Newark Layover Guide (AKL)

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Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Newark International Airport (EWR), formerly known as Newark Metropolitan Airport. It is jointly owned by the two cities and operated by the New York and New Jersey Port Authority. The airport is 4 km (3 mi) south of downtown Newark and 14 km (9 mi) west-southwest of Manhattan. It was first opened in 1928, and the Army Air Corps operated it throughout WWII. Newark is the cultural center of the state and offers unlimited entertainment and art options. The city is also one of the leading historic spots in the Northeast.

Can you leave Newark Airport (EWR) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to leave Newark during a layover but some visitors will require visa beforehand. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

New Jersey Organized Tours

Scenic Helicopter Tour and Airport Transfer

This private helicopter flight includes a luxurious airport transfer and a sightseeing tour of New York City. Helicopter trips are provided in both directions between the three major New York airports (JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark). Visit the Empire State Building, Central Park, Freedom Tower, the Financial District, and the Statue of Liberty on a scenic tour of Midtown and Lower Manhattan. After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, take a private car from the arrivals terminal to the airport’s helicopter terminal for arrival transfers. Meet your friendly and skilled pilot at the heliport and depart for Manhattan. Before being dropped off at your choice Manhattan heliport, take a 15-minute beautiful tour of New York City. » book this tour

One-Way Transfer to Newark

Book a private transfer from Newark International Airport to the Newark region to avoid the stress of getting home or to your hotel following your flight. Choose your vehicle type, provide your flight information and drop-off location, and leave the rest to the driver. After making your reservation, preserve your voucher by printing it or saving it to your phone. Then, two days before your transfer, obtain your driver’s information to rest assured that your transport will be waiting for you. That’s it. Arrange the meeting location the day before. »book this tour

NYC City Lights Helicopter Tour at Night

Your tour starts with a direct flight from Newark International Airport to Manhattan. View the illuminated Statue of Liberty your way to New York Harbor before taking in the skyscrapers of the Financial District, which is home to the New York Stock Exchange. The Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, Hudson Yards, Chelsea, The West Village, SOHO, and TRIBECA can all be seen above as you fly north along the Hudson River. One World Trade Center and the 9/11 Memorial are also visible. Prepare to take some fantastic photos as you fly above Times Square, Central Park, and Yankees Stadium before flying over the George Washington Bridge and back along the same course, providing breathtaking views of Manhattan’s cityscape. The flight will last about 25-30 minutes. » book this tour

New Jersey Things to do / Sightseeing

Newark Museum of Art

The Newark Museum of Art, New Jersey’s largest museum, is underappreciated as a terrific site to visit. It’s one of the top things to do in Newark. The museum’s exhibitions have evolved and expanded over time, and it now houses a broad art collection from around the world. They even have a cute little zoo! If you live in Newark and are looking for some local activities, you’ll be pleased to learn that residents and members of the Newark Museum receive free entrance. Even if you aren’t a resident, the entrance is affordable, making it a perfect spot to visit on a tight budget.

Time required: 2 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 11 minutes via private transport.

Newark Public Library

If you’re a bookworm, a trip to the Newark Public Library is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Newark. Thousands of books, including some rare finds, are housed in this four-story library. Even if you’re not a big reader, the architecture of this library is worth seeing. The main branch, built in the 1800s, is one of the state’s oldest libraries, and its architecture is particularly lovely. The library hosts a variety of minor events in addition to literature and stunning architecture. Book readings, educational programmes, and historical exhibitions are among them.

Time required: 2 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 12 minutes via private transport.

Branch Brooke Park

Branch Brook Park is a vast green park with the United States’ biggest collection of Cherry Blossom Trees. Beautiful landscapes and lakes and walking pathways, and a driving path through Branch Brook Park can be found in the park. Bring a blanket and have a picnic on the lawn beside the fountain during your stay, or attend the Cherry Blossom Festival. It is one of the best things to do in Newark when pleasant weather, such as in the spring and summer. The park is massive, stretching over Newark and into Belleville, Illinois. Because there are multiple entrances and a path that connects them all, it’s best to travel along the path and explore the park before deciding where to spend your day.

