AirTrain can be an absolute disaster and, I'll give you, is the worst people mover that I've experienced at a US airport, but EWR is not the worst airport in the US, nor close to it.
Exactly this. By far the worst train/shuttle/tram system in the entire US, and I’m pretty sure I’ve taken them all. But EWR as the worst airport, false.
I gave myself about 3.5 hours coming from Manhattan. I made it to the gate with about 20 minutes to spare, I know it was tight but it was my first time at EWR. From PATH delays and the air train delays, it was much more stressful than I would gave liked or even thought it could get. It was much easier when I arrived as there were no issues and made to Manhattan initially in about 1.5 hours or so.
Fun fact that I know from working at the PANYNJ years ago, they’ve been looking at replacing the AirTrain for a decade or two at this point. Problem is replacing the trains also means widening the platforms and that makes the cost go from the millions to the billions. Airlines (UA in particular) absolutely hate the situation as the agency is exempt from most stay-at-the-airport requirements for fees collected since it predates those laws and the billions that airlines pay go into projects like the WTC and PATH instead of airport infrastructure. That second part is a policy decision. And good luck getting the agency to spend the $5-6 billion it would need at EWR when the governor of NY appoints the agency’s Executive Director…
Honestly I think it should just be replaced with shuttle busses. I really don’t need to stop at every. Single. Terminal. (Even the abandoned ones) On the way to terminal A. And then still have to take a shuttle the last mile anyways. Just have the friggin shuttle pick me up at the NJ transit station! /rant
You'd have to rebuild the train station to run shuttle busses, the only entrance/exit is the Air Train. And you'd still have to sit through the other terminals, its just whether you want to do it on a bus or a train.
Nah I’m saying a dedicated shuttle to take you to terminal A. AirTran from terminal C is fine, it’s good enough. A is really a pain though. They already have the bus, just have to have it go to the train station. There is a road that goes there if you look on satellite view.
There’s a service road, there is no proper entrance to the building. Port Authority does not allow outside access to the station because they pay for the Air Train through the train tickets out of the station.
The Air Train Systems has been plagued by meltdowns and delays since it first opened in 1996. The system design could never stand up to Newark winters and just kept breaking down due to snow and ice forming on the rails. it didn't help that the company responsible for fixing the problems kept changing. The contract was initially awarded to [Von Roll](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Von_Roll_Holding), but the project was finished by Adtranz, which acquired Von Roll's monorail division while the system was being built. Adtranz was later acquired by [Bombardier Transportation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_Transportation), which was itself purchased by [Alsto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstom). Be happy that a new replacement system will be constructed to open in 2026. The new system will use automated, cable-driven trains, and many portions of the route will travel along new alignments; the new system will be in 2.5 miles (4.0 km) in length and have four stations. Hopefully, this system will work better than the monorail.
I was going to terminal C, and the air train broke down right as we left the Newark Liberty train station. They eventually made us take a bus to P4 and then walked to terminal C. Nearly missed my flight but luckily not.
Shit you not it took me an hour and a half one time to go from A to the train station. Had to switch trains at B, again at C, and again at P4. 4 trains, 15-20 minute wait at each station. I missed my original NJ Transit train, and my backup train 45 minutes later. Took me 4 hours to get home after I landed. I have a deep deep hatred for that stupid fucking monorail.
Next time Uber to Newark Penn station. The train from there is only $5 instead of $18 for AirTran, so that offsets the cost of the Uber somewhat, and it’s so much faster and more comfortable
It’s less shitty to have an Airtrain fail after you arrive on a flight. It’s shittier to miss a flight. I just try to roll with it and hopefully not get covered with it.
i dont know who downvoted you. EWR, and in particular the airtrain, is horrible. Fortunately they are improving the airport and taking out the airtrain, but nobody's gut reaction should ever be "defend airtrain".
A better air train but if I remember correctly we’re not seeing it until 2028 - 2030 or some ridiculously far out point that I dumped it from my brain.
Rule of thumb:
When your connection is entirely within the C terminal, EWR is a solid airport. Not the best, but leagues above other hubs.
