Is Newark Airport Really That Bad? Tips for a Stress-Free EWR Experience
Let's be honest, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has a bit of a reputation. For years, it's been the butt of travel jokes & a source of dread for many flyers. I've heard it all: the endless delays, the grumpy staff, the confusing layout that feels like a cruel maze. For a long time, if you told someone you were flying out of Newark, you'd likely get a sympathetic wince in return.
But here's the thing: a LOT has changed at EWR. Is it perfect? No airport is. But is it the travel nightmare it once was? I'd argue not. There's been a massive effort to drag this airport into the 21st century, & it's starting to show. So, before you write it off completely, let's take a real look at what's going on at Newark Airport & how you can actually have a pretty decent experience there.
The Big Question: Has EWR Actually Gotten Better?
The short answer is yes, but it's complicated. The biggest change you might notice is that EWR is now regularly one of the most on-time airports in the New York City area. I know, I was shocked too. But it's true. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stepped in & put a cap on the number of flights per hour to reduce congestion. This has made a HUGE difference in cutting down on those infamous delays.
Now, the flip side of that coin is that fewer flights can sometimes mean higher prices & less flexibility. So, it's a trade-off. But for many people, the increased reliability is a welcome change.
Beyond the flight caps, there's been a ton of construction & renovation. A major runway was recently redone & opened ahead of schedule, which is a good sign of progress. And the Port Authority has a whole vision plan to continue modernizing the airport, with projects scheduled into 2026. This isn't just a fresh coat of paint; it's a fundamental effort to improve the airport's infrastructure.
A Terminal-by-Terminal Breakdown: Where to Go & What to Expect
Navigating any airport is easier when you know what you're getting into. Here's the lowdown on each of Newark's terminals.
Terminal A: The Shiny New Kid on the Block
If you haven't been to EWR in a few years, Terminal A will blow your mind. The new terminal, which was completed in 2023, is genuinely impressive. It's spacious, modern, & a world away from the cramped, dated terminals of the past. It even won an award for the best new terminal in the world!
The Vibe: Bright, airy, & much more organized than the old Terminal A. It just feels less stressful.
Food & Drink: The food scene here is a major upgrade. You'll find a mix of local New Jersey spots & popular chains. Think Shake Shack, Jersey Mike's, & a bunch of other options that are a far cry from sad, pre-packaged sandwiches. There's a decent selection of sit-down restaurants & quick-grab places, so you're covered whether you're in a rush or have time to kill.
Amenities: The new United Club in Terminal A is a game-changer. It's a massive improvement over the old one, with a good breakfast spread, plenty of seating, & lots of power outlets. It can get a little warm sometimes, but it's a solid place to relax before a flight.
The Downside: Some people have mentioned that certain parts of the terminal, especially in the A2 rotunda, have fewer food options. So, if you're hungry, it's a good idea to check out the main concourse before heading to your gate.
Terminal B: The International Hub
Terminal B is where you'll find a lot of the international carriers. It hasn't had the complete overhaul that Terminal A has, but it's still seen some solid improvements, especially when it comes to food.
The Vibe: It can feel a bit chaotic, especially during peak travel times. It's a busy terminal with a lot of different airlines, so give yourself plenty of time.
Food & Drink: The dining options in Terminal B are surprisingly diverse. You can find everything from a Belgian Beer Café to Sora Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar. Phillips Seafood is a good option if you're looking for a proper sit-down meal. For something quicker, there's Smashburger & Panda Express. Honestly, you won't go hungry here.
Amenities: One of the biggest complaints about Terminal B is the lack of seating & charging stations. If you need to plug in your devices, you might have to hunt for an outlet. The Wi-Fi is generally strong & reliable, which is a plus.
Terminal C: The United Fortress
Terminal C is almost exclusively used by United Airlines, & it shows. United has invested a lot in making this terminal a more pleasant experience for its passengers.
The Vibe: It's big & bustling, but it's pretty well-organized. Since it's mainly one airline, the signage is clear, & it's relatively easy to find your way around.
Food & Drink: Terminal C is the undisputed king of dining at EWR. The options are seemingly endless. You can get a classic New Jersey diner experience at the Garden State Diner, a fancy steak at Abruzzo Italian Steakhouse, or fresh seafood at Happy Clam. There are also plenty of casual spots like Custom Burger & Caps Beer Garden. You could probably eat at a different place every time you fly through here for a year.
Amenities: Terminal C has multiple United Clubs, including a Polaris Lounge for premium international passengers. The regular United Clubs are well-appointed, with good food & drink selections, comfortable seating, & plenty of workspaces. Some have great tarmac views, while others are more interior, but they're all a solid escape from the terminal buzz.
Getting to & From EWR: Your Best Options
Let's face it, getting to any of the NYC-area airports can be a headache. But you have a few decent options for Newark.
Driving & Parking: If you're driving, EWR has a ton of on-site parking. The short-term lots are right by the terminals, but they're pricey. For longer trips, the economy lots are a much better deal. You'll have to take a shuttle bus to the terminal, but it runs 24/7. Pro tip: pre-book your parking online. It's almost always cheaper.
Of course, on-airport parking can be a real budget-buster. That's where a service like Prked comes in handy. It's a pretty cool platform that connects people who have unused driveway or garage space with drivers looking for affordable & convenient parking. You can often find a spot that's super close to the airport for way less than the official lots. It's a win-win: you save money, & a local homeowner makes a little extra cash. It's definitely worth checking out, especially if you're trying to make your trip a bit more budget-friendly.
Public Transportation: The NJ Transit train is a great way to get to Manhattan. You take the AirTrain from your terminal to the Newark Liberty International Airport Station, & then you can hop on a train to New York Penn Station. It's usually faster than driving, especially during rush hour. You can also connect to the PATH train for access to downtown Manhattan.
Shuttles & Taxis: There are also plenty of shuttle buses, like the Newark Airport Express, that will take you directly to various points in Manhattan. Taxis & rideshare services like Uber & Lyft are always an option, but be prepared for surge pricing during peak times.
Tips for a Smoother EWR Experience
So, with all that in mind, here's my advice for making your next trip through Newark as painless as possible:
- Fly out of Terminal A if you can. The new terminal is a much more pleasant experience all around.
- Give yourself extra time. This is true for any airport, but especially one that's still undergoing changes. It's better to be sitting at your gate with a coffee than sprinting through the terminal.
- Know your food options. Check out the airport's website or an app like Yelp to see what's available in your terminal. Don't just settle for the first thing you see.
- Pre-book your parking. Whether you're using an on-airport lot or a service like Prked, booking in advance will save you money & stress.
- Use public transportation to get to the city. It's often faster & cheaper than a taxi or rideshare.
- Pack your patience. At the end of the day, it's still a busy airport. There might be lines, & things might not always go perfectly. A little bit of patience goes a long way.
The Verdict
So, is Newark Airport really that bad? I'm going to say no. It's an airport that's clearly trying to shake off its old reputation. The new Terminal A is a huge step in the right direction, the food options have improved dramatically across the board, & the efforts to improve on-time performance are paying off.
It's not without its flaws, of course. Some of the older parts of the airport still feel a bit dated, & it can get crowded. But the next time you see "EWR" on your ticket, you don't have to groan. With a little bit of planning, you might even be pleasantly surprised.
I hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think in the comments. Have you been to Newark recently? What was your experience like?