Time required: 2 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 18 minutes via private transport.

Newark Penn Station

Newark Penn Station is a prominent Newark attraction, although it is frequently considered a “how to get around” item rather than something to do. This transportation centre is home to numerous bus and train routes that will considerably assist you in getting around and a day trip into New York City if desired. You can also travel to Jersey City and Hoboken on the PATH train and see the sights.

Time required: 1 to 2 hours.

Airport to here: 12 minutes via private transport.

Weequahic Park

Weequahic Park is a lovely, sprawling park that is one of the top things to do in Newark. The park features a walking track that around the entire area and circles the tranquil Weequahic Lake. The lake is alive with wildlife, from geese to graceful swans, but keep your distance! Swans are frequently nesting and will get angry if you enter their domain. Weequahic Park features a playground for the kids in addition to a wonderful walk. It’s a great area to visit on a warm spring day or in the summer when the weather isn’t too scorching.

Time required: 2 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 6 minutes via private transport.

Essex County Riverfront Park

Another great thing to do in Newark is visiting the Essex County Riverfront Park. The Passaic River is visible from Essex County Riverfront Park. It is the only public green space with a waterfront in Newark. If you are a sports lover then the park can be a perfect place for you. You can find amenities including a baseball field, tennis and basketball courts, an open grassy area with a turf soccer field, and two playgrounds.

Time required: 1 to 2 hours.

Airport to here: 12 minutes via private transport.

Ironbound District

This area is famous for its amazing ethnic cuisine. You can find a variety of food from Portuguese to Brazilian to Italian. Ironbound district’s coffee is a star so it is recommended to try one at the coffee houses. Ironbound district is the place that gets everything, from your lunch to dessert and to the post-meal coffee. And it is suggested to visit with an empty stomach.

Time required: 2 hours.

Airport to here: 10 minutes via taxi.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, also known as NJPAC, is a stunning theatre that hosts a variety of exciting performances. A piano concert, a dancing performance, or even a comedy act can be found here. Visit their website to see their entire schedule and purchase tickets. Because the NJPAC is located in downtown Newark, finding parking can be challenging; therefore, taking an Uber or Lyft is recommended. If you’re hiring a car, the best option is to use Discover Cars and park in one of the nearby lots. Parking on the street is nearly impossible, and you risk receiving a costly parking citation.

Time required: 2 hours to half day.

Airport to here: 12 minutes via private transport.

Things to Do in Newark Airport (EWR)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are lounges that you can access by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or joining a lounge membership programme, regardless of what class of service you are travelling. Some of the popular hotels are "American Airlines Admirals Club", "Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge" located at the Terminal A. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While there is no transit hotel on the premises of the airport, there are several neighbouring hotels that offer complimentary airport shuttles. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
There is a sleeping room which is located at the Terminal B, Landside, near British Airways ticket counter.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available at the Newark Airport. You can connect with the “_Free EWR WiFi”.

SIM/eSIM Card: You can buy SIM card by reaching the various shops at the Newark Airport. » buy a global esim card for New Jersey, United States that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: All terminals have taxi stands in front of them. Offers of transportation or baggage assistance from solicitors inside the terminal are unlawful, and they may be unregistered and uninsured.

Train: AirTrain is a 24-hour elevated railway system that serves the Newark Airport complex, connecting it to New Jersey Transit and important rail lines in the northeast and along the coast. (more info).

Bus: NJ Transit Bus Lines GO 28, 37, 62, 67, and 107 service Newark Airport. The Newark Airport Express bus service connects the airport with New York City. (more info).

Shuttle: As a courtesy to their visitors, several area hotels provide free airport shuttle service. Hotel shuttles leave at the AirTrain station P4 on the route. As a courtesy to their customers, a number of nearby hotels provide free airport shuttle service. P4 station on the AirTrain route is where hotel shuttles depart.

Car rentals: Several firms offer door-to-door shared or private rides between the airport and locations throughout the Newark Metropolitan area. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: The service of parking is available almost at all the terminals.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage service is available in Terminal C, baggage claim, near baggage belt #1. » book a luggage storage or locker at Newark Airport (EWR) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Newark Airport (EWR) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks