A Guide to Newark Airport (EWR)

Quick insights

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is located in New Jersey but is a convenient travel hub for those in New York as well.
• EWR has three operating terminals: A, B and C.
• The 24/7/365 Newark AirTrain people mover connects travelers to public transit options in both New Jersey and New York City.

Located 4.5 miles from downtown Newark, EWR is a major gateway to popular destinations in Europe, South America, Asia and more. And despite being in New Jersey, it’s also the second busiest New York-area airport after JFK.

In addition to connecting to various public transit options, Newark Airport also offers a simple way to travel between terminals with its AirTrain. None of its terminals are physically connected, but visitors can use the AirTrain or parking garages to travel between them.

Learn more about how to travel to and from Newark Airport, parking options, terminal details and more before departing on your next trip.

Navigating to and from Newark Airport

Headed to Newark Airport? You’ll have a variety of transportation options available to you, including a few public transit options:

• Taxi: Taking a taxi is a convenient way to travel to either New York or New Jersey. Note that weekday rush hour rides may include a surcharge.
• Rideshare: After requesting a ride via rideshare app, head outside from your terminal’s baggage claim. Follow “Ground Transportation” or “Ride App Pick Up” signs.
• AirTrain: The Newark AirTrain connects EWR to various NJ Transit and rail lines. It's free to use within airport property; rides to Newark Liberty Airport Station require a fee.
• Bus: The AirTrain connects to NJ Transit Bus Lines 28, 37, 62, 67 and 107. There’s also an Express Bus that runs between EWR and New York City.
• Train: The AirTrain also connects EWR to Amtrak and NJ Transit train lines.
• Rental Car: EWR’s Rental Car Center is located on levels one through three of Parking A Garage. The facility connects to Terminals B and C via the AirTrain and a pedestrian walking bridge.

Parking options at Newark Airport

If you’d prefer not to use public transportation or rideshare, you’ll have plenty of parking options at EWR. There are various daily, short-term and long-term lots available. According to EWR’s website, you may be able to save money when booking parking in advance online.

If you’re picking up a passenger from arrivals, you can park in one of the free cell phone lots (located less than five minutes from all terminals).

Worried about leaving your car for an extended period of time? EWR offers a range of vehicle assistance services, including:

• Flat tire assistance
• Lockout assistance
• Jumpstarts
• Vehicle finder services

When to arrive at Newark Airport

If you’re headed to a domestic flight, many airport officials recommend arriving two hours before your flight’s scheduled departure. For international flights, you may want to arrive three hours before takeoff.

If you’re a frequent traveler and want to bypass longer security lines, you may want to consider options like TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. You’ll get access to an expedited security line.

However, you may want to leave earlier if you’re traveling during rush hour or on a holiday. Check EWR’s live security wait times on their homepage on the day of your flight to help plan your pre-departure itinerary.

Newark Airport Map

If you want to familiarize yourself with EWR’s terminals and facilities—or peruse pre-flight snack options—it may be helpful to view Newark Airport’s interactive terminal map. In addition to terminal information, you can see parking lot, shopping, dining, restrooms and airline locations.

Newark Airport terminal information

EWR’s three terminals and parking lots make up an oval shape, with roads on the inside and departure concourses on the outside. Each terminal is made up of three concourses.

While Terminals A and B are next to each other, they are not connected. Visitors can use either the AirTrain or airport shuttle bus for free within airport grounds.

Things to do at Newark Airport

Whether you’re early for your flight or at Newark Airport for a long layover, you’ll have a range of things to do to pass the time. Here are just a few options:

• Relax in an airport lounge: EWR includes over 10 airport lounges across its three terminals, and some offer day passes. While some credit cards offer complimentary lounge access, note that EWR does not have any lounges in the Priority Pass™ network.
• Grab a meal or drink: EWR has over 150 restaurants, cafes, bars and dining options, so there’s likely something for every passenger regardless of what time of day it is. There are also several pre-security options available.
• Spend family time in a children’s play area: If you’re traveling with kids, there are three children’s play areas in Terminal A. There are also nursing suites in each terminal.
• Go shopping: There are duty-free shopping options in all three terminals, in addition to many other gift shops, apparel stores and even spas.

Additional airport amenities include an interfaith chapel, currency exchange services and pet relief areas.

In summary

All New York-area airports have undergone significant renovations over the last few years, so there are plenty of recent improvements, especially in terms of terminal capacity. In fact, a brand-new Terminal A debuted in 2023 with modernized technology, floor-to-ceiling windows security checkpoint upgrades and more.

Whether you’re headed to EWR using public transit or planning to park at the airport, there are plenty of options available. And when you get there, you’ll have many choices for shopping and dining.

While there are no lounges in the Priority Pass network at EWR, Priority Pass members can access benefits across airports worldwide. If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve^® credit card or are interested in applying for one, you may be eligible for complimentary Priority Pass membership as a credit card benefit (note that the card has an annual fee).

This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.