Sleeping in Airports

Newark Airport Guide

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.

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

Newark Airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of a guest traveller / June 2019)

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 3 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 and a couple eateries stay open 24-hours. WiFi is free and unlimited. Several airport lounges offer fee-based entry to economy class travellers who want to upgrade their layover. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and rates.

Sleeping in Newark Airport

As a major transit hub, long layovers at Newark airport are the norm. Overall, the terminals are cold and seating is very limited. Plan to sleep on the floor or prop yourself up on opposite seats. If you’re looking to stay the night, all overnight campers will be relocated to the pre-Secure landside areas until early AM. For daytime resting, travellers like Terminal B’s airside for quieter corners and a few armrest-free benches. We’ve heard from some travellers that the airport has cots, blankets, and pillows for use in cases of severe weather delays. Explore our guide to sleeping in Newark Airport or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.   For uninterrupted sleep, several hotels are located within a 3-minute drive, including a hotel on airport grounds. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

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. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.  For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Newark Airport Guide.

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.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

airport hoursAirport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Keep in mind 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 public area of the terminal (landside) you will not be able to get through to the secure area of the terminal (airside) until the morning.

airport hotelsNewark 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 of you who are looking to sleep at Newark Airport in comfort.   While there is no transit hotel, there is a hotel on 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

The hotel shuttles pick-up passengers from Station P4 unless you are advised otherwise.  Here are a few other nearby hotel options:

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 loungeAirport 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 to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

  • American Airlines Admirals Club – Location: Terminal A, after security, toward gates 30 through 39. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door with proof of American Airlines flight • Lounge membership programs.
  • Delta Sky Club – Location: Terminal B, Airside, near Gates 40 to 47. 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: B3 Satellite, Airside (x 2 locations) • SAS Lounge – Location: B3 Satellite, Airside.

Military Lounge

USO Center – The USO offers a lounge that is free of charge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal B, Level 2, Room 9.

Related Pages: Newark Airport Lounges

cotsCots

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.

water bottle refillsDrinking Water

Information is unavailable. Does Newark Airport have water fountains or water bottle refill stations? Click here to update this guide.

foodFood & Drinks

There are many dining options landside and airside. Subway (located in Terminal B, landside) is open 24 hours.  Dunkin Donuts (located in Terminal C) is not open 24 hours, but almost.  A reader tells us it opens at 2:00AM, so it might close for a few hours during the night.

Luggage StorageLuggage Storage & Lockers

A reader tells us that there was luggage storage in Terminal C, baggage claim, near baggage belt #1. Rate $15.

mobile chargingMobile Charging

Power outlets for mobile charging are located both Landside and Airside in all Terminals.

rest zonesRest & 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 Relax & Recharge area. Location: Landside, Level 3, Door 1.

Take precaution 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.

showersShowers

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.   See  Airport Lounges above.

wifiWiFi / Internet

Free and unlimited WiFi is available at Newark Airport.  Connect to the “_Free EWR WiFi” network.

more airport infoMore Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Duty Free & Shopping – Multiple locations of Duty Free shopping 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 avaialble to mothers who wish to breastfeed in private:
    • Terminal A – Near Gates A10 – 18 • Near Gates A30 – 39 • A1, after Security • A2, adjacent to “Earl of Sandwich” • A3, between Gate 32 and center.
    • Terminal B: Airside – B1 at Gate B47 • B2, near Gate 51 • B3 near Gate 66.
    • Terminal C: Airside – C1 near Gates C90 • C2 near Gate C104 • C3 near Gate C123.

Information Desk – If you have any questions, visit the Welcome Center for assistance located in the Baggage Claim level of every terminal. Hours: unknown.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your 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 • Indoor pet relief area currently under construction. Terminal B – Outside, B courtyard on the south side of the terminal • Indoors, three locations – South side of FIS Hall, B2 – Gate 57, B3 – Gate 65. A fourth is under construction. Terminal C – Outside, C courtyard on the east side of the terminal • Indoor pet relief area currently under construction.

Prayer –  A multi-faith chapel is available.  Location: Landside, Terminal C, between between gates C101-115

SIM Cards – A reader tells us that SIM cards can be found close to the exits on the airside. (January 2023)

Spa – Departure Spa. Locations Terminal C, Gates C70-99 and C101-115. Hours: unknown.

Traveler’s Aid – This is a non-profit organization that assists stranded and distressed passengers. Volunteers assist passengers with general airport and destination queries to assisting with 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: 11:00AM – 9:00PM.

Related Pages: Things to do on a layover at Newark Airport

Airlines
Newark airport is served by the following airlines: Aer Lingus • Air Canada • Air China • Air India • Air New Zealand • Alaska Airlines • Allegiant Airlines • American Airlines • Austrian Airlines • Avianca • British Airways • Cathay Pacific • Delta Air Lines • El Al Israel Airlines • Elite Airways • Emirates • Ethiopian Airlines • Eurowings • Icelandair • JetBlue • La Compagnie • Level Airlines • LOT • Lufthansa • Porter • SAS • Singapore Airlines • Southwest Airlines • Spirit Airlines • Sun Country • Swiss • TAP Portugal • United Airlines • Virgin Atlantic.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Airport Shuttles

Go Airlink provides an ride-share airport shuttle between EWR airport and New York City. Service is available 24-hours per day. Once you arrive at the airport, head over to the ground transportation desk and present the desk agent with your shuttle voucher. The agent will direct you to your scheduled shuttle. Your shuttle driver will know when your flight is scheduled to arrive, so you won’t need to worry about missing your ride if your flight is delayed. For more information, visit the Go AirlinkGO Airlink NYC web site.

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 to directly via the AirTrain system. If you already have an Amtrak ticket, the ride will be free. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a monorail ticket from the agent on site.

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 5:00AM – 1:00AM.

Trans Bridge Lines offers daily bus service between the airport and Pennsylvania.

Car Rentals

Most of the onsite car rental agencies are accessible via AirTrain. The following agencies are located at Station P3: Avis • Enterprise • Hertz • National. Station P2 offers additional car rental kiosks: Alamo • Budget • Dollar • Advantage • Payless • Thrifty are also available onsite.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide free airport shuttle service: Best Western Plus Newark Airport WestNewark Liberty International Airport MarriottHampton Inn • Wyndham Garden • Hilton Newark AirportHoliday Inn Express • RenaissanceHotelHome2 Suites by Hilton • Courtyard by Marriott • SpringHill Suites • Crowne Plaza • Motel 6 Elizabeth – Newark Liberty Intl AirportHoliday Inn  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel • Howard Johnson Hotel by Wyndham • Extended Stay America • Residence Inn by Marriott • Courtyard by Marriott • Country Inn & Suites by Radisson  • 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 ride or exclusive ride service 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 6:00AM – 9:00AM & 4:00PM – 7:00 (Mon – Fri and 12:00PM – 8:00PM (Sat – Sun) there is an additional $5.00 surcharge on rides to anywhere within the state of New York.

Airport Photo Gallery

Related Pages: Newark Airport Photos

Last updated: 2024-02-07

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.