closing time for the airport system. The usual starting time for daytime high-frequency service is 5:00 a.m., and overnight service continues after 11:00 p.m. at a lower frequency.
The route timetable can change during construction. Starting January 15, 2026, AirTrain service is suspended on weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for work on the replacement project, with a brief temporary reopening of service on May 22. Additional suspensions are planned from September 30 to October 30, 2026, and from October 30, 2026, to January 15, 2027.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Operating hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Daytime frequency | About every 3 to 5 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
| Overnight frequency | About every 15 minutes from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. |
| Terminal C running time from rail station | About 7 minutes |
| Terminal B running time from rail station | About 9 minutes |
| Terminal A running time from rail station | About 15 minutes |
| Weekday construction shuttle period | 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on affected weekdays |
During overnight hours, AirTrain may operate as a shuttle service, so a train transfer may be needed. For schedule today, timings today, the last train connection, and real-time departures, passengers can check the Transit app before traveling.
AirTrain Newark Tickets and Fares
AirTrain Newark is free inside the airport, including trips between terminals, parking lots, rental car facilities, and hotel shuttle areas. A fare is charged only when you enter or exit at Newark Liberty International Airport Station to connect with NJ Transit or Amtrak.
When you buy a ticket to or from Newark Liberty International Airport Station, the AirTrain access fee is included in the ticket price. One ticket then covers both the rail trip and the AirTrain portion. If you use a ticket to another station or pay a cash fare onboard, you may need to buy a separate AirTrain ticket at the station.
For most riders, an NJ Transit train plus AirTrain fare costs $16.80 USD. Another common option combines PATH train, NJ Transit, and AirTrain for $14.95 USD for most riders. A PATH train and NJ Transit bus option costs $4.80 USD for most riders. The AirTrain access fee mentioned for terminal connections through the rail station is $8.50 USD when it is not already included in a qualifying ticket.
Tickets can be purchased through the NJ Transit Mobile App, Web Ticketing, ticket vending machines, or ticket agents. The app is usually the easiest option, and round-trip tickets can be bought in advance to avoid lines. Airport tickets include barcodes used at the fare gates.
There is no separate fare calculator built into the AirTrain system information here, but the cost is straightforward: travel inside the airport is free, and rail-station access is included when the correct airport rail ticket is purchased. All fares are subject to change.
NJ Transit train service is not 24/7. Trains run between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. For 24-hour transportation, use the PATH train and NJ Transit 62 bus option.
During weekday construction-related service changes, AirTrain service to and from the train station is replaced by shuttle buses from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., while AirTrain continues to run between terminals.
AirTrain connections
AirTrain Newark is the airport transport link between terminals, parking areas, rental car facilities, hotel shuttle points, and the Newark Liberty International Airport Station on the Northeast Corridor. From there, passengers can transfer to Amtrak and NJ Transit services on the Northeast Corridor Line and North Jersey Coast Line.
Within the airport, AirTrain is fare-free. The access fee applies only when traveling to or from the RailLink station for NJ Transit or Amtrak. When the correct rail ticket is purchased, the fee is usually included in the price, and the barcode opens the fare gates.
For some periods of construction and maintenance, service between the airport and the RailLink station is replaced by free shuttle buses, while AirTrain continues between terminals. Allow extra time and check current service advisories before travel.
As part of local transport and city transport around Newark, AirTrain makes the airport easier to reach without a car. It is a practical public transport connection for transportation in the Newark airport area, especially for riders continuing toward New York, Newark, or other regional destinations.
Connections to NJ Transit and Amtrak
AirTrain Newark links the airport with Newark Liberty International Airport Station on the Northeast Corridor, where passengers can transfer to Amtrak and NJ Transit. NJ Transit serves the station with the Northeast Corridor Line and the North Jersey Coast Line, and Amtrak trains also stop here.
The AirTrain is free within the airport, but a fare is required when traveling to or from the RailLink station. The access fee is added automatically to qualifying rail tickets, and the ticket barcode is used at the gate between the AirTrain and train platforms.
Passengers with Amtrak tickets showing Newark Airport as the destination or boarding point can scan the barcode on their eTicket at the AirTrain fare gate. NJ Transit tickets to or from Newark Airport can also include the access fee when purchased through the NJ Transit Mobile App, Web Ticketing, or ticket vending machines.
