Everything You Need to Know About Traveling Through Newark Liberty International Airport

New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), which first opened back in 1928, is 15 miles southwest of Midtown Manhattan. One of three major airports in the New York metro area, it serves more than 30 airlines and millions of domestic and international passengers a year.

Historically, Newark Liberty has had the worst rap out of all the NYC-area airports and has been one of the least popular in the U.S. But after a multi-year, $2.7 billion renovation, the airport unveiled an update to its oldest terminal, Terminal A, in 2023. It's now considered one of the best in the world.

From the best dining and shopping to lounges, parking, and nearby hotels, here's everything you need to know about traveling through Newark Liberty International Airport.

Newark Airport Terminals

Newark Liberty International Airport has three standalone terminals: A, B, and C.

Passengers can travel between terminals, parking lots, shuttle stops, and rental car facilities on the AirTrain monorail, which operates 24 hours a day and is free to ride within the airport.

Air Canada, American Airlines, and JetBlue are among the airlines that operate out of Terminal A. Allegiant Air, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta Air Lines, Spirit, and several international airlines fly from Terminal B. United Airlines occupies all of Terminal C, with some flights operating out of Terminal A and Terminal B as well.

Newark Airport Map

Amenities and Services at Newark Liberty International Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport provides free Wi-Fi and free charging stations throughout the terminals. Nursing suites are available in each terminal. The AtYourGate in-airport order and delivery app allows passengers to have meals delivered anywhere in Terminals A and B.

Newark Airport Terminal A

Popular New Jersey chains are the highlight of dining options in Newark Airport Terminal A, which contains 33 gates across three concourses. You can grab a sub from Jersey Mike's, a national chain headquartered in Manasquan, or order a banging breakfast sandwich from The Office Tavern Grill. Town Bar + Kitchen is the place to go for a good cocktail while you wait for your plane to board, but head to Carlitos at the end of concourse A1 for tasty barbecue tacos and Mexican beer. Of course, you can always get a burger from national chains BurgerFi or Shake Shack. All restaurants are past the security checkpoints.

Terminal A has your standard selection of souvenir shops and convenience stops. Pick up a shirt to remember New Jersey by at Just Jersey or Artist PopShop, which also sells lots of fun art gifts. Stock up on reading materials at Vue, stop by The Black Home for luxurious home goods, grab a snack from Shore Points Market, or shop for clothes at Tentree.

Newark Airport Terminal B

Pre-security food court options in Terminal B include Smashburger, Panda Express, Starbucks, and more. Budweiser Brewhouse is another place to sit down for a beer before going through security. The 24-gate terminal is split into three concourses. B1 has Malone's Fish Market, Sora Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar, and Little Tony's Pizzeria. In B2, you'll find full English breakfasts at Unusual Times, plus a couple of market stands and a coffee kiosk. B3 has diverse options at StrEAT Market and pizza by Piattino: A Neighborhood Bistro.

There are newsstands and duty-free shops on both sides of security. Past security, you'll also find souvenir shops like America! and an outpost of Lick, the popular Atlantic City candy stand.

Newark Airport Terminal C

United Airlines' three-concourse, 58-gate Terminal C has plenty of choices for grab and go, fast casual, sit-down dining, and cocktails.

There are Cibo Express Gourmet Markets on both sides of security and a central Global Bazaar food hall in concourse C1, where the Melange Bakery Café serves breads and pastries baked on site; Kaedama noodle bar offers Asian soups with fresh-pulled noodles; and Tsukiji Fishroom makes sushi, nigiri, and poke bowls with fish purportedly flown in from Tokyo. Many venues in the food hall change their names, overhead signage, and menus midday.

Your best bets for sit-down dining in C1 are Abruzzo Italian Steakhouse, Surf (sushi), and Daily (so named because its farm-to-terminal menu rotates daily). C2 has Vanguard Kitchen (fresh salads and pizzas), Happy Clam (seafood, etc.), and Little Purse (dumplings). In C3, Forno Magico (new American) and Saison (French) are great options. Tucked behind Saison is Classified, United Airlines' invitation-only restaurant.

As for drinks in Terminal C, opt for Oeno Wine Bar, Proof Whiskey Bar, Caps Beer Garden, or Tacquila.

Shopping options include Coach, Johnston & Murphy, Hudson Booksellers, L'Occitane, Lick, and The Miles Shop, where passengers can trade United Airlines frequent flier miles for electronics, toys, and other items, or earn bonus points for dollars spent. Cibo Express Gourmet Markets (all concourses) also stock unique gifts and gourmet food items.

Newark Airport Lounges

Terminal A has an Admirals Club for American Airlines travelers, a United Club, where Air Canada's lounge is located, and a Delta Sky Club. Terminal B has a British Airways Galleries Lounge, a Lufthansa Senator Lounge, another Delta Sky Club, and a Scandinavian Airlines SAS Lounge. In addition to two United Clubs near gates C74 and C93, Terminal C has a United Polaris Lounge with rainfall shower suites, workspaces, day beds, and a table-service dining area.

Newark Airport Transportation, Car Rentals, and Parking

You can travel between EWR and NYC, Newark, or other nearby New Jersey cities by taxi, van, or rideshare service. Taking a taxi to Manhattan will cost you about $50 to $70, or a minimum of $70 if you're traveling to EWR from the city. You can save by taking Coach USA's express bus, which costs $18.70 for a one-way and $33 for a round-trip ticket, or the train. NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast lines connect Midtown Manhattan to the airport for $15.75 one way. Once you're at the airport, hop on the AirTrain, which travels between all terminals, parking garages, rental car pickup locations, and the on-airport railway station. If you buy an Amtrak or NJ Transit ticket to or from the airport, transportation on the AirTrain is included in the fee.

Speaking of car rentals, 10 companies operate out of EWR, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Dollar, and Hertz. Parking at EWR ranges from $21 a day in economy lots to $44 a day in the short-term lots. Book your parking in advance for the lowest rates.

Newark Airport Hotels

Whatever your preference for accommodations — a swanky stay or a no-frills place to rest on an overnight layover — you can find it in Newark or nearby Elizabeth, Kenilworth, Irvington, and Jersey City. The most convenient is Newark Liberty's own Marriott, which is at the center of the airport's semi-circle formation. The amenities are basic but adequate for a comfortable pre- or post-flight stay. Other options with free shuttle service to and from EWR include Hilton Newark Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Renaissance Newark Airport Hotel.