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Newark Airport’s AirTrain is undergoing construction, with weekday service replaced by shuttle buses from approximately January 15 through late May 2026. This guide explains the impact on travelers and why direct EWR car service with vetted chauffeurs bypasses the disruption entirely.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is replacing its aging AirTrain monorail system with a modern replacement. During construction, weekday AirTrain service between terminals, parking areas, rental car facilities, and the NJ Transit rail station is suspended and replaced by free shuttle buses. For travelers accustomed to taking NJ Transit from Manhattan (Penn Station) and connecting via AirTrain to their terminal, this means significantly longer transfer times and added confusion. Direct airport car service is completely unaffected by the AirTrain disruption—your chauffeur picks you up curbside at each terminal regardless.
The full picture of the AirTrain replacement project and why it matters for your travel plans.
Newark’s current AirTrain monorail system, which connects the three airport terminals, parking lots, rental car areas, and the NJ Transit/Amtrak rail station, is undergoing construction for a new replacement system. The existing monorail has served the airport for decades but requires modernization to handle growing passenger volumes and improve reliability.
Unlike JFK or LaGuardia, Newark Airport’s AirTrain is a critical link in the travel chain for a large segment of passengers. It connects:
When the AirTrain is replaced by shuttle buses, every one of these connections becomes slower and less predictable.
How the AirTrain disruption affects different types of EWR travelers.
Travelers from Manhattan, Newark, or other NJ Transit stops who normally take the train to Newark Airport Station and then the AirTrain to their terminal are the most affected. The shuttle bus replacement adds significant time and uncertainty to this connection.
| Metric | Normal (AirTrain) | During Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Station to terminal | 5–8 minutes | 15–25 minutes (shuttle) |
| Wait time | 2–5 min (trains every 3 min) | 5–15 min (bus frequency varies) |
| Luggage handling | Walk on/off monorail | Load/unload from bus |
| Total added time | — | +15–25 minutes per connection |
Passengers connecting between airlines in different EWR terminals (e.g., arriving United at Terminal C, connecting to a Delta flight at Terminal B) normally use the AirTrain for a quick 3–5 minute ride. During construction, the shuttle bus replaces this with a 10–20 minute ride plus wait time. If you have a tight connection, this matters.
Travelers who park in EWR’s economy or long-term parking lots and normally take the AirTrain to their terminal will use shuttle buses instead. The shuttle runs between parking areas and terminals, but expect longer wait times and a less predictable schedule compared to the monorail’s fixed-interval service.
The rental car facility is connected to the terminals via AirTrain. During construction, shuttle buses replace this connection. Add 10–15 minutes to your estimated time from the rental car return to your terminal for check-in.
Direct terminal pickup and dropoff operates independently of the AirTrain system.
During normal AirTrain operations, the train-to-airport option is a reasonable alternative for budget-conscious travelers. NJ Transit from Penn Station to Newark Airport Station costs a few dollars, and the AirTrain connection is quick. But during construction, when that AirTrain connection is replaced by shuttle buses with unpredictable wait times, the total journey from Manhattan to your terminal via NJ Transit can stretch to 50–65 minutes or more.
During construction, the time difference between NJ Transit + shuttle and direct car service narrows significantly—and the comfort and convenience gap widens.
Car service pickup locations at EWR are separate from AirTrain infrastructure. Here is where your chauffeur meets you.
A detailed comparison for travelers who normally take NJ Transit to EWR and are now facing shuttle bus connections.
| Factor | NJ Transit + Shuttle (Construction) | Car Service (Direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Total time (from Manhattan) | 40–55 min | 35–50 min |
| Number of transfers | 2 (train → shuttle → terminal) | 0 (door to terminal) |
| Luggage handling | On/off train, on/off bus | Loaded once by chauffeur |
| Weather exposure | Walking between platforms/bus stops | Door to door, climate controlled |
| Schedule reliability | Depends on train + bus timing | Scheduled to your departure |
| Work capability | Limited on train, none on bus | Full privacy, Wi-Fi, calls |
| Cost (1 person) | $15–20 (train + AirTrain fee) | $80–150 (varies by pickup location) |
The AirTrain construction schedule differentiates between weekdays and weekends.
