Public transit options for renters in Newark, NJ: How to get around without a car

Newark renters can live car-free using PATH, NJ Transit rail, the Newark Light Rail and an extensive bus network, with Manhattan reachable in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Newark, NJ, is one of the most transit-connected cities in the Northeast, and that can make a big difference when you’re apartment hunting. From downtown, you can reach Lower Manhattan, Jersey City and Newark Liberty International Airport without getting behind the wheel, making public transit a practical part of everyday life.

With trains, light rail and buses all working together, Newark gives renters plenty of options for getting around. Whether you commute to New York City every day or mostly travel within Newark, checking nearby stations and bus stops before signing a lease can help you find an apartment that makes your daily routine easier.

Here’s a quick look at Newark’s public transit options for renters.

PATH trains: Fast Newark public transit to New York City

PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) trains give Newark renters a direct connection to New York City. From Newark Penn Station, trains run to the World Trade Center in Downtown Manhattan, NY, with stops in Harrison, NJ, and Jersey City, NJ, along the way. Service runs throughout the week, including nights and weekends, making PATH a convenient option for commuters who work in Manhattan or Jersey City and want a one-seat ride.

One thing to keep in mind is that PATH and the New York City subway have separate fare systems, so transferring to the subway requires an additional fare. Even so, for Newark renters who regularly commute east, PATH is one of the simplest ways to get there without a car.

NJ Transit commuter rail from Newark

Giving renters access to destinations throughout New Jersey and beyond, NJ Transit commuter rail has two major hubs. Newark Penn Station serves the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast and Raritan Valley lines, connecting riders with New York Penn Station; Secaucus, NJ; Newark Liberty International Airport; Elizabeth, NJ; New Brunswick, NJ; and Trenton, NJ. Newark Broad Street Station serves the Morris & Essex and Montclair-Boonton lines, with connections to Manhattan; Hoboken, NJ; Montclair, NJ; Morristown, NJ; and other parts of northern New Jersey.

For renters commuting to Midtown Manhattan, the trip from Newark Penn Station to New York Penn Station can take about 20 to 30 minutes. If easy access to New York City or other parts of New Jersey is high on your apartment-search checklist, living near either Newark rail station can make your daily commute much simpler.

Newark Light Rail: Public transit in Newark’s core

Newark Light Rail makes it easier to get around the city without a car, connecting Newark Penn Station with downtown, University Heights, Newark Broad Street Station and the North Ward.

Key stops include Military Park, Washington Street, Warren Street/NJIT, Park Avenue, Bloomfield Avenue and Branch Brook Park, with service continuing to Grove Street in Bloomfield, NJ. Along the way, you can reach destinations such as Rutgers University–Newark, NJIT, Essex County College, the Newark Museum of Art and Branch Brook Park.

For renters living near a light rail stop, everyday trips can become much simpler. Whether you’re heading to class, commuting downtown or running errands, the system can help you skip the drive and the hassle of finding parking.

NJ Transit buses: Everyday public transit in Newark

If you don’t live near a major train or rail stop, NJ Transit buses fill in the gaps in Newark’s rail network, serving neighborhoods across all five wards. The service links the city with nearby communities such as Elizabeth, Irvington, East Orange, Bloomfield, Belleville, Kearny, Jersey City and Montclair.

A few useful routes for renters include:

• Routes 25 and GO25: Connect Newark Penn Station with Irvington and Maplewood
• Route 62: Provides service between Newark Penn Station, Newark Liberty International Airport and Elizabeth
• Routes 1 and 40: Connect Newark with Kearny and Jersey City
• Routes 107 and 108: Offer service between Newark and Manhattan

Buses can be especially useful for reaching destinations beyond the rail network or completing the last part of a commute. When apartment hunting, checking which routes stop near a property can give you more flexibility for everyday trips without relying on a car.

Getting to Newark Liberty International Airport

For frequent flyers, Newark’s easy airport access is a major perk. Renters have two convenient ways to get to Newark Liberty International Airport without a car. From Newark Penn Station, you can take an NJ Transit train to Newark Liberty International Airport Station and connect to the terminals. Alternatively, NJ Transit Route 62 runs between Newark Penn and the airport terminals.

One thing to keep in mind is that airport connections may change while the AirTrain system is being replaced. During construction, shuttle buses may be used for some connections between the rail station and the terminals, so it’s worth checking current service and allowing a little extra time before your trip. Either way, Newark renters have practical options for reaching the airport without driving or paying for parking.

Why Newark public transit works for renters

Add up all the transportation options, and you’ll find that Newark gives renters plenty of ways to get around without relying on a car. PATH and NJ Transit rail make trips to Manhattan and Jersey City convenient, Newark Light Rail connects key destinations within the city, and buses extend your reach beyond the rail network. Plus, Newark Liberty International Airport is easily accessible by public transit.

For renters, the key is choosing an apartment near the transit options that match your routine. A nearby train station, light rail stop or well-served bus route can make commuting, running errands and getting around the region much easier without driving.

Ready to find a place that fits your commute? Browse Newark apartments on RentCafe.com and focus your search on listings near the public transit options you’re most likely to use.

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