Newark Airport: Sleep Or No Sleep?

can you spend the night in newark airport

Spending the night in an airport is never ideal, but sometimes it's unavoidable. If you're facing a night in Newark Airport, you might be wondering what to expect. Well, the good news is that you won't be alone, as there are employees there throughout the night, and in the past, the airport has provided cots for stranded passengers. However, the airport itself is reportedly not a very comfortable place to spend the night, with limited seating and armrests on most chairs. If you're looking for a place to lie down, you may want to try Terminal A, which reportedly has armrest-free seating. Additionally, there are hotels on the airport grounds and nearby that provide free airport shuttles. So, while spending the night in Newark Airport may not be glamorous, it is possible to get through it and maybe even catch some sleep.

Characteristics Values
Sleeping in the airport Possible, but not very comfortable. Travellers have reported sleeping in the baggage claim area and in terminals. Terminal C is reported to be the best option, with cots provided by United.
Luggage storage There used to be a luggage storage place in Terminal C baggage claim, but it is rumoured to be closed.
Airport facilities Free WiFi, lounges, mobile charging points, lockers, food options, and nearby hotels.
Nearby attractions Newark Museum of Art, Branch Brook Park, Ironbound neighbourhood, and New York City.

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Sleeping in Terminal C

Spending the night in an airport terminal is never ideal, but sometimes it's necessary. If you're facing a night in Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), here's some information that might help you get through it.

First of all, it is possible to spend the night in Terminal C. While some sources suggest that security will kick you out, multiple travellers have reported being allowed to stay overnight. In fact, United may even provide cots for people to sleep on, although this might only be the case during delays. To be safe, you could ask customer service about the availability of cots.

Terminal C has padded flat beds near dining areas, which could provide a more comfortable sleeping arrangement. However, keep in mind that you won't be alone, and there will be employees and other travellers around. The terminal can be noisy, with TVs blaring throughout the night. There is only one bench without armrests, but you may be able to find a more comfortable spot.

If you need to use the bathroom, proceed with caution. It's recommended that you protect and lock your bags while sleeping, as theft can occur in airports. You might want to bring warm clothes and a blanket, as terminals can be cold.

If you're looking for more comfort, there are hotels within a three-minute drive of the airport, including one on the airport grounds. The Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott provides a free airport shuttle service to all terminals.

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Nearby hotels

While spending the night at Newark Airport is possible, it may not be the most comfortable option. The airport does not have any transit hotels, but there is a hotel on the airport grounds: the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott. This hotel offers a free airport shuttle service to all terminals.

There are also several other hotels within a 5-minute drive of the airport, which also offer airport shuttle services. These include:

  • The Marriott
  • Various 3-star inns for under $100

For a wider range of options, you can check Tripadvisor, where you can find a list of hotels near Newark Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating, and popularity.

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Food and drink options

If you're spending the night at Newark Airport, there are a variety of food and drink options available to you. While there are no 24-hour eateries, there are several options to choose from, catering to a range of tastes and preferences.

For coffee lovers, there's Bluestone Lane Coffee, an Australian chain offering coffee and tea, and Dunkin', the classic coffee and doughnut shop. If you're craving something sweet, Bang Cookies serves giant cookies, and Jersey & Co. Gelato offers a variety of gelato flavours.

If you're looking for a heartier meal, there are plenty of options as well. Burger Fi, a Florida-based chain, serves burgers, hot dogs, chicken, fries, and onion rings. Mediterranean Grill offers affordable falafel sandwiches, chicken shawarma, and vegan options. For Mexican cuisine, there's Carlito's Barbecue Taqueria, which serves tacos, sides, plates, and churros, and D'Taco Joint, which offers tacos, breakfast burritos, and bowls. If you're in the mood for Italian, Felina Cucina is a sit-down restaurant with cocktails and pizza. Guy Fieri's Flavortown Kitchen and Bar is another sit-down option, serving wings, pulled pork sandwiches, and "trash can nachos."

For a quick bite, there are several grab-and-go options, including Ess-A-Bagel, a New York-based chain offering bagels, spreads, and sandwiches, and Jersey Mike's, which serves sandwiches. If you're looking for a healthier option, Playa Bowls offers smoothies and juices.

For travellers who enjoy a good happy hour, there are a few sit-down taverns and bars. The Office Tavern Grill, with several locations across New Jersey, serves Buffalo wings and burgers. Town Bar + Kitchen offers a variety of dishes, including shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, Margherita pizza, and short rib mac and cheese.

With so many options, you're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings during your overnight stay at Newark Airport.

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Airport lounges

Spending the night at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) can be challenging, as travellers often report long, slow security lines and limited overnight sleeping options. However, the airport offers various amenities and services to make your stay more comfortable, including airport lounges.

Newark Liberty International Airport features 12 lounges, including United Club locations in Terminals A and C and the Delta Sky Club in Terminal A. These lounges typically offer free Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages, and comfortable seating, catering to both business and leisure travellers. Some lounges may provide additional perks such as padded flat beds or relaxation areas.

Several airport lounges at EWR offer fee-based entry to economy-class travellers looking to upgrade their layover experience. If you're a discounted industry fare or staff travel ticket holder, note that lounge access may not be permitted. However, active-duty military, National Guard, and reserve personnel can access the USO Centre in Terminal B.

To gain access to airport lounges, consider purchasing a Priority Pass or using specific credit cards that offer lounge access as a benefit. Additionally, flying business class or with a Star Alliance airline can grant you lounge entry.

When planning to sleep in the airport, it's essential to arrive early, especially if you're concerned about security wait times. While the airport doesn't have 24-hour eateries, you can utilise the unlimited free Wi-Fi and various dining, drinking, and shopping options during their operating hours.

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Leaving the airport

If you'd prefer to leave the airport, there are plenty of options for accommodation nearby. There is a hotel on the airport grounds—the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott—and several others within a 5-minute drive. These hotels all offer free airport shuttle services.

If you're looking for something to do, you can head into Newark or even New York City. Taxis can take you downtown Newark in under 20 minutes, and the bus route 62 takes about 25 minutes. You can visit the Newark Museum of Art, which has a Planetarium and an outdoor sculpture garden, or get some fresh air at Branch Brook Park. For food, head to the Ironbound neighbourhood, which is known for its excellent restaurants.

If you have a longer layover, you can take a taxi to Manhattan, which will take about 40 minutes, or the Newark Airport Express bus, which takes about 1 hour.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can spend the night at Newark Airport. Terminal C is reported to be the most comfortable, with United even providing cots for passengers to sleep on. Terminal A also has armrest-free seating.

There is no transit hotel at the airport, but there is a hotel on the airport grounds—the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott. This hotel offers a free airport shuttle service to all terminals. There are also several other hotels within a 5-minute drive of the airport that provide free airport shuttles.

Yes, there are plenty of eating options, cafes, to-go markets, kiosks, and sit-down restaurants. Terminal C offers the most diversity, including Wabi Sabi, Caps Beer Garden, and Nonna's Meatball Kitchen. There are also airport lounges, mobile charging points, lockers, and unlimited free WiFi.

During a long layover, you can go window shopping at various shops, including convenience stores, booksellers, Duty-Free, and shops offering travel goods, technology, and souvenirs. You can also head to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's shop or get a massage or manicure at Departure Spa in Terminal C. If you want to leave the airport, you can explore nearby Newark or even New York City, depending on the length of your layover.

The only luggage storage place at the airport was located in Terminal C's baggage claim area, but it is rumoured to be closed.

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