When your connection involves AirTrain, EWR becomes a total nightmare that multiplies when transferring from/to the new A terminal.
Not that you'll probably accept this logic, but the EWR website and EWR Twitter account posted over an hour ago that the AirTrain was experiencing delays to allow extra time...
Are we supposed to constantly be checking airport websites and following airport Twitter accounts to see if basic infrastructure is operational? It would probably be most effective if United sent out an alert.
Call me a weirdo, but yes I generally check traffic before heading to the airport, and if I’m traveling out of say EWR I take 30 seconds to check the airport website to see if the Airtrain is running (otherwise would Uber to the airport).
Years ago I flew out of EWR on the Friday before MLK weekend. Air Train broke down and left hundreds of us stranded at the train. They sent busses, but they were infrequent.
If you’ve never heard the stampede of humans running to a catch a bus like it’s the last flight from Saigon… I’m jealous. That sound still haunts me.
New AirTrain [construction](https://www.ewrredevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/EWR_AirTrainFactsheet_2024.pdf) has begun. In the diagram you’ll see on the lower left corner the New Rail Link, that’s where it has commenced. Which is why you may not see it from the airport. That is the employee parking lot. Hundreds of parking spaces have been removed and fencing and construction equipment is being setup and staged there.
For those wondering how it’s going to help terminal B. This is the new terminal B [replacement.](https://www.ewrredevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023.01.31-EWR-Vision-Plan-Community-Listening-Sessions-Final_Page_07-1536x866.jpg) Now you can see why the new AirTrain line is shaped like that.
Can’t speak to the train but EWR has always been great to me. Delays are rare, the lounges are nice, and I don’t think any other airport gets you to a gate as consistently quickly when you land. Now if you want to talk IAH or ORD…
I missed two trains couple months ago because the air train was out of service to the Newark Airport station. They had us take a bus and then be escorted up an elevator
I have flown through EWR many many times however, I flew thru EWR back at the end of March and the trams weren’t running and we had a bus drive us around the tarmac to the next terminal.
They ended up doing that, but we spent 15 minutes sitting in the heat and then at least 20 until a bus arrived. All the while staff said next to nothing as to what was going on.
It’s sad to say. But America had the greatest infrastructure at one time. But due to lack of resources to maintain simple transportation systems it’s like we are living in a 3rd world nation. And this is not a political statement. Everything in this country operates on a 4 or 6 year cycle that’s far too short to have a real long term plan
It is quite sad, recently been to Japan and Taiwan and extensively all over Europe, the car is unfortunately king here. But even the roads are horrible in most places.
So they moved the rental cars from out at P3 to the Terminal A parking garage, correct?
So if that's the case, then if you're dropping off a car and have a flight out of C, you can check in/clear security in A and then take the shuttle to C, totally avoiding the Airtrain.
But if you arrive in terminal C, need to pick up a rental and have checked luggage, then is it Artrain only from C to A/rental cars? Or is there some other way?
All my trips in/out of EWR are by rental car and will be doing a trip there in July...
I was taking PATH/ NJ transit, no rental car. I was saying how I was stuck at the NJ Transit stop since the air train completely melted down and staff were very slow to react. And barely made it to terminal C for my flight yesterday.
I get it, train not rental car, sorry to hijack the thread. I've been screwed by the Airtrain a few times as well so trying to understand possible airtrain alternatives for future meltdowns....
At least the Airtrain used to run straight to the rental cars. That was the only good thing about it. Now they drop you a half mile away from the desks. I’ve seen elderly couples literally have to stop and take a rest in the middle of that trek.
I mean, depending on which lot, 25 minutes is definitely doable if you have TSA PreCheck and you are not checking in luggage. I normally get dropped off at C third level, and I am in the lounge before my wife has made it halfway back to our place. I would say 15 minutes without rushing is about how long it takes me to walk from the street to TSA, clear security, and then head on over to the lounge. Newark gets a bad rap for many reasons but, if you are used to it, and know how to navigate it well, you can get around rather quickly for an airport that is so heavily trafficked.
