Newark Liberty International Airport

Understand

Newark opened in 1928 as the only airport in Metro New York, but became pretty deserted when LaGuardia Airport opened in Queens, New York. After World War II, commercial activity returned to the airport. Gradually, it grew to the massive international hub it is today. Before 9/11, the airport was called "Newark International Airport". The word "liberty" was added to the airport's name after 9/11 to honor the victims, as one of the four hijacked planes that day, United Airlines Flight 93, took off from this airport. Additionally, the word "liberty" is also a reference to the Statue of Liberty 7 miles (11.4 km) east of the airport.

Visitor information Call ☏ +1-800-EWR-INFO (397-4636), +1 973 961-6000.

Getting around

The automated AirTrain Newark monorail system travels frequently (every 3-5 minutes) between the three terminals, as well as some of the parking areas and, as mentioned above, the Newark Airport rail station (about a 15-minute ride from Terminal A, the farthest of the three from the station). Within the terminals it is easily accessed via elevators and escalators and runs 24 hours, though during off-peak hours (late evening/early morning) or construction projects trains may run in segments rather than the entire length which will force you to disembark and wait for another train to take you onward -- plan accordingly if you're arriving at the airport during that time via train station or the airport parking lots. AirTrain is before security, so plan extra time if you need to use it for a connecting flight. There is an $8.25 surcharge for exiting the AirTrain and going onto an Amtrak or NJ Transit train after, but this is usually included in your rail ticket at purchase. Note that the station for the new Terminal A is a 15-minute walk from the Terminal itself, though thankfully most of it is indoors as it walks along the parking garage for Terminal A and rental cars -- a shuttle bus is also available for those who cannot make that walk by themselves due to physical limitations or baggage. United operates a post-security shuttle bus service between the terminals, but only for passengers connecting on United-branded flights. As of December 2017, the shuttle stops gate C71, tow locations at terminal B and gate A28. Security checkpoints have been moved up so that all fingers connect to each other airside, and thus there is no longer a need to re-pass through security screening if transferring between flights within Terminal C.

Sleep

1 Newark Airport Marriott, 1 Hotel Rd, ☏ +1 973-623-0006. The only hotel actually located on airport property. It's not connected to the AirTrain, unfortunately, but there is a courtesy shuttle if you have trouble walking and/or have a lot of luggage. $179-$269. There are many other hotels scattered around the airport, with room rates starting at around $50/night for very basic accommodation up to $300-$400 for high-end business traveler-oriented hotels. Almost all hotels within a 5-mile radius will provide a shuttle service to and from the airport, but call the hotel beforehand just to be sure.