How to Get from EWR to JFK Airport?
Navigating between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) can be overwhelming, specifically for first-time travelers. Since these airports are situated in different states, the road distance from EWR to JFK is around 33 miles via the Belt Parkway. Thus, choosing the right transportation mode is necessary to avoid stress and save money and time.
Currently, travelers can choose from rideshares, taxis, rental cars, and other public transit. To decide on the most suitable one, you must consider the travel schedule, luggage size, and travel budget. For more details, check out this comprehensive guide.
How Far is JFK to EWR Airport?
Before deciding on the transportation mode for traveling from EWR to JFK, you must know the distance and travel time involved. Here are some details about the same:
The total distance from EWR to JFK Airport is approximately 33 miles.
By car/rental car, it may take around 45 minutes.
The duration can be even longer when roads are congested or when traveling during rush hours.
Buses and trains are also available, but they will take 90+ minutes to cover the distance between EWR and JFK.
Note: By planning your travel well and choosing the right route and hours, you can avoid traffic and reduce the overall time.
4 Best Ways to Travel from EWR to JFK
Many transfer options are available from EWR to JFK. Some of them have been explained here so that you can compare them and choose the one that suits your budget and needs well:
Ride-Sharing
You can have options, such as Lyft and Uber. Although these are direct, the overall cost will increase due to the driver gratuity and toll charges (at NJ and NYC crossings) involved.
Pros:
Quick, stress-free, and smooth navigating between EWR and JFK.
Door-to-door service ensures easy transfer of heavy luggage.
Pre-booking is not needed, as you can book on-site after baggage claim.
Cons:
The prices are dynamic and can change during peak travel hours and bad weather.
Some areas/routes can be highly congested, spiking the overall ride time.
The toll prices will be tacked on to the final bill, increasing the travel budget.
Travel Duration:
Normal Hours: 60-90 minutes
Rush Hours: 120+ minutes
Travel Cost:
Standard Vehicle Fares: USD 110 to USD 180+
Premium Options: USD 200 to USD 300+
Tolls + Tips: As applicable
2. Taxis/Cabs
Taxing cabs or taxis (yellow and green) to travel between EWR and JFK will provide you with door-to-door and direct service. The fares are calculated based on the meter, but the overall travel time depends on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Pros:
No need to carry or drag heavy bags, as you can have a door-to-door facility with taxis/cabs.
24/7 availability makes them perfect for early morning and late-night flights.
You can relax and travel comfortably.
Cons:
The fare can be a bit expensive for most people.
The travel duration depends on the traffic and weather conditions.
The prices can unpredictably increase during peak hours.
Travel Duration:
Normal Hours: 60-90+ minutes
Rush Hours: 120 or more minutes
Travel Cost:
Average Cost: USD 120 to USD 200+
Taxes, Tolls, and Tips: Included in the fare
3. Train Facility
If affordability is your main concern, you can opt for a train facility. Remember, it is not available directly. Firstly, board the JFK AirTrain from your airport terminal to reach Jamaica Station.
After this, get on the Long Island Rail Road to reach the New York Penn Station. Lastly, board the Newark AirTrain from the Newark Airport Rail Station to reach your destination.
Pros:
It is super affordable.
Train services are traffic-proof, even during peak travel hours.
The frequency is reliable and available throughout the day.
Cons:
You will need to drag your luggage across stations on stairs and elevators.
Due to affordability, trains can be noisy and crowded.
These are not an ideal choice when you are traveling with kids, as you will need to change trains multiple times.
Travel Duration:
Actual Train Travel: 75 minutes
Overall Travel Time: 90-120+ minutes (waiting and carrying luggage on your own will increase the duration)
Travel Cost:
Total: USD 25.50 to USD 33.50
JFK AirTrain: USD 8.75
LIRR: Off-Peak: USD 6.25 | Peak: USD 8.75
EWR AirTrain: USD 16
4. Car Rentals
The travel distance will span around 35-40 miles when using car rentals, as a primary transportation from Newark to JFK. However, you must check the live prices on aggregator websites, like ZadCars, to unlock the best deals.
Pros:
No need to carry heavy bags through crowded trains or public transit hubs.
It is a private, direct, and door-to-door option for Newark Airport to JFK transfer.
Quite convenient when you want to stop in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens.
Choose mid-size or large-size rental cars if you have more bags.
It is a cost-saving option if you are traveling with a large group or have plans to explore places beyond EWR and JFK.
Cons:
Certain highways, such as the I-278 and Van Wyck Expressway, are notorious for congestion and traffic, specifically during peak hours.
The route has complex merging, intersections, and toll plazas (use a GPS navigation system to mitigate this issue).
One-way rentals are provided by some car rental companies at JFK, but they will incur a fee that will increase the overall charges.
Travel Duration:
Total: 40-45 minutes
Travel Cost:
Compact Cars: Starts from USD 50
Larger Cars or SUVs: Starts from USD 100+
Parking and Gas: Extra USD 10 to USD 15 (estimated)
Toll Charges: USD 15 to USD 20 (when traveling via the NJ Turnpike)
Insider Tip: Always compare prices and make the best use of the ongoing deals at ZadCars to save more on your next car rental bookings in New York City.
Quick Comparison of Transportation Options Available to Travel from EWR to JFK
If you are puzzled, check out the following comparison table to make an informed decision:
Tip: To get a quick price comparison and enjoy the lowest rates, use ZadCars.
Why Choose Rental Cars When Traveling from EWR to JFK?
To cover the distance from EWR to JFK Airport, car rentals are the best option. They offer privacy, flexibility, and potential money savings, especially when public transit is crowded and other transportation options are not available. Here are some more reasons to pick car rentals:
If you are traveling with a tight schedule due to business meetings or others, you must opt for car rentals to manage the time and travel speed according to your comfort.
Unlike Lyft and Uber, which can increase prices due to high demand, rental rates do not fluctuate drastically, even during traffic, rush hours, and adverse weather conditions.
When traveling with heavy luggage, you can have a secure and private space to keep it safely by traveling in a rental car at JFK or EWR Airport.
With the help of rental cars, you can have multiple stops, which is quite helpful when you want to attend business meetings in different locations or want to explore places beyond the city.
If you are traveling with your partner or family and kids, you can expect more privacy and comfort with rental cars. This is generally not offered by shared transportation.
Tip: Before considering car rentals, check for the traffic congestion on the NYC Expressway and Route 1 and 9. Also, get familiar with the traffic signs and rules to avoid penalties, parking tickets, etc.
Final Thoughts,
To navigate smoothly, you will have many ways to get from EWR to JFK. Although you must keep your comfort level, schedule, and budget in mind, car rentals stand out. This is because of the speed and convenience offered. Before you book directly, go to ZadCars to get the best deals for your next city exploration and road trips.
