how to get from lga to ewr airport

3 min read 10-12-2024

Meta Description: Need to travel between LGA and EWR airports? This guide provides all the options: taxis, ride-sharing, buses, trains, and even car rentals, comparing costs, travel times, and convenience to help you choose the best method for your trip. Avoid airport stress and plan your transfer seamlessly!

Choosing Your Transport: LGA to EWR

Getting from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) requires careful planning. The two airports are approximately 18 miles apart, but traffic congestion in the New York City metropolitan area can significantly impact travel times. Several options exist, each with its own advantages and drawbacks:

1. Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft)

Pros: Convenient door-to-door service, readily available, especially at peak hours.
Cons: Can be expensive, particularly during rush hour or with surge pricing. Travel time is heavily dependent on traffic.
Cost: Expect to pay between $60-$100+ depending on traffic and demand.
Travel Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.

2. Public Transportation: Bus

Pros: Relatively inexpensive compared to taxis.
Cons: Slower than other options, requiring transfers, and potentially less convenient with luggage.
Cost: Around $20-$30.
Travel Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours, including wait times and transfers. This often involves taking a bus from LGA to a local train station, then a train to a station near EWR, followed by another bus to the airport. Check specific routes and schedules as they may vary.

3. Public Transportation: Train (Limited Option)

Pros: Potentially faster than bus alone (depending on connections) and generally more comfortable.
Cons: Requires multiple transfers, potentially complex navigation, and not the most straightforward option. Luggage can be cumbersome. May not be the most time-efficient option overall.
Cost: Around $20-$30.
Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours or longer, often requiring several train transfers and considerable walking.

4. Car Rental

Pros: Offers flexibility if you need a car at EWR.
Cons: Most expensive option, involves parking fees at both airports, and adds driving time in a potentially congested area. Consider parking costs at both airports which can add considerably to the total expense.
Cost: Rental fee + gas + parking fees at both airports. Easily over $100.
Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic, plus time spent picking up and dropping off the car.

5. Private Car Service

Pros: Most comfortable and convenient option; door-to-door service with a professional driver.
Cons: Significantly more expensive than other options.
Cost: Expect to pay $150-$250 or more.
Travel Time: Similar to taxis and ride-sharing services, though a dedicated driver might navigate traffic more efficiently.

Which Option is Best for You?

The optimal choice depends on your priorities:

Budget Traveler: Public transportation (bus or train) is the most economical, but be prepared for a longer and more complex journey.
Convenience Seeker: A taxi, ride-sharing service, or private car service offers the most convenience, but at a higher cost.
Time-Conscious Traveler: Taxis, ride-sharing, and private car services generally offer the fastest travel time if there's no significant traffic. However, this isn't always guaranteed.
Flexibility Required: A rental car offers flexibility for onward travel, but it's the costliest and least time-efficient option.

Remember to factor in:

Traffic conditions: Rush hour significantly impacts travel times for all road-based options.
Luggage: Public transportation might be more challenging with bulky luggage.
Time of day: Surge pricing for ride-sharing services is more likely during peak hours.

Planning Your Trip: Step-by-Step

Check schedules and routes: If using public transportation, research bus and train routes beforehand. Numerous apps and websites provide up-to-the-minute information.
Book in advance: Private car services and possibly rental cars benefit from advance booking, especially during peak travel times.
Allow extra time: Account for potential delays due to traffic or unexpected circumstances.
Confirm your flight information: Verify your flight details to avoid missing your connection.

By carefully considering the factors above, you can choose the most suitable transportation option for your journey from LGA to EWR, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transfer between airports.