The station has no direct road access and can be reached only by train or AirTrain. Travel time between the rail station and the airport terminals is about 7 to 20 minutes, with extra time needed for some shuttle or walking connections to Terminal A.
Connections Between Newark Airport Terminals
AirTrain Newark is the airport’s free internal people mover, connecting Terminals A, B, and C with parking areas, rental car facilities, hotel shuttles, and the rail station. Inside the airport, it runs 24 hours a day and is usually the simplest way to move between terminals.
Typical travel times from the airport rail station are about 15 minutes to Terminal A, 9 minutes to Terminal B, and 7 minutes to Terminal C. If you are transferring between terminals, allow extra time for waiting, walking, and following signs through station areas.
Service is frequent during the day, with trains generally arriving every 3 to 5 minutes from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Overnight, trains run about every 15 minutes. During some weekday construction periods, travel to and from the rail station may be replaced by shuttle buses, while AirTrain continues between terminals.
AirTrain Newark has operated since 1996 and is planned to be replaced by a new Cable Liner system by 2030.
AirTrain Newark Shuttle Buses
From Thursday, January 15, 2026, AirTrain service between Newark Liberty International Airport Station and the airport terminals is being replaced by Port Authority shuttle buses on most weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This supports work on the AirTrain Newark Replacement Program.
AirTrain continues to run normally on Saturdays and Sundays, and it also operates during certain holiday and vacation periods when airport travel is heavier. NJ Transit trains will still stop at Newark Airport Station throughout the project.
During weekday outages, passengers arriving at the train station should follow airport signage and directions from Port Authority staff. The shuttle buses are free, ADA-compliant, and used for the station-to-terminal connection while AirTrain continues to operate between terminals.
Allow extra time during weekday disruptions, especially when connecting to or from NJ Transit or Amtrak. For information or language assistance, call NJ Transit Customer Service at (973) 275-5555 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily.
Passenger Safety and Rules
AirTrain Newark operates 24 hours a day and connects passengers to airline terminals, rental car facilities, hotel shuttles, and central parking lots. The system is designed to be safe, accessible, and easy to use, but riders should still plan for waiting time, walking time, and a 7 to 20 minute onboard trip between the rail station and terminals.
Eating, smoking, and drinking are not permitted anywhere in the AirTrain system. Keep your belongings with you, stay behind platform safety markings, and keep your ticket or pass available if you are using the rail-station fare gates.
AirTrain stations and vehicles are ADA compliant, and each vehicle has two designated wheelchair locations. All stations comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
To report suspicious activity, call (800)-828-PAPD (7273). AirTrain stations also have emergency and general information phones, along with public pay phones.
- No eating, smoking, or drinking anywhere on the AirTrain system.
- Keep your ticket, card, or pass with you for required fare gate checks.
- Allow extra time for transfers, especially between terminals and the rail station.
- Use emergency and information phones if you need help.
- Report suspicious activity to the Port Authority Police Department at (800)-828-PAPD (7273).
How to Use AirTrain Newark
AirTrain Newark is the easiest way to move between Newark Liberty International Airport Rail Station and the airport terminals. Inside the airport, it is free and connects all terminals, plus parking, rental car, and hotel services. Allow about 15 to 20 minutes from the train station to your terminal.
On weekdays from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., AirTrain service to and from the train station is being replaced by shuttle buses. AirTrain is still running between terminals during this period.
If you are coming from Midtown Manhattan, take an NJ Transit train and then AirTrain. From Lower Manhattan or Brooklyn, you can use PATH and an NJ Transit train, or take the subway to Midtown and transfer to NJ Transit and AirTrain. To save on fare, another option is PATH to Newark Penn Station and then the NJ Transit 62 bus.
For NJ Transit service, not all trains stop at Newark Liberty International Airport Station. Look for an airplane icon or EWR on departure boards and double-check before boarding. NJ Transit trains run between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., so plan your route, route plan, and train schedule around those working hours.
When riding NJ Transit to the airport, keep your ticket with you because you will need it again at the AirTrain fare gates. Tickets bought through the NJ Transit Mobile App, Web Ticketing, or ticket vending machines include the AirTrain access fee. If you buy onboard, a surcharge applies and you will need to pay for AirTrain separately.