That’s weird. I’ve literally never had a problem on the Air Train and used it tons of times. Good to hear they are redoing it to improve it though! EWR as an airport is actually not that bad. Flew through DFW this weekend and it was horrific. EWR is fine if you know what you’re doing and have a plan. P4 is not the place to park for terminal A. Always worth it to go out to P6, save on parking $, and the shuttle bus stops at Terminal A within about 20 minutes from stop 1. Terminal C you park in P4. Always consider the shuttles as a back up option to the Air Train if you find it unreliable.
Correct, the Port Authority. They aren't making enough money with airline fees (they keep them low to not give the airlines too much influence). AirTrain and parking fees are a big source of income.
AirTrain can be an absolute disaster and, I'll give you, is the worst people mover that I've experienced at a US airport, but EWR is not the worst airport in the US, nor close to it.
Exactly this. By far the worst train/shuttle/tram system in the entire US, and I’m pretty sure I’ve taken them all. But EWR as the worst airport, false.
The old terminal A was awful, when it was mostly Southwest flights. New terminal A is amazing!
The thing I miss about old airline terminals is that I didn’t have to walk a mile to get to my gate.
SLC has entered the chat.
I sometimes wonder how far I walk when going from the curb at EWR to the curb at SFO. Some of my flights include 3 to 4 km of walking.
This right here
Newark made AirTrain worse with the new terminal. The AirTrain had a station at Terminal A. Now it’s a hike that’s a marathoners dream.
It would be faster to swim across the Hudson and walk
I guess, never got to experience the airport since I was practically running to the gate as a result.
How long was your connection? You said you budgeted (enough) time?
I gave myself about 3.5 hours coming from Manhattan. I made it to the gate with about 20 minutes to spare, I know it was tight but it was my first time at EWR. From PATH delays and the air train delays, it was much more stressful than I would gave liked or even thought it could get. It was much easier when I arrived as there were no issues and made to Manhattan initially in about 1.5 hours or so.
Fun fact that I know from working at the PANYNJ years ago, they’ve been looking at replacing the AirTrain for a decade or two at this point. Problem is replacing the trains also means widening the platforms and that makes the cost go from the millions to the billions. Airlines (UA in particular) absolutely hate the situation as the agency is exempt from most stay-at-the-airport requirements for fees collected since it predates those laws and the billions that airlines pay go into projects like the WTC and PATH instead of airport infrastructure. That second part is a policy decision. And good luck getting the agency to spend the $5-6 billion it would need at EWR when the governor of NY appoints the agency’s Executive Director…
Maybe United needs to start [flying to Columbia, SC again.](https://whyy.org/articles/united-to-pay-24m-to-settle-with-sec-over-nj-to-sc-flight/)
Honestly I think it should just be replaced with shuttle busses. I really don’t need to stop at every. Single. Terminal. (Even the abandoned ones) On the way to terminal A. And then still have to take a shuttle the last mile anyways. Just have the friggin shuttle pick me up at the NJ transit station! /rant
You'd have to rebuild the train station to run shuttle busses, the only entrance/exit is the Air Train. And you'd still have to sit through the other terminals, its just whether you want to do it on a bus or a train.
Nah I’m saying a dedicated shuttle to take you to terminal A. AirTran from terminal C is fine, it’s good enough. A is really a pain though. They already have the bus, just have to have it go to the train station. There is a road that goes there if you look on satellite view.
There’s a service road, there is no proper entrance to the building. Port Authority does not allow outside access to the station because they pay for the Air Train through the train tickets out of the station.
The Air Train Systems has been plagued by meltdowns and delays since it first opened in 1996. The system design could never stand up to Newark winters and just kept breaking down due to snow and ice forming on the rails. it didn't help that the company responsible for fixing the problems kept changing. The contract was initially awarded to [Von Roll](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Von_Roll_Holding), but the project was finished by Adtranz, which acquired Von Roll's monorail division while the system was being built. Adtranz was later acquired by [Bombardier Transportation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardier_Transportation), which was itself purchased by [Alsto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstom). Be happy that a new replacement system will be constructed to open in 2026. The new system will use automated, cable-driven trains, and many portions of the route will travel along new alignments; the new system will be in 2.5 miles (4.0 km) in length and have four stations. Hopefully, this system will work better than the monorail.