During the construction period (approximately January 15 through late May 2026), weekday AirTrain service is suspended. Free shuttle buses operate between all stops that the AirTrain normally serves: terminals, parking lots, rental car facility, and the NJ Transit rail station.
Weekend AirTrain service may operate normally during the construction period. However, schedules are subject to change based on construction progress and weather.
AirTrain service during holidays within the construction window may vary. The Port Authority typically adjusts construction schedules for major travel holidays (Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day weekend) to minimize disruption, but this is not guaranteed. Check the latest schedule before any holiday travel through EWR.
Key dates for the EWR AirTrain replacement project.
| Timeframe | Event | Traveler Impact |
|---|---|---|
| ~Jan 15, 2026 | Weekday AirTrain service suspended | Shuttle buses replace weekday monorail service |
| Jan–May 2026 | Active construction on new AirTrain system | Weekday shuttles; weekends may have normal service |
| Late May 2026 | Expected end of weekday service disruption | AirTrain service expected to resume (verify current status) |
| 2026–2028+ | New AirTrain system completion | Additional construction phases may cause future disruptions |
Comparing all transportation options to EWR during the AirTrain disruption period.
| Option | Time (from Manhattan) | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked car service | 35–50 min | $80–150 | Direct, zero transfers, unaffected by AirTrain |
| Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) | 35–50 min | $50–120 (surge varies) | Direct to terminal, but surge pricing during peak |
| NJ Transit + shuttle bus | 40–55 min | $15–20 | Cheapest, but 2 transfers and unpredictable waits |
| NYC taxi (metered) | 35–60 min | $50–75 + tolls/tip | Direct; availability varies; no flight tracking |
| Self-drive + airport parking | 35–50 min + shuttle | $25–55/day parking | You drive, but parking-to-terminal uses shuttle buses |
While both pre-booked car service and rideshare provide direct-to-terminal transport (bypassing the AirTrain issue), pre-booked service offers advantages during the construction period:
As of early 2026, weekday AirTrain service is replaced by shuttle buses during the construction period (approximately January 15 through late May 2026). Weekend service may operate normally. Check njtransit.com for the latest schedule.
No. Car service pickup at each terminal (Terminal A, B, and C) operates at the curbside level, completely separate from the AirTrain infrastructure. Your chauffeur picks you up at the designated ground transportation area as usual.
Expect 15–25 minutes from Newark Airport Station to your terminal via shuttle bus, compared to 5–8 minutes via the normal AirTrain service. Wait times for the shuttle bus add an additional 5–15 minutes.
Yes. The replacement shuttle buses are free, just like the AirTrain. However, you still need to pay the NJ Transit train fare if you’re coming from Penn Station or other rail stations.
The current construction period with weekday shuttle bus replacements is expected to end in late May 2026. However, additional construction phases for the full new AirTrain system may cause future disruptions. Check the latest timeline at njtransit.com.
If you value time and convenience, yes—especially for early morning flights, late-night arrivals, trips with heavy luggage, or when traveling with children. The time savings during construction (15–25 minutes) plus the elimination of two transfers makes car service a strong value proposition.
EWR car service from Manhattan typically costs $80–150 depending on vehicle type and exact pickup location. Pricing includes tolls, and we provide 30 minutes free wait time for domestic arrivals (60 minutes for international). Book through our EWR car service page for exact pricing.
Indirectly, yes. If you park at EWR and normally take the AirTrain from the parking lot to your terminal, you’ll need to use the shuttle bus instead. Add 10–15 minutes to your parking-to-terminal time during weekday construction.
Direct terminal pickup, flight tracking, no shuttle buses. Our vetted chauffeurs get you to EWR without the construction detour.
Last updated: February 23, 2026
True North VIP is a New York City-based premium chauffeur and black car service. The company provides airport transfers to JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Teterboro, and Westchester County airports, along with hourly charters, corporate ground transportation, wedding and event service, and city-to-city travel. Service covers all five NYC boroughs, Northern New Jersey, Connecticut, Westchester County, Long Island, and the Hamptons, with vetted professional chauffeurs and a fleet of executive sedans, luxury sedans, SUVs, and Sprinter vans available 24/7.
To book a ride, visit truenorthvip.com/book or call +1‑347‑321‑9929.
