Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan Cruise Terminal
Getting from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan Cruise Terminal — 30-75 min, 18 miles
Transfer Options
Uber/Lyft from Anywhere in NYC
Rideshare is readily available throughout New York City. The terminal has a dedicated pickup/drop-off area on the north side at 55th Street and 12th Avenue.
On Saturday mornings when multiple ships are boarding, rideshare prices can surge. Book a scheduled ride the night before to lock in the rate. The terminal drop-off area works smoothly — drivers know where to go.
From Newark Liberty Airport (EWR)
Newark is about 18 miles from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Drive time is 30-75 minutes depending on Lincoln Tunnel traffic. Often has cheaper flights than JFK.
NJ Transit train to Penn Station, then walk or cab to the terminal is reliable and avoids Lincoln Tunnel traffic. The AirTrain + NJ Transit combo takes about 45 minutes to Penn Station. If driving, budget extra time for the Lincoln Tunnel — it can add 30+ minutes during peak times.
Driving & Parking at the Terminal
All vehicles enter from the north at 55th Street and 12th Avenue (Route 9A/West Side Highway). From the Lincoln Tunnel, take 42nd Street west to 12th Avenue, then north to 55th. On-site parking is available but extremely expensive. Third-party lots nearby offer valet service to the terminal.
Do NOT drive in Manhattan if you can avoid it. If you must: the pier lot is card-only and has not taken cash since 2020, spaces are not guaranteed, and the rooftop height limit is eight feet. Manhattan Cruise Parking at 670 W 43rd St drives you and your luggage to the terminal in your own car — but coming home you make your own way back to the garage or pay a one-time $45 delivery charge. Ignore the low 'starting at' figures on booking marketplaces: they reflect whatever short window the site has loaded, and SpotHero's own summary put overnight parking near the terminal at around $44, essentially the pier's own rate.
NYC Subway
The A/C/E trains stop at 42nd Street-Port Authority, about a 15-minute walk from the terminal. The 1 train stops at 50th Street, also about 15 minutes walking. The subway is the fastest way to get to the terminal from most Manhattan locations.
If you're staying in Manhattan, the subway is almost always the best option — no traffic, no surge pricing. The walk from the subway to the terminal is about 15 minutes west on 42nd or 50th Street. Travel light or use a luggage service — dragging suitcases through the subway isn't fun.
Cost Comparison
| Option | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Uber/Lyft from Anywhere in NYC | CostFrom Midtown hotels: $12-20. From Downtown/Brooklyn: $25-40. Airport fares are on each airport's own page. Prices surge on cruise embarkation mornings. | Best ForConvenience and door-to-door service from hotels |
| From Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) | CostTaxi: the terminal's page puts Newark at roughly $80-100, negotiated in advance, with tolls and tips on top. Uber/Lyft: no published fare; quoted in the app. NJ Transit + AirTrain: $15.25. | Best ForCruisers who found better flight deals to EWR |
| Driving & Parking at the Terminal | CostOn-site rooftop parking: $45 per night, taxes included, no SUV upcharge. Manhattan Cruise Parking at 670 W 43rd St advertises $27-28 per night with valet. Marketplace 'starting at' prices are not cruise-week rates. | Best ForCruisers driving from the tri-state area |
| NYC Subway | Cost$3.00 per ride (OMNY tap-to-pay or MetroCard). Free for kids under 44 inches. | Best ForCruisers already in Manhattan, budget-conscious travelers |
Local Tip
AirTrain signage from every terminal leads to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where NJ Transit trains run to Penn Station — follow the airport signage rather than guessing which platform. Shuttle services run scheduled departures, so confirm your pickup time and the last morning run when you book. Newark is a major international gateway — budget 60-90 minutes for immigration and customs before you reach the AirTrain or curb. If you are flying in from outside the US, sort your entry authorization before you book: most visa-waiver travelers need an approved ESTA, it is not issued at the airport, and without one the airline will not board you. Apply through the official CBP site at esta.cbp.dhs.gov — never a paid intermediary.
Once you arrive, find your terminal:
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