Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), a key hub serving the New York metropolitan area, welcomes nearly 49 million passengers annually, making it the second-busiest airport in the region after John F. Kennedy International. Located nine miles west-southwest of Manhattan, EWR is a major gateway for United Airlines and supports flights to Europe, South America, Asia, and Oceania..
The passenger experience at EWR is streamlined, with clear signage designed by Paul Mijksenaar guiding travellers through the terminals. Customer service desks in each terminal assist with navigation or transport queries, and the voice of former traffic reporter Bernie Wagenblast provides calm, familiar announcements. The airport’s £2.7 billion Terminal A, opened in 2023, offers modern check-in areas and spacious gate lounges, enhancing comfort for passengers. Accessibility is prioritised, with nursing suites and pet relief areas in all terminals.
Transit from Manhattan is efficient, with multiple options available. The AirTrain Newark, a 24-hour monorail, connects terminals to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station for £6.60, linking to NJ Transit and Amtrak trains to New York Penn Station or Newark Penn Station in 20-30 minutes.
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft operate from designated areas, with fares to Manhattan averaging £40-£60, though traffic can extend travel times to 45-90 minutes. NJ Transit buses (routes 37, 62, 67, 107) offer affordable £2.20 rides, while express buses to Port Authority Bus Terminal or Grand Central cost £13-£20. Drivers can access EWR via Interstate 95 or US Route 1, with short- and long-term parking served by electric shuttle buses.
EWR’s layout comprises three standalone terminals—A, B, and C—connected by the free AirTrain, which also links to parking and rental car facilities. Terminal A, with 33 gates across three concourses, handles domestic and some international flights, while Terminal B focuses on international carriers, and Terminal C is United Airlines’ hub. Each terminal has its own check-in, security, and baggage claim areas, requiring passengers to re-clear security for connections. The compact design keeps walking times under 10 minutes within terminals, though AirTrain transfers can add 15 minutes. International arrivals process through customs in Terminals B and C, with Global Entry kiosks available.
Delays can occur during peak hours (6-9 AM and 4-7 PM), with security wait times averaging 15-25 minutes, though recent staffing shortages and equipment issues have caused longer delays, up to four hours during busy periods. Runway construction, ongoing through mid-2025, limits arrivals and departures to 28-34 per hour, contributing to congestion. Travellers should arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three for international, checking flight status via the EWR website or apps like Flightradar24. Weather, particularly snow or thunderstorms, can further disrupt schedules.
Dining options at EWR showcase local and international flavours. Terminal A features Jersey Mike’s for subs, The Office Tavern Grill for breakfast sandwiches, and Carlitos for barbecue tacos. Terminal B offers Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill and Malone’s Fish Market, while Terminal C, designed for United passengers, includes options like Abruzzo Italian Steakhouse and Saison for French cuisine. Retail includes Coach and L’Occitane in Terminal A, Hudson Booksellers across all terminals, and The Miles Shop in Terminal A, where United frequent flyers can trade miles for goods. Duty-free shops are available in Terminals B and C.
Facilities are comprehensive, with free Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout. Lounges include the United Polaris Lounge in Terminal C with shower suites and dining, alongside Delta Sky Club and Admirals Club in Terminal A, and BA Galleries Lounge in Terminal B. Nursing suites and pet relief areas are in every terminal, with an outdoor pet area near Terminal A. The AtYourGate app allows food delivery in Terminals A and B, and the Newark Liberty Marriott, centrally located, offers convenient accommodation with shuttle service. Free cellphone lots aid pick-ups.
On-time performance has faced challenges, with a 6.6% cancellation rate and average tarmac delays of 25.2 minutes in summer 2025, driven by air traffic control issues and construction. United Airlines, operating 328 daily round-trips, has reduced schedules to manage disruptions. Connections require re-clearing security, with a minimum connecting time of 60 minutes for domestic and 90 for international flights, though AirTrain efficiency aids transfers. Real-time updates are available on terminal displays or Flightradar24.
Potential delays stem from air traffic control staffing shortages, outdated radar systems, and runway rehabilitation through June 2025, with Saturday construction continuing year-end. The FAA’s fibre-optic upgrades, completed in June 2025, aim to improve reliability, but travellers should avoid peak times and monitor updates. EWR’s ongoing modernisation, including AirTrain upgrades by 2040, promises a smoother experience for future visitors to this vital regional hub.
