Newark Liberty Layover Guide (EWR)

What are you looking for in EWR?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Newark Airport (EWR) is an international airport located in Newark, New Jersey. It’s situated about 24 km (15 miles) from Midtown Manhattan. The airport officially opened in 1928. Newark is part of the New York metropolitan area, one of the most dynamic regions in the world. The city is known for its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and historical landmarks, offering a wide range of attractions and leisure activities for travelers.

Can you leave Newark Airport (EWR) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), you may exit the airport if you have sufficient connection time and valid travel documents. US transit without visa (C-1) applies, or other visas if required by nationality. Always check visa requirements, allow passport control, customs clearance, and complete re-security screening. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Ironbound District Historic Portuguese neighborhood featuring authentic eateries, lively bars, bakeries, and vibrant street murals along Ferry Street, ideal for sampling flavorful dishes, enjoying nightlife, and immersing in Newark’s energetic, friendly community. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Take AirTrain Newark to Newark Penn Station then Bus 37 or taxi (approx. 20 minutes).)
• Newark Museum of Art New Jersey’s largest museum showcasing contemporary art, interactive galleries, and the renowned Ballantine House. Rotating global exhibitions offer immersive cultural insights, educational programs, and accessible, inspiring experiences for diverse audiences. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: AirTrain Newark to Newark Airport Station then NJ Transit train to Newark Broad Street Station, then taxi or walk (approx. 30 minutes).)
• Branch Brook Park Expansive urban park boasting the nation’s largest collection of cherry blossom trees, serene lakes, historic bridges, and walking trails. Perfect for relaxing strolls, picnics, and seasonal flower festivals amid greenery. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi (approx. 20 minutes) or AirTrain Newark to Newark Broad Street Station then Bus 11 (approx. 40 minutes).)
• Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart Impressive French Gothic-style cathedral featuring stunning stained-glass windows, intricate mosaics, and soaring twin spires. Visitors can admire sacred art, attend services, and explore the tranquil interior of this architectural marvel. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi direct (approx. 15 minutes) or AirTrain Newark to Newark Penn Station then taxi (approx. 30 minutes).)
• New Jersey Performing Arts Center State-of-the-art performing arts venue presenting Broadway shows, concerts, dance performances, and community events. The striking facility features multiple theaters, galleries, and restaurants, delivering world-class entertainment and cultural experiences for visitors. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi direct (approx. 15 minutes) or AirTrain Newark to Newark Penn Station then Newark Light Rail to NJPAC Station (approx. 30 minutes).)
• Liberty State Park Scenic waterfront park offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Green spaces, walking paths, and ferry access to historic immigration sites, perfect for photography and leisurely exploration. (Time required: 2 hours / Airport to here: Taxi direct (approx. 20 minutes) or AirTrain Newark to Newark Penn Station then Light Rail to Liberty Waterfront Station (approx. 35 minutes).)
• Prudential Center Modern indoor arena hosting NHL games, concerts, and major events. Beyond sports, the facility features interactive exhibits, dining options, and panoramic city views from its expansive concourses, amenities, and lounges. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Taxi direct (approx. 15 minutes) or AirTrain Newark to Newark Penn Station then a 10-minute walk (approx. 30 minutes).)
• Riverfront Park Greenway Urban riverside greenway along the Passaic River featuring walking and cycling paths, scenic overlooks, public art installations, interactive displays, and benches ideal for year-round, family-friendly community outdoor relaxation and activities. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Taxi direct (approx. 20 minutes) or AirTrain Newark to Newark Penn Station then Bus 11 to Riverfront Park (approx. 40 minutes).)

Things to Do in Newark Airport (EWR)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Newark Liberty International Airport features around a dozen lounges across Terminals A, B and C, including United Clubs, United Polaris, American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, British Airways Lounge, Lufthansa Business Lounge, SAS Lounge and independent options like LOUNGE&CO and Be Relax Spa for massages and quiet retreats, serenity. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Onsite airport hotels include the Marriott Newark Liberty International Airport and Holiday Inn Newark International Airport, both connected via free AirTrain or shuttle. Rooms feature 24/7 front desks, fitness centers, business facilities and dining options. Guests can reserve day-use rooms or overnight stays for convenient rest steps from terminals, comfort. » Find and book airport hotel/sleeping pod in our Newark Airport (EWR) hotels/sleeping pods page.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Quiet rooms and padded bench seating are available landside near the British Airways ticket counter in Terminal B. In Terminal C, select dining areas feature flat cushioned resting benches. Scattered lounge chairs with leg rests and dimmed corners across all terminals offer informal places for brief naps and relaxation, comfort.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: EWR offers complimentary Wi-Fi via “Free_EWR_WiFi.” Passengers connect through a browser login with email or social media, enjoying unlimited browsing and streaming. Coverage extends across all terminals, gates, concourses and baggage claim areas. Speeds vary by location and time of day, but connection remains reliable for work, entertainment and communication.

SIM/eSIM Card: Travelers can purchase prepaid SIM cards from kiosks in Terminals A, B and C, with options from AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. A SIM vending machine near arrivals offers basic data plans. Alternatively, order a USA eSIM online before landing to activate instantly on arrival, avoiding airport markup and long queues. » Find out where and how to buy SIM card/eSIM in our Newark Airport (EWR) sim/eSim page.

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Authorized taxi booths on terminal curbsides dispatch flat-rate and metered cabs serving New York City and New Jersey. Fares to Manhattan average $70-90 plus tolls and tip. Credit cards are accepted with a surcharge. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft pick up in designated areas on the ground transport level, securely.

Train: AirTrain Newark is a free monorail connecting all terminals, parking garages and the RailLink station. It runs every 3-5 minutes between 5 am and 11 pm, with reduced overnight service. Riders transfer at the Newark Liberty International Airport station to NJ Transit and Amtrak trains, paying an $8.50 access fee. Schedules vary daily. more info

Bus: NJ Transit and private carriers serve EWR via several bus routes. NJ Transit routes 37, 62, 67, 107 and 107X link to Newark Penn Station, Elizabeth and local towns. The Go Bus 28 BRT connects downtown Newark and Bloomfield. Coach USA’s Newark Airport Express provides direct service to Manhattan Port Authority. more info

Shuttle: Complimentary airport shuttle buses run between terminals and the Economy Parking P6 lot and all long-term parking. Off-site hotel shuttles operate around the clock from terminal curbsides. Shared-ride shuttles such as GO Airlink NYC and SuperShuttle offer door-to-door service to Manhattan hotels and major transit hubs for a fare, convenience.

Car rentals: EWR’s consolidated rent-a-car center houses all major providers including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, Sixt, Dollar and Thrifty. Free shuttle service transports customers from terminals to the ConRAC facility every 10 minutes. Rental desks feature online kiosks, insurance counters and 24/7 assistance for pick-ups and drop-offs. Easy reservations support. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Parking options include short-term garages P1–P4 adjacent to each terminal, hourly rates for curbside lots and on-site EV charging stations. Economy parking at P6–P8 offers budget daily rates with free shuttle service. Garage P4 provides direct AirTrain access. Valet parking and long-term rates are also available for extended stays, security.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

EWR does not provide in-terminal lockers or left-luggage services. Travelers can use off-site storage by providers like LuggageHero and Nannybag located near airport hotels and transit hubs. These services offer hourly and daily rates, insurance coverage and online booking for secure, flexible storage a short ride or walk from terminals. » Find out where to book and left your luggage in our Newark Airport (EWR) left luggage and storage page or directly book here (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

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