If you transfer at Newark Penn Station, follow signs for NJ Transit or bus connections. For the PATH option, World Trade Center Station in Lower Manhattan connects to PATH, and Fulton Center has a direct connection to the PATH station.
The Newark Liberty International Airport Station and AirTrain system are fully ADA accessible, with escalators, elevators, and stairs. If you need help getting on or off the train, tell the crew in advance. Train crews cannot help with luggage. Eating, smoking, and drinking are not allowed anywhere in the AirTrain system.
If you are traveling after the airport rail station has closed for the evening, you will need alternate ground transportation.
Brief History
AirTrain Newark began construction in 1991 as a monorail project intended to reduce vehicle traffic at the airport terminals. It was first expected to open in 1994, but the schedule slipped because of a change in project management and problems with system switches. The $354 million USD monorail opened on May 31, 1996, initially as an airport circulator between terminals and concourses.
Service was introduced in phases, with trains running from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. during the first 60 days before moving to around-the-clock operation. The system was later extended to the Northeast Corridor. Construction began in 1997, and the extension opened on October 21, 2001, creating a direct connection to Amtrak and NJ Transit. The fleet also grew from 12 six-car trains to 18 six-car trains.
The monorail’s early history included technical problems, especially with de-icing and winter operations. In September 2000, the system shut down after defects were found in its de-icing mechanisms. Repairs lasted six months, and service resumed on March 10, 2001. AirTrain service was suspended again from May 1, 2014, for repairs, then returned earlier than planned on July 3.
As the system neared the end of its projected 25-year lifespan, replacement planning accelerated. In 2015, the Port Authority suggested initial replacement studies would cost $40 million USD. In 2019, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a $2 billion USD replacement plan, and the Port Authority later approved the AirTrain Newark Replacement Project. Environmental review followed in 2021. In December 2023, Doppelmayr was selected to manufacture the new cable-driven system. Major contracts were awarded in 2024, and work on the replacement project began on October 7, 2025.
AirTrain Newark is a monorail people mover, not street trams or a tramway. Its role has always been airport circulation and regional rail connection.
Future of AirTrain Newark
The future of AirTrain Newark centers on replacing the current system with a modern 2.5-mile (4 km) automated people mover. The $3.5 billion USD project began construction in October 2025 and is expected to open to passengers in 2030.
The new AirTrain is designed to carry 50,000 riders per day, up from the current 33,000. It will connect Terminal A, a future Terminal B, parking facilities, rental car areas, and the airport rail link serving NJ Transit and Amtrak.
The existing AirTrain, opened in 1996, will be replaced by a cable-driven automated system. New stations are expected to improve connections to terminals, rail services, and parking. The current 15-minute walk between AirTrain and Terminal A will be eliminated, and the system is being planned with flexibility for future airport growth.
During construction, the current AirTrain will remain in limited operation, with weekday outages and shuttle bus service used when needed. The Port Authority has said service interruptions will be managed to reduce disruption during peak travel periods.
The new AirTrain is also part of the broader EWR Vision Plan, which includes a new Terminal B, roadway and taxiway improvements, and stronger multimodal connections. Workforce development and local hiring are also part of the project, along with programs intended to expand opportunities for local firms and residents.
Nearby Attractions
AirTrain Newark is mainly a transfer system, but it can also be a useful starting point for reaching nearby places in Newark and New York City. It connects airport terminals, parking lots, and rental car areas with Newark International Airport Station, where travelers can transfer to NJ Transit and Amtrak.
Inside the airport area, nearby options include lounges, coffee shops, wine bars, and restaurants. Listings mention United Polaris Lounge, Vino Volo, Aviation Grill, Abica Coffee, and Garden State Diner, all close to the airport terminals.
Beyond the airport, commonly referenced nearby destinations include The Mills at Jersey Gardens, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, The Newark Museum of Art, Prudential Center, and Newark Penn Station.
For a longer outing, AirTrain provides access to rail connections toward Manhattan. Since it is free within the airport and runs frequently during the day, it is a convenient first step for moving between terminals or continuing into the city.