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When you think of Amtrak in the New York metropolitan area, New York Penn Station (NYC) often comes to mind first. However, just across the Hudson River in New Jersey lies another bustling, historic, and incredibly well-connected transportation hub: Newark Penn Station (NRK).

Often overlooked by those not familiar with the region, Newark Penn is a powerhouse in its own right, serving as a critical stop on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, alongside extensive NJ Transit commuter rail, PATH train service to New York City, and the Newark Light Rail. If you’re traveling through or to Newark, understanding this station is key to a smooth journey.

Newark Penn Station (NRK): The Heart of Transportation

Located at 1 Raymond Plaza West, Newark, NJ 07105, Newark Penn Station is more than just an Amtrak stop; it’s a grand Art Deco masterpiece and a crucial junction for millions of travelers annually. Built in 1935, it mirrors the architectural style of its New York City counterpart.

What Makes NRK a Hub?

• Amtrak: A major stop on the Northeast Corridor, connecting cities from Boston to Washington D.C.
• NJ Transit: A primary station for multiple commuter rail lines (Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Raritan Valley Line, Montclair-Boonton, Morristown, Gladstone Branch trains via Secaucus Junction).
• PATH Train: Direct subway-style service to Downtown Newark, Harrison, Jersey City, and multiple stations in Lower Manhattan (World Trade Center).
• Newark Light Rail: Connects the station to Newark’s Downtown, Branch Brook Park, and Broad Street Station.
• Bus Services: A major terminal for regional and local bus routes.

Amtrak Services at Newark Penn Station

Amtrak trains stopping at Newark Penn Station are primarily those operating on the Northeast Corridor. This means you’ll find:

• Acela Express: Amtrak’s high-speed service, offering faster travel times between major cities.
• Northeast Regional: The workhorse of the corridor, providing frequent service with more stops.
• Keystone Service: (Limited service originating/terminating in PA, usually requiring transfer or specific trains).
• Long-distance trains: Many long-distance routes (e.g., Carolinian, Vermonter, Crescent, Silver Meteor/Star, etc.) also make a stop here on their way to/from New York Penn Station and points south or north.

Distances to Key Cities & Approximate Travel Times (Amtrak)

While “distance” is a physical measure, for train travel, “travel time” is often more practical. Here are approximate Amtrak travel times from Newark Penn Station to major destinations:

• New York Penn Station (NYC):
  • Distance: Approximately 9 miles
  • Acela Express: 15-20 minutes
  • Northeast Regional/Other: 18-25 minutes
  • (Note: This is a very frequent and quick hop, often seen as an extension of NYC’s public transit system.)
• Philadelphia 30th Street Station (PHL):
  • Distance: Approximately 80-85 miles
  • Acela Express: 50-60 minutes
  • Northeast Regional/Other: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes
• Washington D.C. Union Station (WAS):
  • Distance: Approximately 190-200 miles
  • Acela Express: 2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Northeast Regional/Other: 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes
• Boston South Station (BOS):
  • Distance: Approximately 225-235 miles
  • Acela Express: 3 hours 45 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Northeast Regional/Other: 4 hours 30 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes (or longer depending on specific train)
• Baltimore Penn Station (BAL):
  • Distance: Approximately 160 miles
  • Acela Express: 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours
  • Northeast Regional/Other: 2 hours 10 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes

(Important Note: Travel times are estimates and can vary based on train type, scheduled stops, track conditions, and time of day. Always check Amtrak’s official schedule for the most accurate information.)

Connecting to Key Airports

One of Newark Penn Station’s major advantages is its direct and easy access to a major international airport.

1. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR):
   • Distance from NRK: Approximately 3 miles
   • How to get there: Take any NJ Transit train (Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, Raritan Valley Line) one stop south from Newark Penn Station to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station (EWR). From there, transfer to the AirTrain (a monorail system) which takes you directly to all EWR terminals.
   • Travel Time: ~20-30 minutes total (including train and AirTrain transfer).
   • Cost: The NJ Transit train fare includes the AirTrain connection.
2. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK):
   • Distance from NRK: Approximately 20-25 miles (via NYC)
   • How to get there:
     1. Take the PATH train from Newark Penn Station to World Trade Center (WTC) in Lower Manhattan OR take an Amtrak/NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station (NYC).
     2. From WTC, take the subway (e.g., A train) to Howard Beach, then AirTrain JFK.
     3. From NYC Penn Station, take the subway (e.g., E train to Sutphin Blvd/Archer Ave or A train to Howard Beach) then AirTrain JFK.
   • Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on connections and traffic.
3. LaGuardia Airport (LGA):
   • Distance from NRK: Approximately 15-20 miles (via NYC)
   • How to get there:
     1. Take the PATH train from Newark Penn Station to a convenient Manhattan transfer point (e.g., WTC, or transfers from Journal Square to 33rd St PATH for Midtown).
     2. From Manhattan, use NYC MTA Subway/Bus connections. The most common is the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus from Roosevelt Avenue/Jackson Heights (E, F, M, R, 7 subway lines) or the M60 SBS bus from Harlem (various subway lines).
   • Travel Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on connections and traffic.

Station Amenities & Tips

Newark Penn Station offers a range of services to make your wait comfortable:

• Ticketing: Amtrak ticket windows and self-service kiosks are available.
• Waiting Areas: Spacious waiting areas with seating.
• Food & Drink: Several eateries, including fast food, coffee shops (Starbucks), and convenience stores.
• Restrooms: Available on the main concourse.
• Accessibility: The station is generally accessible with elevators and ramps.
• Wi-Fi: Free public Wi-Fi is usually available.
• Luggage: Luggage carts may be available, but there are no official luggage storage lockers.

Why Choose Newark Penn Station?

• Less Crowded: Often less hectic and easier to navigate than New York Penn Station, especially during peak travel times.
• Direct EWR Access: Unbeatable access to Newark Liberty International Airport.
• Cost-Effective: Depending on your origin/destination, Amtrak tickets to/from Newark Penn can sometimes be slightly cheaper than those to New York Penn, even for the same train.
• Strategic Location: Excellent for those staying in New Jersey or needing to connect into Lower Manhattan via PATH.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or new to the area, Newark Penn Station is a vital piece of the Northeast Corridor’s transportation puzzle. Keep this guide handy, and enjoy your journey through this historic and bustling hub!