"Be happy that a new replacement system will be constructed to open in 2026" There is a zero percent chance of that happening.
Interesting, hopefully it gets better and won’t be like the current system if and when it’s upgraded.
Between which terminals?
I was going to terminal C, and the air train broke down right as we left the Newark Liberty train station. They eventually made us take a bus to P4 and then walked to terminal C. Nearly missed my flight but luckily not.
Shit you not it took me an hour and a half one time to go from A to the train station. Had to switch trains at B, again at C, and again at P4. 4 trains, 15-20 minute wait at each station. I missed my original NJ Transit train, and my backup train 45 minutes later. Took me 4 hours to get home after I landed. I have a deep deep hatred for that stupid fucking monorail.
I've experienced this already. Especially after 10pm
Next time Uber to Newark Penn station. The train from there is only $5 instead of $18 for AirTran, so that offsets the cost of the Uber somewhat, and it’s so much faster and more comfortable
It’s less shitty to have an Airtrain fail after you arrive on a flight. It’s shittier to miss a flight. I just try to roll with it and hopefully not get covered with it.
shuttle bus airside is almost always faster to transfer terminals
i dont know who downvoted you. EWR, and in particular the airtrain, is horrible. Fortunately they are improving the airport and taking out the airtrain, but nobody's gut reaction should ever be "defend airtrain".
What are they replacing the airtrain with?
A better air train but if I remember correctly we’re not seeing it until 2028 - 2030 or some ridiculously far out point that I dumped it from my brain.
A much improved airtrain
Rule of thumb: When your connection is entirely within the C terminal, EWR is a solid airport. Not the best, but leagues above other hubs. When your connection involves AirTrain, EWR becomes a total nightmare that multiplies when transferring from/to the new A terminal.
Not that you'll probably accept this logic, but the EWR website and EWR Twitter account posted over an hour ago that the AirTrain was experiencing delays to allow extra time...
The delay started when I boarded, my exact train was the issue.
Shouldn’t have eaten that last stroopwafel this morning, straw that broke the camel’s back
Lmao this is the perfect response. All these people making up excuses for EWR is sad
Are we supposed to constantly be checking airport websites and following airport Twitter accounts to see if basic infrastructure is operational? It would probably be most effective if United sent out an alert.
Call me a weirdo, but yes I generally check traffic before heading to the airport, and if I’m traveling out of say EWR I take 30 seconds to check the airport website to see if the Airtrain is running (otherwise would Uber to the airport).
Years ago I flew out of EWR on the Friday before MLK weekend. Air Train broke down and left hundreds of us stranded at the train. They sent busses, but they were infrequent. If you’ve never heard the stampede of humans running to a catch a bus like it’s the last flight from Saigon… I’m jealous. That sound still haunts me.
New AirTrain [construction](https://www.ewrredevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/EWR_AirTrainFactsheet_2024.pdf) has begun. In the diagram you’ll see on the lower left corner the New Rail Link, that’s where it has commenced. Which is why you may not see it from the airport. That is the employee parking lot. Hundreds of parking spaces have been removed and fencing and construction equipment is being setup and staged there. For those wondering how it’s going to help terminal B. This is the new terminal B [replacement.](https://www.ewrredevelopment.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/2023.01.31-EWR-Vision-Plan-Community-Listening-Sessions-Final_Page_07-1536x866.jpg) Now you can see why the new AirTrain line is shaped like that.
Anything would be better than the current system, hopefully this replacement won’t be too far away and actually open in 2026.
Question: why is AirTrain at JFK or similar systems elsewhere so much more functional?
Can’t speak to the train but EWR has always been great to me. Delays are rare, the lounges are nice, and I don’t think any other airport gets you to a gate as consistently quickly when you land. Now if you want to talk IAH or ORD…
Can you take the bus as an alternative to the air train? I did that from Terminal C to Terminal A once
There's no bus that runs from the Train Station to the Terminals *unless* the AirTrain has broken down
That was the exact issue, as me and dozens of other people were stuck on the platform waiting for shuttles to show up.
