Newark Liberty: the complete layover guide

EWR is three standalone terminals in an arc: A, B, and C. The AirTrain links them landside, along with the rail station and parking. There is no way to move between terminals behind security, and that single fact should drive every decision you make here.

Terminal A reopened in 2023 as a completely new building and it shows: high ceilings, decent food, gates for United, American, Delta, and others. Terminal B is the oldest of the three and handles most non United international carriers. Terminal C is United's fortress, big and busy, with the airline's flagship lounges and most of its long haul departures.

The AirTrain itself is free between terminals and runs every few minutes. The time sink is everything around it: walking to the station, waiting, and above all the security line when you arrive at the next terminal. A same ticket United connection inside Terminal C can work in under an hour. A self booked connection from Terminal B to Terminal C needs two hours and a calm temperament.

Realistic minimum connection scenarios, including the immigration recheck for international arrivals, are worked through in the EWR transit and connection guide.

The rail link is the move. AirTrain to Newark Liberty Airport Station, then a NJ Transit train toward New York Penn Station, about 25 to 30 minutes on the train. The 8.75 dollar AirTrain fare is bundled into the NJ Transit ticket. Trains thin out late at night, so check the return schedule before you commit.

Is Manhattan doable on a layover? With 7 hours, yes, and it is one of the great layover prizes. With 5, you get about 90 rushed minutes in the city and a security line gamble on the way back, against New York traffic if you taxi it. I have done it. I do not recommend it. The sane plans, with timings, are in the EWR layover guide.

Terminal A has the freshest food lineup, Terminal C has the most of it. United's terminal went heavy on sit down restaurants with table ordering; quality varies but you will not starve. Terminal B is the weakest for choices, especially late.

Free wifi runs throughout. Power outlets are plentiful in A and C, scarcer in B. Two survival notes: first, EWR is a chronic delay airport in summer thunderstorm season and during north Atlantic evening pushes, so build slack into anything you plan. Second, watch the terminal letter on your boarding pass when flying United, which uses both A and C; people walk to the wrong building daily.

One more piece of hard won advice: treat EWR layovers as single terminal events. Pick your food, your seat, and your charging spot inside the terminal you depart from, and resist the urge to AirTrain over to a better restaurant or lounge in another building. The round trip costs two security screenings and the better part of an hour, and the margin you burn is exactly the margin you will want when your gate changes at the last minute, which at Newark it will.