How to Get to Newark Airport During the NJ Transit Strike

Travel troubles continue for passengers at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). 

For weeks, travelers have faced delays due to air traffic control staffing issues, with the federal government mandating a “slowing of arrivals and departures” due to the issues. Now, just getting to the airport may be a burden as the NJ Transit has suspended all train services due to an ongoing strike. 

In addition to NJ Transit providing commuter service, the trains also operate the popular corridor linking New York City (Penn Station) and Newark Liberty International Airport. The train service described the change as a “critical” advisory for travelers. 

“No Rail Service to EWR due to NJ Transit Strike,” the official Newark Airport account shared on X. 

As an alternative option, the airport is offering a shuttle bus service between downtown Newark, NJ’s Penn Station, and the AirTrain Station every 20 minutes. Travelers should carefully review the alert so as to not be confused between Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station, which are two separate stops. The NJ Transit has provided a web page with additional bus routes to help commuters and travelers during this suspension.

The strike is organized by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), who say they were unable to negotiate a wage increase for their members. “We will stay out until our members receive the fair pay that they deserve,” BLET National President Mark Wallace said in a news release about the strike.  

More than 350,000 people ride NJ Transit each day, the train company says, and Newark Airport provides air travel for 48 million passengers annually, according to a recent report. The airport services airlines such as Air Tahiti Nui, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines. 

For travelers with flights booked at Newark Airport, airlines have provided additional flexibility to assist with rebooking due to the ongoing issues. For example, any passenger on United Airlines through May 23, can change their ticket for free, without a change fee or difference in fare, according to the airline’s flight waiver page. 

American Airlines has also enacted a travel waiver for Newark for travel through May 19. In addition to flexibility on travel dates, fliers may also be able to switch their flight to other New York airports such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or LaGuardia International Airport (LGA).