JFK Airport to Newark: Comparing Your Ride Options
About This Route
The JFK-to-Newark transfer is a cross-metro haul covering roughly 36 miles through some of the most congested highway corridors in the Northeast. The route typically crosses Manhattan via the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel (or loops south on the NJ Turnpike via Staten Island). This trip is most common for travelers connecting between the two airports or visiting Newark's Ironbound District, a vibrant Portuguese and Brazilian neighborhood famous for its restaurants.
Surge Pricing Alert
Any time Manhattan tunnel traffic backs up, this route surges. Weekday evenings from 4 to 7 PM are the worst of it, and holiday travel days are unpredictable, with an UberX reaching up to $228 at peak. Congestion around the Port Authority Bus Terminal near the Lincoln Tunnel makes the northern route a gamble during commuting hours.
Travel Tips
- 01This is a long, expensive rideshare — expect $84–$114 by UberX before surge. Budget-conscious travelers should consider the NJ Transit bus or train connections via Penn Station for a fraction of the cost.
- 02The Staten Island route (Goethals Bridge) avoids Manhattan entirely and is often faster during midday, though it adds mileage.
- 03If connecting between JFK and Newark airports, give yourself at least 3 hours between flights — even without traffic the transfer takes 60+ minutes door to door.
- 04Tolls on this route are steep: the Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, or Goethals Bridge each cost $13–$17 for passenger vehicles, and your rideshare app will add these to the fare.
- Travel time
- 55–120 minutes. Off-peak via the Holland Tunnel averages about an hour. Rush hour through any Manhattan crossing can easily exceed 2 hours.
- Best time to travel
- Late night (after 10 PM) or early morning (before 6 AM) are the only reliable windows for a fast crossing. Sunday mornings are also consistently smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Uber from JFK to Newark cost?
UberX from JFK to downtown Newark or Newark Airport typically costs $84–$114. Tolls ($13–$17 for tunnel or bridge crossings) are included in the app fare. Surge pricing during rush hour can push this up to $228.
What's the cheapest way to get from JFK to Newark?
The cheapest option is public transit: AirTrain to Jamaica Station, LIRR to Penn Station, then NJ Transit to Newark Penn Station. Total cost is about $25 and takes roughly 90–100 minutes. It's far cheaper than any rideshare for this long route.
How long does it take to get from JFK to Newark Airport?
By car, allow about an hour without traffic and up to 2+ hours during rush hour. The 36-mile route requires crossing through or around Manhattan, making it one of the most traffic-dependent transfers in the New York metro area.