Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Newark Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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The seats aren’t that comfortable, but a staff member came around handing out blankets and pillows to anyone who wanted them. -a traveller
EWR Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Newark Liberty Airport.
What to Expect
Newark Airport (code: EWR) is spread over three large terminals. The free AirTrain Newark connects all terminals, running every three minutes during peak times. Once inside your terminal, anticipate lots of walking to reach your gate and other facilities.
Travellers often report on long, slow security lines, so arrive earlier than normal for peace of mind. On the plus side, you’ll find plenty of eating, drinking, and shopping establishments to pass the time. Unfortunately, the airport doesn’t have any 24/7 eatery at the time of our December 2024 update, but passengers can connect to the unlimited free WiFi. Several airport lounges offer fee-based entry to economy-class travellers who want to upgrade their layover.
Sleeping in Newark Airport
As a major transit hub, long layovers at Newark Airport are the norm. Overall, the amount of seating is decent, but most seats are bolted to the floor and equipped with armrests. Padded flat beds can be found near dining areas. Plan to sleep on the floor or prop yourself up on opposite seats. In the past, overnight sleepers used to be relocated to the pre-Secure landside areas until early AM. However, one of our readers mentioned he was able to stay in the Airside area of Terminal A, where he also found armrest-free seating (November, 2024).
We’ve heard from some travellers that the airport has cots, blankets, and pillows for use in cases of severe weather delays. The terminals are cold, so warm clothes and a blanket will be life savers.
For uninterrupted sleep, several hotels are within a three-minute drive, including one on airport grounds. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.
Read the latest traveller reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Newark Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours.
Remember that TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the terminal’s public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the terminal’s secure area (airside) until the morning.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
There is a quiet room available to relax. Location: Terminal B, Landside, near British Airways ticket counter. Also, in Terminal B, you will find the Relax & Recharge area. Location: Landside, Level 3, Door 1.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Cots
If you have been stranded at Newark Airport due to a storm, there is a limited supply of cots. Availability may have been affected by Covid. If you are stranded during a weather delay, contact an airport employee to find out when the cots are located.
Newark Airport Hotels
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: On airport grounds
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: No
- Day Rooms: No
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there are options for those looking to sleep at Newark Airport in comfort. While there is no transit hotel, there is a hotel on the airport grounds and many nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles.
Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott – Located on airport grounds. Free airport shuttle service to all terminals. For airport pick-up, use the courtesy phone in baggage claim. » Check Rates
Hotels near Newark Airport with free shuttles
- Holiday Inn Newark Airport » Check Rates
- Hilton Newark Airport » Check Rates
- Hampton Inn Newark-Airport » Check Rates
- Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel » Check Rates <
- Best Western Plus Newark Airport West » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Newark Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal A, Airside, Mezzanine Level, across from gate A8. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of American Airlines flight • Lounge membership programs.
- Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal B, Airside, near Gates 60. Lounge Access: Pay at the door • Lounge membership programs.
- United Club – Multiple Locations: (3) Terminal C, Airside, (1) Terminal A, Airside. Lounge Access: Pay at the door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.
Airline Lounges (members only)
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
British Airways Galleries Club Lounge – Location: B2 Satellite, Airside • Lufthansa Senator Lounge – Location: T1, Airside (Temporarily closed) • SAS Lounge – Location: B3 Satellite, Airside.
Military Lounge
USO Center – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal B, Level 2, Room 9.
Related Pages: Newark Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
A reader tells us there are drinking water fountains, including water bottle refill stations, both landside/airside, near every bathroom. (May 2024)
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. At the time of our November 2024 update, there are no 24-hour food options.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
A reader tells us that there was luggage storage in Terminal C, baggage claim, near baggage belt #1. Rate $15.
Mobile Charging
Power outlets for mobile charging are located both Landside and Airside in all Terminals.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Shower facilities are available if you fly with United and pay for entrance at the United Club in Terminal C, between Gates C102 and C120 or the United Club in Terminal C, near Gate 123. See Airport Lounges above.
WiFi / Internet
Free and unlimited WiFi is available at Newark Airport. Connect to the “_Free EWR WiFi” network.
Security & Safety
Airport staff seem to be okay with overnight campers. Still, there is a chance they may relocate anyone airside to the landside, public zones of the airport until about 4:00 AM, when security checkpoints open. Note: two travellers (November 2024 and April 2019) reported sleeping overnight Airside in Terminal A and Terminal C with no issues from security. Please write a review to help future travellers.
At the time of this update, no recent traveller reviews mention any safety issues at Newark Airport. Older reviews included a few references to homeless people in the landside areas.
Sleeping in any airport can include a certain risk level, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Duty-Free & Shopping – Multiple Duty-Free shopping locations are available in all Terminals. In addition, a good variety of stores selling everything from clothes to books to convenience items are available.
Family Services
- Family washrooms – Equipped with diaper-changing tables, family washrooms are available throughout the airport.
