Frequently Asked Questions about New York
New York Airports

Newark Liberty International Airport

0 Shares

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is one of the three main airports serving the New York City metropolitan area, located in Newark, New Jersey. It is a major hub for domestic and international flights and offers a wide range of services and amenities. Here’s a detailed overview of Newark Liberty International Airport:

General Overview of Newark Liberty International Airport

  • Location: Newark, New Jersey, approximately 16 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan.
  • IATA Code: EWR
  • Opened: 1928 (it was the first major airport to serve the New York City area)
  • Size: 2,027 acres with three passenger terminals
  • Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 46 million passengers (pre-pandemic)
  • Major Airlines: United Airlines (primary hub), along with carriers like JetBlue, Delta, American Airlines, and various international airlines.

Transfer from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan


Terminals of Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark Liberty International has three passenger terminals, designated as Terminals A, B, and C. Each terminal serves different airlines and routes:

  • Terminal A:
    • Primarily serves domestic flights, but also some Canadian destinations.
    • Operates mostly budget and regional airlines like JetBlue, Southwest, and Alaska Airlines.
    • The terminal is undergoing renovations, and a new modern Terminal A is under development as part of the airport’s ongoing upgrades.
  • Terminal B:
    • Handles both domestic and international flights.
    • It’s used by many international airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific.
  • Terminal C:
    • This is the main hub for United Airlines, which operates most of its domestic and international flights out of Terminal C.
    • Terminal C is the largest and most modern terminal at EWR, featuring advanced self-service technology and upgraded amenities.

Each terminal has its own set of gates, security screening, and baggage claim areas, but all are connected via AirTrain Newark, an automated train system that also links the airport to parking lots and public transportation.


Transfer from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan


Facilities and Amenities of Newark Liberty International Airport

  • Shops and Dining: Newark offers a variety of dining options, ranging from fast food to fine dining. Popular restaurants include Wanderlust Burger Bar, Abruzzo Italian Steakhouse, and Saison. There are also plenty of retail shops, including duty-free stores, electronics, clothing, and travel essentials.
  • Lounges: There are several airline lounges at EWR, including:
    • United Club Lounges in Terminal C.
    • Art & Lounge and British Airways Lounge in Terminal B for international travelers.
  • Wi-Fi and Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, along with charging stations for mobile devices in most terminals.
  • Transportation Between Terminals: The AirTrain Newark runs between all terminals and other airport facilities, operating 24/7 and free within the airport.

Transfer from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan


Transportation to and from Newark Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport is well-connected to New York City and the surrounding region through various transportation options:

  • AirTrain Newark: This automated people mover system links the terminals to the New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) and Amtrak train stations, providing easy access to Manhattan, other parts of New Jersey, and beyond.
    • The AirTrain connects to the NJ Transit station at Newark Liberty International Airport, where passengers can take trains directly to Penn Station in Manhattan.
  • NJ Transit: NJ Transit trains from Newark Airport provide fast and affordable connections to Penn Station in Manhattan. The ride takes about 30 minutes. NJ Transit also offers connections to New Jersey destinations.
  • Amtrak: Amtrak trains also stop at Newark Airport, making it convenient for travelers coming from cities along the Northeast Corridor, such as Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C.
  • Buses: There are multiple bus services to and from the airport, including New Jersey Transit buses and private shuttle services.
  • Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis, Uber, and Lyft operate at the airport. A taxi ride to Manhattan takes around 30-60 minutes depending on traffic, with flat fares of approximately $70 plus tolls and tips.
  • Private Shuttles and Car Services: Many hotels and private companies offer shuttle services to and from the airport.

Transfer from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan


Airlines and Destinations of Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark is a major hub for United Airlines, which operates the majority of flights, particularly from Terminal C. EWR is also a major international gateway for travelers heading to Europe, Asia, and other regions. Popular destinations include:

  • Domestic: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orlando, Miami, Chicago
  • International: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, and many more.

Transfer from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan


Future Developments and Renovations

Newark Liberty is currently undergoing significant upgrades as part of a $2.7 billion redevelopment plan to modernize the airport:

  • New Terminal A: A new, state-of-the-art Terminal A is set to replace the old Terminal A, offering more modern facilities and expanded capacity for domestic and international flights. It is expected to be fully operational by 2024.
  • Terminal C Improvements: United Airlines continues to make enhancements to Terminal C, including upgrading lounges and introducing self-service kiosks to streamline the check-in and boarding process.

Transfer from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan


Airport Services

  • Baggage Services: Baggage carts and porter services are available in all terminals. Luggage storage options are limited, but there are some private companies offering off-site luggage storage services.
  • Customer Service Desks: Each terminal has information desks where passengers can ask for assistance regarding flights, transportation, and other inquiries.
  • Special Assistance: Newark offers services for travelers with disabilities, including wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and priority security lanes.

Transfer from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan


Security Screening and Customs of Newark Liberty International Airport

For both domestic and international flights, travelers must pass through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening. TSA PreCheck lanes are available for passengers who qualify for expedited screening. International passengers must also go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) if they are arriving from an international destination:

  • Global Entry: Newark Liberty offers Global Entry kiosks for expedited customs processing for pre-approved travelers.
  • Customs Declaration: International passengers must fill out a customs declaration form (electronic or paper) and declare any items such as food, alcohol, or large sums of money.

Transfer from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan


Tips for Traveling Through Newark

  • Arrive Early: Like most major airports, it’s recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before your flight, especially for international travel, as the airport can get very busy, particularly in Terminal C.
  • Check Your Terminal: Make sure to verify which terminal your flight is departing from, as the terminals are not walkable and you may need to take the AirTrain.
  • Use Public Transport: If you are traveling to or from Manhattan, using NJ Transit via the AirTrain is often faster and cheaper than taking a taxi, especially during peak traffic hours.

Transfer from Newark Liberty International Airport to Manhattan


Sustainability Efforts

EWR is making efforts toward sustainability and reducing its environmental impact by introducing energy-efficient systems and environmentally friendly practices as part of its ongoing development and modernization.

Newark Liberty International Airport is a key transportation hub for the New York metro area, offering excellent connectivity both domestically and internationally. With its ongoing modernization efforts, the airport is focused on improving the overall passenger experience and handling future growth in air traffic.

Visit Newark Liberty International Airport