Newark Airport: A Place For Sleep?

can you sleep at newark airport

Spending the night at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is possible, but it may not be the most comfortable option. The airport is spread across three large terminals (A, B, and C), offering various facilities and services to travellers. While there is a decent amount of seating, most seats are bolted to the floor with armrests, making it challenging for those planning to sleep on the chairs. Padded flat beds can be found near dining areas, but some travellers opt to sleep on the floor or use opposite seats. The airport staff generally allow overnight campers, but they may relocate them to the landside areas until early morning, which some travellers have described as uncomfortable and unsafe. For a more restful sleep, there are hotels within a short drive or shuttle bus ride from the airport, including the on-site Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott. These hotels can provide a more comfortable and private alternative to sleeping in the airport terminals.

Characteristics Values
Sleeping facilities Padded flat beds near dining areas, armrest-free seating, floor space
Sleeping in terminals Allowed by airport staff, may be relocated to landside areas until early AM
Safety No recent safety issues reported, older reviews mentioned homeless people in landside areas
Noise TVs playing loudly throughout the night
Temperature Cold
Nearby hotels Several hotels within a short drive, including one on airport grounds with a free shuttle service
Other amenities Free unlimited WiFi, lounges accessible by paying at the door or with a pass/membership

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Sleeping in the terminal

If you're planning on sleeping in one of Newark Airport's terminals, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the terminals are reportedly cold, so make sure to bring warm clothes and a blanket. While there is a decent amount of seating available, most seats are bolted to the floor and have armrests, so you may need to plan on sleeping on the floor or propping yourself up on opposite seats. Padded flat beds can be found near dining areas, and one traveller reported finding armrest-free seating in the Airside area of Terminal A in November 2024. If you're looking for more comfort, there are also lounges that you can access by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a membership program. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, for example, is located in Terminal A, Airside.

It's important to note that in the past, overnight sleepers were relocated to the pre-Secure landside areas until early morning. However, some travellers have reported staying in the Airside areas of Terminals A and C with no issues from security. The airport staff seem to be generally accepting of overnight campers, but there is still a chance of relocation. If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are hotels nearby that provide free airport shuttles, and some are within a three-minute drive. The Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, located on airport grounds, offers a free airport shuttle service to all terminals.

If you're concerned about safety, it's worth noting that as of December 2024, no recent traveller reviews mentioned any safety issues at Newark Airport. However, older reviews referenced homeless people in the landside areas. As with sleeping in any airport, there is a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. One traveller reported sleeping in a room off from baggage claim and did not feel safe, due to the noise and potential for theft.

To make your stay more comfortable, take advantage of the airport's unlimited free WiFi and charging areas. Shower facilities are also available if you fly with United and pay for entrance at the United Club in Terminal C. While there are no 24/7 dining options in the airport as of December 2024, it's a good idea to stock up on food and drinks beforehand, as vending machines may not be available.

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Sleeping in the baggage claim area

The baggage claim area may be your best option if you need to stay at the airport, as the pre-Secure landside areas can feel unsafe and uncomfortable. However, it's important to note that there are limited amenities in the baggage claim area, and you may not find any vending machines or food options. Make sure you stock up on drinks and food beforehand.

If you're looking for more comfort and privacy, there are several hotels within a short drive of the airport, including the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, which is located on the airport grounds and offers a free airport shuttle service to all terminals. There are also many inexpensive three-star inn options nearby for under $100.

Additionally, lounges can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. For example, the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is located in Terminal A, Airside.

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Sleeping near dining areas

If you're looking for a comfortable place to sleep near the dining areas at Newark Airport, there are a few options to consider. While the airport itself doesn't have a transit hotel, there are padded flat beds located near the dining areas in Terminal A. This terminal was recently modernized in 2023, improving the overall passenger experience. However, keep in mind that travellers often report long and slow security lines, so it's advisable to arrive earlier than usual.

