Heart of Manhattan near Times Square, Herald Square, and Midtown offices

About Midtown Manhattan (Penn Station)

Midtown Manhattan centered around Penn Station is the pulsing commercial heart of New York City. Penn Station itself is the busiest rail hub in North America, serving Amtrak, NJ Transit, and Long Island Rail Road, with direct connections to the subway system. Above it sits Madison Square Garden, the world's most famous arena.

The surrounding blocks contain iconic landmarks: the Empire State Building three blocks east, Times Square six blocks north, Herald Square and Macy's flagship store steps away, and the Garment District to the west. Midtown's grid of avenues is packed with hotels ranging from budget to luxury, making it the most common arrival area for visitors.

The neighborhood is the gateway to the rest of Manhattan—from Penn Station, the A/C/E, 1/2/3, and B/D/F/M subway lines fan out to every corner of the city, making it an ideal base for first-time visitors.

Nearby Landmarks

Empire State Building Madison Square Garden Times Square Herald Square Penn Station

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $50-70 + tolls + tip
Time 30-60 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $45-65
Time 30-60 minutes

Follow rideshare signs at terminal arrivals

Train (NJ Transit Northeast Corridor/North Jersey Coast)

Cost $15 (combined AirTrain + NJ Transit)
Time 25 minutes (train only)
Frequency Every 10-20 minutes during peak, 30 minutes off-peak

Step-by-Step Directions

Take free AirTrain to Newark Liberty Airport station. Buy NJ Transit ticket to NY Penn Station. Trains run frequently.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $50-70 + tolls + tip 30-60 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $45-65 30-60 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train $15 (combined AirTrain + NJ Transit) 25 minutes (train only) Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

NJ Transit runs reduced overnight service (roughly hourly from midnight to 5 AM) from Newark Airport station to Penn Station. Taxis and rideshares are available 24/7; expect $50-80 plus tolls and tip for late-night trips. The Newark Airport Express bus does not run between midnight and 4 AM.

Luggage Tips

The AirTrain has luggage racks and wide doors. NJ Transit trains have overhead racks and vestibule space. Penn Station has elevators to street level. Avoid the subway with heavy luggage during rush hour—it is extremely crowded.

Accessibility

The AirTrain is fully wheelchair accessible with level boarding. NJ Transit trains have accessible cars (request when boarding). Penn Station has elevators, though navigating the complex can be confusing—ask MTA staff for directions. Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be requested through the taxi dispatcher at EWR.