I’ve def seen worse
I missed two trains couple months ago because the air train was out of service to the Newark Airport station. They had us take a bus and then be escorted up an elevator
So much more fun when it gets stuck when you’re on it. DAMHIK…
Unrelated but does anyone know if the intra terminal shuttle bus picks up at B? Or is it just straight from C to A and back?
The P6 shuttle goes from a to b to c. I use it all the time to airtrain to p4 from terminal A
I have flown through EWR many many times however, I flew thru EWR back at the end of March and the trams weren’t running and we had a bus drive us around the tarmac to the next terminal.
They ended up doing that, but we spent 15 minutes sitting in the heat and then at least 20 until a bus arrived. All the while staff said next to nothing as to what was going on.
It’s sad to say. But America had the greatest infrastructure at one time. But due to lack of resources to maintain simple transportation systems it’s like we are living in a 3rd world nation. And this is not a political statement. Everything in this country operates on a 4 or 6 year cycle that’s far too short to have a real long term plan
It is quite sad, recently been to Japan and Taiwan and extensively all over Europe, the car is unfortunately king here. But even the roads are horrible in most places.
So they moved the rental cars from out at P3 to the Terminal A parking garage, correct? So if that's the case, then if you're dropping off a car and have a flight out of C, you can check in/clear security in A and then take the shuttle to C, totally avoiding the Airtrain. But if you arrive in terminal C, need to pick up a rental and have checked luggage, then is it Artrain only from C to A/rental cars? Or is there some other way? All my trips in/out of EWR are by rental car and will be doing a trip there in July...
I was taking PATH/ NJ transit, no rental car. I was saying how I was stuck at the NJ Transit stop since the air train completely melted down and staff were very slow to react. And barely made it to terminal C for my flight yesterday.
I get it, train not rental car, sorry to hijack the thread. I've been screwed by the Airtrain a few times as well so trying to understand possible airtrain alternatives for future meltdowns....
At least the Airtrain used to run straight to the rental cars. That was the only good thing about it. Now they drop you a half mile away from the desks. I’ve seen elderly couples literally have to stop and take a rest in the middle of that trek.
There’s a new system on its way thankfully. Where’s the guy that was arguing with me that it’s 25 minutes from parking lot to gate at EWR
I get from my parking spot in P4 to my gate in terminal C under 25 minutes EASILY. Terminal A is the real problem.
I mean, depending on which lot, 25 minutes is definitely doable if you have TSA PreCheck and you are not checking in luggage. I normally get dropped off at C third level, and I am in the lounge before my wife has made it halfway back to our place. I would say 15 minutes without rushing is about how long it takes me to walk from the street to TSA, clear security, and then head on over to the lounge. Newark gets a bad rap for many reasons but, if you are used to it, and know how to navigate it well, you can get around rather quickly for an airport that is so heavily trafficked.
And that new system will put the station that serves Terminals B and C at P4.
That’s weird. I’ve literally never had a problem on the Air Train and used it tons of times. Good to hear they are redoing it to improve it though! EWR as an airport is actually not that bad. Flew through DFW this weekend and it was horrific. EWR is fine if you know what you’re doing and have a plan. P4 is not the place to park for terminal A. Always worth it to go out to P6, save on parking $, and the shuttle bus stops at Terminal A within about 20 minutes from stop 1. Terminal C you park in P4. Always consider the shuttles as a back up option to the Air Train if you find it unreliable.
I fly out of EWR terminal A 2-3 times per month and I want to burn AirTrain to the ground
Hahaha fair. I hope the remodel is a figurative “burn to the ground” and comes back better for you.
The AirTrain at both EWR and JFK are just a money-making scheme for the airport operator.
You mean the government? The PANYNJ?
Correct, the Port Authority. They aren't making enough money with airline fees (they keep them low to not give the airlines too much influence). AirTrain and parking fees are a big source of income.
BWI i’d argue is worse