Additionally, there are plenty of eating, drinking, and shopping establishments to keep you occupied while you're there. Although there aren't any 24/7 dining options as of December 2024, you can take advantage of the unlimited free WiFi available throughout the airport. This can be helpful for staying connected and passing the time until your next flight.

If you're seeking a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, there are several hotels within a short distance from the airport. The Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, located on airport grounds, offers a free airport shuttle service to all terminals. You can use the courtesy phone in baggage claim for airport pick-up. Additionally, there are numerous other hotels nearby, providing free airport shuttles. These include SpringHill Suites, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, and HI Express.

For those on a tighter budget, there are also inexpensive three-star inn options nearby for under $100. While sleeping at the airport, you may encounter some challenges, such as limited seating and cold temperatures. It's recommended to bring warm clothing and a blanket to make your stay more comfortable. Additionally, some travellers have reported sleeping in the baggage claim area, but this may not be the most peaceful option due to the constant foot traffic and noise.

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Sleeping in nearby hotels

While it is possible to sleep inside Newark Airport, the terminals are cold and seating is limited. Most seats are bolted to the floor and equipped with armrests. If you want to sleep in comfort, there are several hotels within a three-minute drive of the airport, including one on airport grounds.

The Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott is located on airport grounds and offers a free airport shuttle service to all terminals. To arrange for airport pick-up, use the courtesy phone in baggage claim.

There are also countless two and three-star hotels running 24-hour shuttle buses to and from the airport, with a ride of less than 15 minutes. Some of these hotels include SpringHill Suites, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn, and HI Express. These hotels typically cost under $100 and can be booked last minute.

For a wider range of options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Newark Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.

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Safety and comfort considerations

If you plan to sleep at Newark Airport, there are a few safety and comfort considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, while the airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight campers, there is a chance they may relocate individuals from the airside to the landside, public zones until around 4:00 AM. Additionally, travellers often report long and slow security lines, so it is advisable to arrive earlier than usual for added peace of mind.

The terminals at Newark Airport tend to be cold, so it is essential to bring warm clothing and a blanket for comfort and warmth. While there are seats available, most are bolted to the floor with armrests, so you may need to plan to sleep on the floor or use opposite seats. Padded flat beds can be found near dining areas, and there is a report of armrest-free seating in Terminal A. If you prefer more comfort and privacy, there are hotel options available. The Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott is located on the airport grounds and offers a free airport shuttle service to all terminals. Additionally, there are numerous inexpensive two and three-star hotels nearby, some of which provide free airport shuttles.

For shower facilities, you can access them by flying with United and paying for entrance at the United Club in Terminal C. It is important to note that sleeping in any airport comes with a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. There have been references to homeless people in the landside areas in older reviews, but no recent reports of safety issues. To ensure the safety of your belongings, consider wrapping your arms and legs around your luggage, as one traveller mentioned.

Lastly, while the airport offers unlimited free WiFi, there are no 24/7 eateries as of the December 2024 update. So, it is advisable to stock up on food and drinks beforehand if you plan to stay overnight. Overall, if comfort and a good night's rest are important to you, checking into a hotel, even for a short time, may be a better option than sleeping in the airport.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can sleep at Newark Airport. The airport staff are generally okay with overnight campers, but there is a chance they may relocate anyone airside to the landside, public zones of the airport until about 4:00 AM.

Overall, the terminals are cold and seating is limited. Most seats are bolted to the floor and equipped with armrests. Padded flat beds can be found near dining areas. There is one bench without armrests in the loop area by C123. If you want to sleep comfortably, it is recommended to book a hotel.

Yes, there is a hotel on the airport grounds—the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott—and many nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles. There are also countless two and three-star hotels within a 15-minute ride that offer shuttle buses to and from the airport.

At the time of this update, no recent traveller reviews mention any safety issues at Newark Airport. However, older reviews included a few references to homeless people in the landside areas. Sleeping in any airport can include a certain risk level, especially when travelling alone.

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