How to Get to Central Park From Newark (2025 Guide)

If you’re wondering how to get to Central Park from Newark, New Jersey, this 2025 guide will walk you through every option—whether you’re arriving at Newark Penn Station, downtown Newark, or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Central Park is one of the top tourist attractions in New York City, and getting there from Newark is easier than you might think.

From NJ Transit trains and PATH trains to Uber, airport shuttles, or even scenic ferry rides, there are multiple ways to reach Central Park in Manhattan from Newark. Here’s everything you need to know.

🚆 Option 1: NJ Transit Train + NYC Subway (Most Efficient)

The most reliable and widely used method to reach Central Park from Newark is via the NJ Transit train to Penn Station (Manhattan), followed by a short subway ride.

Step-by-Step Directions:

Board an NJ Transit Train from Newark Penn Station or Newark Airport Station to New York Penn Station (34th Street).
Once in Penn Station, follow signs to the subway.
Take the uptown A, C, or E train from 34th Street–Penn Station to 59th Street–Columbus Circle.
Walk directly into Central Park’s southwest corner.

🕒 Total Travel Time: 40–55 minutes
💲 Cost:

~$8 (NJ Transit from Newark Penn)
~$15 (from Newark Airport Station)
$2.90 (subway fare)

✅ Best For: Speed, cost-efficiency, everyday commuters

✈️ Option 2: From Newark Airport (EWR) to Central Park

If you’re arriving at Newark Liberty International Airport, here are the three best ways to reach Central Park:

A. AirTrain + NJ Transit + Subway

Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Newark Liberty Airport Station.
Board the NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station.
Transfer to the subway (A, C, D, or B lines) uptown to 59th Street–Columbus Circle.

🕒 Total Time: 50–65 minutes
💲 Cost: ~$15 (train + AirTrain) + $2.90 (subway)

B. Airport Shuttle or Private Van

Several services like Go Airlink NYC or SuperShuttle offer shared or private rides from Newark Airport directly to Midtown Manhattan.

🕒 Total Time: 1–1.5 hours (traffic-dependent)
💲 Cost: $25–$40 per person (shared) or $80+ (private van)

C. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)

Directly request an Uber or Lyft to Central Park.

🕒 Time: 40–70 minutes
💲 Cost: $70–$100 (depending on time of day and traffic)

✅ Best For: Tourists, groups, and those with luggage

🚇 Option 3: PATH Train from Newark Penn Station + Subway

Another convenient route is via PATH trains, particularly if you are near Newark Penn Station.

Route:

Take the PATH train from Newark Penn Station to 33rd Street (Manhattan).
Walk one block to Herald Square Station.
Take the B, D, or F subway uptown to 59th Street–Columbus Circle or 72nd Street.

🕒 Travel Time: ~55–70 minutes
💲 Cost: $2.75 (PATH) + $2.90 (subway)

✅ Best For: Travelers near downtown Newark and budget-conscious visitors

🚗 Option 4: Driving from Newark to Central Park (Direct, but Traffic-Prone)

If you prefer the comfort of your own car or rental, you can drive to Central Park. Be prepared for heavy Manhattan traffic and expensive parking.

Driving Directions:

Take I-78 E or US-1/9 to Holland Tunnel or Lincoln Tunnel.
Navigate via Waze or Google Maps to a Central Park entrance:
- Columbus Circle (59th & 8th Ave)
- 5th Ave at 72nd Street
- 81st Street & Central Park West

🕒 Time: 35–70 minutes (depending on traffic)
💲 Tolls: ~$14–$17
💲 Parking: $30–$60/day (garage rates near Central Park)

✅ Best For: Families, groups, or those with mobility needs

📌 Use SpotHero or ParkWhiz to find discounted parking near Central Park.

🛥️ Option 5: Ferry + Subway (Scenic but Slower)

If you’re up for a scenic ride, take a NJ ferry to Manhattan, then switch to the subway to reach Central Park.

Steps:

Take the NY Waterway Ferry from Hoboken, Weehawken, or Jersey City to Midtown Manhattan (W. 39th Street).
Walk to 8th Avenue and take the subway uptown (A, C, B, D lines) to 59th Street–Columbus Circle.

🕒 Travel Time: 1–1.5 hours
💲 Cost: ~$9 (ferry) + $2.90 (subway)

✅ Best For: Sightseers and relaxed travelers

📍Closest Entrances to Central Park

Entrance	Best For Travelers Coming From
59th & 8th Ave (Columbus Circle)	Penn Station, PATH, ferry, subway users
59th & 5th Ave (Grand Army Plaza)	Buses or taxis from Midtown
72nd St & Central Park West	B/D Subway or Lincoln Center area
East 72nd St Entrance	Upper East Side and Museum Mile access

🔍 FAQs – Getting to Central Park From Newark

Q: How far is Newark from Central Park?
Central Park is about 12–15 miles from Newark, depending on your route and entry point into Manhattan.

Q: Is there a direct train from Newark to Central Park?
No, but NJ Transit takes you to Penn Station, and from there a short subway ride connects you to Central Park.

Q: What’s the cheapest way to get to Central Park from Newark?
The cheapest route is PATH train + subway, totaling around $5.65.

Q: Can you take an Uber from Newark Airport to Central Park?
Yes, rideshares are widely available but can cost $70–$100 depending on time and traffic.

🧭 Summary: Best Routes from Newark to Central Park

Method	Time	Cost	Best For
NJ Transit + Subway	40–55 mins	~$11	Speed, commuters, airport access
PATH + Subway	55–70 mins	~$5.65	Budget travelers
Uber/Lyft (EWR)	40–70 mins	$70–$100	Tourists, groups, luggage
Airport Shuttle	1–1.5 hrs	$25–$40	Shared transport from EWR
Driving	35–70 mins	$50–$80	Direct access with private vehicle
Ferry + Subway	1–1.5 hrs	~$12	Scenic, slow travel

🏁 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re visiting NYC for the first time or commuting for work, getting to Central Park from Newark is straightforward and flexible. From quick NJ Transit connections to scenic ferry rides and direct Uber trips, there’s a travel option for every budget and preference. Once you arrive, you’re free to explore iconic spots like Bethesda Terrace, The Great Lawn, Strawberry Fields, and The Central Park Zoo.

🔗 Helpful Travel Links: