Owais Crawford
Sleeping in airports can be a great way to save money on accommodation, get some rest during a long layover, or catch an early flight. However, it's not always the most comfortable or safest option. So, can you sleep in Newark Airport? The short answer is yes. As a major transit hub, Newark Airport is accustomed to travellers spending the night. While the airport doesn't have a transit hotel, there are several nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles, and one located on the airport grounds. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, travellers have reported sleeping in baggage claim, Terminal C, and various benches throughout the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping areas | Terminal C, baggage claim, benches, floor, chairs, hotel |
| Sleeping equipment | Padded flat beds, armrest-free seating, cots, blankets, pillows |
| Amenities | Free unlimited WiFi, TVs, charging areas, shuttle buses, lounges |
| Safety | No recent safety issues, but older reviews mention homeless people in landside areas |
| Comfort | Uncomfortable seating, loud noises, cold temperatures |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in Terminal C
Terminal C at Newark Airport (EWR) is one of the nicest terminals in the entire United network. The terminal is open 24/7, but after a certain time in the evening, the security checkpoints on the left side close down and you'll have to walk to the checkpoint that's furthest to the right.
The terminal is not the most comfortable place to stay. There are TVs blaring throughout the night, and the terminal is cold. You will not be alone, though, as there are employees there throughout the night, many of them also catching up on some sleep.
If you plan to sleep on the floor, remember to bring your own sleeping bag, mats, hoodie, gloves, blanket, and other gear for warmth. These items may not always be available.
The vicinity of the United Customer Service area in Terminal C is recommended for those looking for a quiet place to rest. The area is carpeted and becomes notably quieter after the customer service desks close, reducing pedestrian traffic.
If you're looking for a more comfortable sleep, there are several hotels within a three-minute drive, including one on airport grounds.
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Sleeping in the baggage claim area
If you're looking for a place to sleep in the baggage claim area of Newark Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the airport is open 24 hours, so you'll be able to access the baggage claim area at any time. However, if you're in the terminal's public area, you won't be able to access the secure area until the security checkpoints open, usually around 4:00 am.
The baggage claim area can be a good spot to spend the night, especially if you want to avoid sleeping on the street. It's heated, which can be a lifesaver during the winter months. However, it might not have vending machines, so be sure to stock up on drinks and food beforehand. Additionally, keep in mind that you might not be alone, as homeless people also take refuge in the baggage claim area.
While the baggage claim area can offer some shelter, it might not be the most comfortable place to sleep. You'll likely have to sleep on the floor or use your luggage as a pillow. To make yourself more comfortable, consider bringing a sleeping bag, mats, a hoodie, gloves, and a blanket. Wear warm and comfortable clothing, as airports can be cold at night. Socks and a beanie can also help keep you warm.
To enhance your sleep quality, pack earplugs and an eye mask to block out noise and light. If you want to stay in the airport but prefer a quieter spot, areas near gates at the end of terminals or meditation/prayer rooms can be good alternatives.
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Sleeping in the Airside area
If you're looking to sleep in the Airside area of Newark Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, while the airport staff are generally okay with overnight campers, they may relocate anyone in the Airside area to the landside, public zones until about 4:00 AM when security checkpoints open. However, some travellers have reported sleeping overnight Airside in Terminals A and C without any issues.
Terminal A was modernized in 2023, improving the overall passenger experience. You can expect decent seating, but most seats are bolted to the floor with armrests. If you're looking for a more comfortable option, padded flat beds can be found near dining areas. Additionally, one traveller reported finding armrest-free seating in Terminal A.
Terminal C also offers some options for sleeping. There is a bench without armrests in the loop area by C123. You can also push benches together to create a makeshift bed. If you're looking for more comfort, there are lounges that you can access by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a membership program. For example, the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge is located in Terminal C, Airside.
While the airport does not have any 24/7 eateries, there are plenty of eating, drinking, and shopping establishments to pass the time. Free and unlimited WiFi is also available throughout the airport. It's important to note that the terminals can be cold, so make sure to bring warm clothes and a blanket.
If you're seeking a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, there are hotel options nearby. The Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, located on airport grounds, offers a free airport shuttle service to all terminals. Alternatively, there are numerous two and three-star hotels nearby, some of which provide free airport shuttles and last-minute bookings for under $180.
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Sleeping on the floor or in a chair
If you're planning on sleeping on the floor or in a chair at Newark Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the airport is spread across three large terminals (A, B, and C), so you'll need to choose a terminal that suits your needs. Terminal A was modernized in 2023 and may have more comfortable options, but all terminals are well-connected by the free AirTrain Newark.
When it comes to finding a comfortable spot to sleep, most seats at the airport are bolted to the floor and equipped with armrests. However, there are some padded flat beds near dining areas, and you may be able to find armrest-free seating in Terminal A. If you plan to sleep on the floor, consider bringing a blanket and wearing warm clothes, as the terminals can be cold.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are benches available that you can push together to make a makeshift bed. One traveller reported finding a bench without armrests in the loop area by C123. Additionally, the airport may provide cots, blankets, and pillows in cases of severe weather delays.
While sleeping at the airport is possible, you may encounter some challenges. The pre-security areas can feel exposed and unsafe, and the terminals can be loud, making it difficult to sleep. There are also reports of homeless people in the landside areas, and there is always a certain risk level associated with sleeping in any airport, especially when alone.
For a more comfortable and restful option, consider checking into an airport hotel or one of the nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles. These can offer better privacy, comfort, and safety for a reasonable price, especially if you book in advance.
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Nearby hotels
While Newark Airport does have a hotel on its grounds, there are also several other hotels nearby. These range from budget-friendly to more luxurious options.
Some of the nearby hotels include:
- SpringHill Suites
- Hampton Inn
- Fairfield Inn
- HI Express
- Hilton Newark Airport
- Holiday Inn Express Newark Airport – Elizabeth By IHG
- Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott
- Casa Cipriani New York
The prices of these hotels vary, with some inexpensive 3-star inns available for under $100. However, it is recommended to book early to get the best deals, as prices tend to rise during peak travel seasons and around holidays.
Many of these hotels also offer free airport shuttle services, making them a convenient choice for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep in Newark Airport. The airport staff are reportedly 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 amount of seating is decent, but 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. Travellers can also push benches together to make a makeshift bed.
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 running 24-hour shuttle buses to/from the airport, with a ride of less than 15 minutes.