- Nursing rooms – If you are travelling with an infant, nursing rooms are available to mothers who wish to breastfeed in private:
- Terminal A – Central Terminal Area, near unaccompanied minor room • Central Area, near Playa Bowls • Level 1, Arrivals, Baggage Claims Area, near Carousels 3 and 4.
- Terminal B: Airside – B1 at Gate B47 • B2, near Gate 51 • B3 near Gate 68.
- Terminal C: Airside – C1 near Gates C80 • C1 near Gates C90 • C2 near Gate C104 • C2 near Gate 107 • C3 near Gate C120.
Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit the Welcome Center for assistance located at the Baggage Claim level of every terminal. Hours: unknown.
Money
- ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside and Airside.
- Currency Exchange – Travelex kiosks and/or ATMs are available in all Terminals, both landside and airside.
Pet Relief Area – Take your pet for a potty break in one of these areas: Terminal A – Outside, A courtyard on the west side of the terminal • Indoors, two locations – Level 1, Arrivals, North Courtyard • Airside, near Be Relax. Terminal B – Outside, B courtyard on the south side of the terminal • Indoors, four locations – South side of Immigration Hall • B1 Connector, near Delta Sky Club • B2 – Gate 57 • B3 – Gate 65. Terminal C – Outside, C courtyard on the east side of the terminal • Indoor, one location – Airside, near Gate 131.
Prayer – A multi-faith chapel is available. Location: Landside, Terminal C, between between gates C70-C99 and C101-115.
SIM Cards – Two Sims on the Go are available at the terminals. Locations: Terminal B, International Arrivals • Terminal C, Baggage Claims. A reader tells us that SIM cards can be found close to the exits on the airside. (January 2023)
Traveller’s Aid – This non-profit organization assists stranded and distressed passengers. Volunteers assist passengers with general airport and destination queries and situations such as transportation assistance, lost or stolen money, wiring money, emergency housing, etc. Location: Terminal C, 1st Floor, Welcome Center, near exit door # 6. Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at Newark Airport
Airport Shuttles
Go Airlink provides a ride-share airport shuttle between EWR airport and New York City. Service is available 24 hours per day. Rates: Starting from $32.
AirTrain
Operating 24 hours a day, AirTrain is an elevated railway system that serves the Newark Airport, connecting the airport complex with New Jersey Transit and major rail lines along the northeast and the coast. This allows for an easy connection between the airport and New York City or Philadelphia and beyond.
Passengers can travel around the airport complex for free on AirTrain, which makes frequent stops between the terminals, central parking lots, hotel shuttles and rental car facilities. AirTrain also travels to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, where passengers can connect to NJ Transit and Amtrak.
Amtrak Connections
The Amtrak Station is located on airport property and can be connected directly via the AirTrain system. If you already have an Amtrak ticket, the ride will be free. Otherwise, you must purchase a monorail ticket from the agent on-site. Those in possession of a weekly or month ticket must also buy a ticket.
Bus
Newark Airport is served by NJ Transit Bus Lines GO 28, 37, 62, 67 and 107. For schedules and fares, go to the NJ Transit website.
Newark Airport Express offers express bus service between the airport and New York City (3 different drop-off locations). Buses run from 5:00 AM – 10:45 PM.
Trans-Bridge Lines offers daily bus service between the airport and Pennsylvania.
Car Rentals
Most of the on-site car rental agencies are accessible via AirTrain. The following agencies are located at Terminal A, in the Parking A Garage, on levels 1 to 3: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Sixt • Thirfty.
Hotel Shuttles
Several area hotels provide free airport shuttle service: Best Western Plus Newark Airport West • Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott • Hampton Inn • Hilton Newark Airport • Holiday Inn Express • RenaissanceHotel • Home2 Suites by Hilton • Courtyard by Marriott • SpringHill Suites • Crowne Plaza • Motel 6 Elizabeth – Newark Liberty Intl Airport • Holiday Inn • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel • Extended Stay America • Residence Inn by Marriott • Courtyard by Marriott • Embassy Suites by Hilton.
Hotel shuttles depart from P4 station on the AirTrain route.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Airport Transfers
Northern and Central New Jersey are served by three major airports: Newark, JFK and LaGuardia. Aside from taxis, limousines and hired car services, All County Express and ETS Air Shuttle also provide shared ride service between all three airports. Contact your service provider of choice for schedules and fares.
Shared Ride and Private Car Service
Several companies provide door-to-door shared rides or exclusive ride services between the airport and destinations in the Newark/New York City metropolitan area. If you don’t have a reservation upon arriving at the airport, you can book services at the Port Authority Welcome Center located in the Arrivals area of all terminals. 24-hour self-service kiosks are also available nearby.
Taxis
Taxis are available in front of all terminals. Ignore offers of transportation or assistance with baggage from solicitors inside of the terminal as this is illegal, and they may be unlicensed and uninsured. To obtain ground transportation information, visit the Port Authority Welcome Center in the arrivals area of each terminal, where uniformed staff will assist you.
Note: from 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Mon – Fri and 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Sat-Sun), there is an additional $10.00 surcharge on rides to anywhere within the State of New York.
Last updated: 2024-08-26
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.